Plan seeking to uplift pastoralist out of poverty set to be launched

 

A new programme aimed at uplifting millions of pastoralists and agro-pastoralists out of poverty is set to be launched on Wednesday.

The regional livestock programme which will benefit mostly Northeastern and upper eastern in Kenya will be running for 12 years.

The programme takes a holistic approach, focusing on risk-informed, market-based solutions that place women at the centre and promote adaptation and partnerships.

It leverages growing consumer demand for animal source foods and the associated rise in livestock production and trade in ASAL economies.

The programme also aims to increase incomes of poor agro-pastoralist and pastoralist households and economically empowering peri-urban and rural women engaged in the livestock sector across the ASALs of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

Funded largely by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, in three, for-year phases, the first phase (2023-2026) and implemented through a partnership between IGAD, Mercy Corps, and Helvetas with their partner Welthungerhilfe.

Swiss Ambassador to Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia and Uganda, Valentin Zellweger said the future of pastoralism in the Horn of Africa remains promising, despite challenges such as climate change, limited access to resources and market constraints that hinder their full potential.

“Historically, pastoralism has proven to be the most efficient, sustainable, and ecologically smart socio-economic use of the fragile arid and semi-arid rangelands that define this region. To unlock the full potential of the livestock sector and cater to the rising demand for animal sourced foods, improve food security and create inclusive markets, we must empower women, reduce the drivers of productivity losses, promote climate smart livestock production and enhance the overall competitiveness of livestock and livestock products.”

Zellweger added, “The Swiss government's commitment of CHF 42 million over 12 years, demonstrates our dedication to this programme and our shared vision for the livestock sector in the region. We are proud to collaborate with the Intergovernmental Agency for Development (IGAD), Mercy Corps and Helvetas, in adopting a facilitative, co-investment approach that empowers local stakeholders and creates lasting impact at a regional scale.”

During phase I, the programme will improve the productivity, competitiveness, and policy-enabling environment for one camel milk and four livestock trade corridors.

These are the domestic camel milk corridors of Wajir / Garissa in Kenya, and the livestock trade corridors of Tog Wajaale in Ethiopia and Somalia; Moyale in Ethiopia and Kenya; Galkayo in Ethiopia and Somalia; and Afmadow in Kenya and Somalia.

Trade corridors for live animals and camel milk are prioritised to drive growth, improve corridor performance, and maximise returns.

Almost 20 million men and women are fully or partially involved in the livestock industry, including producers and extensive networks of traders and brokers, covering a wide range of economic activities, including live animal sales, meat processing, tanneries, milk trade and processing, and animal health and nutrition.

The demand for meat, milk, and eggs in the region and future export opportunities, there is a significant opportunity for smallholder participation and market diversification.

Through inclusive financing, women's empowerment, innovation, and trade corridors, we can create sustainable, inclusive growth and shape the future of the livestock sector in the Horn of Africa.

Livestock is one of the largest and most important economic sectors in the drylands, generating nearly US $1.5 billion annually and representing between 10 – 30 per cent of the GDP for countries in the Horn of Africa.

Despite the potential, the sector is faced with a myriad of challenges.

In the ASAL regions in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, the livestock sector has significant potential for smallholder participation and market diversification.

There is a clear opportunity to transform the industry and improve the livelihoods of millions of people.

This can be done through trade corridors, inclusive financing, women's empowerment, and a focus on innovation.

Across the region, policy and regulatory environments are also uncoordinated and weak, imposing financial burdens on producers, traders and processors and limiting market access. These constraints not only affect the livelihoods of producers but also hinder the emergence of good production practices and access to financing.

Overcoming these challenges is essential to maximise returns, improve market confidence, and unlock the full potential of the livestock industry in the Horn of Africa.   BY THE STAR