What must be done to lift livestock sector
What you need to know:
- Kenya’s livestock sector, although informal, is a multi-billion-shilling industry fuelled by the high demand for meat.
- The devolved system of government is a blessing for the ASALs and great strides are being made in various counties that have identified the sector as a focus investment area.
Kenya’s lucrative livestock sector is finally on a growth path after years of stagnation, neglect and under-investment. A close look at the latest developments in the sector shows the government and private sector players are giving the sector more attention.
But still, a number of issues remain a challenge. What exactly is driving up the sector and what issues remain unresolved to raise livestock production?
Government data shows the sector (including dairy) accounts for at least 14 per cent of the agricultural GDP, and is a source of livelihoods to millions of rural households. It is estimated that the sector contributes at least Sh150 billion annually to the economy.
According to the World Health Organisation, the world’s livestock sector is growing at an unprecedented rate due to population growth, rising incomes and urbanisation, with annual meat production projected to increase from 218 million tonnes in 1997-1999 to 376 million tonnes by 2030.
Kenya’s livestock sector, although informal, is a multi-billion-shilling industry fuelled by the high demand for meat. It is no wonder that the national per capita meat consumption in urban areas is 18.5kg/yr with a national average of 10.8kg/yr, which is high given the estimated average for sub-Saharan countries at 9.4kg/yr.
But while consumption and demand are rising, the livestock sector is yet to enjoy the status it deserves. It is predominantly informal, with myriad actors.
The animals change hands almost seven times before they reach the consumer as beef. There are bush traders, trekkers paid to move the animals, middlemen in the various markets, brokers, transporters and butchers, which translates to low prices for the livestock keepers.
The arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are home to 70 per cent of our livestock and due to historical public policy alienation, the challenges faced in these regions are manifest in the sector.
COMMON CHALLENGES
The common challenges include poor transport network, energy and communication infrastructure, coupled with dispersed population spread across large areas. That is why the livestock sector operates with its multiplicity of players who also face industry-specific issues that include market price instability high transport costs and insecurity.
The devolved system of government is a blessing for the ASALs and great strides are being made in various counties that have identified the sector as a focus investment area.
However, the National and County governments must work in concert to bridge these gaps. Disease management is a major headache due to constant movement of animals for pasture and to the markets.
Insecurity is bad for business and some of the ASALs areas suffer from episodes of conflict. The untapped potential in the livestock sector has, for example seen the KCB Group set up a Sh1 billion revolving fund for livestock farmers in ASALs, in the form of a credit line meant to help commercialise the sector.
The programme, which kicked off in Baringo County, is to be rolled out to all 47 counties next year.
Going forward, county governments must come up with long-term plans for the sector. Enabling livestock keepers to retain a higher proportion of the end price shall be the catalyst for change.
For too long, governments have focused on enhancing productivity only for farmers to have bumper produce that is soon followed by plummeting prices. As the various players work to commercialise the sector, market-driven production that handsomely rewards the livestock keeper shall shift the ground in this sector.
Ms Gathoni is the manager, KCB Foundation, which is currently implementing the Mifugo Ni Biashara Project in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
