Overstocking in Kenya II.-Overstocking in Native Reserves and Disposal of Surplus Stock

Abstract

Considerably more than three,fourths of the total area of the Colony is practically purely pastoral, and it was estimated in 1933 that some 12,000,000 head of stock are carried, of which number approximately 6,000,000 are cattle.It is improbable that more than 30,000 head of cattle reach the Colony's markets in an ordinary year-a negligible number having regard to the vast potential sup'ply. Since there is but little "drain" inthat respect, it is reasonable to assume that saturation point has been reached with regard to grazing, and that the only limiting factor is mortality due to drought and disease. In addition, the enormous game population has to be considered, particularly in the Northern and Southern Game Reserves.