JidbaaleThe International Labour Organization (ILO) is leading initiatives to revitalize the dairy industry in Ethiopia’s Somali region, where pastoralist customs are threatened by economic and environmental pressures. The ILO, with assistance from the Netherlands, is working with Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF Suisse) to address issues in milk production, animal health, and market access. A regional evaluation revealed a concerning trend: milk production, historically a cornerstone of the local economy, was experiencing seasonal decline, with poor quality and erratic supply constraining profitability. Women, the foundation of this pastoralist civilization, endured the majority of these obstacles.
The Engaging Host Community and Refugees in Dairy Development (EHRDD) initiative has transformed the situation for women like Hinda Leberi in Gebri Kebele. The initiative has helped her prolong the shelf life of her milk, minimize waste, and enhance her revenue. EHRDD has also helped develop a feed manufacturing plant in Gerbi Kebele, providing high-quality animal feed and maintaining local herds. The initiative has also taught 15 community-based animal health professionals, connecting them to veterinary pharmacies to provide sustainable access to medications. Two water retention ponds in Kebribeyah now offer a steady water supply for cattle.
The ILO views this effort as a roadmap for solving difficulties in disadvantaged areas, demonstrating how targeted, context-sensitive approaches can address complex challenges and unlock the potential of local communities.
