Kenya’s Alarming Loss: Devastating Drought Claims 9.5 Million Livestock, Sparking Urgent Call to Action
In Nairobi this week, Kenya is hosting a pivotal meeting to address the urgent challenges facing Africa’s livestock sector.
The Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) Project, spanning five days, brings together a diverse array of experts from across the continent.
The primary objective of this gathering is to develop strategies that effectively tackle the ongoing feed and fodder crisis, with a particular focus on fostering an ‘African narrative’ grounded in evidence to facilitate better decision-making for countries.
Dr. Huyam Salih, the Director of AU-IBAR, emphasized the significance of addressing what she referred to as the “three C’s” crises – climate change, COVID-19, and conflict.
These crises according to The Standard have laid bare Africa’s vulnerability, resulting in eroded livelihoods, loss of incomes, and elevated prices of crucial livestock-sourced foods. This, in turn, has made these essential food items inaccessible to segments of the population that need them the most.
A staggering revelation by Dr. Salih is that livestock feeding constitutes a substantial portion, ranging from 60% to 70%, of the total cost of livestock production.
The recent drought in the Greater Horn of Africa further exacerbated the situation, causing a massive loss of 9.5 million livestock valued at over 2 billion USD.
This loss includes not just the monetary value but also invaluable livestock genetic resources developed over decades, serving as a key factor for livelihoods and incomes.
This is especially true for pastoralists and smallholders, who contribute over 80% of meat and milk production in the region.
The impact of these crises extends beyond individual livestock losses. Downstream stakeholders and retailing businesses are grappling with substantial losses, creating a ripple effect throughout the economic landscape.
Initiated in January 2023, the RAFFS Project has been laser-focused on understanding the impact of global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine on the feed and fodder sector.
This project, jointly funded by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has specifically honed in on six countries – Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The selection is based on their unique contexts and challenges.
One of the project’s significant milestones has been the Continental Survey, an initiative to engage stakeholders in the Feed and Fodder Sector.
Out of the fifty-five AU Member States, an impressive forty-four actively participated, providing a comprehensive continental outlook and an opportunity to uncover regional differences and issues.
The insights gathered through this survey have proven invaluable, shaping a nuanced understanding of the feed and fodder landscape across Africa.
However, the challenges faced by the continent are not solely confined to livestock losses and economic impacts.
In December 2022, the Kenyan government reported a devastating toll on wildlife due to drought – over 200 elephants, nearly 400 zebras, and more than 500 wildebeests lost their lives.
Recognizing the pivotal role women play in the feed and fodder sector, the RAFFS project is set to assess and highlight their contributions.
Dr. Salih emphasized the economic impact of empowering women in this sector, noting that a single dollar invested in women can release revenue of three dollars in the economy.
This is crucial because women often play the role of caretakers, responsible for looking after children and ensuring the family is well-fed.
To break the cycle of poverty and inequalities, AU-IBAR has been a staunch advocate for the development and implementation of policies and legal frameworks that create a wider array of opportunities for women in the feed and fodder sector.
This, in turn, would lead to their economic empowerment, contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the continent.
A key challenge identified in this pursuit is the poor access to appropriate and sustainable financing mechanisms tailored to address women’s needs and capacities in the livestock sector.
Breaking this bottleneck is crucial for fostering economic empowerment and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the continent.
The RAFFS Project emerges as a transformative initiative, aiming to turn challenges into opportunities and strengthen the feed and fodder sector across Africa.
This comprehensive approach, encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions, signifies a concerted effort towards a more resilient and sustainable future for the continent.
The ongoing meeting in Nairobi serves as a testament to the collective commitment of experts and stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing Africa’s livestock sector.
