Beef Production in the Rangelands: A Comparative Assessment between Pastoralism and Large-Scale Ranching in Laikipia County, Kenya

Veronica Mwangi, Samuel Owuor, Boniface Kiteme and Markus Giger
Additional contact information
Veronica Mwangi: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Samuel Owuor: Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Boniface Kiteme: Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development, P.O. Box 144, 10400 Nanyuki, Kenya
Markus Giger: Centre for Development and Environment (CDE), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland

Agriculture, 2020, vol. 10, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: Beef production in Kenya is the forte of pastoralists and large-scale ranches in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas. Cross sectional data was collected from 67 pastoralists and seven large-scale ranches, selected through multistage stratified sampling. Comparative descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and analysis of production constraints were done with the objective of assessing the pastoralists and large-scale ranches direct economic gains, constraints to production and potential for upgrading. Gross margin analysis showed that beef production is profitable for both pastoralists and large-scale ranches. However, large-scale ranches had much higher gross margins of up to six times more. There were significant differences in the live weight of cattle, prices and livestock selling channels and cost of production. Drought, livestock diseases, invasive plant species, lack of water and human-wildlife conflict were among factors limiting productivity of pastoralists. The difference in gross margins indicates existing potential for pastoralists to improve their earnings through a combination of product, process, and functional upgrading. Addressing key constraints to production can contribute to better gains and strengthen coexistence between pastoralists and large-scale ranches. Strategies and programmes to enhance cattle fattening, provision of livestock extension services, affordable feed inputs and collaboration between the two production systems should be considered in upgrading.

Keywords: pastoralists; constraints; large-ranches; gross margin (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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