Samburu offers pastoralists lifeline with pasture production
Samburu Deputy Governor Julius Leseeto (centre) said that the move will ensure food security in the county, which almost entirely depends on livestock rearing.
Samburu government has started training farmers on pasture production in a bid to boost dairy farming in the semi-arid county.
Samburu Deputy Governor Julius Leseeto said that the move will ensure food security in the county, which almost entirely depends on livestock rearing.
Data from the Kenya Dairy Board indicates that Samburu County has more than 184,666 head of cattle, 387,698 sheep, 32,824 goats and 26,822 camels.
Mr Leseeto, who flagged off the distribution of Boma Rhodes seeds in Samburu, noted that many pastoralists in the region are embracing improved livestock breeds over the indigenous ones.
"Samburu has the potential to reap good products from dairy farming and we are working to help farmers transform from indigenous livestock to improved breeds," he said.
Samburu County is mainly a semi-arid region; a majority of the farmers in the region are nomadic pastoralists who move their animals daily in search of greener pastures and water.
Produce hay for their livestock and sale
Mr Leseeto said the move by the county government will help farmers in lowland areas produce hay for their livestock and sale.
"Improved breeds are doing well in Samburu and we want to largely invest in them to satisfy the high milk demand in the county," he added.
According to Vincent Learaman, the County Executive for Agriculture, improved breeds will help pastoralists avoid constant disputes over grazing fields that other herders experience in Samburu.
"It is not easy to drive away grade breeds of cattle as compared to indigenous ones, which can walk longer distances. By embracing dairy farming, farmers will reduce insecurity and cattle rustling," said Mr Learaman.
In a bid to help farmers market milk products, the county has also set up a dairy cooperative in Maralal town with over 30 registered members.
