July 19, 2024
FAO and Eritrea launch project to combat LSD in livestock
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has initiated a new project aimed at curbing the spread of lumpy skin disease (LSD) in agropastoral and pastoral communities in Eritrea.
This effort is in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture for Eritrea and is intended to improve the livelihoods of livestock herders.
With a budget of US$225,000, the project, titled "Support to the Vulnerable Pastoralists and Agro pastoralists by Responding to LSD Outbreaks in Gash Barka, Debub, Anseba, and Maekel regions," has been financially supported by the Government of Japan. The programme targets hotspot areas to control and curb the spread of LSD, thereby enhancing the resilience of livestock herders.
Mohamed Aw-Dahir, FAO Eritrea Representative ad-interim, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for being a resilient resource partner of FAO and for funding the LSD project at a critical time for Eritrea.
He said, "LSD is a very contagious livestock disease, mostly attacking big ruminants, and can inflict a great deal of damage in the livestock sector, reducing the production of milk, meat, and hides, and affecting the reproduction of animals. This has undoubtedly impacted the economy of the country and the livelihoods of the pastoralists and agropastoralists, who rely on their livestock. The current rainy season creates favourable conditions for the spread of the LSD disease, which is now widespread across the country."
The launching workshop was attended by UN agencies, government representatives, and key stakeholders who were briefed on the program overview and planned activities. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture of the government of Eritrea with support from FAO Eritrea.
Eritrea, a least developed country, has approximately 70% of its population living in rural areas, relying on rainfed farming, livestock, and fisheries.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations
