The county government of Lamu in coordination with the Food and Agriculture Organisation has commenced free animal feeds distribution worth Sh15 million in drought-hit areas.
This is a relief for the over 5,000 livestock owners in areas that have experienced the worst effects of the drought including deaths of hundreds of livestock due to lack of pastures and water.
Over 2,000 livestock mostly cattle, have died as a result of the drought in the last three months.
The free livestock feeds exercise was flagged off by Lamu Livestock chief officer Gichohi Mathenge on Tuesday.
He said at least 750 affected pastoralist households will benefit from the aid.
About 3,000 bags of drought feed pellets will be supplied to livestock keepers to mitigate the effects of drought.
Targeted areas include Pangani, Ndambwe, Mkunumbi, Chalaluma, Dide Waride, Moa, Nagelle, Kitumbini, Witu town, Lake Amu, Lumshi and Kiunga.
Each household will receive four bags of 50kg animal pellets.
Mathenge said the feeds are fortified with a high concentration of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
The FAO has also donated veterinary drugs, including trypanocides, pesticides, and deformers to further aid the exercise.
Mathenge said the drugs will be administered to all the drought-stressed animals by the county veterinary team immediately once they are done with the distribution of livestock feeds.
“Livestock are emaciated and many are dying. The feeds will help cushion pastoralists from further losses. A 50kg bag of pellets can comfortably feed an adult cow for more than a month. The communities have helped us identify the beneficiary households,” Mathenge said.
The county government has also commenced water trucking in affected areas which includes sinking of boreholes and water pans to address the water shortage challenge and enable livestock get water.
The official said the county continues to coordinate with other partners to offer the much-needed support to the affected pastoralists to ensure that no animal succumbs to hunger.
Two weeks ago, pastoralists in Lamu threatened to boycott relief food that was being distributed by the county government if their animals weren’t fed as well.
-Edited by SKanyara
