Analysis of Livestock Production Potentials and Strategic Constraints of Dila Zuria District

Dila Zuria district is one of the 7 districts of gedeo zone and known for its agricultural production in the zone. There are lots of crop types produced, livestock raised and various natural resource available in this district although various factors of production and productivity were hindering development of the sector. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and document the recurrent production potential and constraints in livestock sector so as to base research and development works on the output. To achieve these objectives, checklists were prepared; two sample Kebeles, focus group discussion (FGD) participants and key informants were purposively selected, interviewed and discussion were conducted. Secondary data were also collected from Districts and selected Kebeles. The result indicated that the district is endowed with livestock resources such as cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, honeybee, fish and equines. Availability of improved livestock breeds and feeds, improved bull and AI services, practices of fishery and fish production, and use of modern bee technologies were identified as potentials and opportunities of livestock production and productivity in the Dila Zuria district. Whereas, Prevalence of diseases such as black leg, trypanosomosis, FMD, and bovine and ovine pasteuorolosis; shortage of improved breed, shortage of feed in quantity and quality, lack of market information, shortage of technology supply; decreasing of the traditional grazing lands; lack of awareness on modern animal production; market linkage and infrastructure problems were identified as major constraints of livestock production and productivity. Therefore, researches, demonstrations and trainings on livestock disease and parasites management; breed improvement; on improved forages/floras and their quality; Researches on marketing and value chain of livestock commodities; Researches on adoption of livestock inputs and other technologies; and trainings and researches on modern animal production system were among recommended interventions to minimize these constraints and boost livestock production and productivity.