Based on bovine and human population densities (FAO, 1999), livestock systems distribution, system-specific production parameters, calculations of output per animal to obtain milk offtake per capita were performed using the Livestock Development Planning System Version 2 model. Part of a study "Cattle and small ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review" (FAO, 2002).

Based on bovine density (FAO, 1999), livestock systems distribution, system-specific production parameters, calculations of output per animal to obtain milk production density (output per km2) were performed using the Livestock Development Planning System Version 2 model. Part of a study "Cattle and small ruminant production systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review" (FAO, 2002).

Map of total dairy cattle milk production. Total milk production in kg of milk in 2013. Ethiopia produces approximately 3.8 million litres of milk from 12 million milking cows – an average of 1.7 litres per cow per day over an average lactation period of 180 days. In terms of production system contribution to milk production, the rural mixed crop-livestock dairy system produces the largest share of milk, contributing 72% of the total milk supply from 65% of the milking animals. Pastoral and agro-pastoral systems and the market-oriented systems contribute 24% and 4% of the total milk, respectively, with 34% and 1% of the milking cows, respectively. Source: FAO & New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre. 2017. Supporting low emissions development in the Ethiopian dairy cattle sector – reducing enteric methane for food security and livelihoods. Rome. 34 pp. In this map, the Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM; http://www.fao.org/gleam/en/) is the main analytical tool used to assess the emissions for the baseline year (2013). The spatially explicit GLEAM framework allows the incorporation of heterogeneity in emissions, emission reductions and production responses. The model was further developed to meet the needs of this study for Ethiopia. The dairy production systems in GLEAM were further refined to reflect the specificities of the dairy cattle production systems in Ethiopia and the database of production systems parameters was updated with more recent and system specific information and data on factors such as animal populations, performance parameters, feeding systems and manure management, taken from national databases.