THE ROLE OF LIVESTOCK MARKETING IN IMPROVING THE LIVELIHOODS OF PASTORALISTS

Abstract

Purpose: The pastoralists who are majority of inhabitants of ASALs in Kenya depend mainly on the livestock resource for their livelihoods. This study examined how the livelihoods of pastoralists would change if identified constraints are addressed and if there is effective participation of the relevant stakeholders in marketing of the livestock and livestock products.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical

literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Results: The study confirmed that livestock keeping is very important and is the mainstay of 80% of pastoralists who depend on it for productive capital. All aspects of pastoral social and economic life are ordered in relation to livestock and the environment in which they live. There are many challenges ranging from climatic, geo-physical, economic, political and social that impedes effective trade of livestock and livestock products.

Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: Key stakeholders including the government, political leaders, civil society, and livestock marketing associations amongst others should come up with a way forward to address the constraints preventing the livestock industry to contribute its potential role of poverty alleviation in ASALs. Indeed, an ASAL Marshall Plan is required to transform the area from being a perpetual poverty-stricken area to a prosperous and self-sufficient region.