Kenya: Pastoralists urged to diversify income sources to beat aridity

Nakuru — Pastoral communities have been urged to embrace diversification of income sources as opposed to sole dependance on livestock keeping. The renewed call is part of a campaign to improve livelihoods and enhance economic activities in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) in the country's north that solely practice pastoralism. The communities were discouraged from taking livestock keeping for prestige and culture and instead commercialise it for economic gain. National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Assistant Drought Information Officer in charge of Samburu, Losenge Koolik said selling livestock does not only enable communities to cater for household needs but is also a cautionary measure in case of disasters. "Let the people learn to sell off livestock once they are mature and well fattened as they can fetch good prices in the market," said Koolik. His sentiments come at a time when ASALs areas are recovering from drought which is said to have been worst in the last 40 ...