Mar-Apr

www.livestockeastafrica.com
COVER STORY
LIVESTOCK BRIEFS
begs the question, why are farmers not
venturing into commercial engagements
to earn from their livestock? Why is the
entrepreneurial hunger absent? Ali Hassan,
the Livestock Portfolio Director at KMT
states that not all pastoralist communities
have embracedcommercial livestock farming
despite owning large herds of cattle.
“The Somalis are more commercialoriented
by nature. For instance they have
established solid networks and currently
they take their immature male animals to
TaitaTaveta ranches to be finished within
certain timeframes. They have further
partnered with private sector and are even
exporting live animals to Mauritius…” It’s
worth reiterating that this is a trend that
should be imitated by all other communities
across the country, don’t you think?
Apart from the personal initiative by farmers
and individual producers when it comes to
commercial ventures, comes the obligation
of the private sector and government
organizations in in streamlining the
livestock market. Ali cites initiatives such as
the OlPejeta Conservancy, Laikipia ranches
among others with they are working to
strengthen ventures such as feedlot systems
to ensure quality and health of animals.
Market Information
The adage ‘Information is power’ is not
an exception when it comes to livestock
marketing. Matter of fact if you come to
think of it, the entire marketing process
depends on effective communication of
vital information. From identification,
selection, breeding, health and development
of an animal, to determination of price, to
selection of a marketing and distribution
channel up to the consumer, everything
relies on availability of credible information.
Ali notes that lack of market information
is one of the biggest challenges facing the
sector. The livestock producer should be
able to know what quality, quantity and
specifications of animals required to meet
that market demand in terms number,
time and price. Closely linked with lack
of sufficient reliable information, he
asserts, is the lack of reliable authentic
data on livestock with which someone
can confidently plan. With the livestock
sector having been devolved under the new
constitutional dispensation, the mandate of
ensuring the availability of reliable data on
livestock lies with the county governments.
To this end however, many counties are yet
to rise to the occasion.
Ali Hassan, the Livestock Portfolio
Director at Kenya Markets Trust
So what is the Marketing
future? And what is the way
to go?
Apart from the already aforementioned
areas, Ali Hassan agrees with me that there
is more that can be done to ensure Kenya
effectively competes globally in the livestock
sector. One of his key concerns is the poor
investment in the livestock sector in the
country. He asserts that county governments
should put in place incentives like land and
tax to encourage investment in livestock
rearing. But that’s not all. Inaccessibility to
flexible and affordable finance is another
key area that needs to be addressed. Let me
digress a bit to better hammer this point
home. Majority of pastoralists, who own
close to 70% of livestock in the country live
in communal lands and they are constantly
on the move and without land title deeds.
This makes accessing loan and credit
facilities a pipe dream since in many cases
they have no collateral or security to support
loan acquisitions. Then comes the aspect
of affordability. It therefore means that the
government institutions and the private
sector must marry to see through successful
investment in the livestock sector.
It is however imperative to note that
little can be achieved in any sector in
a country without sound policies. This
includes policies that will encourage formalprivate
sector engagements and better terms
of trade both at the county and national
levels. Ali Hassan speaks of The Livestock
Authority Bill, which he says is at an
advanced stage, and which he believes will
positively transform the livestock sector in
the country if it is effected. “The Bill will
address among other areas, the aspect of a
regulatory body for the livestock sector. This
will consequently ensure the enforcement
of standards and quality control…” says Ali
Hassan.
Kenya is in a closer proximity to main
terminal markets such as the Middle East
in comparison to other countries in the
region, which uniquely qualifies it to benefit
more from livestock. By extension, this
means that there should be infrastructure
in place to link producers to terminal
markets. Ali further proposes that pastoral
counties should come together in economic
blocks to produce quality finished products
that can be processed within the pastoral
communities. But such success can only
be realized through effective participatory
range management. This implies that
the community ideals, knowledge, values
and practices must be tapped into when
initiating livestock farming ventures. In such
a context people would know when to graze
where, when to administer medication, and
have water points at strategic points. This
can ensure an all-year round production!
Over and above, the most important
aspect in marketing is quality. And among
the most basic recipes to achieving quality
in livestock is effective breeding. This calls
for specialization along the livestock value
chain. To this end Ali Hassan notes; “We
should be taking care of our breeding and
still withstand any harsh environments in
pastoral areas…”
So much can be said as regards marketing
in the livestock sector, but then again we
have rules, like that of my editor which
stipulates that I can only write so much.
Nonetheless as I pen off, it is imperative to
note that Kenya has made major milestones
in the sector. The energy and willingness
by key stakeholders to take the country
to the next stage is evident, but as Bill
Gates pointed out, ‘It’s fine to celebrate
success but it’s more important to heed
the lessons of failure’. And more evident
than the milestones made in the livestock
marketing sector is the promise it holds, the
untapped potential it has and the numerous
opportunities yet to be grabbed. This makes
it the noble responsibility of all players in the
sector to ensure this potential does not turn
into a mirage.
Compiled by LEA Editorial Team.
The KARI Improved Kienyeji Chicken
Did you know there is a local chicken super breed that develops faster, is
highly resistant to diseases and has higher productivity? The breed known
as Kari Improved Kienyeji Chicken was developed by KARI, currently
christened Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
(KALRO). This was after ten years of intensive research under the
National Poultry Development Programme. The hen achieves 1.5kg in
about five months when the rest of the indigenous breeds take up to seven
months or more. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions is amazing, with
a feathering system that makes it adjust faster in any climatic conditions,
including arid and semi-arid regions. Farmers have an option of keeping
them as layers, for meat or both. A hen can produce between 220 and 280
eggs a year, which is almost similar to a white leghorn exotic layer kept in a
deep litter system. The chicken is easy to maintain since it can be kept under
free range system or deep litter system.
Intriguing Camel facts
Camels are credited as the most resilient
animals due to their adaptability to extreme
conditions in Arid and Semi-arid lands.
Camels reach approximately 7 feet in
height (at the hump) and weigh up to 1500
pounds. Among their desert adaptation
are three eyelids and two rows of eyelashes
that prevent sand from entering their eyes.
Camels move easily due to their specially
designed foot, consisting two toes that
spread when the animal touches ground
and prevent them from sinking in the sand.
Most mammals would die if they lost 15%
of their water, but a camel can lose 20-
25% water without becoming dehydrated.
Camel milk is rich in iron, vitamins and
minerals and is healthier than cow’s milk
due to its low fat content. Some camels
when provoked, spit greenish substance
from their stomach, and can use all four
legs to kick their opponent in self-defense.
In Arab cultures, the camel symbolizes
patience, tolerance and endurance. Camels
have played such an important role in
Arabian culture that there are over 160
words for ‘camel’ in the Arabic language.
Source; www.onekind.org
The Farmers Choice Love Affair
On 14th February this year, Farmers Choice had a special
Farmers Choice Valentines Love Fiesta held at
Uchumi Sarit Centre in Nairobi, where customers
were awarded with various Farmers Choice
gift hampers. Talk of love gone porky. Or is it
beefy? Senior Merchandiser Sharon Kegedi
presented the hampers alongside Margaret
Wainaina, the Uchumi Sarit Centre’s branch
manager. It’s close to impossible to mention
Farmers Choice
Managing Director,
James Taylor
What you need to know when
taking a pet dog or cat to Kenya
pig without thinking of Farmers Choice, and
this is justifiably so. Established in 1980, the
company’s central purpose has been to sell fresh
and processed pork products. With a focus on
fresh sausages, bacon, ham, pork and even beef, the
brand has taken a special place in the hearts of pigs. And
Kenyans.
Do you wish to transport a dog or cat pet into Kenya from another country? Then
these are the regulations you should take note of. First of all it’s crucial to note that
the only point of entry is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and pets must arrive as
manifest cargo. There must always be an import permit, an Airlines Captain Affidavit
stating that your pet was on a direct flight to Kenya and they must undergo ticks and
tapeworms test, which is completed within 48 hours of entry. A copy of the Rabies
Certificate should be included, and all forms must be legalized by the Kenyan
embassy. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease
communicable to humans when examined at the port
of entry to Kenya. If your dog or cat is not in apparent
good health, further examination by a licensed
veterinarian may be required at your expense. A form
of identification indicating ownership of the
pet is also mandatory. Failure to comply
with these regulations will mean your pet
will be refused entry, returned to country
of origin or placed in quarantine, at your
expense of course. Source; PetTravel.com
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Livestock East Africa March - April 2016
Learn • Breed • Earn
Learn • Breed • Earn March - April 2016 Livestock East Africa 19