Enhanced community resilience to drought through innovative market based systems approaches

Climate variability is one of the major risks that pastoralists have to manage in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Kenya Livestock marketing Council (KLMC)are implementing a project to strengthen the capacities of pastoralists in Kenya to manage current and future climate risk and the sustainability of their livestock production. The project aims to promote both a growing and climate change resilient livestock sector. It is funded by the European Union under the Kenya Rural Development Program (KRDP) and is being implemented in six counties: Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit, Baringo, Wajir and Tana River.

Project goal

The overall goal of the project is to improve pastoral livelihoods through sustainable market systems. The project aims to promote pastoral livelihoods diversification, facilitate robust markets for livestock and livestock products and enhance consolidation of knowledge base to enhance climate change adaptation and market orientation. This will be achieved through three specific objectives:

  • To promote pastoral livelihoods diversification through strengthening viable enterprises in livestock, fodder and camel milk value chains
  • To facilitate robust markets for livestock and livestock products through public private partnership (PPP) and market based systems
  • To develop the knowledge base for enhancing climate change adaptation through a stronger market orientation at community level and a conducive policy environment.
  • Expected outcomes

  • 25,000 livestock keepinh households will have improved access to fodder and 1,000 women-led households will be empowered through more profitable milk trade.
  • Better-managed and vibrant livestock markets in arid areas.
  • A strong ASAL knowledge base offering replicable strategies.