Advances in Biological Research 13 (1): 24-29, 2019 ISSN 1992-0067 © IDOSI Publications, 2019 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.abr.2019.24.29 Corresponding Author: Admasu Lakew, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences, Debre Berhan University, PO Box 445, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia. 24 Socio-Economic Characteristics of Urban and Peri-Urban Dairy Production Systems in Selected Districts of North Shoa Zone Milk Shed Areas, Ethiopia Admasu Lakew, Gebeyehu Goshu, Ashenafi Mengistu, Gezahegne Mamo and Tilaye Demissie 1 2 2 2 2 Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture 1 and Natural Resource Sciences, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia Addis Ababa University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Bishoftu, Ethiopia 2 Abstract: In order to evaluate the socio-economic characteristics of urban and peri-urban dairy production systems in the in the selected districts of North Shoa Zone milk shed areas, Ethiopia, a field survey was conducted which included 175 farms. It was concluded that smallholder dairy producers and dairy production was the main occupation. Crossbred dairy cows were preferably kept by the producers than local dairy cows. Crossbred dairy cows have a higher milk yield. Although dairy production was the main source of income and job opportunity to producer’s, shortage of land to expand dairy production and for the cultivation of improved dairy feed was major constraints. Key words: Dairy production Ethiopia North Shoa Zone Socio-Economy Peri-Urban Urban INTRODUCTION In Ethiopia, urban and peri-urban, dairying is a Ethiopia has a large cattle population estimated at (Milk and meat), supplementary income and generating 57.83 million heads out of which the female cattle employment opportunity. Understanding the dairy constitute about 55.38 percent and the remaining 44.62 production systems and economic contribution of a percent are male cattle [1]. Among the total cattle certain locality can help researchers and development population, 98.59 % (57.83 million) are indigenous, 1.22% practitioners to revise and implement the appropriate are crossbreds and 0.19% exotic breeds [1]. Cattle play an technology. Moreover, since the production systems and important socio-economic role in the livelihoods of dairy economic contribution of the dairy animals are dynamic, producers, exporting live animals and their products. it is essential to understand the changes that might have The country has a favorable climate for keeping high taken over time. The increased demand for dairy products yielding dairy breeds, which has huge potential for feed and human population pressure the importance of the production as well as an ever-increasing demand for dairy sector in the Ethiopian economy and increased dairy milk and milk products [2]. Although there is a shortage productivity through good management practices is of land and space to keep dairy cattle, in urban and important. Therefore, the present study was initiated to peri-urban areas of Ethiopia due to the expansion of the assess socio-economic characteristics of urban and peri- town’s small and medium-sized dairy farmers increased urban dairy production practices in milk shed areas of from time to time. Similarly, FAO [3] reported that the North Shoa Zone of Amhara Region State, Ethiopia. experience of keeping animals in urban and peri-urban areas is increasing in many developing countries. Sabine MATERIALS AND METHODS and Wyn [4] argued that urban livestock keeping benefits the poor in terms of diversifying livelihood activities. Description of the Study Area: The study was conducted Urban and peri-urban agriculture can be a significant in milk-shed areas of North Shoa Zone of Amhara entry point for poverty alleviation including the provision National Regional State (ANRS), Central Ethiopia which of employment to the household family members [5]. is located at 39°30' East longitude and 09°36' North source of subsistence through household nutrition