New feedlots planned for 490 wards in ASAL lands to combat drought impact

BY MUTURI MWANGI, KNA 

Plans are underway to construct feedlots in the 490 wards in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) to cushion pastoralists from adverse effects of drought. 

The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department of ASAL and Regional Development Harsama Kello speaking Sololo, Marsabit County, during a public participation for Walda Integrated Agro-pastoralism feedlot project said the government is committed to addressing effects of drought in ASAL areas where residents bear the brunt of the loss of livestock because of perennial dry spell. 

“The President has issued a directive of constructing feedlots in 31 ASAL counties. 

In the last five years, pastoralists lost over 2.5 million livestock which has resulted to poverty among people living there,” the PS said. 

Harsama pointed out that the project in the 490 wards would cost Sh13 billion. 

Additionally, the PS said the government would prioritize the 10 counties of Garissa Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Wajir and Marsabit. 

“The President Dr. William Ruto has directed that we start feedlot projects in 31 counties, but we will prioritize 10 counties so that cattle can withstand perennial drought,” the PS noted. 

Walda Integrated Agro-pastoralism feedlot project which will cost Sh27 billion in Marsabit County and being implemented by Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority will be under 12,000 acres of land benefitting more than 1,000 livestock keepers in the region. 

“We have got an approval from the Marsabit community to establish a feedlot in Walda aimed at supporting pastoralists in times of drought and especially now we are expecting La-Nina after the last El-nino season,” Harsama said. 

The project is expected to stock more than 2,000 animals besides the farmers’ livestock which is a game changer for livestock keepers. 

Residents who donated their chunks of land for construction of the Walda feedlot project applauded the initiative, noting it would create job opportunities for the youth and at the same time improve their livestock breed. 

Area governor Mohamud Ali applauded the project and urged residents to take ownership to recover from the past dry seasons. Marsabit County commissioner James Kamau said the Walda feedlot project has more than 10 other components including cattle fattening, water points among others which will be of benefit to the community. 

On their part, residents said that the project would create job opportunities for the youth, prevent them from drugs and substance abuse due to idleness and strengthen the region’s resilience to drought.