The government is exploring and working on emergency measures to safeguard vulnerable communities and the agricultural sector from anticipated below-average rainfall, threatening livestock and livelihoods in the coming months.
Experts warn that a potential La Nina event may impact the country from late this year into early next year, posing one of the most severe climatic challenges in recent years.
Key stakeholders—including livestock, feed, fodder specialists, and international agencies—are also collaborating closely with the government to develop short-term and long-term strategies to alleviate pressure on livestock and food production.
Dr. Stanley Mutua, head of Animal Feeds and Nutrition Services at the State Department for Livestock Development, noted that the country has been grappling with a persistent feed shortage for nearly seven years.
“In the short term, as we prepare for the forecasted conditions, it is crucial to focus on urgent actions surrounding feed supply and distribution to ensure availability and accessibility for livestock in hotspot areas of northern Kenya and other emerging Arid and Semi-Arid Land counties,” Dr Mutua emphasized.
Dr. Mutua spoke at the inaugural Kenya National Feeds Emergency Response Planning workshop in Naivasha, which aimed to strategize on safeguarding Kenya’s livestock sector during the expected La Nina period. He highlighted the devastating drought of 2022, which resulted in the loss of 2.5 million animals valued at over KShs 50 billion.
While the national feed shortage is usually estimated at 60 per cent, Dr Mutua reported that the current shortage already stands at 30 per cent. This outlook, he added, signals a dire situation that could worsen with the onset of the La Nina phenomenon.
Experts advise that to prevent insufficient rainfall from escalating into famine, the country must proactively develop resilient feed and fodder systems to ensure sustainable resource availability for livestock during challenging climatic conditions.
Mr David Maina, the Feed and Fodder Business Development expert at the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems Project (RAFFS Project) of the African Union-InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), stressed the need to integrate proper fodder and feed practices into the growth of the livestock sector.
“We aim to shift from an emergency mindset to a more sustainable approach that stabilizes the sector and promotes sustained growth,” he stated while cautioning that the La Nina phenomenon could further strain livestock, leading to a reduced market of livestock products.
AU-IBAR, a specialized technical office of the African Union Commission (AUC), provides strategic leadership in managing African animal resources. The RAFFS initiative, funded by AU-IBAR and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), seeks to enhance the resilience of Africa’s feed and fodder systems.
Some livestock keepers in northern Kenya have expressed confidence in their preparedness for the projected La Nina, drawing on lessons learnt from previous droughts that resulted in the loss of thousands of camels, cows, and goats.
Mr Tumal Orto, a camel pastoralist and community leader from the Gabra indigenous group in Marsabit County, noted that herders have adapted their grazing patterns to mitigate climate change impacts on their livestock.
“Currently, we have water and pasture that could see us through the phenomenon, but emerging diseases, particularly Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), commonly known as ‘Goat’s plague,’ are a concern for many livestock keepers in northern Kenya,” he stated with a mix of optimism and caution.
The Africa Women in Animal Resources Farming and Agribusiness Network (AWARFA-N) in Kenya has expressed fears that women are not adequately prepared due to historical and cultural factors, particularly regarding land and property rights.
However, Ms Christine Kalua, the President of AWARFA-N Kenya, remains optimistic. She noted that the organization is collaborating with like-minded associations, such as the Kenya Feed and Fodder Alliance, to develop strategies in response to potential La Nina effects.
“We are eager to actively engage with these established systems and enhance awareness throughout our network, ensuring that women are well-prepared and equipped to respond effectively promptly,” she stated.
AWARFA-N is a regional initiative aimed at empowering women in livestock farming and agribusiness across Africa. It advocates for gender equality, provides training and resources to enhance agricultural and business skills, fosters collaboration among women in the sector, and influences policy to create a supportive environment.
