By M, KNA
The State Department for Livestock Development has organized a forum at Hotel Serena Mombasa, bringing together 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) County Governments, National representatives, development partners and key stakeholders in unlocking the potential of ASAL Livestock economy.
The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe will be the guest of honor at the forum accompanied by Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke.
The conference that will bring together policy makers and pastoralist communities, will discuss strategies for empowering pastoralist economies, enhancing collaboration and preparing for a sustainable future.
The two days forum is organized in collaboration of Council of Governors (COGs) through its committee on ASALs and disaster Risk Management to review the current state of the Livestock Sector in ASAL areas, identify priority policy and investment areas and develop a joint blueprint for Livestock Development in ASALs.
The blueprint will then articulate a unified County position to be presented to President William Ruto and development partners, with the goal of unlocking sustainable investment, reforms and partnerships to revitalize the livestock sector.
Key speakers at the event will do presentations on veterinary service delivery and animal tracking systems (ANITRAC), weather forecasting and climate information for livestock planning, proposed livestock co-operatives and farmer organizations structure, discuss on strategies for livestock marketing aggregation and value chain development and policy and Legal frameworks for the status of livestock.
This forum is aimed to unlock sustainable investments, reforms and partnerships to revitalize the Livestock sector.
Pastoralist communities play a pivotal role in food security, climate resilience and cultural preservation.
ASAL brings together 23 counties mainly from Northern Kenya, parts of Coast and Rift Valley regions where communities grapple with prolonged drought, poverty, and land degradation due to climate conditions.