The Ministry of Livestock and Fishery indiacted that the nation had not been benefiting from the untapped livestock and fishery resources, The Ethiopian Herald reported.

Mr. Sileshi Getahun, Minister of Livestock and Fishery, pointed out that although Ethiopia had plenty of livestock and fishery projects, the sector had not been able to play a major role in the overall national economy. He then listed the possible causes such as shortage of animal fodder provision, absence of information system, absence of quality research contributing to the problem.

The Minister further added that after they had evaluated the problems, the government took measures to bring major changes to the sector. It also designed several methods to address the under developed working systems. Providing improved species, fodder development and supply and protecting animal health were issues given attention to improve the sector. In addition to improving the livelihood of semi-pastoral and pastoral communities, the government has also planned to create employment opportunities for the urban and rural communities in the Second GTP plan by strengthening the involvement of the youth and investors.

Mr. Asrat Tefera, SNNP State Livestock and Fishery Development Bureau Head, on his part asserted that each stakeholder should work together. More over, he added that the sector could play a great role in achieving the vision of Ethiopia becoming a middle income economy by 2025. 

Source: The Ethiopian Herald