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Beef Production in the Rangelands: A Comparative Assessment between Pastoralism and Large-Scale Ranching in Laikipia County, Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • Veronica Mwangi

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
    Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, 10400 Nanyuki, Kenya)

  • Samuel Owuor

    (Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Boniface Kiteme

    (Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, 10400 Nanyuki, Kenya)

  • Markus Giger

    (Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland)

Abstract

Beef production in Kenya is the forte of pastoralists and large-scale ranches in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas. Cross sectional data was collected from 67 pastoralists and seven large-scale ranches, selected through multistage stratified sampling. Comparative descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and analysis of production constraints were done with the objective of assessing the pastoralists and large-scale ranches direct economic gains, constraints to production and potential for upgrading. Gross margin analysis showed that beef production is profitable for both pastoralists and large-scale ranches. However, large-scale ranches had much higher gross margins of up to six times more. There were significant differences in the live weight of cattle, prices and livestock selling channels and cost of production. Drought, livestock diseases, invasive plant species, lack of water and human-wildlife conflict were among factors limiting productivity of pastoralists. The difference in gross margins indicates existing potential for pastoralists to improve their earnings through a combination of product, process, and functional upgrading. Addressing key constraints to production can contribute to better gains and strengthen coexistence between pastoralists and large-scale ranches. Strategies and programmes to enhance cattle fattening, provision of livestock extension services, affordable feed inputs and collaboration between the two production systems should be considered in upgrading.

Suggested Citation

  • Veronica Mwangi & Samuel Owuor & Boniface Kiteme & Markus Giger, 2020. "Beef Production in the Rangelands: A Comparative Assessment between Pastoralism and Large-Scale Ranching in Laikipia County, Kenya," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:10:y:2020:i:9:p:399-:d:411922
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Allegretti, Antonio & Hesse, Ced & Mohammed, Essam Yassin & Sitayo, Emmanuel, 2016. "Economic valuation of pastoral meat production system in Arusha region, Tanzania," African Journal of Economic Review, African Journal of Economic Review, vol. 4(2), July.
    2. Gamba, Paul, 2006. "Beef and Dairy Cattle Improvement Services: A Policy Perspective," Working Papers 202620, Egerton University, Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ken Ogao Oburah & Clement Lenachuru & Wilfred O. Odadi, 2021. "Does the Community Conservancy Model Work for Pastoralists? Insights from Naibunga Conservancy in Northern Kenya," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-27, July.
    2. Göran Bostedt & Lonah Mukoya & Deborah Muricho & Gert Nyberg, 2021. "Saving and borrowing behaviour among agropastoralists in West Pokot County, Kenya," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(6), pages 1043-1062, August.

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