Situation Overview
Light showers were received during the month in the District; this resulted to positive impact on the grazing resources and water sources. A total of 82.5 mm rainfall was recorded according to ALRMP Chemolingot recording station. However reports from the communities forecast a period of dry spell to last three months.
As a result of the showers the quality and quantity of forage has improved. Water availability for both human and livestock improved. Body condition of livestock is good. Milk production remained the same as last month.
The average prices of livestock increased in cattle and goats owing to slightly improved demand from the local buyers while it decreased in sheep. However prices are still low owing to closure of all animal markets in the District in the month of February. Prices in Poultry decreased due to low demand. The outbreak of suspected Rift valley fever reported in areas of Ngambo and Kiserian areas in the district in late January lead to the closure of all livestock markets in the district. This has greatly deprived the pastoralists' communities of their source of livelihoods as they can't sell their livestock to earn a living. They are surviving at the moment on scarce wild foods, borrowing and donations from relatives / friends & well wishers. They have to be supported by emergency food supplies urgently.
The average prices of food crops and other commodities (maize) slightly increased during the month owing to inadequate stock supplies to the markets from neighboring districts and lack of money to purchase the same. Casual labour and petty trade (local beer brewing e.t.c.) was the most important sources of income for most sampled households during the month followed by minimal sale of livestock. The general nutritional status of children MUAC % decreased during the month owing to improved milk availability at household level, preference given to children.
Recommendations to district authorities/ DSG and national KFSSG
- The veterinary department/ Agencies should step up support to the livestock health sub-sector through vaccinations and treatment of clinical cases. In particular, action should be directed to Tick-borne diseases (ECF), premature births in Camels & Goats and Mange disease upsurge in the pastoral and the Agro-pastoral livelihood zones.
- The DMOH should institute measures to arrest the outbreak of Measles disease reported in Loiwat Location and Komolion areas of the District.
- Emergency Relief foods should be supplied urgently by the GOK to all pastoralists' communities in the district as all livestock markets were ordered closed yet this was their sole source of income.
- The District Public Works Engineer should urgently repair the roads damaged during the short rains season especially Marigat - Chemolingot - Kolloa and the Kerio valley roads to ensure food supplies and other needs reach these areas.
- The DC/ MOH with the DVO should lift the closure of livestock markets in the District to ease the hardship caused to the pastoralists who depend on their animal sales to earn a living yet they cannot sale.
Current interventions
1) Non-food interventions
- Construction of weir and canal in Mosiro irrigation scheme in Mukutani division.
2) Food Aid
- None
DSG meeting and Recommendations
The DSG held their meetings on 25th April 2007 and the following recommendations were made.
- Assessment to be done to establish the impact of RVF on food security in the district.
- Establish pasture development in Tangulbei, Bartabwa and Kipsaraman divisions.
- Mobilization of Agro-pastoralists to plant crops at the onset of the rains.
- More efforts be put in place to build peace initiatives between the Ilchamus, Samburu, Turkana and Pokot communities.