Assessment of Constraints and Opportunities in Small-Scale Beef Cattle Fattening Business: Evidence from the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia

ISSN: 2640-7604 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ijvsr LIFE SCIENCES GROUP

Adunea Dinku* Research Article Oda Bultum University; College of Agriculture; Department of Agricultural Economics; Chiro (Aseba Teferi), Ethiopia Assessment of constraints and Received: 01 July, 2019 opportunities in small-scale beef cattle Accepted: 30 July, 2019 Published: 01 August, 2019 fattening business: Evidence from the *Corresponding authors: Adunea Dinku, Oda Bultum University; College of Agriculture; Department of Ag- ricultural Economics; Chiro (Aseba Teferi), Ethiopia, West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia Tel: +251910775100; E-mail:

Keywords: Cattle fattening; Constraints; Opportuni- ties; West hararge Abstract https://www.peertechz.com The study was conducted in Gemachis and Doba districts of West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia to investigate the major constraints and opportunities of small-scale cattle fattening practices, and identify cattle selection criteria used for fattening purpose. Multi stage sampling procedure was employed to obtain a total of 171 cattle fatteners. The questionnaire based formal survey was conducted using pre tested semi-structured questioners to generate quantitative data. Besides, qualitative data were gathered through group discussions and key informant interviews to corroborate the survey data. Secondary date was obtained from published and unpublished documents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and rank index. The study revealed that body condition (1st), breed type (2nd), frame size (3rd), cot color (4th) was the primary cattle selection criteria for fattening purpose. Illegal brokers(1st), recurrent drought and feed shortage(2nd), water scarcity(3rd), feed price increment(4th), weak extension service (5th),lack of initial capital(6th),informal traders(7th),inadequate veterinary service(8th), management knowhow(9th), unpredictable beef cattle market (10th), shortage of improved fodder species (11th), inadequate infrastructures (12th), limited access to credit (13th), and absence of functional ﬂ our factories (14th) were the major constraints in small-scale cattle fattening business. Current increase in demand for meat in the country and export markets, presence of different cattle breed, and high preference of Harar beef cattle in market, indigenous knowledge of cattle fattening, absence of endemic livestock health problem, high government emphasis to the sub-sector, proximity to large city and export abettors are the major identiﬁ ed opportunities. Hence, the study suggest that, concerned stakeholders should give due attention and policy support to strengthen the existed indigenous of cattle fattening practice and solve branded constraints through establishing marketing cooperatives to improve productivity and revenue derived cattle fattening industry.

Introduction people highly depend on agriculture as a source of livelihood have not been able to guarantee food security at all levels [6]. In developing countries including Ethiopia poor people’s This is also the case for Ethiopia, were people still suffering live disproportionally in rural areas and directly or indirectly from persistent and widespread poverty and food insecurity depends on subsistence and small-scale agriculture, which are [7]. So, to embark upon poverty, agricultural sector which partly integrated into markets for their livelihoods [1,2]. Thus, is a backbone for rural development and poverty reduction development in this subsistence small-scale agriculture is seen has to get due consideration. This calls for diversifi cation of as imperative for sustainable pro-poor economic development, agricultural activities to improve the income and livelihood of improvement in food security and poverty mitigation in the poor people in the country. affected region [3,4]. Yet, in developing countries especially in Ethiopia, the feat of the agricultural sector is unsatisfactory Through for sustainable pro-poor economic development, and unable to go with the increasing of population at alarming livestock sub-sector should be taken into account as it plays an indispensable role in the national economy. At present, rate. There also exist a signifi cant productivity gap between livestock contributes about 20% of the GDP, supporting the Africa especially Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the rest of the livelihoods of 70 % of the population and generating about world [5]. 11% of annual export earnings [8]. As the country has a large The majority of the SSA countries where most of their livestock population, which ranks fi rst in Africa and tenth in

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Currently, it was believed that, cattle fattening activities Materials and Methods among livestock production has greater potential for improving the living standards of people through enhancing nutrition Description of the study area arising from meat consumption and incomes from sale of This study was undertaken in the eastern part of Ethiopia beef cattle and its products. At the household level, livestock specifi cally in West Hararge zone of Oromia National Regional plays vital economic and social roles in the lives of pastoralists State. From the selected zone, two districts namely Gemachis and agro-pastoralists. In addition, beef cattle fulfi ll an and Doba districts were selected based on their extent of cattle important function in coping with shocks, accumulating fattening business. Gemechis district is located at 343 km east wealth, and serving as a store of value in the absence of formal of Addis Ababa and about 17 km south of Chiro, capital town fi nancial institutions and other missing markets [9-11]. The of the Zone. The district is situated at the coordinate between rising population, income levels and urbanization across 8040’0” and 9004’0” N and 40050’0” and 41012’0” E. It’s the developing world are driving demands for livestock and found within 1300 to 2400 m.a.s.l. It shares borders with Chiro livestock products. Improvement of access to market and the district in the West and North, Oda Bultum district in the South establishment of an effi cient value chain are therefore essential and Mesala district in the East. The district covers an area of in order to enhance livestock farmers to excel [12,13]. 77,785 ha and it has 35 rural and one urban kebeles [24]. Agro- However, currently, the level of beef cattle productivity is ecologically, the district has highland (15%), midland (45%) and low in Ethiopia. The study affi rmed that, lack of proper livestock lowland (40%) climatic zones and it receives bi-modal average management, feed shortage and low standards of feeding, annual rainfall of 850 mm [24]. The average temperature of the inadequate marketing information, especially on prices, poorly district is 20 0c. The total projected population of the Gemechis developed marketing infrastructure, weak institution, legal district is 235,638 of which 119,485 are males and 116,153 are and regulatory framework and inadequate access to fi nancial females [25]. The number of agricultural households in the services for livestock rearing activities are among the major district is estimated to be 38,500 [24]. factors constraining cattle fattening industry [13-15]. Doba district is located at 382 km from east of the capital Besides, feed price increment, recurrent drought and feed city, Addis Ababa and 45 km from Chiro, Zonal capital town shortage, fi nancial problem, lack functional fl our industries, and shared boundary with Chiro on the south, Mieso on the inaccessibility and unpredictable cattle market, illegal brokers west, Somalia Region on the north, Misraq Hararghe zone on in cattle market, livestock disease, water and land shortage are the east, and Tulo district on the southeast. The district has 33 among other major constraints come across by cattle fatteners rural kebeles and three rural towns ((Doba district Agricultural [16,17]. Another studies also argued that inadequate market and Rural development offi ce). The district has an altitude information, lack basic infrastructure, facilities like cattle pen, ranging from 1400 -2500 m.a.s.l. Agro ecologically, the district weighing scale, water troughs, feed for their cattle, especially has highland (dega) 40%, medium high land (weyna dega) 57% the smallholder resource-poor livestock producers are among and low land (kola) 3%. The district receives bi-modal average factors which prevent farmers to benefi t from the potential annual rainfall ranging from 550 mm to 800 mm and has daily marketing of their beef cattle [18,19]. mean temperature ranging from 18oC to 26oC [26]. The total projected population of the district is 171,458 of which 87,428 The study affi rmed that the production of quality and safe are males and 84,030 are females [25]. Among this, 166,181 meat has the potential for import substitution and increased populations are leaving in rural areas through driving their exports earning. Yet, beef productivity (110 kg carcass /head) is livelihoods from agriculture and related activities (Figure 1). about 25-30% lower than the average for East Africa (143 kg/ head) [13]. The total herd off take is estimated at 7% annually Sampling producers and sample Size determina- for cattle and 33% and 37% for sheep and goats, respectively tion which is much lower than other countries [15]. It is thus critical to examine the constraints and opportunities exist in this sub- Multi stage sampling procedures was employed in order sector for cattle fattening industry to develop in the country. to generate primary data. Firstly, Doba and Gemachis district was selected purposively after the discussion with the zonal Many scholars have undertaken their studies for instance livestock and fi shery resource offi ce experts due to their on beef cattle production system, beef cattle value chain, beef potential (predominant producers) production of beef cattle, and animal feed value chain, constraints and opportunities in market participation and volume of market supply, and their the beef cattle value chain and others in Ethiopia [16-18,20- proximity to the main road and local market as compared to 23]. However, in light of their fi ndings there are no doubt that, other neighbor districts in the Zone. Next, before selecting little attention had given to the constraints and opportunities kabeles, potential kabeles were identifi ed and listed from both in small-scale cattle fattening industry in Ethiopia thereby districts with help of experts of respective districts. Following the study areas. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing this, six kebeles (three from each district) were selected the constraints and opportunities in small-scale beef cattle randomly with probability proportional to size of identifi ed fattening practice that needs improvements in order to increase kebeles from two districts. Before selecting the respondents,

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sampling frame of beef cattle producers was taken from Table 1: Sampling frame and sample size determination. Producer Proportion of sampled Numbers of selected kebeles ofﬁ ce and updated to the current with help of Districts Kebeles (number) HH (%) sampled HH experts of respective kebeles. Finally, the study respondents Qunii- were selected randomly with probability proportional to size 261 12.44 21 segeriya of households in sample kebeles. Sample size for producers Gemechis district wol-argii 322 15.35 26 for this study were determined using appropriate sample size determination formula provided by [27], at 95% conﬁ dence Sire gudo 412 19.64 34 level, 0.5 degree of variability and 7% level of precision. Hence, Woltanee 423 20.16 35 Wolqixumaa the sample size was calculated as: Doba district 312 14.87 25 ibsa N n  (1) Wolqixumaa 1N(e2) 368 17.54 30 woji 2098 n = = 185.99~ 186. Where n is the sample Total 2,098 100 171 1 2098(0.07)2 size, N= population size (sampling frame) and e = level of precision considered 9%. Method of data collection

Therefore, considering the resource available and The major instrument used for primary data collection representativeness of this producer’s sample, the total sample was semi-structured interview schedule. The questioner was size of the producer for the study was reduced to 171, and administered by trained enumerators through face-to-face the calculated sample size was distributed proportionally to interview with respondents. Questionnaires was pre-tested purposively selected lower administrative kebeles from two on similar different area from the study location on randomly districts (Table 1). selected ten non-sampled respondents to ensure its validity and reliability of generating all the necessary information in line Type and source of data with the objectives of the study, and necessary amendments was made prior to conducting the formal survey. After pre- To achieve the intended objectives, primary and secondary testing, two days training were given to the enumerators data sources were used. Primary data were collected from small- on brieﬁ ngs of the objectives, contents of the interview scale beef cattle producers, and respective district ofﬁ cers questioners and to acquainted them with the basic techniques using semi-structured questionnaire and checklists prepared of data gathering and interviewing techniques and on how to for this purpose, respectively. The secondary data including approach respondents. The enumerators for the data collection both published and unpolished documents that are available were selected on the basis of their educational background and and relevant for this study was collected to substantiate the data collection experience, local knowledge and ability of their primary data. Besides, personal observation was undertaken on speaking the local language of the study area. The interview different beef cattle management and feeding aspects during questions were focused on socio-economic characteristics survey period to get general information on cattle fattening of sample households, institutional services, available activities in the study areas. livestock feed resources and utilization, cattle selection and

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Method of Data Analysis which may be due to high burden of females on household Descriptive analysis chores and non-farm economic activities. The amount of income generated from off/non-farm Percentages, frequencies, means, standard deviation and activities varied among sample farmers ranging from no inferential statistics (Independent sample t-test and F-test) additional income to a maximum of birr 20,000 birr (ETB) per were used for the analysis of quantitative data. Besides, an annum. The average amount of non/off-farm income earned index was calculated to provide overall ranking of selection by sample farmers was 2075.45. Results revealed that 73.10% criteria of cattle for fattening purpose and small-scale beef and 26.90% beef cattle producer farmers are non-participant cattle fattening business constraints in the study area by and participant on non/off-farm income generating activities, developing rank index formula based on the method used by respectively. High non- participation (73.10%) of respondents [28]. may be due to labor intensive nature of cattle fattening business. Rn *C1 Rn 1 *C2 R1 *Cn)a  g Rank index = The t-test result also revealed a signiﬁ cant mean difference at ( Rn *C1 Rn 1 *C2  R1 *Cn ) ag 1% probability level between participant and non-percipient of Where, Rn = value of the least rank of constraint a (if the non/off-farm activities in terms of the actual quantity of beef th least rank is 14 , then Rn = 14, Rn-1 = 13, R1 = 1), Cn = counted cattle produced during past three years including the survey value of the least ranked level (in the above example, the counts year (Table 2). th st of the 14 rank=Cn, and C1= the count of the 1 rank), and (Rn

*C1 +R n-1 *C2 ….+R1 *Cn )a-g = *W= weighted summation of The survey result shows that, about 25.15% of small- each constraints (a, b, c...,g). For the analysis of quantitative scale cattle fatteners had access to credit services from formal data, the study was used STATA version 13 software packages. fi nancial institutions, money lenders and relatives or friends The result of quantitative data analysis was presented in the in the survey year. Information from formal interview shows form of table and fi gure. that, among the reasons that many had no access to credit was lack of collaterals for enabling them to secure loans, lack of The qualitative data was analyzed by a means of conceptually information on how to secure loans and complicated procedures organizing, categorizing thematically and narration with to get loans in the study areas. These at times have left the gap respect to the current research objectives. This was done between cattle fatteners and fi nancial institution, which are immediately after fi rst hand data obtained from respondents. supposed to work together so as to uplift the cattle fattening Result and Discussion industry. Besides, the result indicated that, cattle fatteners who have access to animal health service accounts (47.95%), Socio-economic characteristics of small-scale beef which is smaller than those who have no access (52.05%). The cattle producers independent t-test result indicated that there is a signifi cant mean difference at less than 1% probability level between those The data revealed that high percentage of respondents, who have access to extension service, animal health service, involved in cattle fattening activities in the study areas were market information, and credit service and not, respectively in male headed (87.4%) when compare to female’s (12.6%) (Table terms of quantity of beef cattle they produced last three years 2). This is may be due to the nature of the cattle fattening including the survey year (Table 2). activities, it needs intensive energy for proper management and handling of cattle such as watering, feeding, feed collection/ The study result revealed that, 56.14% of beef cattle purchasing, cattle purchasing for fattening purpose and selling producers had access to market information. Large percentage activities. Generally, female participation on cattle fattening of respondents reported to depend on actual market day business as owner was less as compared to male counterpart information/through personal observation, market information 061

4.95 persons per household which is larger than the national Education level 171 6 3.125 0 12 average of 4.6 (CSA, 2014). This implies that most households Family size 171 4.95 2.052 1 11 had enough family labor and might not hire labor for their Land size 171 0.50 0.253 0.125 1 cattle fattening operation, which might assist them for a better participation in the cattle fattening business (Table 3). Experience 171 9.44 4.787 1 20 Extension contact 171 4.46 2.810 0 12 The study shows that, about 28.65% were illiterate Source: Own computation from survey result, 2018. household heads whereas, the rest accounted for about 32.75%, 20.47%, 11.70% and 6.43% are literate and had education background of 1st cycle primary school (1-4), 2nd cycle primary Table 4: Household heads education categories. school (5-8), secondary school (9-10), and preparatory school Description Mean Std. Dev.Frequency Percent F-value (11-12), respectively (Table 4). The result also shows that the Illiterate 1.80 0.447 49 28.65 average education level of respondents were 6 years with 1-4(1st cycle primary) 1.63 0.520 56 32.75 standard deviation of 3.125 years. This shows that on average, 5-8(2nd cycle primary) 1.75 0.426 35 20.47 farmers attended the minimum required education level that 9-10(secondary school) 1.93 0.373 20 11.70 2.11* is adequate for understanding and adoption of introduced 11-12(preparatory school) 1.63 0.354 11 6.43 modern cattle fattening technologies. Note: * is statistically signifi cant at 10% probability level. Source: Own computation from survey result, 2018. Education is important to manage the business as well as in decision making [30]. The F-test result indicates that education level of household heads were found to be signifi cant Table 5: Household heads extension agent contact frequency. at 10% probability level; indicating that there were signifi cant Description Mean Std. Dev.Frequency F-value differences between sampled respondent education categories No contact 1.82 0.559 15 in terms of quantity of beef cattle produced past three years Weekly 1.55 0.427 33 including the survey year (Table 4). Once in two weeks 1.41 0.483 15 Monthly 1.78 0.408 70 According to the survey result, about 81.29 % of cattle Twice in a year 1.82 0.575 14 fatteners had access to extension services (Table 2). They 3.68 ** Once in year 2.09 0.471 8 are on average four times visited by extension agents. They received the services related to input usage such as feeding Any time I ask 1.82 0.274 16 system, management, up to date information regarding beef Note: ** is statistically signifi cant at 5% probability level. Source: Own computation from survey result, 2018. 062

zone in general. Length 19 12 6 - 7 18 11 7 9 4 0.081 8 Major cattle selection criteria for fattening purpose Health 22 25 15 6 17 5 7 - - - 0.105 5 Adaptation 26 6 - 16 8 - - 13 - 5 0.074 9 Small-scale cattle fattening practice is the type of business Coat color 27 13 9 20 7 16 - - 15 8 0.106 4 where the smallholder farmers engaged on fattening activities Source: Output from survey data, 2018. alone or along other farming activities. Their main function is fattening the cattle of different age categories through utilizing available feed resources mostly in semi-intensive Majority of the purchased young bull and few home born are type of feeding system and then fi nally supplying for sell to the used for fattening purpose in both districts. Information from market when the animals conditioned. The sources of cattle focus group discussion also shows that, cattle fatteners bought for fattening might be from own herd or could be purchased mainly Borena and Ogaden cattle breeds in addition to home from local market based on different selection criteria’s. The breed in the zone due to their high performance on fattening survey result shows that, body confi rmation/condition, breed than other. This implies that they have little information about type, frame/width size, cot color (mainly white color) was other cattle breeds that could suit for their fattening activities. the primary cattle selection criteria for fattening purpose and For instance, it was noted that Ogaden and Kerayu [23] cattle st nd rd ranked as 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4th, respectively (Table 7). They think breeds have a good feedlot fattening performance. that any cattle breeds meet all these criteria perform well on fattening than others. Better preference of young bulls at the age of 3-6 years suggested that animals after grown to these ages are more According to the response of almost all producers, young suitable to fatten and produce high yield and quality beef to the bull of local and Borena breed within the age of 3-6 year were local market and the standard required by the export market mostly used for fattening operation. Most of the draught oxen niche of Ethiopian. The result is agreed with the fi nding of [32], are used for fattening after 1-3 years of services in both districts. who reported that the majority of the farmers were preferred matured bull for fattening.

Table 6: Beef cattle fattening experience in years. It was reported that body size (frame size) as an individual Description Mean Std. Dev.Frequency F-value trait is said to be very important since it is related to potential 1-5 years 1.42 0.453 41 growth at every stage of the development process (Sintayehu 6-10 years 1.84 0.402 57 et al., 2010) and affect the whole production system, due to its

11-15 years 1.81 0.438 55 10.22 *** infl uence on aspects such as the food conversion effi ciency, 16-20 or>20years 1.91 0.426 18 the time taken to meet a specifi c market fi nishing degree, or Note: *** is statistically signifi cant at 1% probability level the fi nal quality of the product obtained [33]. Besides [32], Source: Own computation from survey result, 2018. found that the body frame had signifi cant effect on the live- weight change and gross profi t of fattening cattle. The study also revealed that producers in the area used largely white color young bull for fattening purpose. The current result is consistent with reports in different area of Ethiopia that traders would not prefer to purchase black coated animal at market place due to consumer preference [34,35] (Figure 3).

Health, initial price, age/teeth eruption, length/height, adaptation, and horn size, and ranked as 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, respectively was also another selection criterion of cattle for fattening purpose in the study areas(Table 7). The choice of cattle based on those criteria could be to meet the market demand and ﬁ nishing ability of the animal. The current result is consistent with fatteners in northern part of Ethiopia were Figure 2: Reason of cattle fattening by smallholder farmers. 063

Citation: Dinku A (2019) Assessment of constraints and opportunities in small-scale beef cattle fattening business: Evidence from the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. Int J Vet Sci Res 5(2): 058-068. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ijvsr.000042 selected cattle for fattening by using phonotypical selection Table 8: Major constraints of cattle fattening business ranked in their order of importance. criteria like select tall height, big and stand hump, good body Weighted frequency condition, and glossy coat cattle [36]. The others study in other Rank Description Index part of Ethiopia also found that, body frame; wide/deep body 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Drought & feed condition, skeletal frame confrontation, thick neck, castration, 6733141599773745140 0.113 2 shortage age, and glossy coat color are the top priority criteria that are considered while selecting cattle for fattening purpose [22,32]. Illegal brokers 44 53 25 11 14 7 12 8 4 - 3 5 2 - 4 0.117 1 Weak extension 21 21 23 17 6 5 3 2 - 3 1 3 - - 2 0.67 5 Constraints in small-scale cattle fattening business services Shortage of The result revealed that, illegal brokers, recurrent drought improved fodder 27 15 - 12 7 6 2 - 7 9 3 1 - - - 0.052 11 and feed shortage, water scarcity, feed price increment, weak species extension service, lack of initial capital, and informal cattle lack of initial 34 19 12 8 7 - 2 7 - - 5 1 3 - - 0.061 6 trade were among the major constraints betrothed small- capital scale cattle fattening business and ranked as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Feed price 28 32 9 14 11 9 - 5 3 5 4 - 2 1 - 0.074 4 5th, 6th and 7th, respectively (Table 8). As they reported, these increment constraints reduce the performances of beef cattle, prolong the Water scarcity 39 24 11 7 14 3 5 - 8 7 3 2 4 - - 0.077 3 fattening period and number of cattle fatten per cycle thereby Absence of decrease their frequency of market participation. The present functional fl our 24 16 8 - 7 5 - 5 - 3 - 3 1 - - 0.045 14 factories fi nding corroborates the fi ndings of [21,23]. Inadequate 37 13 7 6 9 3 - 7 6 6 - 5 3 - 2 0.06 8 The result from Key Informant Interview (KII) and Focus veterinary services Group Discussion (FGD) also indicates that the fi rst and second Management 25 21 12 8 - 5 9 9 - - 3 5 - 2 - 0.058 9 limiting factors that constrain small-scale cattle fatteners were knowhow Inadequate found to be water scarcity and feed shortage. Comparatively, 21 18 9 - 13 - 7 2 3 5 5 3 2 - - 0.05 12 this could be due to recurrent drought and shortage of grazing infrastructures Limited access to land in which most of cattle fatteners depend mostly on crop 34 13 11 - 7 - 3 - - 3 1 1 - 2 - 0.049 13 credit residues. They also argued that feed availability was season Unpredictable dependent and lead to variation in cost between seasons. For 26 17 15 3 9 7 2 3 4 1 2 - 2 - - 0.056 10 cattle market that reason, ample amount of hey is produced starting from Informal traders 33 21 13 9 4 2 - 6 - 4 1 2 - 3 - 0.061 7 end of October to beginning of March and within which the price of hay is reasonable. Whereas, starting from April to Source: Own computation from survey data, 2018. September the availability of hay decreased and cost of hay is very high. Similarly, the availability of concentrate decreased and/or supplementing the animal should be practiced to starting from March to the end of June. Because at that time optimize production. The same source shows that, shrinkage there is shortage of pasture and crop resides and leads to high of grazing land, shortage of land and water, low productivity of competition in purchasing of concentrate. the local breed, low of improved breed, disease and parasite as the major constraints of beef cattle production among others in Likewise, according to [37], crop residue, natural pasture West and East high lands of Hararghe zone. and weed were mentioned as the major feed resource for cattle in the west and east high lands of Hararghe Zone. They argued In the same way [38,39], found that inadequate feed supply that, the major problem with feed of these kind were seasonal is one of the major physical constraints hampering market availability and/or quality of the feed resource which in turn oriented livestock development and to further expansion of the affects cattle fatteners by restricting production to the time of livestock population in Ethiopia in general. According to [40], feed availability; so introduction of potential forage production, result from stakeholder discussions revealed that the average improvement of the feed resource through different techniques price of animal feed increased by 3.2 times over the last 5 years - faster than the rate of increase for prices of food for human consumption, and more quickly than overall infl ation. 0.16 0.14 The unorganized beef cattle market systems in both local 0.12 and export markets constrain cattle fattening industry. Beef 0.1 cattle market lack consistency and continuity in the country 0.08

Index thereby affect small-scale cattle fattening farmers. During 0.06 Index 0.04 formal interview, producers also noted that confl icts in 0.02 the region and informal trade throughout the border of the 0 country had signifi cant effect on marketing of the fattened 23511078694 cattle. Similarly [41], reported several constraints violating the Rank smooth fl ow of beef cattle market from the producer to the

end consumption points in Ethiopia. Furthermore [40], argued

Figure 3: Major selection criteria of cattle for fattening. that, seasonal variability of water availability introduces 064

Citation: Dinku A (2019) Assessment of constraints and opportunities in small-scale beef cattle fattening business: Evidence from the West Hararghe Zone of Ethiopia. Int J Vet Sci Res 5(2): 058-068. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17352/ijvsr.000042 pressures in both highland and lowland production systems federal as well as regional government of Ethiopia was given which are particularly pronounced where water sources are not great emphasis to mixed-agriculture (both crop and livestock collocated with feed: a common situation during the dry season production) which includes cattle fattening as one of the and in droughts. source of livelihoods and development structure. This is also the case particularly for the study areas and generally for the According to the result from sample respondents, west Hararghe zone when the land holding size is much more inadequate veterinary services, management knowhow, less than national average due to high population density and inaccessibility (unpredictable) of beef cattle market, shortage geographic futures of the zone. The growth and transformation of improved fodder species, inadequate infrastructures, limited plan two (GTP II) of the federal government and Oromia access to credit and absence of functional fl our factories were Regional state considered also cattle fattening as primary and identifi ed as the other constraining factors of small-scale most focused important activity. cattle fattening business and ranked as 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th (Table 8). As information provided from key informant interview shows, Harerghe beef locally called ‘Harar Sanga’ is very The present fi nding is agreed with the result of [39]. They famous in domestic markets of larger cities like Addis Ababa, reported that about 58% and 5% of the live animals come Dire Dawa, Adama, Harar, Jijga and other towns in and outside from the grassland and mixed systems, respectively, and are the zones, and export markets which is a good opportunities for exported through informal channels in which informal exports small scale cattle fattening business. Similarly, Workneh and are more than double the formal exports in Ethiopia, which has Rowland (2004) reported that beef production and marketing a very signifi cant impact on the country’s economy, in terms made the West Hararghe zone known in domestic and export of both lost government revenues and high domestic prices market. (Figure 4). The accessibility of the study areas and cattle marketing towns near the main rode to local capital city, indigenous 0.14 beef cattle fattening knowledge and managements, cultural 0.12 medication of fattening cattle, copying and better adoption 0.1 tradition from model cattle fatteners are the available opportunities currently in cattle fattening business. Likewise 0.08 [42], reported the existence of different abattoirs and live

Index 0.06 Index animal exporters in and around peri-urban, urban towns and 0.04 large cities such as Addis Ababa, Adama, Mojo, Dukam and 0.02 Bishoftu created a favorable environment for cattle fattening 0 in Ethiopia. 2 1 5 6116 4 314891213107 Rank The result from FGD indicated that, comparatively, there is abundant of feed resources (crop residues) mainly from September to December for beef cattle fattening which creates Figure 4: Major constraints small-scale cattle fattening. an opportunity to use their own feeds by reducing the cost of purchasing available other feeds. As they said, the indicated Generally, the present fi nding were corroborate with the months are the major period to harvest different crop in and fi ndings of [17,21,22,32,]. They reported recurrent drought, feed around the study areas which is a source of crop residues for shortage, shortage of water, shortage of grazing land, feed price beef cattle fattening. This also one indication of beef cattle increment, absence of market information, lack of governmental producers in the study areas where most of them use their own feed processing factories and suppliers, diseases and parasites, feed resource comes from the farm land. limited brewery grain access, lack of cattle transportation systems and improved cattle fattening technologies, poor The current increase in demand for meat due to the increase distribution of the available feed resources, illegal cattle feed in number of hotels, and restaurants in and around the study traders, diffi culty to access molasses, inaccessibility of cattle area towns, and emerging middle-class urban dwellers with market, lack of initial capital, limited access to credit, lack of increasing income and more buying power are among good processed and mixed ration feed suppliers, and unpredictable opportunities the study identifi ed. The study also found that, cattle market, inadequate veterinary services, weak extension currently, the study areas town and other towns found in the services, lack of good management practices and proper policy zone and outside are becomes more urbanized than before and support for livestock development as a major constraints of urban dwellers increased the use of animal product, particularly, cattle fattening in Ethiopia. meat comes from fattened cattle uncompromisingly which is an opportunities for cattle fatteners. Correspondingly, in Opportunities in small-scale cattle fattening business the country, the demand for livestock products like meat is increasing due to the growing urban population, while farm Livestock play a great role in developing countries economy areas are shrinking much as a result of an increase in the rural like Ethiopia, particularly to rural development through population which creates an opportunities for cattle fattening supplementing the livelihood of poor people. Currently the on small land [43,44].

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Cattle fattening business has a signifi cant contribution in The authors of this paper wish to express his profound national income in general and smallholder farmers income in gratitude to Oda Bultum University for fi nancial support for particular. Generally, West Hararghe Zone is well known cattle accomplishment of this research. The advisory supports of fattening areas in the country due to its favorable agro-ecology different friends are also appreciated. The author also thanked and high experience/indigenous knowledge on traditional the technicians who worked tirelessly to collect the data. cattle fattening and limited land holding size. Following this, References the current study is aimed at analyzing major constraints and opportunities, and cattle selection criteria’s for fattening 1. Larsen AF, Lilleør HB (2014) Beyond the Field: The Impact of Farmer Field purpose. The study found that cattle fattening industry is Schools on Food Security and Poverty Alleviation. World Development 64: 843–859. Link: https://bit.ly/331fNV5 constrained with both production and marketing systems. From the constraint side, water scarcity, recurrent drought 2. Fischer E, Qaim M (2012) Linking Smallholders to Markets: Determinants and feed shortage, illegal brokers, feed price increment, and Impacts of Farmer Collective Action in Kenya. World Development 40: inadequate veterinary service, lack of initial capital for the 1255–1268. Link: https://bit.ly/2K482pV business, shortage of improved fodder species, weak extension 3. Asfaw S, Shiferaw B, Simtowe F, Lipper L (2012) Impact of Modern Agricultural service, management knowhow, inaccessibility (unpredictable) Technologies on Smallholder Welfare: Evidence from Tanzania and Ethiopia. of beef cattle market, informal beef cattle traders, inadequate Food Policy 37: 283–295. Link: https://bit.ly/2STGGWs infrastructures, limited access to credit and absence functional 4. Kassie M, Jaleta M, Shiferaw B, Mmbando F, Mekuria M (2013) Adoption fl our factories are among the major constraints. . of Interrelated Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Smallholder Systems: Evidence from Rural Tanzania. Technological Forecasting and Social Change From opportunity side, availability of local breeds for 80: 525–540. Link: https://bit.ly/2K3ESXY fattening, popularity of locally called ‘Harar Sanga’ in the different local markets of the country, presence of good hay 5. Dzanku F M, Jirström M, and Marstorp H (2015) Yield Gap- Based Poverty preparation experience and indigenous knowledge of beef Gaps in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa. World Development 67: 336–362. Link: https://bit.ly/2Yh9j5w cattle production, cultural medications and management, accessibility of the study areas to the main rods connected to 6. Bezu S, Kassie GT, Shiferaw B, Ricker-Gilbert J (2014) Impact of large cites and abattoirs, presence of animal science experts Improved Maize Adoption on Welfare of Farm Households in Malawi: and development agent at kebeles and district levels, current A Panel Data Analysis. World Development 59: 120–131. Link: https://bit.ly/2K4yKP6 increase in demand for beef cattle and it is products, and emerging middle-class urban dwellers with increasing income 7. Husmann C (2016) Marginality as a Root Cause of Poverty: Identifying and more buying power are among good opportunities the Marginality Hotspots in Ethiopia. World Development 78: 420–435. Link: study identifi ed. Based on the result of the study, the following https://bit.ly/2YfIejb recommendations are set for sustainable cattle fattening 8. SPS-LMM (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards and Livestock and Meat industry. Marketing Program) (2010) Ethiopia Sanitary and Phytosanitary standards and Livestock and Meat Marketing Program (SPS-LMM). Texas Agricultural The study found that, the acute constraint in cattle Experiment Satiation (TAES)/ Texas A and M University System. Addis fattening business was illegal brokers. Cattle fattening Ababa, Ethiopia. business sustainability will highly depend on the reduction 9. Negassa A, Rashid S, Gebremedhin B (2011) Livestock Production and or elimination of this bottleneck. Hence, the local livestock

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