Eastleigh

Relief for pastoralists as state launches livestock feeding programme

A herd of cattle. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Barack Oduor | Saturday, March 16, 2024

To facilitate the program, the county has already donated 5,000 acres of land identified in the Walda area.

The decision by the government to begin an animal feed distribution programme targeting pastoral communities in the country is set to be a relief to pastoral farmers relying on livestock for their livelihoods.

The government, through the State Department of ASAL and Regional Development, in partnership with the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties, has plans to begin FeedLot programme. This programme aims to supply high-quality feed for livestock and ensure adequate water provision during dry seasons.

Additionally, it seeks to create a reliable market for livestock, thereby enabling pastoral farmers to sustain their livelihoods even during drought periods.

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To facilitate the programme, the county has already donated 5,000 acres of land identified in the Walda area.

According to the Principal Secretary in the State Department of ASAL and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, the state will also incorporate breed improvement to ensure the locals keep healthy livestock.

"This is a way of empowering pastoralists to overcome the struggles they go through in their daily lives, especially during dry seasons. We have seen, many lose their livestock, which they rely on for livelihood," he said.

He spoke during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the national government and the devolved unit of Marsabit.

He said Kenya lost more than 2.5 million heads of cattle due to drought, with 99 per cent of that reported in ASAL areas. " We no longer want to hear about the deaths of livestock as a result of the drought".

The droughts that have been recurring yearly have been a serious threat to pastoral communities relying on livestock and have often led to devastating losses and severe economic hardship for these communities.

Marsabit Governor Muhamud Ali welcomed the move, underscoring its benefits for local communities. He noted that the region experienced a loss of 70 per cent of livestock during the last drought season.

"I'm sure the programme will change the lives of many, considering that livestock is the only source of livelihood for the pastoralists," he said.

Ewaso Nyiro North Development Authority CEO, Ali Hassan, said the new initiative calls for collaboration between government agencies and local stakeholders. He has been tasked with the implementation of the program.

"Once we start the programme, we will also ensure we have market linkages for livestock. We are looking forward to having international markets and taking advantage of available resources like the Isiolo abattoir and the International Airport," he added.

The programme will also be rolled out in all the ASAL counties once it takes off in Marsabit. The county has already donated 5,000 acres of land identified in the Walda area to facilitate the programme.