Bulletin de sante

Source: Government of Kenya

Date: 31 Jan 2007

Kenya: Drought monthly bulletin, Samburu district - Jan 2007


Situation Overview

Stability

Wet conditions impacted by the short rains were reversed by high rate of evapo-transpiration that resulted to withering of vegetation in most areas. Isolated showers were also registered in particular areas but the impacts were insignificant.

Forage conditions remain stable especially in reserved areas for dry season grazing areas. Most livestock herds utilized their wet season grazing areas with exception of upper parts of Lorroki plateau where herds moved to areas of Kisima and Kirimon for salt lick and better pastures.

High rate of evaporation impacted negatively on water availability in natural ponds, pans, and streams. Water availability however remains stable in the entire district except in particular areas like Loruko in Nyiro division where access to water is limited.

Availability

Livestock body conditions stabilized across all species despite reported incidences of CCPP in goats, Helminthiasis in sheep, and ECF in cattle. Vet department and MoH. have been involved in awareness creation to communities on the reported out break of rift-valley fever country wide, and the need to report any suspected signs.

Livestock prices in all species appreciated as compared to last months prices. This may be attributed to improved livestock body conditions. However the imposition of quarantine that is almost country wide will be detrimental to pastoralists economy a situation that’s in evitable.

Though milk production is reported to have stabilized, this is only for households that have small stock and camels. Production in cattle remain poor this is attributed to poor lactation regime.

Re-settling back by displaced households in parts of Lorroki and Kirisia divisions have been an on- off affair. However peace talks between the warring communities have also been continuous despite few interruptions at times.

Access

Malaria, diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection were the common human ailments reported. The effects however remain within manageable levels as there were no major out breaks reported.

Though there are registered improvements in livestock body conditions that triggered better prices, imposition of quarantine will bear a negative impact to pastoralist’s economy limiting access to food at household level.

Lambing and kidding declined as compared to last month, calving rates in cattle were low implying slow rate of herd size build up in cattle despite stabilized body conditions.

Utilization

Reported tension in Baragoi and Nyiro divisions subsided due to rigorous dialogues engaged by warring communities facilitated by both peace committees and district security teams. Recoveries of stolen livestock and compensations to losses were agreed upon by the warring communities. Calm security situation will therefore facilitate an enabling environment for livelihoods.

Food deficits remain eminent at the household level due to destabilized livestock production in all species. While the Agro-pastoral livelihood zone witnessed below normal maize crop harvest due to insecurity situation that led to displacements.