Assessments of Current Practices and Problems in the Management of Livestock in Selected Human Shelters (Refugee Camps) in Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of the study was to investigate the current practices and problems in the management of animals in selected human shelters (Refugee camps). The study was conducted in three districts of Western Ethiopia namely, Sherkole in Komosha, Tongo in Mao-Komo, and Bambasi in Bambasi districts. Secondary data, desk reviews of different documents, focus group discussions, key informants interviews and field observations were used as the study methods. The findings of the study confirmed that eight humanitarian organizations operate in the refugee camps, namely ARRA, ICRC, UNHCR, IOM, UNICEF, NRDEP, WFP and RADO to supply and manage humanitarian aids. However, the livestock emergency response intervention such as health, feed, water and other conditions of animal management is not represented and documented. There is no animal welfare organization /humanitarian organization working on animal management in refugee camps. Following the culture of their ancestors and their experiences, some Sudanese refugees have brought their animals to Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the Ethiopian government do not have regulations that protect the entrance of animals with refugees. Even though the number and types of animals entering with the refugees are not well known, different species of animals are found in all the visited refugee camps. Some have brought them from their origin of country and others restocked it in the host country, Ethiopia. The major livestock species found in the refugee camps include cattle, goats, sheep and donkeys. There is no specific management given for the animals in the refuges except that the regional government provides vaccination and other veterinary services to protect the transfer of cross-border disease from the displaced to the local animals. Some of the hosting community leaders around Tongo and Bambasi are also expressing their frustration on the refugees’ livestock, mentioning that the refugees are allowing animals to graze on their crops and private grazing land deliberately. Some livestock owners confirmed that they are using traditional (herbal) medicines for disease prevention. The refugees strongly expressed the importance of regular vaccination and animal service program for their livestock. There was also interbreeding among Ethiopia and Sudanese cattle as they share the same grazing land. Zoonotic diseases are also a fear for the refugees. All the respondents explained that there are no clearly defined funds for the management of livestock in the refuges.