Analysis of the Sustainability of Livestock Food System in Kenya: a Case of Camel Milk Value Chain in Isiolo County

Abstract

The pastoral communities of Isiolo County in Kenya are mainly dependent on camel milk value chain as a primary source of livelihood. The system experience challenges in sustenance due to production, quality control, and safety measures. These and other related risks and stressors such as environmental degradation accruing from climate change and poor land uses are major threats to this livelihood system. In this study I analyzed the drivers and processes influencing the sustenance of camel milk value chain in Isiolo County. The specific objectives of the study were to: (i) characterize the camel milk value chain and its players (ii) examine the environmental factors influencing the system (iii) evaluate the efficacy of the regulatory frameworks, and (iv) develop a model for an enhanced system. I adopted a mixed methods approach in the case study and I collected primary data from 284 households selected through simple random technique, using a survey questionnaire, and interview guides for focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII). I obtained secondary data from the literature review from research publications and existing reports from relevant public and private institutions. I used analysis of variance (ANOVA) to test for inter-annual variations in quantities of camel milk supplied by producers to bulking centers. I also carried out regression analysis between fresh and value-added milk products against prices and cross tabulations to assess the variations and associations between the variables presented. I analyzed the data using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for Windows Version 23 as the statistical software tool. The main findings of the study show firstly, a characteristic three categories of actors, namely, the micro actors, the support services providers, and the policy makers who are not-well connected; secondly, the result indicates high variations in supply of camel milk delivered to the bulking and processing centers due to changes in seasonality; thirdly, inadequate capacities and weak institutional coordination mechanisms among the chain actors and support institutions and fourthly, I present a model for a sustainable camel milk value chain system for Isiolo County. I conclude that the current system is not sustainable due to unstable quantities of milk supplied to processing centers predisposed by seasonality and climatic variability. The current milk produced by producers is also of low quality and poor hygienic standards. There is also inadequate connectivity among the camel milk value chain actors and weak implementation of the existing policies supporting the system. I recommend a well-regulated camel milk value chain to improve on the current informal marketing system through establishing a camel policy in the county with a structured institutional arrangement for sustenance. This will enhance capacity building of the value chain actors for adoption of sustainable land uses and natural resources management in order to stabilize the camel milk value chain for Isiolo County.