Who will liberate pastoralists from relief food syndrome?

In times of severe stress, tested alternatives such as cash relief, pastoral-based cash-for-work, targeted and timely destocking should be utilised. These methods are faster, logistically cheap and can spur local economic growth.

Furthermore, drought is slow and predictable. With good preparation and leadership Kenya should be able to prevent death by famine.

Mr Ido is a management and institutional development consultant with a focus on pastoralist development issues. (abdubamollu@yahoo.com)