Livestock price trends, December 2016-January 2017

In Ethiopia, live animal sales reflect significant seasonal variations. Demand and supply are heavily influenced by the consumer habits connected to religious practices, festivities in both the lowland and highland areas and natural disasters.

In general there was a mixed livestock price and supply trend in most of the major reported markets from Ethiopia December 2016 and January 2017. In this period, almost all reported livestock species showed a similar price and supply trend.

There was an increase in prices of cattle from beginning of December 2016 till end of January 2017 due to domestic demand during the festive season. Within these periods, the average price of shoats looks similar. During the month of February 2017, the livestock prices recorded a general dropdown in price as compared to the preceding months. This drop in price is expected to continue to the end of April 2017, the final duration of the fasting season. The domestic Ethiopian markets are expected to bounce upwards in the first weeks of May 2017 following the fasting seasons and trends in the country.

In major markets reporting across Ethiopia in the time period of December 2016 - January 2017, the supply of cattle has increased at Mega 42.7 % ↑, Babile Oromia 24.1 % ↑, and a decline report in Afar -20.3 % ↓, Mieso Oromia -29.6 % ↓, Raya Azebo -10.9 % ↓, Midega -2.3 % ↓.

Finally, a number of livestock markets showed a decline in price and supply, which can also be attributed by the current drought, occurred mainly at the pastoral areas.

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