Multiplication and Distribution of Qorti’ Borana Heifers to Enhance the Production and Genetic Quality in Urban and Peri-Urban Communities of Borana Zone, Southern Oromia: On-Station

The Borana cattle breed is valued for its milk and meat production, hardiness in arid climates, and cultural importance among the Oromo Borana people. Its adaptability and productivity make it one of the most important indigenous cattle breeds in Africa, and a strong foundation for genetic improvement programs. This report presents the outcomes of a Borana heifer multiplication and distribution to the selected FSRP district program in the pastoralist areas of the Borana Zone, Oromia Region. The program aims to enhance milk production, genetic quality, and household income through targeted breeding, community-level multiplication centers, and structured distribution following a pass-on or technology distribution based on charging system of Borana heifer. As a result, 29 heifers were managed to be produced in on-station Yabello Pastoral and Dryland Agriculture Research Center (YPDARC) during 2023 and 2024 breeding seasons and consequently, distributed to 8 households among which 2 were women in the first phase of distribution with health protocols followed national veterinary guidelines, including CBPP and FMD vaccinations. Results show that improved productivity, economic empowerment (especially for women), and growing community resilience in response to drought and livestock loss. The current market value of heifers in the zone was 45,000 ETB and sold milk 140 ETB/Lt. Therefore, The intervention was supported by Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa, Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, IQQO to mitigate the current dairy product market crisis and animal genetic problems from September 2024 through July 2025 in the first phase.