The government of Kenya has embarked on an ambitious plan to construct feedlots in 490 wards across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) as part of efforts to cushion pastoralist communities from the devastating effects of recurrent droughts. These feedlots, to be set up in 31 counties, aim to support pastoralists who have suffered significant livestock losses due to prolonged dry spells. The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of ASALs and Regional Development, represents a monumental step towards bolstering food security, enhancing livestock resilience, and improving the livelihoods of pastoral communities in some of Kenya’s most vulnerable regions.
The Context: Drought’s Impact on Livestock and Pastoralists
Drought has long been one of the most pressing challenges facing ASAL communities in Kenya. These regions, which cover approximately 80% of the country’s landmass, are home to over 10 million people, the majority of whom rely on pastoralism for their livelihood. However, recurrent droughts have severely impacted this way of life. According to Harsama Kello, the Principal Secretary (PS) for ASALs and Regional Development, more than 2.5 million livestock have been lost over the past five years, plunging pastoralist communities into deeper poverty.
Livestock forms the backbone of the economy in ASAL areas. The animals serve not only as a source of food but also as a means of income, transportation, and cultural identity. However, prolonged droughts lead to scarce water and pasture, which in turn cause massive losses of livestock, leaving families struggling to survive. The effects of drought have been exacerbated by climate change, which has made weather patterns more unpredictable, increasing the frequency and intensity of drought events.
The loss of livestock has far-reaching implications, as it weakens the region’s economy, heightens food insecurity, and leads to increased migration as communities move in search of pasture and water. In response, the Kenyan government has devised a long-term strategy that focuses on enhancing the resilience of these communities, with feedlots playing a central role.
The Government’s Commitment: Building Feedlots in 490 Wards
Speaking during a public participation event in Sololo, Marsabit County, PS Harsama Kello reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the adverse effects of drought in ASAL regions. He noted that President William Ruto had issued a directive for the construction of feedlots in 31 ASAL counties, with a focus on prioritizing 10 counties: Garissa, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Wajir, and Marsabit. These counties are among the most affected by drought, and the government aims to establish feedlots in these areas as part of a broader plan to mitigate the effects of climate change on livestock and pastoralists.
According to PS Kello, the government plans to construct feedlots in 490 wards at an estimated cost of Ksh13 billion. These feedlots will serve as centralized locations where livestock can be fattened and cared for, especially during periods of drought. The government envisions that these facilities will help preserve livestock, prevent deaths from lack of pasture and water, and ultimately improve the economic stability of the pastoral communities.
“The feedlots will ensure that livestock, which are the main source of livelihood for ASAL communities, can survive through the dry seasons,” said Kello. “By providing a consistent supply of feed, these facilities will help mitigate the loss of animals due to drought.”
Walda Integrated Agro Pastoralism Feedlot Project: A Model for the Future
One of the most significant feedlot projects currently underway is the Walda Integrated Agro Pastoralism Feedlot project, located in Marsabit County. This flagship project will cost approximately Ksh27 billion and is being implemented by the Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority. It will cover 12,000 acres of land and benefit more than 1,000 livestock keepers in the region.
The Walda project, which has already received approval from the local community, is designed to support pastoralists during drought periods. It will stock more than 2,000 animals, in addition to the livestock owned by farmers in the region. PS Kello described the project as a “game changer” for the livestock industry in Marsabit County, as it will significantly reduce the losses experienced during droughts.
The feedlot in Walda will offer more than just a place for cattle to be fattened. The project includes over 10 additional components that will benefit the local community, such as cattle fattening, water points, and other infrastructure improvements. These components are aimed at creating a sustainable system where pastoralists can maintain the health and productivity of their livestock year-round, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.
The Marsabit County government, led by Governor Mohamud Ali, has expressed strong support for the project, with the governor encouraging residents to take ownership of the initiative to ensure its success. “This project will help our people recover from the devastating effects of past droughts, and it will create job opportunities for our youth,” said Ali.
Benefits of Feedlot Projects: Enhancing Livestock Resilience and Economic Growth
The development of feedlots in ASAL regions promises to deliver a wide range of benefits to pastoralists and the broader community. First and foremost, the feedlots will enhance livestock resilience by providing a steady supply of feed, even during droughts. This will reduce the need for pastoralists to migrate in search of pasture, helping to stabilize communities and maintain livestock populations.
In addition to preserving livestock, the feedlots will offer economic opportunities for the local population. Residents who have donated land for the construction of the feedlot in Walda have applauded the initiative, citing the job creation potential as one of the key advantages. Many expect that the project will create employment for the youth, who have struggled with unemployment and often resort to destructive behaviors such as drug and substance abuse due to idleness.
The feedlots will also contribute to improving the quality of livestock in the region. With better access to feed and water, pastoralists will be able to raise healthier animals, which will fetch higher prices in the market. This, in turn, will improve household incomes and enhance food security for communities that rely heavily on livestock as their primary source of nutrition and economic activity.
Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau noted that the feedlot project is designed with long-term sustainability in mind. “This project includes various components such as water points, cattle fattening, and other infrastructure that will benefit the community and help them withstand future droughts,” he said.
Building a Resilient Future for ASAL Communities
The establishment of feedlots in ASAL regions marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to build resilience against climate change. By prioritizing the most affected counties and investing in infrastructure that supports livestock production, the government is addressing the root causes of poverty and food insecurity in these regions.
While the immediate goal of the feedlots is to mitigate the effects of drought, the long-term vision is to create a sustainable system where pastoralist communities can thrive, even in the face of adverse weather conditions. By improving the health and productivity of livestock, the feedlots will enhance the economic prospects of these communities and help them recover from the devastating impacts of previous droughts.
The government’s commitment to this project, as demonstrated by the substantial financial investment and the support from local leaders and communities, underscores the importance of livestock in the ASAL regions’ economy and culture. As the feedlot initiative progresses, it holds the promise of transforming the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists and building a more resilient future for Kenya’s ASAL areas.
In the words of PS Kello, “This is a game-changer for our pastoralist communities. It’s not just about saving livestock; it’s about saving lives and building a future where drought no longer means disaster.”
