Laikipia residents have been urged to rear chickens, instead of goats and cows, to reduce rampant cattle rustling.
Laikipia Crops and Livestock officer Elsie Wanja Kigano on Tuesday said livestock theft has frequently destroyed residents' livelihoods.
“We are here to give Laikipia farmers chickens because there has been rampant livestock theft, chicken on the other hand is least likely to be stolen by bandits," Farming System Kenya (FSK) director Humphrey Wafula said.
"We have also given highly nutritious sweet potato cuttings to supplement their diet and improve their sources of income," he said.
Speaking in Sipili Olmoran ward, Kigano said poultry farming would be profitable, especially after farmers received improved-breed chickens from FSK.
She said the sweet potatoes and chicken will improve nutrition and income.
The Agriculture officer also urged farmers to diversify from maize farming that requires a lot of water and instead farm sweet potatoes.
“We are lucky to have free sweet potato vines and improved chicken that can survive the extreme weather and drought in this area," the officer said.
She said farmers were used to one type of crop "but now we are trying to ensure our people diversify and pick up various crops that are in all seasons".
She also urged FSK director to consider giving farmers dairy goats. She said the milk was nutritious and medicinal and said goats consume much less fodder than cows.
Kigano also called for larger, tradable volumes and up-scaling crops. She urged farmers to join unions to lobby for better pay for their produce.
Stephen Nderitu, Ol Moran livestock and veterinary officer, trained the farmers on disease control, housing, management and good feeding of chickens.
He urged the farmers to take good care of their chickens, saying they are more productive on a small scale and less labourious to rear compared with livestock.
Farmers should always seek veterinary services whenever chickens show signs of disease.
Millicent Wanjiku expressed joy after receiving free chicken. She said that their children will now enjoy a balanced diet and added they shall sell the surplus eggs, chicken and sweet potatoes.
The chicken rearing training had been done prior to donation. Chickens need to be vaccinated every two months.
(Edited by V. Graham)
