Review on Milk Production: Recent Trends and Future Prospects in Relation to Past Trends in Ethiopia

Abstract

Over the last decade following the political changes in 1993, the dairy sector in Ethiopia has shown considerable progress. Total milk production grew at an estimated rate of 3 percent as compared to 1.8 percent during the period of 1975-1992 due to technological intervention, policy reforms and population growth. The shift towards market economy is creating large opportunity for private investment in urban and peri-urban dairying. The large livestock population, the favorable climate for improved, high yielding animal breeds and the relatively disease-free environment for livestock make Ethiopia to have a significant potential for dairy development.  The indigenous breeds accounted for 98.20%, hybrids and pure exotic breeds were 1.62% and 0.18% respectively. The demand for milk and milk products is higher in urban areas where there is high population pressure. In Ethiopia, urban and peri-urban dairy production systems are emerging as an important component of the milk production system.The most driven force for changes are rapid population growth, urbanization and income growth. The future of the dairy sector in Ethiopia is more positive with different driving factors, which includes positive economic outlook and life style changes. Ethiopia planned the project Ethiopian Livestock master Plan (LMP) from 2015 - 2020 that  proposed combined interventions for red meat-milk production. At the same time, considerable changes in the composition of livestock products will be occur. Out of 98.20%, the total cattle population in Ethiopia are local breeds while hybrid and exotic breeds accounted for about 1.62 and 0.18%, respectively. The Ethiopian government was highly engaged to improve cattle productivity particularly to boost dairy productivity through crossbreeding program through Artificial Insemination and Livestock Production and Productivity Improvement Service.

Keywords: Demand, Driven force, Milk production and Milk supply

DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/85-03

Publication date:March 31^st 2019