Rear pigs, chicken and bees, drought-hit herders urged

Devolution CS Mwangi Kiunjuri. PHOTO | FILE  

By MUCHIRI GITONGA

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Summary

• The ministry, through the Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust commissioned the study that is also expected to spearhead diversity from animals.
• In its traditional form, pastoralism is grappling with climate change occasioned by inadequate and unreliable rainfall, high temperatures, pasture and water scarcity.
• Pork production is among new enterprises being proposed for the region because of its high returns and market availability.

Herders in Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo counties should look for alternative economic activities to cushion them against the cyclic effects of drought and insecurity.

A feasibility study commissioned by Devolution and Planning ministry recommends several economic areas that could end over-reliance on livestock.

Among the alternatives being mooted to supplement herding are honey production, pig and chicken rearing, horticulture and growing of drought-resistant crops, and forming of co-operatives to ensure better prices for their products.

“Let’s explore alternative value chains to reduce the livestock dominance in the four counties,” Devolution and Planning Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said.

The ministry, through the Micro-Enterprises Support Programme Trust commissioned the study that is also expected to spearhead diversity from animals.

In its traditional form, pastoralism is grappling with climate change occasioned by inadequate and unreliable rainfall, high temperatures, pasture and water scarcity.

The challenge, however, lies in getting the community to embrace a paradigm shift.

“They should propose ways of enhancing pastoralism instead of asking us to diversify since this is our culture,” Mr Lantano Nabaala, an advisor to Laikipia County Government, told a workshop in Nanyuki attended by stakeholders from the four regions on Wednesday.

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The government hopes the model will get the support of residents and other stakeholders, particularly the devolved units and that it will be replicated in other arid and semi-arid zones.

Pork production is among new enterprises being proposed for the region because of its high returns and market availability. In 2012, Kenya had a deficit of 3,250 tonnes of pork.

“There is a huge export market for pork, particularly in China, which last year imported 1.6 million tonnes, and the Comesa region. Local market demand is itself higher than supply,” said Dr Tuesday Gichuki of Upeo Consultants.

The most lucrative enterprise is production of honey, propolis, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly. Nationally, the industry is said to be contributing about Sh4.3 billion annually from an estimated production of 100,000 tonnes.

African honey is said to have a unique flavour, putting it at a par with premium honey in export markets, especially the Middle East.

Locally, demand for unprocessed honey is high among traditional brewers and herbalists. The price depends on supply and demand.
Among the possible investment areas in the industry are a regional honey refinery or processing plant, which consultants recommend should be done jointly by the four counties.

Other potential investment segments include dairy goat rearing, poultry, and horticulture and growing of drought-resistant crops.

The study is also expected to guide investments geared at improved post-harvest management, commercialisation, industrialisation and better access to profitable markets, as well as creating jobs particularly for women and youth.