Official says 4.4 million bales of hay needed to save 10pct of cattle in Borena Zone

Addis Ababa, February 23, 2023 (FBC) – Borena Zone of Oromia Regional State disclosed that at least 4.4 million bales of hay are needed to save 10 percent of the cattle being affected by the drought condition.

It is stated that more than 3 million livestock have already died due to starvation out of this 85 percent are cattle.

Saying that efforts are underway to salvage the remaining 230,000 cattle in dire condition, the Zonal Administration stated that 4.4 million bales of hay are desperately needed to for the rescue operation.

Jarso Boru, Chief Administrator of Borena Zone, said 135,000 quintals of animal fodder is needed; but, he said, only 1 percent of the required amount has been met.

Jarso said the emergency works may not be effective to save lives of the vulnerable cattle due to shortage of assistance, he said.

Borena Zone has so far sustained losses amounting to 33 billion birr due to the death of millions of livestock in the area, according to the Chief Administrator.