Improving Access to Livestock Markets for Sustainable Rangeland Management

Evelyne Nyathira Kihiu and Franklin Amuakwa-Mensah

No 235107, Discussion Papers from University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF)

Abstract: Productivity of rangelands in Kenya is affected by increasing crop farming especially in more fertile range areas. Among the key factors driving the encroachment of crops on rangelands are the changing opportunities brought about by markets. We hypothesize that the existing market inefficiencies characterizing livestock markets, especially the price disincentives that livestock producers face, are major risks rangelands face. To analyze the effect of livestock market conditions on rangeland management, we draw on household survey and economic modeling tools. We find that traders’ rent seeking behavior and high transport costs act as disincentives to livestock producers’ participation in livestock markets and influence their decisions in seeking alternative rangeland uses to sustain livelihoods. However, improved livestock market access enhances livestock producers’ livelihoods and the stewardship of the ecosystems thus reducing pastoralists’ vulnerability to ecological climate variability associated with rangelands.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Agricultural and Food Policy; Environmental Economics and Policy; Land Economics/Use; Livestock Production/Industries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 45
Date: 2016-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-agr and nep-env
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https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/235107/files/ZEF%20DP%20215.pdf (application/pdf)

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Journal Article: Improving Access to Livestock Markets for Sustainable Rangeland Management (2017)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:ubzefd:235107

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.235107

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