Proceedings of The sixth KETRI Internal Annual Scientific Review

Abstract

In 1990 it was estimated that by the year 2000, Kenya will need 336,000 tonnes of beef for its population by then. With the present production technologies, it is cSlimatcd that the country will only be able to produce 322,000 tonnes of bccf per year. It \-vould appear that thc only option open to significantly increase beef production for local consumption and cxport lies in the reclamation of the arid and scmi-arid lands (ASAL) and therefore they appear to be the focal point of future livestock development in Kenya. About 60% of the ASAL is rangeland and is best suited for livestock production. The major constraints to such development include lack of water, fodder and presence of infectious and vector-borne diseases. It is estimated that over 60% of the rangelands (one-quarter of the country) is infested with tsetse nies, the vectors for trypanosomosis and is not suitable for livestock production without trypanosomosis control, among other interventions. In these areas, livestock losses of up to 30% occur due to the disease. The direct costs of the disease include mortality, poor productivity, cost of detection, preventive operations and research. Indirect costs inelude effects on human health, agriculture and livestock production.