Creating Shared Value in the Livestock Sector with Young People in Kenya’s ASALs (CASHA) project

Project goal

Despite the numerous efforts by both national, county governments and development actors in the ASAL areas of Kenya, youth unemployment, especially of young women, remains the most critical challenge. In the context of pastoral and agro-pastoral areas, the problem is even more serious, coupled with traditional practices and beliefs that preclude women from engaging in productive work. 

CASHA’s overall goal is to improve the livelihood opportunities of young women and men in the ASAL regions and thus contribute to the socio-economic well-being of communities in the ASAL areas of Kenya. 

The project targets 300,000 young women and men, with a strong focus on financially disadvantaged young women (80% of direct participants), persons with disabilities (5%) and Internally Displaced Persons/Refugees (IDPs 5%). It aims to enable 200,000 dignified and fulfilling jobs in climate-smart livestock and related agri-enterprises through skills development, market access, inclusive finance, and climate smart rangeland feed system improvements.

Project locations

CASHA operates in 15 arid and semi- arid counties, organised into four clusters: 

1) Lower Eastern Cluster: Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Makueni and Kitui
2) North eastern Cluster: Tana River, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera
3) Upper Eastern Cluster: Marsabit, Samburu, Isiolo and Laikipia
4) North Rift Cluster: Turkana, West Pokot and Baringo

Project objectives 

1.Increase the reliable access to good quality and cost-effective feeds

CASHA will develop and implement strategies to increase the reliable supply of good quality and cost-effective feeds and fodder and the demand for the same fodder by enhancing the awareness of farmers and their skills to incorporate these feeds into cost-effective diets, thereby enhancing their margins. 

2. Enhance livelihoods in ASAL areas through red meat, small ruminants, poultry, and other agri related enterprises

The project will create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for young women in ASAL regions, by establishing and supporting feed value chains and enterprises such as fodder banks, animal fattening and finishing, and value addition of animal sourced products and through related livestock innovative business models targeting small ruminants and poultry. 

3. Promote climate action and adaptation 

CASHA will implement climate-resilient practices within the livestock sector, focusing on ASAL areas, to mitigate the impact of climate change on feed production and livestock farming, while also minimizing risks of conflict. 

4. Promote progress towards gender equality

CASHA will address gender inequalities, formulating strategies to remove structural barriers, and empower disadvantaged groups including young women, persons with disabilities, and refugees. The project will promote positive changes in practices, policies and social norms; strengthen inclusive improving livestock and agri-food systems and services; improve equitable access to and control over resources, and challenge harmful beliefs and discriminatory norms that limit participation and opportunities.

Expected project outcomes

• Young women and men meaningfully participate in entrepreneurial activities and employment in the livestock value chain and other related enterprises.
• Young women drive economic growth and foster greater gender equity in the livestock value chain and related enterprises.
• Equal growth and expansion of Livestock enterprises owned by young women and men.
• Equal participation of young women in the livestock value chain and other related enterprises.
• Young women and men meaningfully participate in advancing climate- smart practices and innovations within the livestock value chain.
• Strengthened capacity of state and none state actors address climate change adaptation and mitigation measures within the ecosystem.