By Mekdelawit Seyoum
Stakeholders press ahead with the introduction of an integrated livestock monitoring system. The move is a significant stride toward sustainable livestock management and came at a transformative workshop hosted here at the Hayat Regency Hotel on Africa Avenue.
Conducted by the Alliance Biodiversity and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the workshop revealed a specialized platform designed for monitoring rangeland and water early warning systems.
Held on February 6, 2024, the event served as a pivotal platform for engaging stakeholders. Government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and local communities participated in meaningful dialogues about the project’s objectives and implementation strategies.
Although Ethiopia is still considered home to one of Africa’s largest livestock populations, various obstacles have impeded the full realization of its potential.
Enhancing pastoralist community resilience and fortifying drought preparedness in lowland areas grappling with severe climate variability impacts was the primary objective of the workshop. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and a human-centered design, the platform not only addresses current challenges but also lays the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.
The initiative goes beyond the initial implementation, expanding to additional regions within Ethiopia, including the Borena Zone in Oromiya State where the initial pilot project is taking place, and extending to south-eastern regions of Somalia. This expansion aims to assist neighboring countries facing similar environmental challenges.
Key features of the platform include the ability to provide climate predictions of up to six months into the future and real-time monitoring capabilities as well as providing stakeholders with proactive adaptation tools. An integral aspect is its enhanced accessibility, featuring a multilingual interface available in English, Amharic, and Oromiffa. This design fosters widespread acceptance and trust among its user base. The project’s significance and transformative potential are further underscored by the generous financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
As the project looks ahead, success hinges not only on technological advancements but also on the collective commitment of all stakeholders involved. By harnessing the power of innovation and collaboration, the integrated rangeland and water monitoring system promises to usher in a new era of resilience and sustainability within Ethiopia’s livestock sector, ultimately improving the livelihoods of millions across the region.//