Vol. 7 No. 1 (2025): Backyard Sheep Fattening: Constraints, and Economic Implications in Bule District, Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in the Bule district of the Gedeo Zone to assess backyard sheep fattening practices, limitations, opportunities, and economic viability. Six out of 18 Kebeles were purposively selected based on sheep resources, farmer experience, and accessibility. A total of 126 households were randomly chosen for the survey. Sheep fattening was prevalent in the area, with 94.4% of households utilizing tethering and free-grazing systems. Traditional fattening methods were dominant, with an average of 1.97 ± 0.08 sheep fattened over periods of 2 to 6 months, and 1.59 ± 0.059 rounds per year. Rams were the preferred type for fattening (72.2%), followed by both rams and ewes (17.5%), and ewes alone (10.3%). The Easter season (27.78%) was the most common time for fattening, and 40.48% of fatteners engaged in this practice primarily for income generation. Separate housing for sheep was common, although often poorly managed; 35.7% of households housed sheep separately within other livestock shelters. Key challenges included feed shortages, diseases, rising veterinary drug prices, decreasing grazing land, low sheep productivity, and issues with predators and theft. Conversely, opportunities included favorable agro-ecological conditions, abundant fresh grass, experienced farmers, a large sheep population, increasing market demand, rising sheep prices, higher literacy rates, and larger household sizes, all of which could enhance fattening practices. Despite these opportunities, sheep fattening remained unprofitable under current management systems. To improve profitability, the study recommends targeted training, ongoing support, collaboration among stakeholders, improved forage development, and consistent monitoring and evaluation.