Agriculture, Livestock Development Veterinary Services & Fisheries

Department

Agriculture, Livestock Development, Veterinary Services & Fisheries

The department and directories are commitment to enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By supporting farmers, livestock keepers, and fishers, we aim to build a resilient agricultural sector that contributes to economic growth and the well-being of our communities.

Departmerts Mandate

The department and directories are responsible for the following key areas:

Agriculture Development: Promoting sustainable farming practices, increasing crop productivity, and supporting agribusiness development.
Livestock Development: Enhancing livestock production and marketing to improve the economic prospects of pastoralist communities.
Veterinary Services: Ensuring the health of livestock through veterinary services, disease control, and animal welfare initiatives.
Fisheries Development: Supporting the sustainable development of fisheries for food security and income generation.

The team

Patrick Lekimain CEC

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Lenakula David CO Crop Production

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Saiwana Lekerpees CO Livestock Production & Animal Health

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Lerantilei Charles CO Agriculture Livestock Veterinary Services & Fisheries

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Key focus areas

Agriculture Development

Agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and supporting livelihoods in Samburu County. The Ministry is working on several projects to improve agricultural practices and increase crop production.

Irrigation Projects: Expanding irrigation schemes in arid and semi-arid regions to boost year-round farming and reduce dependence on seasonal rains. Crop Diversification: Encouraging farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops, fruit trees, and high-value horticultural products to enhance resilience and profitability. Training and Capacity Building: Providing farmers with modern agricultural knowledge, including sustainable farming methods, climate-smart agriculture, and access to improved seeds and inputs. Agri-Business Support: Facilitating access to markets, credit, and agribusiness opportunities to empower farmers and create sustainable income streams.

Livestock Development

Livestock is a vital economic resource for the people of Samburu, particularly for pastoralist communities. The Ministry focuses on improving livestock production and marketing to ensure food security and income generation.

Livestock Breeding Programs: Supporting improved breeds of cattle, goats, and sheep to increase meat and milk production, leading to higher incomes for pastoralists. Pasture Management and Conservation: Promoting sustainable grazing practices, pasture improvement, and the establishment of feed banks to ensure livestock have adequate nutrition during dry seasons. Livestock Markets and Value Chains: Establishing livestock markets and abattoirs to enhance access to markets, improve meat processing, and add value to livestock products such as hides and skins. Livestock Insurance Schemes: Partnering with insurance providers to offer livestock insurance programs that protect pastoralists from the financial impact of droughts and livestock losses.

Veterinary Services

The health and well-being of livestock are critical to the productivity and sustainability of the livestock sector. The Ministry is committed to providing high-quality veterinary services, disease control, and animal welfare programs.

Vaccination and Disease Control: Conducting regular vaccination campaigns to prevent livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Rift Valley Fever. Mobile Veterinary Clinics: Deploying mobile veterinary teams to remote areas to provide essential services, including disease diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care. Livestock Disease Surveillance: Establishing early warning systems and disease surveillance programs to monitor and control the spread of livestock diseases. Animal Welfare Programs: Promoting humane treatment of animals through community sensitization and education on animal welfare practices.

Fisheries Development

The Ministry aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and develop aquaculture to enhance food security and provide economic opportunities in Samburu County.

Fish Farming Initiatives: Supporting the development of aquaculture through the construction of fish ponds and the provision of fingerlings to local farmers. Sustainable Fishing Practices: Training fishers on responsible fishing methods that protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. Post-Harvest Management: Establishing fish processing facilities and cold storage systems to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the quality and marketability of fish products. Market Linkages for Fish Farmers: Facilitating access to local and regional markets for fish products to increase income and encourage the growth of the fisheries sector.

Department