Conversion of Chicken Waste (Skin and Leg) Into Valuable Products: An Alternative to Exotic Leather Source; The Case in Ethiopia- A Review of Literature
Teklay Asgedom Teferi*, Zewditu Alemu Bekele, Tarekegn Jidha Bekele and Tamiru Alemayehu Geremew
This paper explores the promising potential of utilizing chicken waste, specifically from skin and legs, as an alternative source for leather production in Ethiopia. Driven by rapid urbanization and rising consumer demand, Ethiopia's livestock sector is a major and growing component of the agricultural GDP, creating a significant volume of poultry by-products. Currently, these byproducts often represent a waste management challenge. This study posits that their conversion into valuable leather goods presents a synergistic opportunity aligned with national economic trends. The proposed approach offers a multifaceted solution: it mitigates environmental issues associated with organic waste, reduces reliance on traditional and resource-intensive animal hides, and taps into an emerging global niche market for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The implications of developing this value chain are substantial for socio-economic development. By creating a new stream of value-added products, it can directly increase income opportunities for smallholder farmers and processors, thereby enhancing livelihoods in ulnerable rural and peri-urban communities. Furthermore, the optimization of by-product use can contribute indirectly to improved food security by increasing the overall efficiency and profitability of the poultry industry. Consequently, the systematic exploration and development of chicken leather technology is not merely an industrial innovation but a strategic pathway for Ethiopia. It promises to advance sustainable economic growth, promote circular economy principles through waste valorization, and contribute to the broader national goals of poverty lleviation and environmental conservation. This investigation calls for focused research into the technical feasibility, market dynamics, and policy frameworks necessary to realize this potential
