GHG emissions reduction potential in dairy farms

The dairy sector is an important cornerstone of rural economic resilience and a primary source of essential nutrition. However, as in Ethiopia, the industry is currently characterised as a low-input, low-output system with large cattle numbers and limited productivity. It is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Within the country's dairy sector, the need to grow the industry is accompanied by several interventions aimed at improving feed efficiency and introducing or scaling modern farming practices. 

Research under BRIDGE+ shows that several dairy farms increased milk yields while reducing GHG emissions per unit of milk produced. The findings point to better feed efficiency and manure management as priorities for further reductions, alongside improved market access to support dairy development.

The study was conducted by SNV and Wageningen University, in collaboration with the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Debre Berhan University, Hawassa University, and Mekelle University.