SmaRT-Ethiopia Program: Update report on partners and actors landscaping and engagement

Abstract

For the implementation of the Ethiopia priority country program on Small Ruminant Value Chain Transformation (SmaRT-Ethiopia), partners and actors at national and local level play a key role in research and development activities. The Theory of Change of the SmaRT program includes direct involvement of or strong relationships with a very diverse set of actors. In August 2019, the SmaRT team systematically reviewed partners and actors in the SR value chain and developed plans for engagement with national and local level partners and actors. In March 2021 and in August 2021, the team reviewed the relationships with partners and actors at national and local level, respectively and the progress made related to the engagement plans. Little progress was made on the engagement plan at national level due to limitations imposed by Covid-19 and the security situation. Contrarily, on the local level active engagement with research partners and public service providers was achieved through Communities of Practice established at the sites and Community Conversations related to health, feeding and collective action.