Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development www.iiste.org ISSN 2222-1700 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2855 (Online) Vol.6, No.13, 2015 151 Dorper Sheep Technology Transfer in Damot Gale Woreda: Role of Food Security Ermias Belete Animal and Range Sciences, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University, P. bo;138 Asrat Worku, Rurla Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University, P. bo; 138 Abstract A cross sectional study has been conducted in Damot Gale woreda with the objectives of documenting the role and technology transfer of Dorper sheep crosses. Three PA were selected, 4, 4, and 2 Dorper sheep crosses were distributed for Cocca, Ade koysha and Wanddara PA target women, respectively to run technology transfer. The Dorper is a hardy South African composite breed, derived from a cross between the Black headed Persian, and regarded as early-maturing improved sheep breed. The breed adapts well to a wide variety of environmental conditions and has fast growth than local sheep breed in the woreda. Technology transfer is the most important tool for livestock improvement. Lack of extension service in Dorper technology transfer as a problem was identified. Further study is needed to scale upping facilitating market opportunities by connecting the marketing route of this locality with big market players Keywords: Cross sectional, Dorper, improvement, and technology trasfer Introduction Ethiopia has around 26 million sheep (CSA, 2013) and most of the sheep population of the country is kept by smallholder farmers and sheep production in the country is traditional (EARO, 2001). Comparing the presence of large population, the productivity of indigenous sheep is very low mainly due to low genetic potential. And in spite of its vast land size and agricultural potential, Ethiopia has been trapped in the state of food insecurity and poverty Within the aim of improving indigenous sheep productivity, in Ethiopia crossbreeding has been undertaken employing several exotic breed. However, efforts made so far did not bring significant change because of sustainability problems (poor performance of imported breeds from the temperate developed world into tropical countries has created a negative image for genetic improvement programmes) (Ayalew et al., 2003). Food security is closely linked to the concept of livelihoods, so that analyses and assessments of the food-security situation in poverty-stricken areas have increasingly included a livelihood perspective (FAO, 2011). The sustainable livelihoods framework identifies five types of assets (physical, natural, financial, social and human) that individuals or households can draw upon selectively in the pursuit of desired outcomes, such as increased income, reduced vulnerability and improved food security. There is no easy way to measure food security; it is a complex phenomenon determined by the interaction of a broad range of agro-ecological, environmental, socio-economic, political and biological factors. Most food-security monitoring systems draw heavily on two information sources, crop and/or livestock production data and market price information. Therefore, it is obvious that livestock sector has its own role in food security. Recently, the Dorper was imported from South Africa to Southern Nation Nationality and People State, Wolaita zone to evaluate the breed as a potential performance (Belete et al., 2014). The first Dorper batch imported to Areka Agricultural Research Center, breeding, evaluation and distribution (BED) site for the breed establishment, along with a genetic improvement programme to improve mutton yield of local sheep at Wolaita zone(AARC, 2012). So far concerning to Dorper sheep breed crosses, no adequate research has been conducted in Ethiopia. As a result, the intention of this paper is to explore the particular role of Dorper sheep in smallholder livelihoods and food security and in the socio cultural aspects of smallholder life. Therefore, the objectives of the research were: to assess Dorper sheep technology transfer and its role in feed security Materials and Methods Wolaita zone located at 330 kms to the south-west of Addis Ababa and 160 km from Hawassa, the regional capital city. Its altitude ranges from 1200 to 2950 masl. It has twelve woreda, of which, Damot Gale woreda was purposively selected based on Dorper sheep distribution. Damot Gale is located in between 6º51" and 7º35" North Longitude. Agro ecology of the areas is 60% highland (Dega), 28% midland (Weina Dega) and 12% (kola). The average temperature varies from minimum 13.6 0 C to maximum 25.1 0 C. The annual average rainfall in Damot Gale is 1175 mm. In a bimodal pattern with three distinct seasons; dry (November to February), small rains from March to June and big rains from July to October in both districts (NMA, 2013, WZFED, 2013). brought to you by CORE View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk provided by International Institute for Science, Technology and Education (IISTE): E-Journals