Quality Constraints in the Market Chains for Export of Small Ruminants from Afar Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Areas

Abstract

The study was conducted in four districts of Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Area to determine quality constraints in the market chains for export of Afar’s small ruminants. A total of 291 producers, 8 traders and 4 exporters were interviewed with separate semi-structured questionnaires. The result of study indicated that small ruminant made by far the greatest contribution to livestock-based livelihoods in all study districts. About 72.2% of pastoralist offers shoat for sale to meet their urgent needs at any time during the year. Majority (51.9%) of the producers have no specific target to sale their shoat. Quality and other criteria required by importers were known only by 7.6% of the producers, while majority of them (92.4%) did not know quality and other criteria required by importer. Even though sheep were most demanded by exporters, sheep accounts only 20% from total shoat presented for sale. Only 14.4% of the producers offer adult male for sale which were fit for export. Along the market chain pre-purchase inspection and selection for quality assurance and certification for live shoat were none existent. In all Afar’s livestock markets there is no objective standard for selling and buying animals. The result of this study showed that small ruminants supplied to the markets by pastoralist do not meet the quality attributes required by export markets. Appropriate extension service that will respond to the peculiar needs of export markets, especially on the aspect of providing information and knowledge on the desired shoat characteristics and quality requirements of importing countries should be provided for the producers.