Netherlands-backed project supports dairy sector in Ethiopia’s Somali region

ETHIOPIA – A joint initiative backed by the government of the Netherlands is strengthening dairy co-operatives in Ethiopia’s Somali region to enhance productivity, veterinary services, and water reliability.

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), this effort is part of the Prospects program, which aims to improve education access, social protection, and decent work opportunities for forcibly displaced people and host communities.

As reported by the ILO, a regional assessment highlighted significant reliance on pastoralist activities, with women primarily engaged in cattle farming.

However, the study found that milk production quality and income generation were insufficient and declining over seasons.

Stephen Opio, Chief Technical Advisor of ILO Prospects in Ethiopia and Sudan, noted that while livestock productivity, milk quality, and market access remain challenges, the Somali region holds the potential to become a key national milk supplier.

Based on these findings, the ILO partnered with Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF Suisse) to launch the Engaging Host Community and Refugees in Dairy Development (EHRDD) project.

This initiative focuses on supporting small-scale milk producers, dairy co-operatives, milk processors, and traders within both host and refugee communities in the Fafan zone.

Cattle farmer Hinda Leberi from Gebri Kebele shared her experience with the ILO, explaining that her small co-op faced inconsistent production, inadequate cattle feed, and challenges in managing income expectations.

After participating in EHRDD training sessions on co-op management, animal husbandry, and milk production, Leberi reported improvements.

“Although we are traditionally pastoralists, we lacked information on evolving animal husbandry practices,” she said. New techniques learned through EHRDD have extended the shelf life of her milk, reducing waste and boosting profits.

The EHRDD project also addresses livestock feed quality by promoting commercial feed production. For example, a co-op in Gerbi Kebele collaborated on an initiative to produce concentrated and total mixed ration (TMR) feed.

Members contributed to constructing a new production shed, while EHRDD provided feed processing machinery. Training on operating this equipment has empowered the co-op to produce and sell feed, supporting local farms.

Improving animal healthcare is another critical aspect of the project. According to the ILO, 15 community-based animal workers were trained and connected with private pharmacies to enhance veterinary access.

Additionally, two water detention ponds were built in Kebribeyah, ensuring reliable drinking water for cattle and promoting livestock health.

The ILO emphasized that these interventions highlight how tailored, context-sensitive strategies can address complex challenges and unlock community potential.

“These efforts underscore the transformative power of co-operatives in fostering resilience, improving livelihoods, and creating sustainable development pathways in regions affected by forced displacement.”