The national government has commenced distribution of 2,320 livestock feeds in Moyale Sub-County, targeting areas hardest hit by drought to contain further animal deaths.
Moyale Sub-County Livestock Production Officer Molu Qalla speaking to KNA in his office Friday, said that due to the current prolonged drought, pastoralists are trying their best to avert more livestock deaths by moving from one place to another in search of pasture.
However, Qalla said in collaboration with the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the local Livestock Production Office has been able to provide rapid assistance to the worst affected pastoralists.
“The short rains which were expected in April and part of May this year, turned to be ineffective, thus poor availability of water and pasture,” he said
Meanwhile, distribution of the drought pellets, special nutritious meals given in small quantities to animals with special conditions kicked off Friday.
The delivery of the drought pellets was based on the animal population at the various distribution centres and how badly the area had been affected by the ravaging drought.
For instance, 100 bags of the drought pellets were placed in each center except Walda and Dabel which had an extra 50 bags compared to other areas.
Qalla added that the most affected livestock are the grazers since they feed purely on grass, even as some livestock deaths were reported Friday morning at Dambala Fachana.
Godoma, Nana and Kinisa areas have the highest number of deaths following the prolonged drought.
“Some few livestock diseases have also been reported in some areas which poses a new challenge, but officers from the veterinary department have moved in to control the situation,” Mollu said.
In the meantime, the beneficiaries of the relief pallets have appealed to relief agencies, both national and the county government to bringing back the livestock Off Take program in Marsabit County to save their herd.
By Tiya Yusuf and Gatana Muchira
