A STUDY ON LIVESTOCK MARKETING IN BORENA ZONE PASTORAL DISTRICTS OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The livestock sector in Ethiopia is the largest in Africa. Livestock production and marketing is a major livelihood in the pastoral areas of Ethiopia. Therefore, for the pastoralist community like Borana, livestock marketing development covers enormous scope for their development. Although few studies are available in the areas of livestock marketing, in-depth analysis on the constraints and opportunities in livestock marketing is found to be scanty for Borana Zone. Therefore, this research is aimed at identifying constraints and opportunities in livestock marketing in Borana zone. To achieve the major objective, the study specifically focuses on finding out how the existing livestock marketing function, identifying the major opportunities available to pastoralist and local traders and assessing the major constraints faced by local traders in livestock marketing. The research was conducted by taking 93 sample traders from pastoralist area traders of Borana zone. Primary and secondary data were used for analysis. Data collected through semi structured interview were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS version 20. Moreover, data collected through focus group discussion, key informant interview and case study were organized and analyzed qualitatively. The study identifies major opportunities and constraints. Credit sale due to few cash buyers, poor access to credit, and poor linkage with high land and export markets, drought and weak institutional support were identified as top constraints which limit pastoralist traders` efficiency and effective market engagement. On the other hand, highly demanded Borana breed of cattle, high livestock population, and increased number of livestock market centres, improved veterinary service and favourable government policy were identified as major opportunities for pastoralist traders’ efficiency and of Borana. On the basis of these findings, recommendations are forwarded.