Department of Animal, Range Land and Wildlife Science

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    Effect of War on Livestock Production and Feed Resources Availability of Smallholder Farmers in Asgede and Tahtay koraro Woredas, Northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia
    (Mekelle University, 2025-02-15) Tsriti Gebremeskel Tareke
    Livestock and crop production play vital roles at household and national levels in Ethiopia/Tigray. However, these sectors were damaged due to the war that happened in Tigray from 2020-2022. This study aimed to assess the effect of war on livestock production and feed resource availability of smallholder farmers in Asgede and Tahtay koraro woredas in northwestern Tigray, Ethiopia. To collect data a cross-sectional research type was used with a multi-stage sampling procedure involving 152 smallholder households from April 2024 to June 2024. Primary and secondary data sources were gathered through household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 28 software. The study revealed the livestock population and crop yield were damaged significantly (p<0.001). Before the war, the average livestock holding per household was 18.46 Tropical Livestock Units (TLU) whereas, after the war it dropped to 3.23 TLU. Crop yield at household level also reduced from 22.93 quintals per year to 5.74 quintals after the war. Additionally, the total annual feed supply per household derived from crop residues and grazing lands dropped from 15,591 to 14,727 tonnes of dry matter. The war adversely affected livestock population, accessibility to feed and water sources, market access and extension services, made livestock more susceptible to diseases and led to a decline in overall productivity. It also caused inflation in livestock prices with cattle prices rising by 76.9%, sheep and goats by 78%, donkeys by 68%, camels by 50% and poultry by 50% as compared to prices before the war. This inflation led to decreased consumption of livestock products and reduced household incomes. Moreover, challenges such as insecurity, shortage of income, disease infestations and lack of extension services hindered the restoration of farming activities in the study areas. In conclusion, livestock production and feed resources declined after the war, resulting in starvation and various disease outbreaks among livestock and households. Therefore, immediate support from the government, development agencies, NGOs and other relevant authorities is essential for effective restocking and recovery of the livestock sector