Factors influencing implementation of livestock projects in the arid and semi-arid lands: a case of central division of Kajiado Central District

Abstract

The livestock sector productivity in the sub-Saharan Africa has been declining in the recent past. This is despite massive investment by the respective countries and donor funding of various livestock and livestock related projects. This can be attributed to various factors influencing implementation of veterinary projects such as government policies and their respective implementation framework, cultural, social and economic activities and the infrastructure and physical terrain of the ASALs. This study sought to establish the influence of these factors on the implementation of projects in the ASALs with the study area as central division of Kajiado central district in the Rift Valley province.

The research study used the descriptive study design. This employed both the qualitative and quantitative methods. The target population of the study was composed of two categories namely the project implementers and the project beneficiaries. The researcher used stratified sampling technique so as to collect data. Sample size was 200 farmers in the division and 15 officers. Two sets of questionnaires were developed, one for the project implementers and the project beneficiaries. The study concludes that the despite farmers treating animals themselves they prefer their livestock to be treated trained livestock health personnel. The farmers bought veterinary drugs from agro vets and stored the drugs in the boma.

The officers were aware of policies used in delivery of animal health services which affected implementation of the livestock projects in the division. The study recommends the government to develop policies that will aid livestock development by promoting effective implementation of veterinary projects. Farmers need to seek treatment of trained animal health personnel and set some money for payment of veterinary services. There is need to improve infrastructure to improve implementation oflivestock projects in arid and semi-arid lands.