Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane has emphasized the importance of strengthening livestock cooperatives as a pathway to transforming the economy of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
He was speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on livestock and cooperative development held in Garissa on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for enhancing the livestock sector, with a focus on expanding market access, promoting value addition, and building resilience among pastoralist communities.
Mr. Dagane said structured and sustainable cooperative systems have the potential to unlock opportunities for pastoralist communities and improve livelihoods across the region.
The Garissa County Deputy Governor noted that livestock cooperatives can play a critical role in organizing producers, improving bargaining power, and linking pastoralists to profitable markets.
“The discussions highlighted the immense potential of pastoralist livestock cooperatives to improve market access, strengthen resilience, enhance value addition, and create better livelihoods for our communities,” he said.
He added that empowering cooperatives would not only boost household incomes but also contribute to sustainable economic development in ASAL counties, where livestock remains the backbone of local economies.
Dagane reiterated the need to advance livestock productivity to improve resilience, nutrition, and household incomes. He also underscored the importance of expediting access to research information, resources, and technology, while promoting the adoption of research findings and innovations across the livestock sector.
Participants called for greater coordination and support for initiatives that drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in Kenya’s livestock industry.
The engagement provided a platform for participants to share insights and strengthen collaboration among agencies and stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and long-term sector development.
The meeting forms part of broader efforts by government and development partners to modernize the livestock sector and increase its contribution to regional and national economic growth.
