Communiqué: AU-IBAR support to the development and operationalization of the livestock identification traceability system in Sudan

Date
Wed, 17-03-2021 15:00:00
©2021 AU IBAR, Landing Cattle, Sudan

 

On the 27 February 2021, the Sudanese Ministry of Animal Resources in close collaboration with AU-IBAR, organized a one-day inception workshop to announce the kick-off of the Sustainable Development of Livestock for Livelihoods in Africa project, “Live2Africa”, officially. In Sudan the project has a particular emphasis, as requested by the State, to development and operationalize a Livestock Identification Traceability System (LITS). The workshop was attended by most stakeholders of the livestock sector.  

Dr. Mary Mbole-Kariuki, the Live2Africa project officer, actively participated with a comprehensive virtual presentation drawing the background of the project – AU-IBAR, its objectives, result areas and mode of operation in terms of collaboration. Focused also on highlighting the technologies and innovations result area, the workshop formulated recommendations to refine and strengthen the road map and business process for a smooth implementation of the project.

At the end of the event, the LITS team, the participants and stakeholders visited several potential feedlots in Western Omdurman, the Elmuleih terminal livestock market, and the Alkadro collective quarantine which is considered as an intermediate quarantine for exports. The final quarantine stations are those in Sawakin in Red Sea state and Wadi Halfa terminal quarantine in Northern state at the border with Eygpt and Khartoum airport quarantine.

Background of the project in Sudan

©2021 AU IBAR, Incertion workshop Sudan

In a collaborated effort between AU-IBAR and the Sudanese Ministry of Animal Resources, the project was started in December, 2020, for a six month period that includes a pilot phase. The project’s context includes three objectives:
•    A comprehensive needs assessment,
•    Establishment and operationalization of a LITS database
•    Training of all stakeholders involved in the project with the production of a LITS training manual.

For the Sudanese Ministry of Animal Resources, the government needs to have operational LITs and domesticated legal frameworks to enhance the efficiency of the LVC further. The outcome is to promote the commercialization of the red meat and live animals value chain through improving its efficiency.

AU-IBAR is also collaborating with the IGAD Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (IGAD/ICPALD) to support the LITS the development and operationalization in Sudan. Within the scope of the Live2Africa project, AU-IBAR selected two qualified and experienced consultants by the name of Drs Michael Bradfield and Ahmed Ali, to develop and implement the LITS in Sudan. Dr Shirin Elamin is the LITS focal person that will be responsible for the implementation of the LITS in Sudan. The system’s development includes the livestock Identification devices which are similar to those used in Ethiopia, and tested software modules, including a database.

The importance of experience sharing

The project implementation started with a visit to Ethiopia by the consultants and the focal person that was facilitated by AU-IBAR office in Nairobi. The purpose of the visit was to share the Ethiopian experience for the development of their LITS. Dr Bradfield was also involved in the original Ethiopian LITS development and proposal. The program is considered one of the most advanced systems in the IGAD region, and compares well with other successful systems in Africa. In Ethiopia, the mission was cordially received by the Ethiopian ministry of agriculture, and LITS falls under its jurisdiction. The mission wanted to meet with their Ethiopian counterparts to understand the challenges and successes of the Ethiopian system, including the recording of movements and the accompanying health certificates. The mission also took the opportunity to specifically thank Dr’s Yilkal Kebede and Getachew Jember, from Ethiopia’s Ministry of agriculture, for their assistance to make the mission a success.