SITUATION OVERVIEW
During March 2007, the rainfall received across the district was below average. LODWAR meteorological station recorded a value of 18.7mm - this is lower than what had been recorded (29.2mm) during the previous month of February. It is also far below the value of 33.0 mm recorded for the same period of referenced year (00-04).
The pasture and browse in several areas are in fair condition due to the last short rains. However, they are deteriorating fast because of the effects of the continuous hot and dry weather.
Water table level found in most underground water sources has decreased. The dry weather still persists, and the water table has declined. Eventually, all the shallow wells might dry up completely. The average distances to grazing areas are 7.1KM, and average House Hold distance is 4.2KM and average time is 2.2 hrs from the water sources, and all these are relatively long.
Generally, the body condition of most livestock species was fair in many parts of the district except the shoats in the northern/western parts of the district, which have adversely been affected by the Peste des petits Ruminants (PPR or locally known as Lomoo/ Lomanang'). Due to its ravaging effects, quarantine for PPR covering the whole district was put on the 25th January 2007 by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries development.
Mortality rates for shoats have decreased significantly, that is, from 4.01% in February '07 to 2.93% in March '07.This can be attributed to measures taken by the vet services and development partners through the ongoing vaccination campaign and quarantine against Peste des Petits Ruminant in Turkana North and South Districts. Paradoxically, the mortality rates for the large stocks, increased from a value of 3.2% in February to value of 4.3% during the month under review. Slaughter rates could not be determined.
Livestock birth rates average decreased from 14.6% in February'07 to 11.3% in March'07. This was due to deterioration in available pasture (grasses) and browse, thus resulting in decrease in mating. More specifically, the birth rates recorded are: - cattle (12.4%), sheep (14%), goats (10.2%) and camels (8.6%) respectively.
Livestock sales rate decreased during the month to a value of 1.3% in March' 07 from 3.7% recorded during the month of February'07. This can be attributed to traditional preservation.
The household milk production has slightly decreased across the district from a value of 25.7% recorded in February to 22.4% in March 2007.This can be attributed to the decrease in the lambing/kidding and calving recorded in the period after the previous short rains (Oct-Dec). Therefore, Livestock milk production capacity is expected to improve further if the long rains come as expected in April/May/June 2007.
The food security situation is fair but heading towards the alarm from alert stage.
The malnutrition dropped from an average value of 15.8% during the month of February to 15.4% in March. This rates shows an improving trend in the nutritional status of malnourished children between (12-59) months. However, this situates the district at an alarm stage.
The state of insecurity is still worse in the southern areas of Turkana especially, Lokori, Lomelo and Kainuk. In addition, Kibish & Lapur division in the North are also experiencing high levels of insecurity due to the attacks by Dongiros of Ethiopia.
The peace between the Turkana community and the Merille people of Ethiopia is holding and is no longer under threat following the return of the last animals, which had been stolen by individuals from the two communities. ECORDEP, with facilitation from ALRMP, has been able to prevent the occurrence of conflict in that corridor.
Recommendations to District Authorities and National KFSSG by the D.S.G
Continued food assistance under the General Food Distribution/Food for Assets in areas with high malnutrition, inadequate rainfall and livestock diseases.
The children in Nutritional programs should continue receiving supplements.
Carry out Environmental conservation to enable regeneration of grass and shrubs in various areas.
Pasture improvement through reseeding of the degraded areas where the grass seeds have disappeared with time due to several prolonged droughts.
Restocking of communities worst affected by the PPR; floods and raids.
Establishment of cold storage facilities in the landing beaches a long the Lake Turkana to enable the fisherfolks to preserve and market their catches.
Establishment of Rain water harvesting structures to prolong the stay of pastoralists in their normal rangelands.
Health education and the promotion of healthy behaviour is the main strategy that can reduce communicable diseases and promote good childcare practices.
There is need for biochemical medical analysis in Kalokol to establish the best cause of action that will minimize the deterioration of born health in the area.
If the dry weather persists, water tracking should be considered because it is going to be vital to water stressed communities.
Establishment of Anti Stock Theft Police Units (ASTU) at Lokori, Lochwaakula and Kainuk in the South; the General Service Unit Camp in Lokiriama; and a Kenya Army Camp in Kibish
Increasing the number of Kenya Police Reservists in all the areas affected by the insecurity. In addition, more ammunition should be provided to KPR
Current Interventions.
[I] Non-food Interventions
Vaccination of shoats against Peste des petits Ruminants by GOK, VSF- B, ALRMP, OXFAM-GB and LWF;
Spraying of locusts in areas around Lokitaung by Ministry of Agriculture;
Water resources development by IRC; UNICEF; ALRMP, OXFAM-GB and WORLD VISION
Peace building interventions by RRT and/or other CBOs with funding from ALRMP, OXFAM-GB, DAI, LWF, VSF-B
and practical action (ITDG).
The launching of tsetse fly control programme in the district
[ii] Food Aid
General Food Distribution.
Supplementary feeding (Nutrition).
Food for Assets.