The national government is set to introduce an ambitious plan to start feedlot systems to promote growth of livestock fodder in all Arid and Semi-Arid areas through partnership with county governments.

The programme which is being implemented by the state department for Asal and Regional development will start in Marsabit County where over 5000 acres in Warda area, Moyale Sub-County will be put under fodder irrigation.

The State department of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development Principal Secretary Kello Harsama said that the programme will be implemented by the Ewaso Nyiro North Development Authority (ENNDA) in the ASAL areas.

According to the PS, the programme is a direct mitigation response to the effects of climate change and will be implemented in 31 counties in the country.

He said that the country lost over 2.5 million head of cattle during the previous drought prompting initiating a strategy to cushion livestock farmers from such harm.

Mr Halsama said the feedlots concept wi
ll be carried out in 10 counties that the Ewaso-Nyiro River traverses. The availability of feed will help cushion livestock in the events of prolonged drought and other difficulties brought about by climate change.

The 10 counties along the river basin and covered by the ENNDA include Laikipia, Wajir, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Mandera, Garissa, Meru, Nyandarua and Nyeri.

To support and ensure success of the programme, the government will establish livestock treatment infrastructures, boreholes, and dams.

Source: Kenya News Agency