Enhancing Animal Health Services in the IGAD Region

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).