Frontieri Consult has successfully completed the final evaluation of the Health of Ethiopian Animals for Rural Development (HEARD) project. The project, funded by the European Union (EU), aimed to enhance veterinary service delivery and improve the health of animals. It was implemented in three national regional states namely Amhara, Oromia, and Somali regions of Ethiopia.
Through the collaboration effort of five implementing partners, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA), the Amhara Livestock Resource Development and Promotion Agency, the Oromia Livestock Resource Development Agency, and Somali Regional State Pastoral Development Bureau, significant achievements were made during the project’s duration.
Key Achievements of the HEARD Project
1. Contributed to addressing the gaps identified in the veterinary service delivery based on the OIE PVS evaluation and the PVS gap analysis undertaken in 2011/12.
2. Coordinated efforts with other government and donor-funded projects, filling gaps and focusing on underserved areas. The EU’s added value was evident through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and innovative technologies for disease surveillance and traceability.
3. Expanded veterinary infrastructure, improved access to services, and developed expertise in standard operating procedures, laboratory diagnostics, and disease reporting systems.
4. Piloted innovative service delivery models, including privatization of rabies vaccination, leasing of animal health posts, and integrated public-private service delivery. These models improved service quality and accessibility.
5. Developed a continuous professional development (CPD) program that laid a foundation to provide CPD training for veterinary professionals, and para-professionals.
6. Enhanced infrastructure and technical capacity of regional vet laboratories to diagnose and detect some disease outbreaks that would have otherwise been sent to the National Animal Health Institute.
7. Transformed the existing Woreda-based agricultural knowledge centers (AKCs) established by the Livestock and Irrigation Value Chains for Ethiopian Smallholders (LIVES) project into Animal Health Resource Centers.
8. Enhanced communication and knowledge dissemination in animal health services, including web-based information management systems and improved herd health methods. Training modules for meat inspectors were also developed and training was provided to experts.
Recommendations for Future Projects
Based on the findings, the following recommendations are made for future similar projects:
1. Foster stronger partnerships with organizations representing small-scale livestock producers to ensure their needs and priorities are considered in project design and decision-making processes
2. Advocate for supportive policies and regulatory frameworks
3. Strengthen project implementation and coordination to achieve better outcomes
4. Continue capacity-building and training efforts to enhance the skills and knowledge and more.
Conclusion
By strategically aligning itself with national policies and EU priorities, the HEARD project successfully addressed veterinary service delivery in the Oromia, Amhara, and Somali regions of Ethiopia. The project had made positive impacts on animal healthcare, veterinary service availability, and livestock exports.