Hides and Skins Production Improvement Pillars and Initiatives the Case in Ethiopia: A Review of Literature
Teklay Asgedom Teferi
ABSTRACT
The hides and skins sector represents a significant source of foreign exchange and livelihood for Ethiopia, yet its potential remains constrained by pre- and post-slaughter defects that diminish quality and international market competitiveness. This study identifies the core pillars essential for improving hides and skins production in Ethiopia and evaluates the corresponding initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges. Through a descriptive case study analysis, the research highlights that the primary defects such as branding, flayning cuts, and poor preservation stem from deep-rooted issues across the value chain. The foundational pillars for improvement are identified as: Animal Management, focusing on breed improvement, health, and pre-slaughter welfare; Slaughtering and Flaying Practices, emphasizing training and modern facility upgrades; Post-Slaughter Handling and Preservation, promoting proper salting and storage techniques; and Market Linkages and Policy Support, enhancing value addition and export standards. The findings reveal that while isolated initiatives exist, a disjointed effort and lack of coordinated enforcement undermine their effectiveness. A synergistic approach, integrating these four pillars, is paramount for transforming the sector.
The study demonstrates that sustainable production improvement is not dependent on a single solution but on the simultaneous strengthening of four interdependent pillars: animal management, slaughterhouse operations, post-slaughter handling, and a supportive policy and market environment. The current state of the sector is characterized by a clear understanding of the problems but a critical lack of coordinated and enforced implementation of solutions. Without an integrated strategy, the sector will continue to incur significant economic losses due to downgraded and rejected products in the global market. It is recommended that a National Hides and Skins Improvement Taskforce, comprising representatives from different stakeholders, be established. This body should: Mandate and Enforce Standards: Develop and strictly enforce a national quality standard for hides and skins, from farm to port. Implement Integrated Training Programs: Roll out large-scale, practical training for farmers, traders, and abattoir workers on animal welfare, flaying techniques, and immediate preservation methods. Incentivize Quality: Introduce a grading and pricing system that transparently rewards suppliers for higher-quality raw materials, creating a financial incentive for improvement. Facilitate Market-Oriented Production: Foster stronger linkages between tanneries and pastoralist communities to ensure production meets specific international buyer requirements.
