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

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 anal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Agriculture (Basel) 2020-09, Vol.10 (9), p.399
Main Authors: Mwangi, Veronica, Owuor, Samuel, Kiteme, Boniface, Giger, Markus
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal diseases
Arid regions
Beef
Beef cattle
Cattle
Coexistence
constraints
Drought
Economic activity
Economic analysis
Farmers
gross margin
Introduced species
Invasive plants
Invasive species
Land use
large-ranches
Livestock
Meat
Meat production
Pastoralism
pastoralists
Plant diseases
Rain
Ranching
Rangelands
Semi arid areas
Statistical analysis
Tourism
Upgrading
Urban areas
Wildlife
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Summary: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.
ISSN:2077-0472
2077-0472
DOI:10.3390/agriculture10090399