Kenya - Supporting Training in Local Farming Methods
By learning new camel rearing methods, students from east Pokot in Kenya can acquire animal husbandry skills that will help to improve their livelihoods and food security. East Pokot is situated approximately 400 km from Nairobi and has a semi-arid climate. These hostile and drought-prone conditions, coupled with poor infrastructure, mean that it can often be difficult to transport materials, medicine and equipment to the area.
The people of the region have little access to economic support systems such as loans and other credit facilities. There is also a lack of adequate employment and other income generating opportunities in the area. In 2009, as part of efforts to address this underdevelopment, Misean Cara provided funding for the Spiritans to extend a camel rearing education programme at Barpello High School in east Pokot.
One of the main objectives of the camel rearing programme, which has been part of their work in the region for over 20 years, is to improve food security in the area.
The extended programme was targeted at young people from the Kolloa and Nginyang divisions in east Pokot, where livestock rearing forms one of the major parts of people’s livelihoods. The camel is known as a drought-resistant animal and provides an alternative source of food during times of recurring drought and famine.
During their studies, students learn how to increase milk yields
and to manage camels as a source of long-term food security. This is
an essential element of their education, as they return home to
their families and communities with knowledge of improved animal
husbandry techniques that will assist them to combat hunger and
improve their sources of income.