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Sh5.53 billion to boost livestock sector, food security

Sh5.53 billion to boost livestock sector, food security
IFAD Country Director Mariatu Kamara.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development has approved an Sh5.53 billion loan for Kenya’s Livestock Commercialisation Project [KeLCoP] which seeks to contribute to the government’s agenda of food and nutrition security.

The project is funded by the government in collaboration with other development partners at a total cost of Sh9.46 billion. It will be implemented over six years in 10 selected counties.

The project will benefit arid and semi-arid counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit and Samburu. Others are Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Siaya, Nakuru and Trans Nzoia.

Speaking during its launch in Naivasha, IFAD Country Director Mariatu Kamara said the project will help Kenya reduce a deficit in meat supply of 300,000 tonnes by boosting the livestock sector.

This would also directly contribute to increased income, job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and food and nutrition security for livestock producing households and selected communities.

She said Kenya’s livestock sector contributes 42 per cent to the agricultural GDP and 12 per cent to the national GDP, while accounting for 30 per cent of total agricultural products.

KeLCoP is expected to benefit 495,000 people in 110,000 households in the participating counties, with a beneficiary target of 54 per cent women and 30 per cent youth.

The focus will also be on climate-smart production and livestock market development. There will also be a nutrition-sensitive approach from policy to household levels.

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