ILRI empowers Ethiopian livestock farmers with innovative PPD approach

ETHIOPIA – The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has introduced the PioneerPositive Deviance (PPD) approach, a groundbreaking initiative to empower Ethiopian livestock farmers to tackle challenges posed by climate change, disease outbreaks, and limited resources.  

The PPD approach was unveiled through a series of workshops held in Addis Ababa, bringing together an array of stakeholders, including regional experts, government officials, NGO representatives, researchers, private sector players, and development agents. 

These sessions explored how the tool could drive sustainability and resilience in Ethiopia’s livestock sector.  

At its heart, the PPD approach operates on a transformative idea: communities can learn from their most successful members who have overcome shared challenges. 

Dubbed “Pioneer Households,” these farmers are living examples of resilience, having developed innovative practices to adapt to climate stressors and other hurdles.  

“By identifying and amplifying the practices of these Pioneer Households, we can unlock locally rooted solutions that genuinely work,” ILRI explained. 

“This bottom-up model shifts the focus from external interventions to community-driven knowledge sharing, empowering farmers and fostering resilience across Ethiopia’s livestock systems.”  

Partnering with Adaptation Pioneer Households (APHs)  

A key component of the PPD initiative involves collaboration with Adaptation Pioneer Households (APHs) and extension workers, particularly in Debre Birhan.

Together, they codesigned practical extension materials that address critical issues such as homemade feed concentrate preparation, crop residue storage, and haymaking.  

These materials, presented as booklets and visual posters, have been strategically distributed through veterinary services, community centres, and door-to-door campaigns, reaching thousands of households across multiple woredas.  

Farmers’ feedback on these resources has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to local contexts.

One farmer noted, “These materials help us improve our practices using existing resources.”  

ILRI’s workshops also emphasised how the PPD approach could enhance Ethiopia’s agricultural extension system. Participants discussed strategies to expand the pool of Adaptation Pioneer Households, foster peer-to-peer learning through farmer networks, and integrate PPD principles into existing extension programs.  

The workshops highlighted several anticipated benefits of the approach, including:  

•  Promoting climate resilience through locally adaptable solutions.  
•  Empowering farmers to lead their development initiatives.  
•  Increasing productivity via cost-effective and low-risk innovations.  
•  Fostering collaboration between farmers and extension agents.  

Revamping livestock transport in Ethiopia

The introduction of PPD follows Ethiopia’s recent push for innovation in the livestock sector, such as launching its first livestock transportation train three months ago. 

The EthioDjibouti Railway Joint Stock Company began transporting livestock to Djibouti, reducing transport stress on animals and boosting the quality of meat exports.  

“With this railway, Ethiopia is showcasing its commitment to efficient, sustainable trade,” the company’s CEO said, adding that the initiative enhances export capacity while strengthening Ethiopia’s economy.  

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