The role of Livestock marketing in improving the pastoralists' livelihoods through income generation: the case of the pastoralist communities of Garissa District, Kenya

Abstract

A large part of Kenya is Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASALs).The ASALs carry 50% of the livestock and 25% of Kenya's human population (Government of Kenya. 2003). Most ASAL inhabitants are pastoralists and mainly depend on livestock as source of livelihood. Despite many resources available in the ASALs especially livestock, the region characterised by high poverty levels. Therefore, there is a need to examine whether livestock marketing has played the role of translating the livestock resource into income to meet various needs.

The main objective of this research was to establish how the livelihoods of pastoralist communities living in the ASALs can be improved through an efficient livestock marketing system. The study was conducted in Garissa district and data was collected in April 2009. The survey covered 180 livestock keepers and 57 traders and 17 key informants. The findings indicated that there are many constraints experienced that impede livestock marketing. The main constraints were; long distance to markets, exploitation by middlemen and low prices among others. The study came up with many suggestions on how to deal with some of the livestock marketing constraints.

The study also identified the key stakeholders in livestock marketing and their roles. The study highlighted the important role played by the livestock sector in the ASALs and amongst the pastoralists. It provides meat and milk products and contributes to food security. It also offers the main occupation and employment, income from sales of livestock and is also used as an expression of wealth status. The study showed that women playa critical role in the pastoralist livelihoods as they are generally free to own and dispose livestock and their products and hence they are empowered.

Conclusions from the study are that livestock keeping is very important and is the mainstay of 80% of pastoralists who depend on it for productive capital. Also there are many benefits to local pastoralists derived from the livestock enterprise. Most important is that livestock marketing can play a leading role in poverty alleviation in ASALs if the identified constraints are addressed. The study recommends that; Major investments are required; appropriate and pro-poor policies are formulated, livestock marketing facilities be provided; timely and reliable market information be provided; diversification on sources of livelihood be sought; and the denuded environment be rehabilitated.