Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06NAIROBI1804
2006-04-26 11:53:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
RAINS STABILIZE PASTORALIST DECLINE IN KENYA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0010 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHNR #1804/01 1161153 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 261153Z APR 06 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1273 RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 8454 RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 4142 RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 1652 RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 4887 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 3886 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 6922
UNCLAS NAIROBI 001804
SIPDIS
AIDAC AFDROUGHT
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EPRATT
USAID/W FOR AA/DCHA, WGARVELINK, LROGERS
DCHA/OFDA FOR GGOTTLIEB, PMORRIS, CGOTTSCHALK,
KCHANNELL
DCHA/FFP FOR JDWORKEN
AFR/EA FOR JBORNS, KNELSON
USUN FOR EMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
ROME FOR FODAG
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NSC FOR JMELINE, TSHORTLEY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KE
SUBJECT: RAINS STABILIZE PASTORALIST DECLINE IN KENYA
Summary
UNCLAS NAIROBI 001804
SIPDIS
AIDAC AFDROUGHT
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EPRATT
USAID/W FOR AA/DCHA, WGARVELINK, LROGERS
DCHA/OFDA FOR GGOTTLIEB, PMORRIS, CGOTTSCHALK,
KCHANNELL
DCHA/FFP FOR JDWORKEN
AFR/EA FOR JBORNS, KNELSON
USUN FOR EMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
ROME FOR FODAG
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NSC FOR JMELINE, TSHORTLEY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KE
SUBJECT: RAINS STABILIZE PASTORALIST DECLINE IN KENYA
Summary
1. The arrival of the long rains in Kenya's Garissa
and Wajir districts have stabilized the dramatic
decline in pastoralist livelihoods experienced in
recent months. However, humanitarian interventions
remain necessary to ensure both short- and long-term
recovery. Potential interventions should aim to build
resiliency among Kenya's pastoralist population
continually affected by drought by promoting
diversification of herd composition, enhancing animal
health services, and encouraging early sale of animals
before prices drop due to poor body conditions during a
drought. End summary.
USAID Assessment Trip
2. From April 14 to 17, a USAID assessment team
traveled to Garissa and Wajir district in Kenya?s North
Eastern Province to assess the impact of drought
conditions on pastoralist livelihoods and food
security. The team included the USAID/OFDA Regional
Advisor for East and Central Africa, the USAID/OFDA
Agriculture and Food Security Advisor, and the
USAID/FFP Kenya Backstop. The visit to Kenya followed
a trip to drought-affected areas of Ethiopia by the
USAID/OFDA Agriculture and Food Security Advisor and
the USAID/FFP Kenya Backstop, allowing for comparisons
to be made between the two countries. A separate cable
will present the team's findings regarding access to
water and potential interventions.
Long Rains Begin
3. The long rains season for the pastoralist areas
including Garissa and Wajir districts began in early
April, confirmed during the assessment. The team noted
evidence of patchy rains in the form of surface water,
regenerated browse, and sprouting grasses throughout
the districts. Continual rains are necessary in the
pastoral areas to ensure groundwater recharge and to
fully regenerate pasture. At the time of the
assessment, browse for camels and goats was
regenerating well; however, grasses for cattle were
still very sparse.
High Rates of Animal Mortality
4. The team observed significant numbers of animal
carcasses throughout the assessment in Garissa and
Wajir districts. Although pastoralists reported losing
up to 90 percent of animals, including cattle, sheep,
goats, and camels, all of the carcasses were cattle.
Cattle are least able to resist drought due to
considerable water needs and limited food choice.
Pastoralists also reported a temporary surge in animal
mortality after the first rains when already weakened
animals succumbed to illness or poor condition.
5. Discussions with pastoralists in the livestock
market near Ifo refugee camp and at water points in
Sarif and Dadajabura revealed losses of 60 to 90
percent. Among these were predominately cattle, but
communities also reported some camel losses, a sign of
the severity of the drought. Most agreed that they had
not seen drought conditions or similar degrees of
animal loss since the early 1990s.
6. Animal carcasses were regularly left where the
animal falls or pulled to the roadside. Communities
made little attempt to dispose of carcasses or separate
water points and carcasses in the areas visited.
Diseased animals present risks to animal health through
potential spread of diseases to remaining animals.
7. Informal discussions in Dadajabura community
revealed a recent increase in diahrreal illnesses among
children. Community members speculated that there was
connection between the dead animals, contaminated
water, and the children?s health. They stated that no
one had done anything to help them with the carcasses.
Sensitization on the need to dispose of carcasses and
mobilization of communities to do so, perhaps through
pastoralist associations, are key. One method of
disposal is the burning of carcasses; however, access
to sufficient fuel may be an issue. USAID partner
CARE, based in Dadaab, claimed to have burned and
estimated 5,000 carcasses in recent weeks and appeared
to be the only organization currently undertaking this
task.
8. The extent and coverage of animal health services
in the region are unclear. Although the Humanitarian
Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO) funded
vaccination campaigns covering an estimated 1.6 million
cattle in Kenya in 2005, access to regular veterinary
health services and vaccinations appeared minimal. In
neighboring Ethiopia significant attention is being
given to raising capacity of community animal health
workers and to providing services.
Migration, Returns, Trucking, Resource Conflicts
9. According to the USAID-supported Famine Early
Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET),the migration
radius during the drought reached up to 100 km,
signifying that some pastoralists would have crossed
borders between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia in search
of pasture and water. Discussions with Kenyan herders
in Ethiopia indicated that they kept a close watch on
rains back home and intended to return when pasture and
water became available. With news of the recent rains,
pastoralists may begin to return soon. Humanitarian
organizations should take this into consideration when
planning interventions in the drought-affected areas.
10. Not all animal owners were equally affected by the
drought, which is important when targeting
beneficiaries for recovery programming. Some were able
to truck animals to better pasture or to feeding pen
arrangements. The cost for this was well beyond most
pastoralists' means. One owner who used this method
paid 2,000 Kenyan Shillings (KSh) ? approximately 30
U.S. Dollars (USD) ? per cow for transportation and 830
KSh - 12 USD ? per cow per month for grass and grains.
The owner will also pay the the cost of a herder to
watch the animals and migrate with them back to
traditional grazing areas.
11. In Garissa District, grazing land and water
resources are under intense pressure as the Somalian
refugee population of nearly 150,000 graze animals on
the same land as the host community. According to
CARE, which works with both communities, this remains a
potential source of friction and should be monitored.
Surprisingly, in discussions with refugees near the Ifo
camp livestock market, some mentioned having herds of
100 camels, a significant number and an indication of
the herd sizes that some of the refugees may own. CARE
estimates that for each Somali refugee in the camp,
there are 50 animals.
Reduced Resiliency
12. Although the rains are coming and both pasture and
animal body condition are improving, pastoralists
continue to face significant challenges. Much of their
asset base has been depleted as a result of successive
droughts. Moreover, the low price of livestock in the
markets has left them with few income generating
options. While the animals which remain will soon gain
strength with the improved pasture, full recovery of
pastoralist livelihoods will be lengthy. Animal
condition and prices will take several months to
improve, and animal herds will need years to restock.
Recommendations
13. Disposal of carcasses is an important issue for
ensuring water quality for human health and for
reducing transmission of animal diseases to other
animals. Identifying best practices for this task and
promoting the selected method through pastoralist
associations and others community groups, such as water
associations, would enhance human and animal health.
14. Any interventions aimed at pastoralists should
consider improving the long-term resiliency of pastoral
livelihoods. This can be done by spreading risk
through diversification of herd composition, increasing
animal health through vaccination and basic health
interventions, and encouraging early sale of animals
before prices drop due to poor condition and to reduce
pressure on over-grazed and over-populated range lands.
All interventions should take into account the carrying
capacity of the land and the frequency of low rainfall
years.
15. In addition, although many livelihood options
cannot be supported in the harsh climate of the
pastoral areas, pilot programs aimed at identifying and
promoting alternatives should be supported where
possible.
Conclusion
16. The arrival of the long rains has stabilized the
situation for pastoralists in Garissa and Wajir
districts. Future interventions should be based on an
analysis of how the rainy season progresses.
Interventions must look to mitigate the impact of
cyclical droughts by increasing stability of
livelihoods and resiliency of vulnerable populations.
BELLAMY
SIPDIS
AIDAC AFDROUGHT
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EPRATT
USAID/W FOR AA/DCHA, WGARVELINK, LROGERS
DCHA/OFDA FOR GGOTTLIEB, PMORRIS, CGOTTSCHALK,
KCHANNELL
DCHA/FFP FOR JDWORKEN
AFR/EA FOR JBORNS, KNELSON
USUN FOR EMALY
BRUSSELS FOR PLERNER
ROME FOR FODAG
GENEVA FOR NKYLOH
NSC FOR JMELINE, TSHORTLEY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KE
SUBJECT: RAINS STABILIZE PASTORALIST DECLINE IN KENYA
Summary
1. The arrival of the long rains in Kenya's Garissa
and Wajir districts have stabilized the dramatic
decline in pastoralist livelihoods experienced in
recent months. However, humanitarian interventions
remain necessary to ensure both short- and long-term
recovery. Potential interventions should aim to build
resiliency among Kenya's pastoralist population
continually affected by drought by promoting
diversification of herd composition, enhancing animal
health services, and encouraging early sale of animals
before prices drop due to poor body conditions during a
drought. End summary.
USAID Assessment Trip
2. From April 14 to 17, a USAID assessment team
traveled to Garissa and Wajir district in Kenya?s North
Eastern Province to assess the impact of drought
conditions on pastoralist livelihoods and food
security. The team included the USAID/OFDA Regional
Advisor for East and Central Africa, the USAID/OFDA
Agriculture and Food Security Advisor, and the
USAID/FFP Kenya Backstop. The visit to Kenya followed
a trip to drought-affected areas of Ethiopia by the
USAID/OFDA Agriculture and Food Security Advisor and
the USAID/FFP Kenya Backstop, allowing for comparisons
to be made between the two countries. A separate cable
will present the team's findings regarding access to
water and potential interventions.
Long Rains Begin
3. The long rains season for the pastoralist areas
including Garissa and Wajir districts began in early
April, confirmed during the assessment. The team noted
evidence of patchy rains in the form of surface water,
regenerated browse, and sprouting grasses throughout
the districts. Continual rains are necessary in the
pastoral areas to ensure groundwater recharge and to
fully regenerate pasture. At the time of the
assessment, browse for camels and goats was
regenerating well; however, grasses for cattle were
still very sparse.
High Rates of Animal Mortality
4. The team observed significant numbers of animal
carcasses throughout the assessment in Garissa and
Wajir districts. Although pastoralists reported losing
up to 90 percent of animals, including cattle, sheep,
goats, and camels, all of the carcasses were cattle.
Cattle are least able to resist drought due to
considerable water needs and limited food choice.
Pastoralists also reported a temporary surge in animal
mortality after the first rains when already weakened
animals succumbed to illness or poor condition.
5. Discussions with pastoralists in the livestock
market near Ifo refugee camp and at water points in
Sarif and Dadajabura revealed losses of 60 to 90
percent. Among these were predominately cattle, but
communities also reported some camel losses, a sign of
the severity of the drought. Most agreed that they had
not seen drought conditions or similar degrees of
animal loss since the early 1990s.
6. Animal carcasses were regularly left where the
animal falls or pulled to the roadside. Communities
made little attempt to dispose of carcasses or separate
water points and carcasses in the areas visited.
Diseased animals present risks to animal health through
potential spread of diseases to remaining animals.
7. Informal discussions in Dadajabura community
revealed a recent increase in diahrreal illnesses among
children. Community members speculated that there was
connection between the dead animals, contaminated
water, and the children?s health. They stated that no
one had done anything to help them with the carcasses.
Sensitization on the need to dispose of carcasses and
mobilization of communities to do so, perhaps through
pastoralist associations, are key. One method of
disposal is the burning of carcasses; however, access
to sufficient fuel may be an issue. USAID partner
CARE, based in Dadaab, claimed to have burned and
estimated 5,000 carcasses in recent weeks and appeared
to be the only organization currently undertaking this
task.
8. The extent and coverage of animal health services
in the region are unclear. Although the Humanitarian
Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO) funded
vaccination campaigns covering an estimated 1.6 million
cattle in Kenya in 2005, access to regular veterinary
health services and vaccinations appeared minimal. In
neighboring Ethiopia significant attention is being
given to raising capacity of community animal health
workers and to providing services.
Migration, Returns, Trucking, Resource Conflicts
9. According to the USAID-supported Famine Early
Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET),the migration
radius during the drought reached up to 100 km,
signifying that some pastoralists would have crossed
borders between Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia in search
of pasture and water. Discussions with Kenyan herders
in Ethiopia indicated that they kept a close watch on
rains back home and intended to return when pasture and
water became available. With news of the recent rains,
pastoralists may begin to return soon. Humanitarian
organizations should take this into consideration when
planning interventions in the drought-affected areas.
10. Not all animal owners were equally affected by the
drought, which is important when targeting
beneficiaries for recovery programming. Some were able
to truck animals to better pasture or to feeding pen
arrangements. The cost for this was well beyond most
pastoralists' means. One owner who used this method
paid 2,000 Kenyan Shillings (KSh) ? approximately 30
U.S. Dollars (USD) ? per cow for transportation and 830
KSh - 12 USD ? per cow per month for grass and grains.
The owner will also pay the the cost of a herder to
watch the animals and migrate with them back to
traditional grazing areas.
11. In Garissa District, grazing land and water
resources are under intense pressure as the Somalian
refugee population of nearly 150,000 graze animals on
the same land as the host community. According to
CARE, which works with both communities, this remains a
potential source of friction and should be monitored.
Surprisingly, in discussions with refugees near the Ifo
camp livestock market, some mentioned having herds of
100 camels, a significant number and an indication of
the herd sizes that some of the refugees may own. CARE
estimates that for each Somali refugee in the camp,
there are 50 animals.
Reduced Resiliency
12. Although the rains are coming and both pasture and
animal body condition are improving, pastoralists
continue to face significant challenges. Much of their
asset base has been depleted as a result of successive
droughts. Moreover, the low price of livestock in the
markets has left them with few income generating
options. While the animals which remain will soon gain
strength with the improved pasture, full recovery of
pastoralist livelihoods will be lengthy. Animal
condition and prices will take several months to
improve, and animal herds will need years to restock.
Recommendations
13. Disposal of carcasses is an important issue for
ensuring water quality for human health and for
reducing transmission of animal diseases to other
animals. Identifying best practices for this task and
promoting the selected method through pastoralist
associations and others community groups, such as water
associations, would enhance human and animal health.
14. Any interventions aimed at pastoralists should
consider improving the long-term resiliency of pastoral
livelihoods. This can be done by spreading risk
through diversification of herd composition, increasing
animal health through vaccination and basic health
interventions, and encouraging early sale of animals
before prices drop due to poor condition and to reduce
pressure on over-grazed and over-populated range lands.
All interventions should take into account the carrying
capacity of the land and the frequency of low rainfall
years.
15. In addition, although many livelihood options
cannot be supported in the harsh climate of the
pastoral areas, pilot programs aimed at identifying and
promoting alternatives should be supported where
possible.
Conclusion
16. The arrival of the long rains has stabilized the
situation for pastoralists in Garissa and Wajir
districts. Future interventions should be based on an
analysis of how the rainy season progresses.
Interventions must look to mitigate the impact of
cyclical droughts by increasing stability of
livelihoods and resiliency of vulnerable populations.
BELLAMY