NDMA distributes dairy goats in Meru to boost food security, combat malnutrition

KENYA – The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), in partnership with the European Union and the Meru County government, has launched a dairy goat project in Kandebene, Meru County, aimed at enhancing food security and combating malnutrition in drought-prone areas.

Kandebene, located in one of the semi-arid regions of Meru County, is the latest beneficiary of this initiative, which is part of broader efforts to build drought resilience across 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties in Kenya.

The project, valued at KSh 7.7 million, has seen the distribution of 142 does and eight bucks to the community.

The initiative is funded through a collaboration between the European Union, which contributed KSh 4.93 million, and the community, which provided KSh 2.3 million for the construction of goat houses and feed provision.

The Meru County government contributed KSh 447,000 towards training, monitoring, and evaluation efforts, as well as additional support for the bucks.

During the launch, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development Principal Secretary (PS) Harsama Kello, represented by ASAL Secretary Maria Cherono, emphasized the project’s role in improving food security and providing a sustainable source of nutrition for the community.

Goat milk, known for its high nutritional value, is expected to significantly address malnutrition, particularly among children and lactating mothers in the region.

PS Kello also highlighted the importance of community involvement in the project, noting that the structured community committees and training provided ensure that the community understands their roles and responsibilities.

An innovative aspect of the project is the agreement within the community to share the first female offspring of the goats with their neighbors, promoting sustainability and expanding the project’s impact to more households.

NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan echoed the importance of this initiative, aligning it with President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation agenda, which focuses on addressing the needs of the common person.

Adan also noted that the dairy goats, specifically the Alpine breed, are well-suited for the semi-arid environment due to their minimal space, feed, and water requirements.

The goats are expected to produce an average of four liters of milk per day, empowering women to sell a portion of the milk while ensuring sufficient nutrition for their families.

The NDMA has undertaken similar projects in other ASAL regions, including Kieni North in Nyeri, Laikipia, and West Pokot, where camels and Gala goats have been distributed to support households.

Plans are also in place to extend these efforts to Baringo in the coming months.

This dairy goat project is expected to benefit 284 households in Athwana ward, providing a sustainable solution to the challenges of drought, food insecurity, and malnutrition in the region.

NDMA, alongside its partners, will continue to monitor and support the community to ensure the long-term success of this initiative.

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