Massive animal census to be launched

One of the world’s largest animal surveys will be launched in Ethiopia next month. For the first time ever, all the animals in the country are to be counted as part of a massive census by the Ethiopian Central Statistics Authority (CSA). More than 15,000 people are to take part in the survey that is expected to last 10 days. In that time, statistical experts are to travel to all parts of the country – using aeroplanes to get to even the remotest parts – to record animal numbers. Livestock is a vital component of the Ethiopian economy – with hides and skins second only to coffee in terms of exports - contributing tens of millions of dollars to the country. Girma Tadesse, the head of Natural Resource and Agricultural Statistics Department at the CSA said the census was vital for the future development of the country. "It will be the first time we have a true picture of animal numbers in Ethiopia," he told IRIN. "Previously we have had estimates but we do not know how accurate they are. This is a huge project and the results will be very interesting. Once we get them they will have important consequences for planners and the Ministry of Finance." Girma said the census would enable accurate forecasting in terms of economic planning and provide detailed information on which areas to target for future development. He said livestock and land use is a critical issue in Ethiopia where more than 80 percent of the 65 million population live in rural areas. Girma also believes that by providing accurate figures on the numbers of animals in the country it will encourage investment and increase revenue from the sector. The census is part of a huge livestock and agricultural survey that is being undertaken across the country over the next 10 months and which starts on 9 February. Experts from the CSA will be monitoring the levels of crops are consumed and how many are sold, land utilisation in both urban and rural areas, and fertiliser use. The Ethiopian Government has earmarked 200 million birr – around US $23 million - for the entire project, while the European Union and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have also provided assistance. "This will also be the first time that we have ever recorded the numbers of livestock in the nomadic areas of Somali region and Afar," Girma added. The CSA has specifically targeted nomadic groups, as previously they have never been assessed accurately. According to previous estimates there are more than 35 million cattle in Ethiopia, 12 million sheep and nine million goats. Girma estimates that there are also 35 million chickens. "It used to be said that Ethiopia has the largest number of animals in Africa and was 10th in the world based on estimates, but this census will give us a true and clear picture," he noted. He said the census would rely on 13,515 people counting, 2,400 supervising the census and 300 statistical experts who will be compiling the information.