Analysis of Sheep Value Chain: The Case of Adama District, East Shoa Zone of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to map out sheep value chain actors and their roles, identify the major constraints and suggest the specific areas of intervention for better performance of sheep value chain in Adama district of Ethiopia. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The study shows that multiple actors from public and private sectors involved in sheep value chain with diverse roles. Although large population of sheep, increased demand for sheep meat in local and foreign markets, institutional support and extension service delivery are the opportunities that will enhance the system. The value chain is constrained by low genetic potential, shortage of feed in quality and quantity, disease, lack of technology, both legal and illegal livestock marketing systems are operating at different magnitudes, lack of market information and lack of integration among chain actors. It is recommended that chain actors should work together in an integrated way to design alternative sheep production system, breed and feed improvement, disease control and strengthen sustainable market linkage. Therefore, empowering poor smallholder farmers will help to provide high-quality, sustainable livestock production with an identified market destination and access to basic production inputs, credit, capacity-building, market-related information.

Keywords: Sheep, value chain, actors, mapping, Adama, Ethiopia.