This archive report was first published on 2 August 2019.
Maasai Herders Turn to Crop Farming Amid Drought ¶
Published on August 2, 2019, a severe drought in southern Kenya's Kajiado County has pushed Maasai herders to diversify their livelihoods by integrating crop farming with livestock-keeping.
James Shakita, a 43-year-old Maasai herder, had raised cattle for over 30 years before deciding to break with tradition and swap some of his cows for crops. The drought had decimated his herd, leaving him with fewer than 80 animals.
Shakita's decision was motivated by the need to save his livelihood. He sold a few of his cows and used the money to sink a borehole for irrigation. He then devoted a third of his 30-acre farm to planting kale, onions, and tomatoes.
His first harvest made him over Sh2 million ($19,333), allowing him to support his family and manage the size of his herd more effectively.
Shakita is not alone in his decision. More than 232,000 livestock died in Kajiado County during the 2017-2018 drought, and the number of Maasai herders taking up crop farming has grown by 40% over the past decade.
County official Jackline Koin attributed the rise in farmers to the frequent droughts and the boom in housing development, which has reduced available grazing land.
Professor Wilfred Subbo of the University of Nairobi suggested that all Maasai herders should shrink their herds to survive Kenya's frequent droughts. He also recommended that they consider rearing hybrid cattle, such as the Holstein-Friesian dairy cow.
However, convincing the Maasai to move away from herding is not easy, according to Harry Kimutai, principal secretary for livestock in Kenya's agriculture ministry. He believes that the effects of climate change will eventually force the Maasai to change their ways.
Shakita believes that a government-run abattoir could help stabilize the market and allow herders to sell their cattle at the going rate. This would enable the Maasai to preserve their centuries-old way of life.
