SCALING CLIMATE-SMART SMALL RUMINANT INNOVATIONS THROUGH TOTS: PARTNERING WITH MOA, NATIONAL PROGRAMS, AND REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS Training Report Tesfaye Getachew, Berhanu, Aynalem Haile May 2025 To cite this report Getachew T, Belay B, Haile A. 2025. Scaling Climate-Smart Small Ruminant Innovations through TOTs: Partnering with MoA, National Programs, and Regional Institutions. Training Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA). Acknowledgments Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) is a project that helps deliver a climate-smart African future driven by science and innovation in agriculture. It is led by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and supported by a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank. The authors are also grateful to the CGIAR “Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAF) science program. About AICCRA Reports Titles in this series aim to disseminate interim research on scaling climate services and climate-smart agriculture in Africa and stimulate feedback from the scientific community. Photos Cover photo: © ICARDA/Mekasha Tafesse Disclaimer This report has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of AICCRA, donors, or partners. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non-commercial 4.0 International License. © 2025 Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) Partners TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ABSTRACT To support the climate-smart transformation of Ethiopia’s livestock sector, three Training of Trainers (ToT) events were organized between January and February 2025. These ToTs aimed to institutionalize the CSA SmaRT Pack—a bundled package of validated innovations for small ruminant systems—and operationalize Ethiopia’s National Red Meat Strategy. Co-led by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and Accelerating the Impact of CGIAR Climate research in Africa (AICCRA), the trainings reached a ToTal of 86 participants, including 11 women, drawn from federal institutions and over Twelve regional states, including Somali, Dire Dawa, Beneshangul Gumz, Gambella, Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, Central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, Southwest Ethiopia, and Afar. Participants represented a wide range of institutions: • Ministry of Agriculture (Federal and Regional) • Livestock Development Institute • Regional Livestock Resources Development Offices • Universities and Research Centers • The Lowlands Livelihood Resilience Project (LLRP) • The Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), New partner These TOTs were designed not only to enhance institutional capacity at higher levels but also to serve as a foundation for cascading the knowledge and skills to district-level livestock experts, development agents, cooperative leaders, and community actors. The cascade will be led by trained personnel from MoA, regional Bureaus of Agriculture, research institutions, universities, and PSNP experts, ensuring effective reach and implementation on the ground. This approach is expected to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart breeding technologies and production models across diverse agroecological zones in Ethiopia Keywords CBBP, Climate-smart small ruminant, SmaRT Pack innovations, Capacity development, National Red Meat Strategy, scaling manual TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ABOUT THE AUTHORS Tesfaye Getachew is a Scientist at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) affiliated with AICCRA. Berhanu Belay is a Researcher at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) affiliated with AICCRA. Aynalem Haile is a Principal Scientist on small ruminant at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) affiliated with AICCRA. TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) CONTENTS Introduction ...................................................................................... 1 Approaches and methods .................................................................. 2 Training Content and Approach ...................................................... 2 Key results and findings .................................................................... 3 The way forward .......................................................................... 9 Conclusion and recommendations ..................................................... 9 APPENDICES ................................................................................... 10 Appendix 1. Agenda ................................................................... 10 Appendix 2. List of participants .................................................... 11 References ...................................................................................... 13 TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) ACRONYMS CBBP Community-Based Breeding Program DTREO Data Tree, a Digital Tool for Recording and Evaluating Offspring FU Finisher Unit ICARDA International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas LDI Livestock Development Institute MoA Ministry of Agriculture MU Market Unit PSNP Productive Safety Net Program PU Production Unit ToT Training of Trainers TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 1 Introduction Ethiopia's livestock sector plays a critical role in rural livelihoods, food security, and national economic growth. Recognizing the untapped genetic potential of indigenous sheep and goat breeds, the Government of Ethiopia has made genetic improvement and commercialization of small ruminants a central focus of its livestock development agenda. The National Red Meat Strategy, launched in 2024 (MOA, 2024a), lays out a roadmap for boosting red meat productivity and quality by strengthening the breeding, feeding, health, and marketing components of small ruminant production systems. To support the implementation of this strategy, ICARDA, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, developed and launched a detailed CBBP Scaling Manual on December 27, 2024 (MOA 2024b). This manual outlines the technical framework, institutional roles, and stepwise processes for expanding CBBPs from pilot sites to national programs. To ensure that this strategy reaches the grassroots level, a series of Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops were conducted targeting key experts from federal and regional institutions, universities, research centers, and the PSNP. These trainings provided comprehensive guidance on how to implement the strategy using the CBBP and its complementary Production Unit (PU), Finisher Unit (FU), and Market Unit (MU) models. Critically, the TOTs were designed with a clear vision for cascading knowledge and skills to the lower tiers of the system. Participants from MoA, regional bureaus, research centers, and PSNP teams are now expected to roll out further training for development agents, district livestock officers, cooperative leaders, and community enumerators. This structured cascade model ensures that CBBP implementation is institutionalized and community-led, aligning with national goals for productivity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. Objectives: • Institutionalize climate-smart innovations for small ruminant systems through targeted Training of Trainers (ToTs). • Enhance technical capacity to implement Ethiopia’s National Red Meat Strategy and CBBP scaling manual across federal and regional institutions. • Facilitate widespread adoption of climate-smart livestock practices through a cascade training approach reaching local actors. TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 2 Approaches and methods Strategic Targeting of Participants: Selected experts from federal, regional, and local institutions—including MoA, LDI, PSNP, universities, and research centers—to ensure cross-sector ownership and capacity. Hands-On Training Using Standardized Tools: Delivered practical sessions based on the CBBP Scaling Manual and DTREO digital platform, with demonstrations, templates, and real data applications. Experience Sharing and Peer Learning: Facilitated knowledge exchange through regional case presentations (e.g., Washera, Wollo, Sidama), allowing participants to learn from existing CBBP sites. Stepwise Implementation Planning: Guided participants through the full scaling framework—from sire production to market linkage—using planning tools, calculators, and templates. Focus on Integration and Sustainability: Linked CBBPs to national programs like PSNP, emphasized cooperative formation, market access, and gender/youth inclusion for long-term sustainability. Training Content and Approach Each TOT followed a coherent structure aligned with implementation needs and scaling goals: The following topics were covered o Introduction to CBBP principles and the national Scaling Manual o CBBP-PU-FU-MU structure and linkages o Stepwise implementation: sire selection, PU establishment, market linkage o Cluster-based scaling and steering committee setup o Introduction to DTREO for digital performance data management o Cooperative formation and sustainability mechanisms o M&E framework and scaling calculator TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 3 Key results and findings TOT 1: National Training of Trainers on Scaling CBBPs and the Red Meat Strategy Date: January, 2025 Location: Adama Participants: 40 (including 2 women) This first national-level TOT was a landmark event that marked the start of capacity-building for regional rollout of Ethiopia’s National Red Meat Strategy and the accompanying CBBP Scaling Manual. Attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development Institute, regional bureaus, universities, and research centers, the training introduced participants to the core principles of Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs), building from the recently launched Scaling Manual for Sheep and Goat CBBPs. During the two-day event, participants were taken through the fundamental concepts of CBBP design, implementation, and performance recording systems. The Scaling Manual was used as the foundational training guide, particularly for guiding the establishment of Production Units (PUs) and integration with downstream market components. The training emphasized how to implement these models in alignment with climate-smart livestock development approaches. One of the key features of this TOT was the regional experience-sharing segment, where researchers and implementers from universities and research centers presented progress updates and lessons learned from existing CBBP sites. Presentations from Abera (Sidama), Wollo (South Wollo), Washera (Amhara), and others illustrated how performance data, especially for weaning and six-month weights, were improving due to selective breeding efforts. Presenters also highlighted data management practices, use of DTREO for digital tracking, and the practical challenges of scaling—including market access, data collector turnover, and limited local government ownership. Group discussions were held to examine cross-cutting challenges and potential for scaling CBBPs in various regions. Participants also reflected on opportunities to strengthen institutional collaboration, data collection fidelity, and PU establishment. The second day of the TOT was dedicated to translating the CBBP scaling manual into actionable implementation steps. The day began with a thorough recap of the fundamentals of Community-Based Breeding Programs (CBBPs), including core TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 4 principles such as defining breeding objectives, farmer-led selection, maintaining indigenous breed traits, and applying cost-effective, participatory approaches. Building on this foundation, participants were introduced to the full scaling framework, which consists of four interconnected components: • CBBP sites as the nucleus for producing improved breeding sires. • Production Units (PUs) where these sires are used for meat production. • Finisher Units (FUs) for further conditioning animals for market; and • Market Units (MUs), where fattened animals are aggregated, promoted, and sold. Each component was described in terms of function, linkage to the others, and operational guidelines. A key topic of the day was the cluster-based scaling approach, which involves grouping adjacent CBBP and PU sites that work on the same breed or within the same geographic region. Clustering promotes coordination among multiple implementing institutions—such as regional livestock bureaus, research centers, universities, and development projects—while enabling economies of scale in sire production, data collection, capacity building, and market engagement. Participants were introduced to steering committees as governance bodies responsible for coordinating activities, approving plans, standardizing operations, and mobilizing resources. Following this, the session moved into the stepwise implementation of both CBBPs and PUs. Participants reviewed detailed procedures beginning from site and breed selection, community engagement, and enumerator recruitment, to data collection, genetic evaluation, selection and certification of sires, and formation of informal breeder cooperatives. Presenters emphasized the importance of consistent data management, highlighting the use of DTREO, a digital tool for recording pedigree and performance data to support informed sire selection and breeding decisions. For Production Units (PUs), the training focused on site identification, awareness creation, mating group formation, procurement and allocation of certified sires, and sire management, including rotation and replacement to avoid inbreeding. Participants were also trained on data collection formats specific to PU monitoring, including sire inventory sheets and quarterly lambing performance forms. Templates from the manual were demonstrated to guide consistent and simplified recordkeeping. Participants discussed the sustainability of PU sites, particularly the importance of building financial independence through cooperative formation, legalized operations, and the use of revolving funds generated from sire sales and internal TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 5 sources. Strategies for promoting market linkage, including collaboration with trade offices, organizing animal fairs, and using mass and social media for visibility, were also covered. The final session introduced participants to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework, including indicators to track sire performance, flock productivity, cooperative functionality, and gender inclusiveness. Participants were encouraged to tailor their regional scaling plans using the Excel-based CBBP and PU scaling calculators available through the MoA and Livestock Development Institute. The day concluded with a reflection session, where participants shared their impressions and discussed how the information would be cascaded to regional and district staff. Many acknowledged that the clarity provided by the manual and the structured sessions enabled them to move from general awareness to actionable planning. Figure 1. Scaling framework for community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 6 Figure 2. Group photo of participants holding the Community-Based Breeding Program (CBBP) scaling manual Figure 3. Training participants from multiple regions attending the CBBP scaling workshop TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 7 ToT 2: Aligning CBBPs with PSNP for Performance Monitoring and Expansion Date: February 3–5, 2025 Location: Adama Participants: 23 participants from Somali, Dire Dawa, Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Sidama, Southwest Ethiopia, and Federal MoA The second TOT targeted experts from the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) and federal MoA, aiming to align CBBP activities with PSNP’s livelihoods agenda. Through presentations and practical sessions, participants learned how community breeding efforts can be used to enhance resilience outcomes among vulnerable households. Performance monitoring, especially around growth, reproduction, and offtake, was discussed as a means of evaluating program impact. This TOT marked the first time CBBP approaches were formally introduced to PSNP experts at this scale. Participants discussed how CBBPs can be piloted in PSNP districts and how DTREO could serve as a monitoring tool. Regional representatives agreed on the importance of including improved breeding and PU support in PSNP- supported woredas and requested further technical assistance for rollout. ToT 3: Capacity Strengthening of Federal and Regional Livestock Experts Date: February 2025 Participants: 23 (7 women) from all regions except Somali and Afar The final TOT focused on deepening technical and implementation knowledge of federal and regional livestock experts. The training offered refresher sessions on performance recording tools, data validation, and stakeholder coordination. Greater emphasis was placed on ensuring all actors understand their roles in managing CBBP sites, scaling PUs, and linking to marketing actors. The training also included further elaboration on climate-smart livestock practices, drawing on examples from Washera and Wollo CBBPs, where cooperatives have begun utilizing revolving funds for ram purchases, fattening sheds, and enhanced data-based ram selection. Gender participation was more prominent in this round, demonstrating an effort to enhance inclusivity. TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 8 Figure 4. Mr. Asmelash Berhie (MoA) and Dr. Tesfaye Getachew (ICARDA) delivering sessions on the Ethiopian Red Meat Strategy and CBBP scaling TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 9 The way forward • Cascade Training and Build Capacity: Roll out regional and district-level training using TOT graduates to expand CBBPs and implement the Red Meat Strategy. • Scale through Cluster Approach: Establish functional clusters linking CBBPs, Production Units (PUs), Finishers, and Market Units with active coordination and governance. • Strengthen Data and Monitoring Systems: Fully deploy DTREO for data collection, sire selection, and performance tracking; apply standardized M&E tools. • Align with National Programs and Mobilize Support: Integrate CBBPs into PSNP and other national programs; engage partners for funding and technical support. • Enhance Market Linkage and Inclusivity: Promote cooperative-led commercialization, ensure gender and youth participation, and document best practices for wider scaling. Conclusion and recommendations The series of TOTs conducted between January and February 2025 represents a major milestone in operationalizing Ethiopia’s National Red Meat Strategy and CBBP Scaling Manual. By training federal and regional staff from the MoA, PSNP, and regional bureaus, Ethiopia has built a solid foundation for the successful roll-out of sustainable, climate-smart small ruminant improvement programs. The cascading effect of this training—reaching district-level staff and ultimately livestock keepers—will be key to achieving tangible improvements in productivity, incomes, and rural resilience. Continued follow-up and institutional support will be critical to sustain momentum and ensure lasting impact. TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 10 APPENDICES Appendix 1. Agenda Activity Schedule Responsibility Day 1: January 1, 2025 Registration and Welcome Coffee 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Mourad Opening Remarks 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM ICARDA, MOA, Red meat strategy - Overview Asmelash Progress Presentations by Clusters o Washera Wollo (Alula, Bekele, Zemedkun, Mulatu Dagnew) o Menz Shewa (Aschalew) o LFSDP Experience (Muluken) o Bongacho (Zelalem, Extension Team) 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM Respective implementers Tea Break 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM ICARDA Progress Presentations by Clusters o DMI (Werabie, Extension Team) o Horo-Wonchi and LFSDP Experience (Kejela, Tussa) o BOOM (Mekete) o Mulatu Gobeze o Jimma (Aregaw) o Haramaya (Dugassa) o Sidama (Amelmal) 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Respective implementers Lunch Break 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ICARDA Discussion: Cross-Cutting Insights from Progress o Key Challenges and Lessons Learned o Opportunities for Scaling 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM Respective implementers Tea Break 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM ICARDA Training of Trainers (TOT) on Scaling Manual • Climate smart livestock practices 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Berhanu Day 2: January 2, 2025 Training of Trainers (TOT) on Scaling Manual o Overview and Objectives o Key Components of the Manual 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM Tesfaye TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 11 Tea break 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM ICARDA Practices to adopt framework and group work o Scaling Framework Implementation and Challenges o Role Distribution and Stakeholder Engagement o Action Plan Development 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Participants Lunch Break 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM ICARDA Feedback 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM participants Tea break 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM ICARDA Discussion, way forward, closing 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM All Appendix 2. List of participants No Name Organization 1 Shenkute Goshme DBARC 2 Ahmed Alkader LS office 3 Bekahagn Wondimenh AARC 4 Oumer Sheriff Asossa University 5 Alula Alemayehu Wollo University 6 Dagne Muluneh LDI 7 Aschalew Abebe DBARC 8 Zelalem Admasu Mizan-Tepi University 9 Tegegnework Salilih South-west Agriculture (BOA) 10 Nahom Belay(Dr) Bonga ARC 11 Endalamaw Adane Benishangul (BOA) 12 Asmelash Berhe MOA 13 Kejela Tesema DBA 14 Mulugeta Asefa DBA 15 Eyob Onto Werabe Universiy 16 Mekete Girma South-Ethiopia 17 Bomud Yesuf Central Ethiopia.Agri 18 Habitamu Ergicho Worabe ARC TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 12 19 Mulatu Gobeze SDARC 20 Zemedikun Diffe Mekidal Amba University 21 Awasa Tsela MOA 22 Teweldbirhan Girmay MOA 23 Argaw Abera Jimma University 24 Dugassa Dessalegn Haramaya University 25 Tusa Gemechu Boko ARC 26 Leta Fufa MOA 27 Nigst Abrha MOA 28 Yibrah G/meskel LLRP 29 Habib Jemal S/E/AGRI (BOA) 30 Geremew W/Giorgis Sidam Agri (BOA) 31 Berhan Feleke MOA 32 Kebeki Urga MOA 33 Dessalegn Redie MOA 34 Amelmal Alemayehu HARC 35 Eyob Alemu MOA 36 Feyisa Lemessa YDDARC 37 Zenebe W/semayat DBARC/Driver 38 Tesfaye Getachew ICARDA 39 Berhanu Belay ICARDA 40 Kassahun Melaku ICARDA TRAINING REPORT Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) 13 References MOA, 2024a. Ethiopian National Red Meat Development Strategy: 2025-2031. Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168560 Ministry of Agriculture Ethiopia (MoA)b. 2024. Manual for Scaling Community- Based Breeding Programs for Sheep and Goats. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Ministry of Agriculture. https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168792 https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168560 https://hdl.handle.net/10568/168792