#livestock farming in Kenya

[farmerstrend]

Challenges Facing Kenya's Livestock Feed Industry: High Costs, Limited Raw Materials, and Regulatory Gaps

Kenya has extended the implementation of regulations that allow the country, and others in East Africa, to continue importing duty-free raw materials for feed manufacturing from within the region as the government attempts to address the high feed prices and stabilize the nearly $230 million industry. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u said in June that the Kenyan government will…

[tadotravel]

🌍 The Enriching Journey of the Maasai Tribe

The Maasai tribe is a significant community with a unique history. They originated from South Sudan, belonging to the Nilotic ethnic group. Due to unfavorable conditions for livestock farming, they were compelled to migrate in search of grazing land and water for their animals. On their journey, they passed through various regions, including the Ethiopian Highlands and the Great Rift Valley, eventually settling in the fertile lands of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara. Along the way, they encountered various indigenous communities, such as the Samburu, Kikuyu, and Luo, which contributed to the distinctiveness of the Maasai culture.

Today, the Maasai primarily live in Kenya and Tanzania, with an estimated population of around 1 million. They are divided into approximately 16 clans, with the Purko and Loita clans in Kenya and the Parakuyo clan in Tanzania being the most influential in terms of historical impact and size. Despite their geographical separation, the Maasai maintain a shared culture that binds them together.

In Kenya, the Maasai lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle, which contrasts with the more settled Maasai in Tanzania, who now engage in both farming and livestock herding. Their unique identity is immediately visible through their attire. In Kenya, they wear red shukas (blankets) adorned with intricate beadwork, while in Tanzania, the Maasai often wear blue and purple shukas. These variations in attire symbolize their unity in diversity.

Visiting the Maasai offers a unique learning experience. You can participate in their traditional dances, such as the adumu or jumping dance, and listen to elders recount stories of their origins. You will also have the chance to taste their traditional foods, like ugali (maize porridge), traditional drink (known as amarula –a mixture of fresh cow’s milk and cow blood), meat, and milk. Importantly, you will learn about their traditional herbal medicine practices, known as mitishamba. Examples include esititi, used for dental care, various herbs for treating malaria, and other plants for digestive health and body detoxification.

The Maasai tribe offers invaluable lessons in resilience, sustainability, and the importance of cultural heritage. This brief glimpse into their rich history and vibrant culture is just a taste of what this remarkable community has to offer.

✨ Resilience, Unity, and Cultural Heritage -The Maasai Way ✨

For more insight and information on cultural tours and safari experiences, follow us!

[cognitivejustice]

From ancient fertilizer methods in Zimbabwe to new greenhouse technology in Somalia, farmers across the heavily agriculture-reliant African continent are looking to the past and future to respond to climate change.

Zimbabwe

A patch of green vegetables is thriving in a small garden the 65-year-old Tshuma is keeping alive with homemade organic manure and fertilizer. Previously discarded items have again become priceless.

“This is how our fathers and forefathers used to feed the earth and themselves before the introduction of chemicals and inorganic fertilizers,” Tshuma said.

He applies livestock droppings, grass, plant residue, remains of small animals, tree leaves and bark, food scraps and other biodegradable items like paper. Even the bones of animals that are dying in increasing numbers due to the drought are burned before being crushed into ash for their calcium.

Somalia

Greenhouses are changing the way some people live, with shoppers filling up carts with locally produced vegetables and traditionally nomadic pastoralists under pressure to settle down and grow crops.

“They are organic, fresh and healthy,” shopper Sucdi Hassan said in the capital, Mogadishu. “Knowing that they come from our local farms makes us feel secure.”

The greenhouses also create employment in a country where about 75% of the population is people under 30 years old, many of them jobless.

Kenya

In Kenya, a new climate-smart bean variety is bringing hope to farmers in a region that had recorded reduced rainfall in six consecutive rainy seasons.

The variety, called “Nyota” or “star” in Swahili, is the result of a collaboration between scientists from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, the Alliance of Bioversity International and research organization International Center for Tropical Agriculture.

The new bean variety is tailored for Kenya’s diverse climatic conditions. One focus is to make sure drought doesn’t kill them off before they have time to flourish.

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Other moves to traditional practices are under way. Drought-resistant millets, sorghum and legumes, staples until the early 20th century when they were overtaken by exotic white corn, have been taking up more land space in recent years.

Leaves of drought-resistant plants that were once a regular dish before being cast off as weeds are returning to dinner tables. They even appear on elite supermarket shelves and are served at classy restaurants, as are millet and sorghum.

This could create markets for the crops even beyond drought years

[beardedmrbean]

French farming unions are taking aim at the European Union’s free-trade agreements, which they say open the door to unfair competition from products arriving from overseas. At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable – and sometimes more costly – agricultural practices, unions say these trade deals are making it hard for them to stay solvent.

French farmers say that one of their biggest fears is that Chilean apples, Brazilian grains and Canadian beef will flood the European market, thereby undermining their livelihoods. France’s farmers continued to demonstrate on the country’s motorways on Wednesday, protesting against rising costs, over-regulation and free-trade agreements –partnerships between the EU and exporting nations that the farming unions say leads to unfair competition. 

The EU has signed several free-trade agreements in recent years, all with the objective of facilitating the movement of goods and services. But farmers say the deals bring with them insurmountable challenges.

"These agreements aim to reduce customs duties, with maximum quotas for certain agricultural products and non-tariff barriers," said Elvire Fabry, senior researcher at the Jacques Delors Institute, a French think-tank dedicated to European affairs. "They also have an increasingly broad regulatory scope to promote European standards for investment, protection of intellectual property, geographical indications and sustainable development standards."

South American trade deal in the crosshairs

Some non-EU countries – such as Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland – maintain comprehensive free-trade agreements with the EU because they are part of the European Economic Area. This allows them to benefit from the free movement of goods, services, capital and people.

Other nations farther afield have signed more variable agreements with the EU, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, Vietnam and Ukraine. The EU also recently signed an accord with Kenya and a deal with New Zealand that will come into force this year; negotiations are also under way with India and Australia.    

However, a draft agreement between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur is creating the most concern. Under discussion since the 1990s, this trade partnership between Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay would create the world's largest free-trade area, a market encompassing 780 million people. 

French farmers are particularly concerned about the deal’s possible effect on agriculture. The most recent version of the text introduces quotas for Mercosur countries to export 99,000 tonnes of beef, 100,000 tonnes of poultry and 180,000 tonnes of sugar per year, with little or no customs duties imposed. In exchange, duties would also be lowered on exports from the EU on many “protected designation of origin” (PDO) products. 

At a time when the EU is urging farmers to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, French unions say these agreements would open the door to massive imports – at more competitive prices – of products that do not meet the same environmental standards as those originating in Europe. French farmers are calling out what they say is unfair competition from farmers in South America who can grow GMO crops and use growth-promoting antibiotics on livestock, which is banned in the EU. 

Trade unions from various sectors went into action after the European Commission informed them on January 24 that negotiations with Mercosur could be concluded "before the end of this mandate", i.e., before the European Parliament elections in June.      

The FNSEA, France’s biggest farming union, immediately called for a "clear rejection of free-trade agreements" while the pro-environmental farming group Confédération Paysanne (Farmers' Confederation) called for an "immediate end to negotiations" on this type of agreement.   

A mixed record

"In reality, the impact of these free-trade agreements varies from sector to sector," said Fabry. "Negotiations prior to agreements aim to calibrate the opening up of trade to limit the negative impact on the most exposed sectors. And, at the same time, these sectors can benefit from other agreements. In the end, it's a question of finding an overall balance."

This disparity is glaringly obvious in the agricultural sector. "The wine and spirits industry as well as the dairy industry stand to gain more than livestock farmers, for example," said Fabry. These sectors are the main beneficiaries of free-trade agreements, according to a 2023 report by the French National Assembly.

"The existence of trade agreements that allow customs duty differentials to be eliminated is an 'over-determining factor' in the competitiveness of French wines," wrote FranceAgriMer, a national establishment for agriculture and maritime products under the authority of the French ministry of agriculture in a 2021 report. The majority of free-trade agreements lower or abolish customs duties to allow the export of many PDO products, a category to which many wines belong.

However, the impact on meat is less clear-cut. While FranceAgriMer says the balance between imports and exports appears to be in the EU's favour for pork, poultry exports seem to be declining as a result of the agreements. Hence the fears over the planned treaty with New Zealand, which provides for 36,000 tonnes of mutton to be imported into the EU, equivalent to 45% of French production in 2022. France,however, still has a large surplus of grains except for soya. 

‘A bargaining chip’

Beyond the impact on agriculture, "this debate on free-trade agreements must take into account other issues", said Fabry. "We are in a situation where the EU is seeking to secure its supplies and in particular its supplies of strategic minerals. Brazil's lithium, cobalt, graphite and other resource reserves should not be overlooked."

The agreement with Chile should enable strategic minerals to be exported in exchange for agricultural products. Germany strongly supports the agreement with Mercosur, as it sees it as an outlet for its industrial sectors, according to Fabry.

"In virtually all free-trade agreements, agriculture is always used as a bargaining chip in exchange for selling cars or Airbus planes," Véronique Marchesseau, general-secretary of the Confédération Paysanne, told AFP.

Michèle Boudoin, president of the French National Sheep Federation, told AFP that the agreement with New Zealand will "destabilise the lamb market in France".  

"We know that Germany needs to export its cars, that France needs to sell its wheat, and we're told that we need an ally in the Pacific tocounter China and Russia. But if that is the case, then we need help to be able to produce top-of-the-line lamb, for example," she said.

Finally, "there is a question of influence", said Fabry. "These agreements also remain a way for the EU to promote its environmental standards to lead its partners along the path of ecological transition, even if this has to be negotiated," said Fabry. 

Marc Fesneau, the French minister of agriculture, made the same argument. "In most cases, the agreements have been beneficial, including to French agriculture," Fesneau wrote on X last week, adding: "They will be even more so if we ensure that our standards are respected."

Mercosur negotiations suspended? 

As the farmers’ promised “siege” of Paris and other major locations across France continues, the French government has been trying to reassure agricultural workers about Mercosur, even though President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva relaunched negotiations in December. "France is clearly opposed to the signing of the Mercosur treaty," Prime Minister Gabriel Attal acknowledged last week.

The Élysée Palace even said on Monday evening that EU negotiations with the South American bloc had been suspended because of France's opposition to the treaty. The conditions are "not ripe" for concluding the negotiations, said Eric Mamer, spokesman for the European Commission. "However, discussions are ongoing." 

Before being adopted, the agreement would have to be passed unanimously by the European Parliament, then ratified individually by the 27 EU member states.

[simplicius-simplicissimus]

Africa - a place of longing

“Born Free” tells the true story of the lioness Elsa in Kenya in the mid-1950s, who was raised by humans (Joy and George Adamson) and then released back into the wild. Elsa viewed the people who raised her as her family and impressively showed how affectionate and loving those powerful and strong species can be. However, through contact with humans, Elsa never learned to survive in the harsh African wilderness. In order to be free and not have to live in a zoo, her hunting instinct had to be awakened so that she could feed herself in the wild. This learning process was often painful for Elsa, because in the wilderness there is a merciless law that only the strong, fast or experienced survive. Finally, Elsa became the first lion successfully released back into the wild, the first to have contact after release with humans, and the first known released lion to have a litter of cubs. The Adamsons kept their distance from the cubs, getting close enough only to photograph them.

In January 1961, Elsa died from babesiosis, a disease resulting from a tick bite. Her three young cubs became a nuisance, killing the livestock of local farmers. The Adamsons, who feared the farmers might kill the cubs, were able to eventually capture them and transport them to neighboring Tanganyika (today called Tanzania), where they were promised a home at Serengeti National Park. The descendants of the lioness Elsa probably still wander through the African savannah today. Joy Adamson (a native Austrian) wrote down her experiences with the lioness Elsa in a book - a bestseller that sold millions of copies and was also made into a film in 1966. There was also a multi-part television series in the early 1970s.

The Adamsons dedicated their lives to the conservation of African lions, and it cost them dearly. When Joy Adamson died in 1980, it was falsely reported that she was killed by a lion, when in fact she had been murdered by a disgruntled ex-employee. George Adamson was murdered nine years later, while rushing to the aid of a tourist who was being attacked by poachers. The tourist survived, but he gave his life to his cause.

„It was nearly a week before we returned. We found her waiting, and very hungry. She was full of affection; we had deceived her so often, broken faith with her, done so much to destroy her trust in us, yet she remained loyal.“

-Joy Adamson about Elsa after a trial to accustom her to the wild

The “Serengeti” in Tanzania became a household name through the countless television programs by Professor Dr. Grzimek (director of the Frankfurt Zoo from 1945 to 1974) on German TV. He introduced us to the diverse world of wild animals, but also to the need of the conservation of their habitats. Unforgettable also the Oscar winning documentary film „Serengeti Shall Not Die“ („Serengeti Darf Nicht Sterben“) - filmed by him and his son Michael. The “Serengeti” was Grzimek’s heart project - he was heavily involved in the preservation of this unique habitat for wild animals.

„But when fifty years from now, a lion walks into the red dawn and roars resoundingly, it will mean something to people and quicken their hearts wether they Africans or Europeans, or wether they speak English, German, Russian or Swahili. They will stand in quiet awe as, for the first time in their lives, they watch twenty thousand zebras wander across the endless plains.“

-Dr. Bernhard Grzimek about the Serengeti, 1959

As a teenager grown up in the 1980s, “Out of Africa” cannot be missing from the list of films about Africa - the film adaptation of Karen Blixen's world-famous novel about her life on a coffee plantation in Kenya.

„I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The Equator runs across these highlands, a hundred miles to the north, and the farm lay at an altitude of over six thousand feet. In the day-time you felt that you had got high up; near to the sun, but the early mornings and evenings were limpid and restful, and the nights were cold.“

-Karen Blixen - words that express the longing for the described place

All these films were an inspiration to see lions, elephants and other wild animals in their natural habitat and these magic landscapes with own eyes. We will start in 3 weeks ….Africa: Zimbabwe, Botsuana and Namibia - then next year South Africa. After that we will see where the wind blows us next.

-Simplicius Simplicissimus

[jobskenyaplace]

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR LAND COMMERCIALIZATION INITIATIVE MASINGA FARM

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT TENDERS OCTOBER 2024  EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR LAND COMMERCIALIZATION INITIATIVE MASINGA FARM TENDER NO. MOALD/SDA/LCI/EOI/01/2024-2025 1. BACKGROUND The Government of Kenya through the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS 2019 – 2029) seeks to transform underutilized land into productive commercial agricultural…

[agrinextcon]

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Catalysts for Global Change

For centuries, agriculture has been seen as a male-dominated field, but this narrative is swiftly changing. Women are emerging as key players in the global agricultural landscape, driving food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.

The Vital Role of Women in Agriculture

Women account for about 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, with this figure rising to as much as 70% in some  parts of sub-Saharan Africa. They shoulder essential tasks like planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing crops. Additionally, they manage livestock care, food preservation, and small-scale farms. Despite these significant contributions, women in agriculture face numerous challenges, including limited access to land, credit, training, and technology.

BreakingBarriers:Education and Training

Empowering women through education and training is crucial for enhancing their productivity and ensuring their equal participation in agriculture. Various programs and initiatives have been launched to provide women with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt modern farming practices, improve crop yields, and manage their farms more effectively.

For example, the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) In India,has trained over 50,000 women farmers, equipping them with modern farming techniques and facilitating access to credit and markets.

Similarly, the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) program has been working to strengthen the research and leadership skills of African women scientists, ensuring they can contribute to the continent’s agricultural growth.

Spotlight on Influential Women in Agriculture

 Dr. Vandana Shiva (India)

Dr. Vandana Shiva has tirelessly advocated for sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty in India, founding    Navdanya,, a national movement to protect indigenous seeds and promote organic farming.Her work has empowered countless women farmers in India to reclaim their rights over seeds and promote organic farming.

Wanjira Mathai (Kenya)

Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, continues her mother’s legacy through her work in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. As the chair of the Green Belt Movement, she has been instrumental in advocating for agroforestry and empowering women in rural Kenya to plant trees and grow food sustainably. Mathai's work has not only improved food security but also addressed climate change and land degradation. 

Leah Penniman (United States)

Leah Penniman is the co-founder of Soul Fire Farm, an Afro-Indigenous centred community farm in New York. She is a leader in the food justice movement and has dedicated her life to ending racism in the food system. Penniman’s work focuses on training the next generation of Black and Brown farmers, promoting regenerative farming practices, and advocating for policies that support small-scale farmers of colour.

Fatou Batta (Burkina Faso)

Fatou Batta is a leading advocate for women’s rights in agriculture and a prominent figure in promoting sustainable agriculture in West Africa. As a key partner with Groundswell International, she has dedicated her efforts to empowering rural women through education, access to credit, and the adoption of ecological farming practices. Batta’s work has significantly improved the lives of thousands of women farmers in Burkina Faso and beyond, helping them to increase their agricultural productivity and achieve greater financial independence.

Women’s Cooperatives: A Path to Economic Empowerment

Women's cooperatives have become a powerful tool for economic empowerment in agriculture. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and collectively negotiating prices, these cooperatives allow women to overcome the barriers they face individually. Cooperatives also provide a platform for women to participate in decision-making and leadership roles.

In Kenya, the Kilimanjaro Women Coffee Growers Cooperative has transformed the lives of over 500 women, increasing their income by 40% and reinvesting profits into essential community projects like schools and healthcare.

The Future of Women in Agriculture

The future of agriculture, and indeed the sustainability of our planet, depends on the full inclusion of women. As global challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and population growth intensify, women’s participation in agriculture will be pivotal in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. To make this a reality, organizations and governments must prioritize policies that promote gender equality in agriculture. This includes ensuring women have equal access to land and resources, providing tailored agricultural extension services, and creating environments where women can thrive as leaders and innovators.

Conclusion

Women are the backbone of agriculture, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. By breaking down the barriers they face and empowering them with the tools and opportunities they need, we can ensure that women continue to drive agricultural growth and development worldwide. The future of global food security depends on harnessing the full potential of women in agriculture.

Spotlight on Women in Agricultural Technology at AgriNext Awards,Conference & Expo 2024

At the upcoming AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024, the spotlight will shine on 'Women in Agricultural Technology,' where industry leaders will showcase their groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing the future of farming.

Women Leading the Charge in Agri-Tech

AgriNext Awards, Conference & Expo 2024 has curated an impressive lineup of women who are at the forefront of technological advancements in agriculture. 

Meet some of the leaders who are pushing the boundaries in their respective fields and inspiring others through their commitment to innovation and sustainable practices:

Gilwoo Lee (South Korea) - CEO of Zordi

Nadine Benchaffai - Venture Builder Director at Dana Global

Dr. Hansa Shingrakhia (India) - Co-Founder of AgriGuru Online

Dr. Christina Timi Igono (Nigeria) - Founder and CEO of Eight Orbit Urban Farms

The "Women in Agricultural Technology" session at AgriNext 2024 is a testament to the growing influence of women in the agri-tech sector. As Gilwoo Lee, Nadine Benchaffi, and other trailblazers take the stage, they will not only share their groundbreaking work but also pave the way for a future where agriculture is more innovative, inclusive, and sustainable.

[creativeera]

Swine Fever Vaccine: A Potential Lifesaver for Pigs Around the World

Origins and Spread of Swine Fever African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a large DNA virus that was first identified in the early 20th century in Kenya. It is highly contagious among pigs and wild boar. The disease has since spread to many sub-Saharan African countries as well as parts of Europe and Asia. In recent years, ASFV has caused severe outbreaks and significant economic losses in Eastern Europe and China. Its ability to survive for long periods in uncooked pork products has aided its transmission over long distances. With globalization and increased movement of people and goods, the threat of ASFV spread to other pig-raising regions remains high. Challenges of Developing an Effective Vaccine Developing a vaccine against Swine Fever Vaccine has proven exceptionally challenging for several reasons. First, ASFV is a very large and complex virus unlike other common livestock pathogens. This complex structure makes it difficult for the immune system to generate protective antibodies against it. Second, there are no cell culture systems or small animal models available for consistent vaccine testing. Researchers must rely on infected pig trials for efficacy evaluations. These limitations have hindered traditional vaccine approaches using killed or attenuated virus versions. Novel vaccine strategies targeting specific ASFV genes are now being explored but require extensive safety testing before use in massive pig populations. Considerable resources and time are needed for vaccine development, testing, and regulatory approval. Promising New Vaccine Candidates Emerging In recent years, advances in viral genomics and gene-editing technologies have provided new opportunities for ASFV vaccine research. Chinese and European scientists have identified particular ASFV genes responsible for virulence. By deleting these genes, they have generated attenuated live vaccine candidates that induce protective immunity without disease in pig trials. Separately, researchers at the University of Florida developed a subunit vaccine containing a key ASFV protein formulated with an oil-based adjuvant. In preliminary tests, this synthetic vaccine demonstrated the ability to protect 100% of immunized pigs against lethal challenge. While more studies are still required, these modified live and subunit vaccine approaches show the most promising results to date. Large-Scale Production Challenges Ahead Even if an effective swine fever vaccine is proven through extensive field trials, major challenges remain for its widespread adoption and use in practice. Mass production under stringent quality control will need to meet the enormous demand from huge swine industries, especially in China and Europe. Ensuring proper cold chain management during transport and storage will be critically important for temperature-sensitive live vaccines. Achieving widespread coverage through multiple immunizations will pose logistical difficulties. Farmers may be reluctant to adopt an unproven new vaccine in places currently unaffected by the disease. Establishing an affordable pricing structure acceptable to different countries and farm sizes will also take rigorous economic modeling and negotiation with manufacturers. Overcoming these challenges will likely require unprecedented international cooperation between researchers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies. Widespread Immunization - The Ultimate Goal Ideally, an effective and affordable Swine Fever Vaccine distributed on a global scale could significantly curb the devastating impacts of this swine fever. With sufficient population immunity established through immunization programs, outbreaks may become more localized and amenable to control through quarantine and culling practices.

Get more insights on Swine Fever Vaccine

Priya Pandey is a dynamic and passionate editor with over three years of expertise in content editing and proofreading. Holding a bachelor's degree in biotechnology, Priya has a knack for making the content engaging. Her diverse portfolio includes editing documents across different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. Priya's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset in the world of content creation and refinement.

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[darlingkeyzblog]

Kenya is a vibrant and diverse economy with several key sectors driving growth and innovation.

Here are some of the top sectors in Kenya that present significant business opportunities: 1. Agriculture Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. The sector includes: Crops: Coffee, tea, horticulture (flowers, fruits, vegetables), maize, and sugarcane. Livestock: Dairy farming, poultry, and beef production. Fisheries: Fishing in both…

[farmerstrend]

Why ILRI's Kapiti Ranch in Kenya is the Ultimate Test-Bed for Digital Innovation in Livestock Research

“Learn how ILRI’s digital twin project at Kapiti Ranch is transforming livestock management in Africa, offering data-driven insights into cattle health, pasture availability, and climate adaptation.” “Explore ILRI’s innovative use of digital twin technology in Kenya, enhancing livestock research with real-time health monitoring, climate-resilient breeding, and sustainable rangeland…

[thecountydiary]

Kenya Unveils Transformative Livestock Bill 2024 - Ps Mueke

By TCD DIGITAL. The State Department for Livestock Development has announced a groundbreaking initiative with the proposed Livestock Bill 2024, aimed at revolutionizing Kenya’s livestock sector. This innovative legislation seeks to enhance the commercialization of livestock farming, boosting productivity, market access, and resilience. Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke emphasized that the bill…

[dropsofsciencenews]

If When There is Water…There is Too Much Life

ITA version ESP version

The variation in water availability has major global consequences. Just think of the crises that hit cities when some pollutant is found in drinking water. In nature, even large animal herds strongly depend on water, moving with the first rains or large rivers, gathering and reproducing where water is plentiful. However, changing climatic conditions could disrupt the rhythms of animals: rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are leading to significant net losses of surface water. By the end of the century, 50% of the Earth's land is predicted to be covered by arid areas. The first to be affected will be large herbivores already suffering from the current reduction in water quantities. Rising temperatures accelerate the seasonal drying of plants, reducing the water available through food. Direct water losses will increase, and animals will be forced to move more frequently to find new water sources, gathering where water is present and changing migration routes and times. Water will become a resource to compete for. Large predators will gather around the few remaining water sources, attracted not only by thirst but also by prey concentration. Aggregating around a few water sources during drought periods will also imply the rapid transmission of pathogens, especially if the water is contaminated.

These changes will affect the health of wildlife and livestock and increase human-wildlife conflicts. Large wild and domestic herbivores will have to balance their food and water needs while competing with other species. In many African regions, livestock farming is common where large quantities of water and wildlife are present, so competition for this resource will increase between wild and domestic animals. Dr. Viviana Martinez and collaborators recently published a concrete example of what could happen on a large scale. During their research, they studied for two years the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and water supply patterns at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, home to over 24 large herbivore species. The reserve is fenced with wildlife corridors and hosts about 7000 Boran cattle raised by local communities. The researchers installed five pairs of water basins, where in each pair, one basin was permanently filled and the other experimentally drained. Each water basin in a pair was located within 2.5 km of the other, and the pair was grouped in a "matrix" site randomly located 1.5 km from the full control basin and at least 1.5 km from any other water source. Scattered around the matrix were camera traps that activated when animals passed by, allowing the monitoring of interactions both near and far from water sources.

The results showed that camera traps were significantly more active near water sources compared to other sites, confirming greater activity. This increase was particularly evident during the hottest days of the year and in dry months. The observed species (except buffalo) increased their activity around filled water sources, resulting in a higher probability of interspecific contacts, about two to three times higher. However, when new water sources were introduced, or existing ones were reactivated, interspecific contacts did not increase immediately. Species such as cattle and elephants, which tend to dominate these spaces, can initially exclude other species, leading to cascading behavioural changes. Another important finding was that less water-dependent species could take longer to adapt their foraging behaviours to new water sources.

When water was removed, the composition of contacts between different species changed, mainly due to the movements of elephants and cattle, which influenced interaction dynamics. However, some herbivore species continued to overlap in drained water basins, probably because such basins offer food resources like grazing lawns or because these species are slower to adapt to changes compared to human-raised cattle or elephants. Interestingly, the presence of elephants and cattle was a driving force behind all other species dynamics. Elephants showed a higher probability of contact with other species on hot days, accessing water in the early afternoon when temperatures were higher, but if cattle were present, their behaviour changed, visiting water earlier to avoid direct competition. Cattle generally showed consistently high levels of aggregation near water during hot days, due to routine grazing and water visits managed by humans, interacting a lot with other species and affecting water arrival dynamics. This behaviour of cattle, with strong aggregation, could facilitate the transmission of diseases shared with other species like buffalo, which avoid water during the middle of the day, preferring early morning or evening, thus reducing competition.

The results obtained through this study are extremely important for the conservation and survival of species, with implications for the management of natural resources and the mitigation of conflicts between wildlife and human activities, especially in climate change scenarios. Promoting sustainable systems, such as creating water sources reserved for wildlife during hot seasons, could reduce competition and the risk of disease transmission between wildlife and livestock.

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[nanckyproducts]

Boosting Kenya's Economy: The Rise of Agriculture Exports

Kenya's agriculture sector has long been a cornerstone of its economy, providing employment, income, and sustenance for millions of Kenyans. In recent years, agriculture exports have gained significant momentum, becoming a vital driver of economic growth and development. As Kenya continues to expand its reach in the global market, understanding the dynamics and potential of agriculture exports is crucial for both policymakers and stakeholders in the industry.

The Backbone of the Economy

Agriculture accounts for approximately 34% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs over 70% of the rural population. The sector is incredibly diverse, producing a wide range of crops and livestock. Among these, tea, coffee, horticultural products, and fresh flowers stand out as key export commodities that have put Kenya on the global map.

Tea: The Green Gold

Kenya is the largest exporter of black tea in the world, with the crop being a significant contributor to foreign exchange earnings. The favorable climate in regions like Kericho, Nandi Hills, and Limuru makes it ideal for tea cultivation. Kenyan tea is renowned for its robust flavor and high quality, making it a preferred choice in markets across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In recent years, value addition through packaging and branding has further enhanced its marketability and revenue generation.

Coffee: From Farm to Cup

Kenyan coffee is another prestigious export known for its rich aroma and distinct taste. Though its production volume is lower compared to tea, Kenyan coffee fetches premium prices in international markets. The high-altitude regions around Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range provide the perfect growing conditions. Efforts to improve coffee production, processing, and marketing are ongoing, with initiatives to support smallholder farmers and enhance sustainability practices.

Horticulture: A Blossoming Sector

The horticultural sector, encompassing fruits, vegetables, and cut flowers, has witnessed remarkable growth. Kenya is the leading exporter of cut flowers to Europe, with over 70% of exports destined for the European Union. The sector's success is attributed to favorable climatic conditions, strategic geographical location, and significant investments in infrastructure and technology. Horticulture not only generates foreign exchange but also creates numerous jobs, especially for women and youth in rural areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the successes, Kenya's agriculture exports face several challenges. These include climate change, which threatens crop yields and quality; fluctuating global market prices; and stringent international standards and regulations. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and limited cold storage facilities, hampers efficient production and transportation.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. Embracing modern agricultural practices, investing in research and development, and enhancing value addition are critical steps towards overcoming these hurdles. Strengthening partnerships with international markets and improving the policy environment can also boost competitiveness and sustainability.

The Future of Agriculture Exports

The future of Kenya's agriculture exports looks promising, with ongoing efforts to diversify export commodities and explore new markets. Initiatives such as the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) play a pivotal role in marketing Kenyan products globally and supporting exporters.

Moreover, the adoption of technology and digital platforms is revolutionizing the sector. From precision farming to blockchain for traceability, these advancements are enhancing productivity, quality, and transparency in the value chain.

Conclusion

Agriculture exports in Kenya are undeniably a lifeline for Kenya's economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, Kenya can solidify its position as a global agricultural powerhouse. As the country navigates the complexities of the global market, continued investment and innovation will be key to sustaining and expanding its agriculture export success.

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TOP NEWS Agricultural Commodities > GRAINS-Demand woes limit wheat's gains; corn falls > China approves seed firms for GMO corn and soybeans, in steps to commercialise > SOFTS-Raw sugar futures recover to end up, coffee prices climb > VEGOILS-Palm retreats on weaker rival oils, ringgit gains > Russia to boost fertilizer output by 10% next year - industry group > Russia's wheat exports in 23/24 seen slightly lower at 48.6 mln t - Sovecon > LIVESTOCK-CME lean hog, cattle future contracts mixed > Kenya police probe suspected killings on Del Monte pineapple farm

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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR LAND COMMERCIALIZATION INITIATIVE KIAMBERE FARM (PHASE II)

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