Jimma University and ILRI’s Livestock, Climate and Environment Program (LCEP), hosted a one-day policy dialogue centered on the challenges and opportunities surrounding animal feed production.
The event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including researchers from the Jimma Agricultural Research Center, livestock specialists from Jimma University, officials from zonal and woreda agriculture offices, urban agriculture representatives from Jimma town, private dairy farm owners, and companies involved in animal feed processing and marketing.
Dr. Solomon Tulu, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine and Principal Investigator of the project, opened the meeting by outlining its objectives and underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to tackle critical issues in the animal feed sector. Following his introduction, Dr. Wasihun Hassen delivered a presentation on the current challenges and opportunities in animal feed production, which set the stage for an engaging discussion.
Participants delved into various constraints impacting animal feed production, including market dynamics and value chain issues. The dialogue revealed opportunities for innovation and private-sector investment, particularly highlighting the role of youth groups and small and micro enterprises in seed business and forage production.
Key discussion points included the necessity of creating a supportive environment for private firms involved in forage production and processing, as well as the importance of capacity building among kebele-level experts. The conversation also aimed at identifying and scaling up promising forage innovations currently under development.
The meeting concluded with a series of actionable recommendations designed to enhance collaboration among stakeholders.
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