Contribution of Livestock to the Livelihoods of Urban and Peri- Urban Households in Embakasi Constituency, Nairobi County

Abstract

Urban Livestock keeping contributes to food security, income generation, employment creation, insurance and improved social status. Despite the above benefits, rapid urbanization and high population in developing cities has led to high rates of urban food insecurity and malnutrition. Thus, a study was conducted to evaluate the contribution of livestock production to the livelihood of urban and peri urban households in Embakasi Constituency in Nairobi County. The objectives of the study were to assess the influence of livestock farming on the livelihood of the respondents, the institutional influence on livestock production and the challenges faced by respondents in Embakasi constituency. The study targeted 780 livestock keeping population in Embakasi constituency. A sample size of 160 respondents was sampled purposefully selecting 40 from each Sub County. Structured questionnaire was used to collect primary and secondary data from respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The results showed 47.5% of the household heads were aged between 36 and 50 years while 22.5% of livestock keepers had acquired post-secondary education although 87.5% were not in formal employment. 30% of respondents kept chicken, 11% goats and 25% cattle. 45% respondents sold their produce at the farm-gate and roadside stores, while 88% faced challenges in accessing feed thus relied on open market food left-overs. The age of the farmer and leadership of the household influencing livestock keeping technology adoption reflected a correlation of (r=0.74) and (r=0.80) respectively. Also, farmers used mobile smart phones (χ²=28.9), visiting ASK shows (χ²= 41.8) and radio/television presentations at (χ²=61.6) which influenced marketing of livestock produce by (p=0.01, p=0.00, p=0.00). In conclusion, livestock kept in Embakasi constituency were cattle, poultry, pigs, rabbits and shoats. The high protein sources, contribute to food security and reduced malnutrition. The study recommends that Nairobi county government should improve

provision of extension services and feed accessibility for future increased production and thus access to safe and nutritious animal proteins