ATI and Partners Launch Rangeland Health Monitoring System for Somali Region

The Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI), in collaboration with partners, launched the National Rangeland Health Monitoring System (NRMS) for the Somali Region  on September 5, 2026, in Jigjiga, bringing together federal and regional officials, pastoralists, stakeholders and experts.

According to Dr. Yoseph Mekasha, Director of the Livestock Commercialization Program at ATI, the system provides science-based, real-time data to support sustainable rangeland and livestock management and strengthen climate resilience. He highlighted ATI and its partners’ progress in rolling out the system, noting that it has already been completed, validated and launched for the rangelands of Borana Zone of Oromia, Afar Region and Dire Dawa Administration.

Mr. Mohammed Sherif, Director General of the Somali Region Livestock and Agricultural Research Institute, underscored the importance of reliable rangeland information amid growing threats from climate change, land degradation and invasive species. He noted that the new system will help proactively identify and address these challenges, supporting more effective rangeland management and informed decision-making.

During his opening remark, Dr. Dahir Mohammed, Advisor to the President of Somali Regional State of Ethiopia, highlighted that the rangelands are a fundamental component of the country’s livestock economy, ecological systems and pastoral livelihoods. He also noted that for the Somali Region in particular, livestock and rangelands are deeply interconnected with the economic, social and cultural life of pastoral communities. The Somali Region, therefore,needs timely information that can help institutions anticipate changes and respond before environmental stress becomes a livelihood crisis, and advised regional stakeholders to collaborate with ATI and partners and operationalize the platform.

Mrs. Tsegerade Fekadu, representing the State Minister for the Livestock and Fisheries Sector at the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the necessity of a coordinated, science-backed national monitoring system. She also highlighted that the Government of Ethiopia remains committed to advancing sustainable rangeland management, climate adaptation, food security, and inclusive agricultural development. The National Rangeland Health Monitoring System can become a transformative national platform that supports these priorities and strengthens our collective capacity to respond to emerging environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Prof. Firew Tegegne, Deputy CEO of ATI, encouraged participants to view the launch as a commitment to a new generation of rangeland management built on continuous monitoring, early warning, strong partnerships and community participation.

The event also featured presentations and a live demonstration by experts involved in the design and development of the system. Finally, a general discussion was held, led by Prof. Daniel Temesgen, President of the Ethiopian Society  of Animal Production, and Mr. Belachew Tsehaye, Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute.