Heal at the ESAP Conference

From 18 to 20 September 2025, the Ethiopian Society of Animal Production (ESAP) held its 33rd Annual Conference in Mekelle. Experts from research, policy and practice came together to discuss the future of livestock systems under increasing pressure from climate change, conflict and land degradation.

One contribution stood out. The HEAL project introduced a practical solution to a long-standing gap in pastoral systems.

The project, implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse and Amref Health Africa, works with a One Health approach. It links human, animal and environmental health and is active in pastoral regions of Ethiopia.

While systems for human and animal health are established, rangelands have largely been left out. There is no dedicated extension system to support their management at community level. This gap has real consequences. Degraded rangelands directly affect livestock, food security and livelihoods.

To address this, HEAL is piloting Community Rangeland Health Workers (CRHWs).

These community-based workers focus on what is missing today. They raise awareness on invasive species, monitor rangeland conditions and support restoration efforts. They also promote practical solutions such as fodder production, tree planting and income activities like beekeeping that strengthen both ecosystems and livelihoods.

At the conference, ILRI experts presented the concept and early results. One key point was the role CRHWs can play beyond local action. They can contribute data for early warning systems and link community observations with scientific monitoring. They also strengthen collaboration between sectors that usually operate separately.

The response was clear. Rangeland health is not a side issue. It is central to any serious One Health approach in pastoral areas.

This was reflected in the conference outcome. Participants developed an 11-point roadmap for livestock and rangeland development in Ethiopia. One of the priorities is the integration of livestock, rangelands, human and ecosystem health. The CRHW model directly contributes to this goal.

The next step is scale and integration. The HEAL project is now working on strengthening the model, increasing the number of women involved and developing a training curriculum that could be used at national level.

The discussion in Mekelle showed one thing clearly. Without functioning rangelands, efforts in livestock development and health will fall short.

Putting rangelands on the agenda is not optional. It is overdue.