Perceptions of Challenges Facing Pastoral Small Ruminant Production in a Changing Climate in Kenya

Abstract

The impacts of climate change on domestic animal health in pastoral areas have not been well studied or documented. Many challenges facing and compromising efficiency of pastoralism remain amorphous, with the result that as trialed climate adaptation initiatives continue to be ineffective in some sub-Saharan arid and semiarid areas. At the heart of faced challenges is the impact of heightened and accelerated climate variability on the epidemiology of livestock diseases. This paper presents a description of general and disease challenges facing small ruminants’ producers in a pastoral county in Kenya. A disease lens is used in deconstructing the challenges using participatory multi-stakeholder approaches. In conclusion, the paper outlines pathways for building resilience in small ruminant health and production in pastoral areas. The recommendations may be used to inform policymakers and organizations dealing with disease risk, mitigation, and control, as well as those concerned with sustainable pastoral development.