(ToR) Bridging Animal Welfare Practices with Productivity and Livelihood Outcomes in Small-Scale Beef and Poultry Systems in Ethiopia

About the Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA) The Ethiopian Veterinary Association (EVA) is a non-political, non-profit, membership-based professional organization operating in Ethiopia, with registry number 0495, in accordance with Proclamation No. 1113/2019. With a steadfast commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of its members, EVA is dedicated to advancing the veterinary profession and driving the growth of a robust, competitive livestock industry in Ethiopia. The Association actively engages in policy advocacy, knowledge development, and the dissemination of best practices to support Ethiopia’s livestock sector. Currently, EVA boasts more than 2,000 members working in diverse areas of veterinary science, creating a strong professional network dedicated to improving animal health, advancing veterinary standards, and contributing to national development. The RESTORE Project (Livestock Services in Conflict and Drought Affected Areas of Ethiopia (RESTORE)) is funded by the European Union (EU, represented by the European Commission) and aims to sustain recovery of the livestock system from the conflict and drought-induced crises. The project seeks to enhance overall productivity and improve the marketing of livestock products, with a strong focus on strengthening animal health services through reliable, integrated public and private veterinary service delivery. With financial support from the RESTORE project, EVA intends to conduct a study titled “Bridging Animal Welfare Practices with Productivity and Livelihood Outcomes in Small-Scale Beef and Poultry Systems in Ethiopia.” Background and Rationale  Ethiopia holds Africa’s largest livestock population, with more than 244 million animals, including cattle, poultry, goats, sheep, donkeys, camels, and horses, equivalent to 95 million Veterinary Livestock Units (VLU). The sector contributes significantly to the national economy: 25.3% of GDP, 45% of agricultural GDP, 20% of export earnings, and provides livelihoods for around 80% of the rural population, as well as employment opportunities for millions. Veterinary services play a crucial role in improving animal health and welfare, thereby reducing poverty and strengthening rural livelihoods.Animal welfare is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Building efficient, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems requires integrating welfare issues into governance at all levels. In Ethiopia, however, animals face serious welfare challenges across production systems. Government policies have largely emphasized boosting the output of priority commodities, with limited attention to animal welfare.International trade regulations have increasingly emphasized the role of animal welfare in market access and competitiveness. Recognizing this, the Government of Ethiopia recently ratified the Animal Health and Welfare Proclamation (No. 1376/2025). This creates an enabling environment for integrating animal...