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Agricultural industry

Empowering Farmers in Ethiopia: World Bank's Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Imran Abba Jihad, a disabled farmer in southwest Ethiopia, has improved his livelihood through poultry farming under the Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project (LFSDP), a national initiative backed by the World Bank. The project has empowered 3.2 million farmers, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, by providing training, livestock, equipment, veterinary services, and market access. The project is part of Ethiopia's broader plan to boost agricultural productivity, improve food and nutrition security, and build a more inclusive and climate-resilient rural economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project (LFSDP) has empowered 3.2 million farmers in Ethiopia, including 25% women, through agricultural assets or services.
  • The project has supported 10,330 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) with over 100,000 members, 38% women, and 27% youth.
  • LFSDP has formed 478 cooperatives serving more than 45,000 farmers, 39% women, and strengthened 59 unions benefiting 1.6 million people, 53% women.
  • The project has a 52% female participation rate across all membership groups.
  • Imran Abba Jihad, a disabled farmer, has improved his livelihood through poultry farming under LFSDP, earning regular dividends and selling eggs to support his family's needs.
  • The cooperative has produced 20,000 DOCs over five rounds, maintaining a low 2% mortality rate, with total revenues of 4,600,000 ETB and a net profit of 1,032,000 ETB.
  • LFSDP is a six-year initiative funded by the World Bank, the Government of Ethiopia, and local beneficiaries, with a budget of $176.2 million.
  • The project supports farmers in Ethiopia's highlands by improving value chains in poultry, dairy, ruminant red meat, and fisheries.
  • Agriculture is vital to Ethiopia's economy, employing nearly 80% of the workforce and contributing around 40% of GDP.
  • Traditional cows produce only 1.5 liters of milk per day, and local chickens lay just 50 eggs a year.
  • LFSDP aims to change that by helping small farmers adopt better breeds, access veterinary care, and connect to markets.
  • The project has created 50 jobs specifically for people with disabilities, opening doors to inclusion and opportunity in the heart of the community.

Statistics:

  • 3.2 million farmers empowered by LFSDP (worldbank.org)
  • 25% of empowered farmers are women (worldbank.org)
  • 10,330 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) formed by LFSDP (worldbank.org)
  • 100,000+ members in CIGs, 38% women, and 27% youth (worldbank.org)
  • 478 cooperatives serving more than 45,000 farmers, 39% women (worldbank.org)
  • 59 unions benefiting 1.6 million people, 53% women (worldbank.org)
  • 52% female participation rate across all membership groups (worldbank.org)
  • 20,000 DOCs produced by cooperative over five rounds (worldbank.org)
  • 2% mortality rate maintained by cooperative (worldbank.org)
  • 4,600,000 ETB in total revenues (worldbank.org)
  • 1,032,000 ETB in net profit (worldbank.org)

Sources:

  • World Bank website: "Improving Livestock and Fisheries Sectors in Ethiopia"
  • World Bank website: "Livestock and Fisheries Sector Development Project"
  • World Bank website: "Empowering Farmers in Ethiopia"

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