PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Sustainable Commercialization of Sexed Dairy Genetics in East Africa

Increasing dairy herd productivity and farmers’ incomes in Ethiopia
2023 – 2025

As a sub-awardee of the Sustainable Commercialization of Sexed Dairy Genetics in East Africa program, implemented by ABS Global, Land O’Lakes Venture37 is establishing a commercially viable sexed semen market that will bolster dairy markets in Ethiopia. The project is increasing small scale producer demand and willingness to pay for sexed semen; improving last-mile delivery for sexed semen to small-scale producers to help them with their cross-breeding efforts; and improving the enabling environment to establish a commercial market. The use of sexed semen can allow farmers in the region to make informed decisions about whether they are breeding female or male calves, which has the potential to reduce methane emissions.

PROJECT FOCUS AREAS

1. Understanding Market Access

By mapping the milk offtake markets, the project is identifying small-scale producers with market access that have the incentive to invest in sexed semen.

2. Building Business Skills

The project is building small-scale producers’ capacity in herd management and business skills to improve artificial insemination techniques, animal husbandry practices, business decision-making, the use of digital extension tools, and the use of gender-responsive techniques to reach female small-scale producers.

3. Partnering With the Government and Private Sector

The project is working with the Government of Ethiopia and the Livestock Development Institute to produce high quality semen that can eventually be converted to sexed semen and support policy issues that are conducive to private sector investment in dairy genetics.

COUNTRY CONTEXT

Ethiopia and Kenya

Due to significant growth in urban populations, East Africa is witnessing increased demand for animal-sourced food products. To meet the rising demand, it will be essential to advance the delivery of dairy genetics in the region.