Livestock Farming in West Pokot County

Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest number of pastoralists of all continents. At the same time, the rapid increase of human population is putting a high pressure on range land and livestock production. Pastoralism is the extensive grazing of rangeland for livestock production. The pastoral lifestyle is varied and includes several production systems.

However, these different systems can generally be categorized, dependent on movement of herds; nomads with established routes which they move along, depending on rainfall, feed availability and diseases; transhumant pastoralists who move their livestock between fixed points to ensure feed availability for their animals; and agro pastoralists who are considered as settled pastoralists with crop production and permanent homesteads.

For both pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, the responsibilities on the farm are clearly divided amongst the genders. The men are responsible for herding, including taking the animals to feed and water sources every day. They are also in charge of veterinary services and the animal health, including taking the animals to the cattle dips when required. Selling and buying livestock, castration and farm economy is also included in the men’s responsibilities. The women, on the other hand, are in charge of milking the animals and selling excess milk and other products. They are also responsible for taking care of newborn calves and lambs, pregnant animals and sick or injured animals that are close to the homestead. Children are also supposed to help out on the farm in pastoral and agro pastoral households, and are usually herding the animals and taking care of daily housework.

West Pokot County is among the pastoral communities in Kenya and it is located in the Rift Valley and Boarders Turkana county to the North, Baringo county to the East, Elgeyo Marakwet County and Trans Nzoia County to the South and Uganda to the West.  Its capital and largest town is Kapenguria. The total population was stated to be 512,690 according to the 2009 census, but the number has increased over the years.

In West Pokot County, 45% of the farmers are pastoralists, 29% are agro-pastoralists and 26% have mixed farming. A diversification of livelihoods can be seen between 1980 and 2013; from nomadic pastoralism to agro-pastoralism. The farmers have started to own more land and have increased their production in relation to increased prices at market. The land in West Pokot is either private or communal. Private, individual tenure occurs in areas with a high agricultural potential and communal, shared tenure is to be found in areas with dry, infertile soil.

The main types of livestock in West Pokot County are cattle, goats and sheep. Bulls, goats and sheep are commonly sold at markets to get cash for hospital bills, school fees and food expenses. Camels are also present, used mainly for milk and meat. A high number of donkeys are also seen the area and these animals are used for transportation, especially in areas where all roads are lacking.

This is one county that has great potential for investors interested in livestock. There is plenty of land and resources that are needed as far as livestock farming is concerned. Residents of West Pokot need to be enlightened on the modern ways of livestock rearing since most of them still cling to the traditional methods. There is need for investors to partner with them in the trading sector of their livestock so as to save them from middle men who tend to take advantage of them.

Investing in West Pokot County gives one a chance to not only make great returns but also to learn more about the lifestyles of pastoral communities and their cultures.

Article by Vera Shawiza.