This study presents a detailed review of the poultry sector in Ethiopia in order to provide background
information for further research related to pro-poor HPAI risk reduction strategies in Ethiopia. The
report surveys information that exists in the literature and among the stakeholders in order to identify
the research gaps that can be addressed in the project. In preparation of this report, published and
grey literature, expert interviews and official documents were used.
The paper presents information on the role of the poultry sector in the economy of Ethiopia and also
information related to role of poultry in rural livelihoods. The information related to the role of poultry
at the supra-household level is presented taking into account the differentiation within the poultry
sector. This differentiation relates to the size, organization and levels of bio-security among other
characteristics. The survey distinguishes these characteristics by the types of the poultry sector, poses
conjectures regarding the implications for the introduction and spread of the HPAI and subsequently
explores the research gaps.
In assessing the information on poultry’s role in rural livelihoods, the report synthesizes information at
the most disaggregated level possible for example by assessing the evidence related to the impact on
women. The report considers livelihood analysis to be not only important as an end in itself but also as
critical for the implementation of prevention and control measures related to HPAI. In capturing the
role of poultry in livelihoods, based on the existing evidence the report takes a supply chain
perspective. Based on a scare that occurred (a false alarm) the report provides summary information
on the potentially discrete economic and livelihood impacts of HPAI outbreak.