Barriers and opportunities for the use of artificial insemination among dairy cattle smallholder farmers, Tigray, Ethiopia

This study assesses the barriers and opportunities for the use of Artificial Insemination (AI) technology for dairy cattle in Saesie-Tsaeda Emba District, Tigray, Ethiopia, which is crucial for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 204 dairy producing households selected through systematic random sampling from two Kebeles. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistical methods, including frequencies and percentages, were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that farmers were motivated to use AI primarily because of its economic and productivity advantages, including genetic merit, higher market value of offspring., increased milk production, affordable service costs, early pregnancy diagnosis, and reliable service provision. However, the adoption and effective utilization of AI were constrained, by several factors, including low conception and pregnancy rates, poor heat detection practices, limited awareness of AI benefits, inadequate communication among stakeholders, insufficient incentives for AI technicians, and limited accessibility of AI services. The findings have direct implications for achieving SDG 1(No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent work and Economic Growth) in the study area, demonstrating AI technology’s potential to household food security, nutrition, and income generation. The study concludes that although AI presents significant opportunities for improving dairy productivity and farmers' livelihoods, its adoption remains constrained by technical, institutional, and management-related challenges. Strengthening technician capacity, improving estrus detection and conception rates, enhancing farmer awareness, improving coordination among stakeholders, and providing adequate incentives and support for AI service providers are essential to increase the adoption and effectiveness of AI services in the study area in particular and agricultural development in general.