Strengthening Livestock Production and Resilience in Wajir County

Strategic Insights -

Mercy Corps and Wajir County have formed a partnership to bolster livestock production and resilience, recognizing the sector's pivotal role in the county's economy. Livestock production is the dominant economic activity, with over 80% of the population relying on it for livelihoods and food security. The partnership aims to enhance food security, promote sustainable economic development, and support pastoralist communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The partnership between Mercy Corps and Wajir County focuses on strengthening livestock production and resilience, with a shared commitment to enhancing food security and promoting sustainable economic development.
  • Over 80% of the population in Wajir County depends on livestock for their livelihoods and food security, highlighting its significant role in the local economy.
  • The Cross-Border Regional Livestock Programme (RLP) seeks to enhance livestock production and resilience through strategic collaborations, scaling up routine livestock vaccination, and supporting local farmers in producing quality fodder and feeds.
  • RLP aims to promote sustainable rangeland management by establishing Rangeland Management Committees in selected wards to regenerate and protect natural grazing areas.
  • Unlocking the economic potential of camel milk is another key focus of RLP, empowering local traders to increase production, improve value addition, and tap into broader markets.
  • Issa Garore, transport executive, emphasizes the importance of supporting livestock farmers to ensure they reap maximum benefits, highlighting the county's obligations to support the sector.
  • Diba Waqo, regional director of the Cross-Border Regional Livestock Programme, emphasizes the need for strategic collaborations to enhance livestock production and resilience in the face of harsh climate conditions.

Statistics:

  • 80% of the population in Wajir County depends on livestock for their livelihoods and food security (Source: Mercy Corps and Wajir County Partnership).
  • Livestock farming is described as the "backbone of our economy" (Issa Garore, transport executive).
  • RLP aims to scale up routine livestock vaccination, supporting local farmers in producing quality fodder and feeds (Source: Diba Waqo, regional director of RLP).

Sources:

  • Mercy Corps and Wajir County Partnership
  • Issa Garore, transport executive, Wajir County
  • Diba Waqo, regional director, Cross-Border Regional Livestock Programme