Opening of the 5th African Livestock Exhibition & Congress in Addis, Ethiopia
On Thursday the 17th of October, State Minister level Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture His Excellency Dr. Eyassu Abraha Alle and various domestic and foreign dignitaries opened the 5th African Livestock Exhibition & Congress (ALEC) at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa. Aside from traditional livestock the ALEC also included sections on poultry and aquaculture, amongst others.
The aim of the trade fair is to further develop the burgeoning Ethiopian and regional livestock and agricultural sectors. By allowing the private sector to showcase their products and stimulating business ties and trade, Ethiopia seeks to improve the transfer of knowledge and technologies between the various actors in the field. The development of the sector is essential in the fight against malnutrition, food losses and poverty in general, themes that were high on the agenda on Wednesday’s World Food Day.
At present the sector is overwhelmingly subsistence-oriented, producing low-value primary goods. Much produce goes to waste due to inadequate animal care, and below-standard processing, storage and transport practices. By applying new techniques and technologies across the value-chain the sector could generate much needed foreign exchange, improve employment opportunities and lead to higher efficiencies. With agriculture accounting for 80% of the country’s export earnings and employment figures, such improvements could unlock the country’s true ‘bread-basket’ potential. Ethiopia is already estimated to have to continent’s most sizeable livestock population. Improving animal husbandry, welfare and health - whilst addressing processing issues - could be a major driver for economic growth.
Businesses with exhibitions at the ALEC included start-ups and established firms specializing in animal feeds, agro-processing, veterinary products, cooling, dairy, engineering solutions, livestock genetics and logistics. Unsurprisingly, several Dutch firms were present to showcase their products including Hendrix Genetics, Marel Poultry and Pas Reform Hatchery Technologies. Aside from Ethiopian government representatives and the private sector, institutional partners and donors active in the field such as USAID, SNV and the African Development Fund were also present.
In general, the ALEC is indicative of a transformation of the Ethiopian livestock sector and the economy as a whole. Agriculture was named as a focus area in the state Homegrown Economic Growth plan and the incorporation of innovative practices and technologies has the potential to create a more shock-resistant, trade-promoting and productive industry - to the benefit of many!
Source & more information to be found on http://africanlivestock.net/