By Betty Luke
More than 500 herders from 10 conservancies in Samburu, Laikipia, Marsabit and Isiolo are set to benefit from training on better practices for improved productivity and income, thanks to Sh200 million three-year USAid-funded project being implemented by the Northern Rangelands Trust.
This follows the launch of a curriculum to train more than 30 herders and women across each conservancy in the region on among others animal health, breeding, feeding and natural resource and rangeland management.
The training, that will be done at the villages, will commence after the onset of rains when young men (Morans), who have migrated in search of pastures and water for their animals will have returned to their homes.
The Northern Rangelands Trust Trading (NRT-T) CEO Vishal Shah said the training will equip the herders with the requisite skills for cushioning themselves against drought and improving their productivity for increased household income.
“The training is meant to build their resilience and help them increase their productivity for improved livelihoods,” Mr Shah said during the launch of the curriculum at El-Boran hotel in Isiolo.
NRT-T Livestock Director Patrick Ekodere said the herders will during the training have an opportunity to visit terminal markets to equip themselves with necessary information on market demand.
“We will equip them with information on the right time to sell their animals and provide links with potential livestock buyers,” said Mr Ekodere.
Mr Francis Lekatula, a herder from Samburu County, said the project was timely as pastoralists were experiencing huge losses due to the ongoing drought.
“I am confident that after the training, I will be able to improve my rearing and manage available resources well to avoid losing my animals,” he said.
