Enhancing Animal Health Services in the IGAD Region
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Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IGAD Centre for pastoral Areas and Livestock Development
Abstract
The InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) stretches over an area of 5.2 million km2 with a population of approximately 188 million. Countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda constitute IGAD. Approximately 60-70% of the landmass is arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) with highly variable rainfall making it suitable for livestock production. Eighty per cent (80%) of the region’s human population keeps livestock. Thus livestock rearing is a vital livelihood asset for people living in the ASALs. In areas that are suitable for crop production, a mixed crop-livestock production is practiced with major emphasis on dairy and poultry production. The population of livestock stands at 532 million1 in the region and contributes an estimated 57% of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (AGDP).