The cumulative effect of the three consecutive depressed rains received across Meru County has adversely affected livestock production in the area.
The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Assistant Director Drought Information Igembe South Dr. Lolokote Sainyungu has said the livestock body condition in the agro-pastoral areas including Kachiuru, Kamweline and Kilera in Igembe North has drastically deteriorated due to lack of enough pastures, hence attracting low prices in the market.
He said some livestock keepers are selling their livestock so cheaply due to their weak body condition so as to meet other basic needs in the family.
“Livestock keepers are selling their livestock at a loss which is very unfavorable to them,” said Sainyungu, adding that “the average price of a two-year goat is Sh3500, a decline of 15% from the normal prices.”
He added that the main water sources for livestock in the area are springs and boreholes, with some currently being non-functional, while others have dried up since they did not collect enough water.
The non-functional water sources include Kamberia and Kalolone pans in Igembe central, Ntherone,Thaaicu and Kiliili boreholes in Igembe South and Kaichuru pan in Igembe North, which are either silted, have broken embankments or had change of inlet channels.
On livestock diseases and mortalities, Sainyungu noted that so far no livestock disease outbreak had been reported, however endemic livestock diseases namely foot and mouth disease and anthrax were recorded in Karama ward of Tigania East sub-county.
He called upon the county government to intervene in the situation and at least repair some of the non-functional water sources to alleviate the situation.
By Kamanja Maeria
