Hides and skins production, marketing, consumption and utilization trends in Ethiopia- A review of literature

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the hides and skins sub-sector has remained a critical component of Ethiopia's agrarian economy and a significant source of foreign exchange. This review synthesizes trends in production, marketing, consumption, and utilization from 2003 to 2023. Despite possessing one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, the production segment has been constrained by low off-take rates, poor animal husbandry practices, and widespread pre- and post-slaughter defects that diminish quality and yield. Marketing channels have been characterized by a long, fragmented chain, dominated by informal collectors and limited value-added activities, though recent years have seen a gradual shift towards more organized systems. Consumption patterns show a steady increase in domestic demand for leather goods, driven by population growth and a burgeoning manufacturing sector. In terms of utilization, there has been a notable trend away from the export of raw and semi-processed hides and skins towards higher value-added finished leather and leather products (e.g., footwear, garments, and accessories), spurred by government policy and investment in tanneries. However, this transition faces persistent challenges, including fluctuating global prices, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental concerns related to tanning operations. The study concludes that while there is a positive trajectory towards greater value capture domestically, strategic interventions are required to enhance raw material quality, streamline the market structure, and foster sustainable and competitive leather industries to fully capitalize on the sector's potential.