Livestock keepers embrace technology to beat drought

By Judith Akolo

Pastoralists and farmers in Marsabit County are set to benefit from a Hydroponic and Aquaculture Technology that involves growing of animal fodder and vegetables that do not require soil to grow.

The program funded by KCB Foundation in conjunction with Miramar International College is aimed at mitigating the effects of a crippling drought that has seen livestock perish due to lack of pasture and water.

The technology is a mitigation measure towards reduced pasture due to drought currently ravaging the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

Under the Mifugo ni Mali initiative, KCB Foundation intends to inculcate the need to have sustainable ways of dealing with the adversities of natural calamities as well as ensure food security.

Livestock is the mainstay of inhabitants of the ASALs which act as rangelands for livestock and the county has spent some 50 million shillings on the purchase of relief food for the residents.

Most of the arid and semi-arid lands have been in the throes of a drought spanning three seasons; with the rains expected next month, which the Kenya Meteorological Department says will be depressed further compounding the situation.