Analysis of Sheep Value Chain in Basona Werena District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia has large number of small ruminant resources, but its contribution to the national economy is far less than its potential. This study was undertaken to analyze sheep value chain actors and their roles, to examine market performance of actors and find out the existing constraints and opportunities of sheep value chain in Basona Worena District, North Shewa Zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. The primary data was collected from a sample of 366 farmers from five Kebeles and other 40 sheep value chain actors through structured questionnaires, focus group discussion, key informant interview and personal observation. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency, Value Chain Analysis and marketing margin. Results show that input suppliers, farmers, traders, processors, service providers and consumers were the main sheep value chain actors in the study area. The sheep production system was traditional that needs intervention to transform in to market-oriented one. Eight sheep market channels were identified in the study area and the share of farmers from final sheep price was 35% which was very low. Feed shortage, sheep diseases, lack of linkage between Debre Brihan Blanket Factory and farmers, lack of improved sheep rams and low awareness of farmers’ on market oriented sheep production were the major constraints of sheep production in the study area. On the other hand government’s commitment to increase meat export, increment of export abattoirs, high demand of live sheep and sheep meat in both domestic and gulf countries and geographical location of the study area were the major opportunities. Therefore, farmers should have to form farmers’ small ruminant cooperative; strengthen the linkages among them and other value chain actors to increase their bargaining power and to be more beneficiary from the marketing of their sheep. Moreover, policies and strategies aiming at supplying improved sheep breeds, veterinary drugs and feeds, providing financial support, creating awareness and giving training for farmers on market oriented sheep production system are recommended.