NEW PROJECT November 2009
Livestock interventions to mitigate rising food prices in Machakos and Mwingi districts, Kenya

Machakos and Mwingi are among the districts classified as an ‘emergency’ in the July 2009 drought monitoring bulletin by the Arid lands resource management project II. As early as March 2009, the Kenya food security update reported access to food being undermined by high food prices of 75 & 125% above normal. These high costs were compounded by an 8 - 25% decline in livestock prices in most parts of the districts.

At a community level there was a decline in frequency, size and quality of meals. PPR disease outbreak in cattle left pastoral households vulnerable.

Aim:
The project aims at protecting livestock assets and improving production in Machakos, Mwingi and Tana River districts to mitigate against increased food prices and drought.

How:
Through targeted vaccination and mass treatments. Recent campaigns that were carried out did not adequately cover entire population so its needs to be redone.

• Planning workshops for vaccination teams, including ministry staff and livestock keepers.
• Training on vaccinations and disease control measures.
• Animal healthcare services.
• CAHW refresher training

Outputs:

Expect 50% reduction in household mortality.
Train vets to recognise, diagnose and prevent spread of disease.
Radio broadcasts to raise awareness of spread of disease.
20% increase in livestock products marketed (attributable to project) – i.e. sale of milk, meat and skins.
30% decrease in prevalence of targeted livestock diseases.