12,000 bags (of range cubes) were donated by the United Nations through Food and Agriculture Organization to the Kajiado County Government. This donation will help to mitigate drought effects among livestock farmers.
The 12,000 bags will equally be distributed to the five sub-counties within Kajiado, where livestock keepers are suffering huge losses due to the drought.
The situation is dire, and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku recently called for humanitarian assistance from both the National Government of well-wishers around the world.
“FAO has responded to our emergency call and they have brought the much-needed support. This is a comprehensive package to cushion the livestock which is the livelihood of our economy and the people of Kajiado,” said the governor while flagging off the donation at his office in the county headquarters.
2,400 families will receive a cash transfer of Sh10,000. This will be distributed by FAO in two phases.
Ole Lenku said that his administration was in negotiations with FAO to train livestock farmers how to make their own feeds.
“With the negative impacts of climate change, we can’t fully depend on rain fed agriculture hence the need to inform our people on best agricultural practices to avert the losses being witnessed now,” remarked Lenku.
He said that more partners would be expected to honor their promises in the future.
Carlva Mucavi, FAO representative said their mandate is to defeat hunger and malnutrition in the world adding: “Due to climate change, food security and nutrition is under threat and drought is really worsening the vulnerability of the communities in Kenya and in Kajiado in particular,” noted Ms Mucavi.
She said that the situation could get worse following reports from the meteorological office, but she assured them that they are prepared to respond to any drought emergencies.
Mucavi stated that, in addition to the livestock feed, FAO will also donate four collapsible ten thousands litre tanks to the families affected by water scarcity.
The collapsible tank will allow the relocating sheders to take the needed commodity with them when they search for pasture.
Mucavi reiterated the need for long-term solutions to the drought.
“While we support the immediate need of humanitarian action, we are also looking at how we can build resilience so that we adapt and mitigate climate change. That’s why we are implementing other projects in terms of production, productivity, industrialization and commercialization of animal feeds so that communities can benefit,” said Mucavi.
By Sammy Rayiani and Diana Meneto
Source: kenyanews
