Mapping Value Chains and Technology Needs Assessment for Livestock in Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

Livestock sector plays a critical role in the Kenyan economy, generating approximately 12 percent of the national GDP while serving as an important source of food and income for most households. However, productivity in this sector, is hampered by various constraints such as weak market infrastructure, high costs of feeds, poor quality feeds and climate change impact. This survey aimed to estimate the current status of the livestock value chain system and practices as well as appropriate technology needed for innovation based competitiveness of the small and medium enterprise(SMEs). Data collection was based on structured questionnaires and interviews. Findings suggest that livestock value chains in Laikipia County are strongly rooted, suggesting clear pathways while weak linkages have to be reinforced. Dairy value chain remains one of the biggest avenues for community level empowerment in general and more so, women, youth including persons living with disability. The main challenges affecting the livestock and livestock products value chain are production, processing and marketing related. In addition, low application of technology on one hand or lack of presence on the other. The survey recommends the embedding of supporting functions such as policies, research and development, ICT, infrastructure, engineering, and related services in the value chain for optimization of service delivery.