Impact of sheep offtake rates on greenhouse gas emissions in central and southern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of sheep offtake rate interventions on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within Ethiopia's extensive livestock systems. It was conducted in sheep producing areas of Kaffa (Bonga) and Menz. Mixed-methods research approach was employed including a survey of 323 households, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Greenhouse gas emissions were estimated using the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM-I) for emissions estimation. The results show that sheep are kept primarily for income and household consumption, with sales occurring at local markets, cooperatives, and farm-gates. Participation in Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs) significantly increases offtake rates (0.44 for participants vs. 0.29 for non-participants). While CBBP participants had larger herds, their emission intensity (GHG emitted per kilogram of protein produced) was substantially lower (151.9 kg CO₂-eq kg⁻ 1 protein in Menz for CBBP members vs. 250.2 kg CO₂-eq kg⁻ 1 protein for non-participants). The analysis demonstrates that higher offtake rates optimize herd structure by reducing unproductive animals, leading to a greater percentage reduction in total emissions compared to flocks with lower offtake. The greater emission reduction observed in Bonga (58.36%) compared to Menz (27.21%) highlights that the environmental benefit of CBBPs depends on local agro-ecological and market conditions. Within the scope of this study, the evidence shows that CBBPs increase offtake rates and reduce both emission intensity and absolute emissions in Ethiopia’s extensive sheep systems. These findings provide a measurable basis for integrating improved offtake management into climate-smart livestock interventions.