Unveiling a public private partnership to scale up small scale feed processing in Ethiopia

The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), a member of CGIAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wachemo University (WU), and John Farm PVT and launched a collaborative initiative that could reshape the future of feed processing in Ethiopia in June 2024. The "Public-Private Partnership for Research and Scaling Out Collaboration on Feed Mechanization and Sheep Fattening" event, that was witnessed by key stakeholders from various sectors was held at the town of Hossana in Central Ethiopia promises to transform the landscape of agricultural innovation in the region.

The partnership's primary objective is to empower youth and women groups in the areas of feed processing and sheep fattening. By bringing together the strengths of public institutions, private enterprises, and international research organizations, the collaboration aims to create sustainable and scalable solutions that can be replicated across the region.

Each partner of the MoU brings a unique set of skills and resources to the table, united by a shared commitment to addressing the critical challenges in feed mechanization and sheep fattening, a vital component of Ethiopia's agricultural economy. ICARDA specializes in developing innovative solutions for dry areas. Their involvement in the project will focus on facilitating youth and women sheep fattening groups in producing high-quality concentrate mixes from locally available resources, thus enhancing sustainable livelihoods and supporting the overall research and development efforts that will directly benefit 5200 youth and women cooperative members and indirectly reach at least 125,000 livestock farmers in Kambara zone of Central Ethiopia Regional State.

Whereas Wachemo University is renowned for its academic excellence and community engagement in Central Ethiopia, it will play a crucial role in integrating the project's activities into its community services and academic programs, providing students with practical experience in feed processing and mechanization while ensuring that the benefits of the initiative reach the broader community. John Farm, a private enterprise with expertise in small ruminants, dairy and animal feed production, will lead in offering hands-on training and coaching to local farmers. Their focus on feed formulation, processing, and marketing will equip youth and women groups with the skills they need to succeed in the increasingly competitive livestock market.

"This collaboration is not just about improving animal productivity; it is about empowering the local community, providing educational opportunities, and contributing to the broader efforts of scaling agricultural innovation and sustainable intensification of mixed farming systems, creating lasting impacts on feed and sheep-fattening entrepreneurship, reiterated Deribe Gemiyo, the Livestock Research Director of Central Ethiopia Region Agricultural Research Institute.

The partnership is an established mark of the lasting impacts on feed and sheep-fattening entrepreneurship, ultimately transforming livelihoods and supporting the long-term development of the region.

CGIAR Funding/Acknowledgement

Small-scale feed mechanization and sheep fattening is conducted as part of the Feed and Forage activities under Work Package 1 of the Sustainable Animal Productivity for Livelihoods, Nutrition, and Gender Inclusion (SAPLING) and Work Package 3 of mixed farming systems in Ethiopia

Featured image: Representatives from ICARDA, Wachemo University and John Farm PVC signing an MOU for a collaborative partnership in livestock feed processing. Photo by Muluken Zeleke

Authors: Muluken Zeleke, Udo Rudiger, Jane Wamatu and Gloriana Ndibalema