Farmers |
ADDIS ABABA-
Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MoLF) said that it has been working
to transform the lives of pastoralist and semi-pastoralist people
particularly in drought prone areas of Oromia, Somali, Afar and South
Nations Nationalities and People states over the past two quarters of
this fiscal year.
Speaking to The
Ethiopian Herald, MoLF State Minister Dr. Misrak Mekonnen said that
drought prevention works have been done in relief beneficiary areas, and
many pastoral societies have been supported to engage in animal
husbandry and bee keeping activities.
In Afar state,
55,860 Kg of honey from 6,540 traditional beehives and 1,888 Kg of honey
from 1,888 modern beehives have been collected only over the last six
months, according to her.
Dr. Misrak stated
that the Ministry helps farmers to boost their fish production and
productivity. Hence, the current 520 tons production is expected to grow
to 812.5 tons. "Around 200,000 fish species have been dispersed in
major aquatic areas."
The Federal
government has allocated 15 million Birr for pasture bank, for
purchasing livestock and medicines, the state minister indicated.
The Ministry has
distributed 21,714,300 dose vaccinations to pastoral and semi-pastoral
societies in Oromia, Somali, SNNP and Afar states. Accordingly, 21
million livestock population was vaccinated, she said, adding: "in
addition to this, fodder, beehive, milk processing and hybridization
equipment have also been distributed to drought affected pastoralists."
Besides, the
Ministry has provided technical, material and financial supports to
combat the recurring droughts which broke out in various areas of the
states, she noted.
To alleviate
drought vulnerability in pastoral and semi-pastoral areas, the Ministry
has planned to utilize surface and ground water resources; hence, to
step up resilience enhancement mechanisms.
Meanwhile, Dr.
Misrak said four quarantine centers are under construction in the stated
places. "Up on completion, the pastoral and semi-pastoral communities'
economic benefit will see improvements."
"The quarantine
centers are nearing completion in Mile (Afar), Jigjiga (Somali), Humera
(Tigray) and Metema (Amhara), she noted, adding: "the centers will start
operation soon to play their parts in combating illegal trade and in
promoting livestock export trade."
Pastoralists'
Affairs Standing Committee Chairperson of House of Peoples'
Representatives, Mohammed Yesuf for his part said that the preparedness
and response activities being undertaken in the areas should be
encouraged and scaled up.
"Ethiopia has shown
strong resilience in tackling drought with own capacity. The Ministry
of Livestock and Fisheries is working to improve the quality, produce
and productivity of livestock in pastoral and semi-pastoral areas. This
way, the nation will overcome drought in a sustainable manner," he
noted.
He added that the
stated period's performance had limitation in undertaking hybridization
of camel and taken measures to combat rent-seeking tendencies, red-tape
and other malpractices.
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