Status and process analysis of koche, a traditional pastoral meat product in Kenya

Abstract

Meat is an important dietary component of the pastoral communities living in marginalized regions of Kenya. Indigenous meat processing, in particular koche processing, plays a significant role in the economic and social life of the Borana community. It contributes to animal-source protein as well as income generation as a livelihood activity by the Borana community. However, traditional processors face a number of challenges hindering further conventional development. The study was designed to assess the status and process analysis of koche, costs and returns of koche production and constraints limiting koche processors. A cross-sectional survey was therefore carried out in Isiolo and Marsabit towns to assess and analyse processing of koche product. Purposive sampling of all koche processors was used to identify study cohorts. Qualitative data were collected using key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Results revealed that all processors were women who largely relied on traditional techniques, often with low competitiveness and poor efficiency. The major constraints facing processors were lack of equipment to ease processing (100%), lack of credit facilities (100%), insufficient capital (90%) and high costs of inputs (90%). The return to labour and variable costs were Kshs 12.1 (0.121 USD) and Kshs 0.92 (0.0092 USD), respectively, while the marketing margin was estimated as 20.8%. Based on the findings on the gross margin and analysis of returns, processing of koche product is a profitable business, thus a good investment opportunity. However, there is a need to overcome the challenges to enable the expansion of koche processing for better commercialization. Besides, addressing the challenges will help reduce post-production losses and remove market barriers of the koche product. This will expand the market access of koche products and thereby increase incomes of pastoral communities.