Livestock market secures livelihoods in Marsabit, Kenya

A case study for AFSA (Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa) focuses on livestock market in Marsabit in northern Kenya. The 4-page brief “Livestock market secures livelihoods in Marsabit, Kenya”, by Isaac Lubutsi of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) Germany, reports on collaboration with the Department of Livestock Production on Marsabit County’s in constructing a new livestock market in Ol-Turot and supporting pastoralists in forming a Livestock Marketing Association.

The project led to an increase in local livestock sales and strengthened the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. The improved Ol-Turot livestock market attracted other traders such as wholesalers of maize flour, sugar and clothes, and stimulated other market activities. This led to higher incomes, especially among women traders. The market also led to the stabilisation of prices of food and non-food items on account of increased competition and access to these items by community members. In addition, agreements among the resident communities to foster peace and reap the dividends from the market led to improved security around Mount Kulai.

This case study is part of a series by AFSA highlighting good practice in agroecology, pastoralism, land rights and seed sovereignty. Other cases studies can be found at www.afsafrica.org/case-studies/

Posted on 27 February 2019 in Pastoralism & Marketing