Estimation of feed dry matter supply in relation to land use and livestock requirements in southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

The study is being done to assess the availability of feed dry matter (DM) from private holdings and communal lands in relation to livestock demand and to provide management solutions in a smallholder system in Gamo Gofa and Dawuro zones of south western Ethiopia. Data for the study were compiled by combining crop and livestock production information at the household level. The extents of community land cover and land utilisation were calculated using spatial contours in geographic information system (GIS) and field survey results. Monthly feed DM availability by land cover area (ha) was computed using data from the livelihoods early assessment and protection (LEAP) software derived from eight years of normalised differential vegetation index values. According to the study, private land generated 33% of the feed while common land produced 67%. Around 1,300 tonnes of DM were generated as livestock feed per year, with 47% coming from private property and the remaining 53% from communal land. When compared to the existing livestock population, the required amount of DM is only 62% of total supply, yielding a 38% surplus. However, feed shortages are prevalent in the region due to supply inconsistencies. Livestock requirements can be met by employing appropriate management strategies that preserve feed availability from varied land use types and land cover in times of scarcity. Planning and preserving feeds, training communities in the operation and use of available resources, and developing infrastructure for in-situ feed conservation throughout dry season will help smallholder livelihoods and the national economy.