Welfare impact of community-based veterinary and breeding services on small ruminant keepers

Improved breeding practices and participatory health services have been designed and implemented by a partnership between national and international institutions in various parts of Ethiopia since 2014.

Against this backdrop, a study was carried out to evaluate the impact of these community-based animal breeding and veterinary services with regard to small ruminant fertility, offtake, return per head of sheep/goat, and gross income per adult equivalent.

The findings of the study will improve understanding of the economic benefits that accrue to rural areas when livestock development interventions are made based on the right diagnosis. The findings will also inform ongoing discussions on the transformation of Ethiopia’s livestock sector.

Photo credit: Taking sheep for disease testing in Bako, Ethiopia (ILRI/Barbara Wieland)