This assessment examined constraints to and opportunities for improved veterinary, fodder, and extension services in Kenya arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Constraints to animal health service delivery include high cost of services in vast remote locations; few trained providers; government policy that prioritizes crop production; uncoordinated response across organizations; and cross-border herd movements that increase disease prevalence. Opportunities include mobilizing existing community disease reporters; using mobile platforms to improve animal health and disease data collection and reporting; and improving cross-border livestock movement agreements. Extension services face similar challenges, in addition to not being a priority of county governments and insecurity. Opportunities include using mobile platforms for livestock extension and connecting livestock health and production assistants to work as extension service providers in remote areas. Fodder production is affected by the harsh biophysical environment; lack of certified indigenous grass seeds; unclear property right laws; limited knowledge of fodder and pasture production techniques; and invasive plant species. Solutions include using existing fodder producer groups; improving access to major rivers for irrigated fodder production; and accessing certified local pasture seed and other exotic species suitable for ASALs.
Author: CRS
County(s):
Isiolo
Marasabit
Samburu
Turkana
Technical Area(s):
Animal Health
Livestock Service Delivery Assessment (PDF, 395.32 KB)