Total economic value of pastoralism in Kenya

The available statistics on pastoralism in Kenya tend to underestimate its value in terms of its contribution to the national economy. The study “The value of pastoralism in Kenya: application of total economic value approach” (by D.M.Nyariki & D.A. Amwata, published in Pastoralism: Research, Policy and Practice 2019 9:9) analysed the contribution of pastoralism to Kenya’s national economy using the total economic value (TEV) approach. Secondary data were collected on livestock population, herd composition and structure, honey, beeswax, firewood, fishing and tourism. The study revealed that Kenya’s pastoral sector has an economic worth of US$1.13 billion, with the livestock sector and non-livestock sector accounting for 92% (US$1.04 billion) and 8% (US$0.0903 billion), respectively. The annual national pastoral livestock offtake was valued at US$0.189 billion, while annual meat offtake was estimated at 154,968 tonnes, valued at US$0.389 billion. The national annual meat consumption was estimated at 553,200 tonnes, of which pastoral meat contributed 28%. The TEV approach integrates the many aspects of economic value contributed by pastoral systems, including market and non-market goods and services that are usually not accounted for. An accurate estimate of the contribution of pastoralism can be instrumental in lobbying for enhanced investment in pastoral areas to boost environmentally sound development.

Posted on 21 December 2019 in Value of Pastoralism