BARINGO AND EAST POKOT DISTRICTS
2008 SHORT RAINS ASSESSMENT REPORT
15TH TO 19TH FEBRUARY 2008
Assessment Team
Didacus Ityeng Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development Tom Hongo Ministry of Health Lillian K. M Obutu Ministry of Health Fredrick Merie World Food Programme District Steering Group Baringo & East Pokot
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Overview of Recommendations...... 1 1.1.1 Immediate ...... 1 1.1.2 Medium to Long Term...... 1 2 DISTRICT FOOD SECURITY SITUATION...... 2 2.1 Summary of the Food Security Situation...... 2 2.2 Impact of Hazards/Risks on Food Security ...... 2 2.2.1 Rainfall...... 2 2.2.2 Crop Production...... 3 2.2.3 Livestock Production ...... 3 2.2.4 Water and Sanitation...... 4 2.2.5 Health and Nutrition ...... 5 2.2.6 Education ...... 6 2.2.7 Security ...... 6 2.2.8 Coping Mechanisms...... 7 2.2.9 Food Security Prognosis ...... 7 3 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 8 3.1 Monitoring Required...... 8 3.2 Food Interventions ...... 8 3.3 Non-Food Interventions...... 8 4 APPENDIX: DISTRICT RESPONSES MATRIX...... 10
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval ii of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
1 INTRODUCTION This assessment covers Baringo and East Pokot districts, both of which previously constituted the larger Baringo district, with an estimated population of 314,036. The districts border Turkana district to the North, West Pokot to the Northwest, Laikipia and Samburu to the East, Koibatek and Nakuru to the South, and Keiyo and Marakwet districts to the West. They occupy an area of 8655 sq. km out of which water covers 140.5 square kilometers. Baringo district has 11 divisions namely: Salawa, Barwesa, Tenges, Marigat, Kipsaraman, Kabartonjo, Sacho, Kabarnet, Bartabwa, Mukutani and Mochongoi. East Pokot has 5 divisions namely: Nginyang, Kollowa, Tangulbei, Mondi and Churo
The highlands (Kabarnet, Kabartonjo, Sacho, Barwesa) which cover 20% of the new Baringo district receive between 1,000 to 1,500mm of rainfall while the remaining (semi-arid) receives an average of 600mm annually. Three major ethnic communities inhabit the two districts; Tugens who are mixed farmers are the largest community occupying the Tugen hills, Kerio Valley, Marigat and slopes of Laikipia escarpment. Njemps who occupy the lowlands areas are pastoralists although some practice agro-pastoralism as necessitated by the unsuitable climatic changes. The Pokot, who are pastoralists, inhabit the newly created East Pokot district.
1.1 Overview of Recommendations
1.1.1 Immediate Mass vaccination of small stocks along Marakwet, West Pokot and Turkana borders to avert possible PPR outbreak DVO to continue doing surveillance of PPR and create a buffer zone to keep away the disease Conduct a health and nutritional survey Capacity building for East Pokot DSG members Sensitize communities on harmonious co-existence with wildlife Sensitize communities to construct and utilize pit latrines Conduct environmental assessment to determine the impact of : o Dried Lake Kamnarok on the balanced existence of the ecosystem o Increased fluorine concentration in Lake Baringo on human and animal health Provision of drought tolerant relief seeds Promote local tourism Food Aid for 15% of the population at 50% ration size implementing FFA projects
1.1.2 Medium to Long Term Reseeding of denuded land in East Pokot and Marigat, adopt and expand pasture demonstration models Mainstream alternative sources of income such as apiculture and aloe vera cultivation in Kipsaraman, Marigat, Nginyang and Tangulbei Promote community conservation education Enhance security to preserve dry grazing areas in Kipsaraman and Bartabwa Desilt water pans and dams Creation of school owned assets that have potential for producing food commodities or generate income for purchase of food Kenya Police Reservist (KPR) training to enhance security
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 1 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
2 DISTRICT FOOD SECURITY SITUATION
2.1 Summary of the Food Security Situation Food security in the two districts is fast deteriorating owing to the factors highlighted above. According to ALRMP report, the general food situation has been in alarm and worsening. Effects of post election violence have complicated the state of affairs and have minimized chances of fast recovery. It has disrupted markets, led to loss of produce in irrigated cropping livelihood and increased food commodity prices. Crop production in the irrigated livelihood zone has continually reduced following reduction in the acreage of land cultivated. Pastoralists suffer poor markets and lack of pasture for livestock. Constant livestock raids and use of dry grazing areas by cattle rustlers have eroded resilience of pastoralists.
Factors Affecting Food Security • Insecurity due to cattle rustling • Effects of post election violence • Poor performance of the short rains affecting pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods
2.2 Impact of Hazards/Risks on Food Security
2.2.1 Rainfall Despite above average performance of long rains, short rains failed across all divisions in the district. Most parts received between 20-50% of the normal short rains. This affected agro- pastoral and mixed farming livelihoods as a result of diminishing pasture quantity and quality and reduced harvest of quick maturing subsistence crops respectively. Figure 1: Rainfall Patterns
Current rainfall data vs. average rainfall 06-07
Rainfall (mm) 300
200
100
0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Avg 06-07 0 31.5 26.5 68.3 56 207 86 178 260.8 60 61 111 2008 23 Months
Source: ALRMP January 2008 Bulletin
There was minimal pasture regenerated from the short rains in 2007. Water for both domestic and livestock use has reduced but it is expected to last up to March 2008 when the long rains are expected. This is due to unseasonable rains experience in January as shown in the Figure 1 above.
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 2 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
2.2.2 Crop Production Price of most food commodities, particularly maize and beans went up at the harvest period, when it is usually expected to drop (see figure 2 below). Normally at this time, there is high supply and low demand, but in the past six months the vice-versa was true.
Figure 2: Maize and Bean Prices for Baringo District 60.00
50.00
40.00
30.00 Price inPrice KShs
20.00
10.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Beans 07 Beans LTA (04-06) Maize 07 Maize LTA (04-06)
Terms of Trade Pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the districts depend on the sale of small stock to meet domestic demands for food, healthcare and clothing. These livelihoods, which constitute about 52% of the districts population, have been indirectly affected by high food prices and low livestock prices in the market. Agro-pastoralists further suffer high cost of farm inputs. These unfavourable terms of trade have among other factors contributed to the delay in farming activity, and a possible food security crisis in the next few months.
2.2.3 Livestock Production
Pasture and Browse Availability Pasture and browse at the moment are poor and diminishing across the district. In dry grazing areas pasture was depleted before the expected time due to invasion by the cattle rustlers. The situation has further been compounded by failure of the short rains which were expected to sustain pasture and browse. This has greatly affected the body condition of the animals.
Livestock Body Condition Body condition of livestock currently is fair for cattle and sheep but is worsening as the pasture is getting depleted. The body condition for browsers is fair. The district normally experiences dry conditions between December and March.
Milk production from cows is currently very low as a result of poor nutrition in the past two months i.e. November and December. Few goats are currently lactating and this is the main
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 3 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
source of milk for pastoralists and agro-pastoralist, and is used to supplement the diet for children.
Livestock Prices Livestock prices dropped in December 2007 and January 2008 because of increased supply and low demand occasioned by the political crisis. Normally, a large number of animals are offered for sale during the month of January mainly for school fees. Subsequently livestock traders capitalize on this by offering lower prices. This year, livestock trade has been negatively affected by the on-going political crisis facing the country. Many livestock buyers have shied away, while others have scaled down their activities.
The market price of a mature male goat decreased as the year came towards the end, when it is normally expected to increase. Increased demand and supply for small stock have over time created favorable terms of trade for livestock owners, but the situation was different in 2007 (see figure 3 below). This was against a backdrop of quarantine imposed earlier in the year due to the deadly Rift Valley Fever between February and May 2007. The situation was however favorable for the mixed farming livelihoods, who had few small stock to offer for sale. For this livelihood, prices of small stock went up in 2007 compared to the LTA.
Figure 3: Goat Prices for Jun-Dec 07 compared to LTA (02-06)
2,000
1,800 hs S n K i 1,600 ce ce i Pr
1,400
1,200 Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec LTA (02-06) 2007
Livestock Diseases Suspected cases of Lumpy Skin Disease were reported around Lake Bogoria and Kerio Valley but were controlled by ring vaccination, while trypanasomosis was reported around Lake Bogoria There is an imminent threat of Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) spreading from West Pokot and Turkana districts as livestock movement regulations are often flouted during rustling.
There are endemic diseases in the district that include CCPP in goats especially in the lowlands and tick-borne diseases mainly in the highlands where there are dairy animals.
2.2.4 Water and Sanitation
The major sources of water include rivers/streams, lakes, dams, springs, boreholes, shallow wells and pans. The district has 74 boreholes, 39 pans, 4 dams (2 heavily silted) and 4 lakes (Baringo, Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 4 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
Bogoria, Lake 94 and Kamnarok). About 50% of pans have dried up, while discharge from rivers/streams and springs have reduced considerably. Lake Kamnarok, in Kerio Valley, is now completely dry and it is not clear why this is so. This is a new phenomenon in the history of the district and portends danger to the area eco-system, which may adversely affect the food security. The average distance from pasture to water sources has increased by 1 Km from normal of 6 Km to 7 Km. Distance to water source for domestic use has also increased from average of 6 Km to 8 Km. It was reported that Lake Baringo has in the recent past had high fluorine concentration, which is likely to have far reaching public health consequences. In Barwesa division, cases of human-wildlife conflict were reported around Lake Kamnarok, which resulted in the death of 2 elephants.
Sanitation Latrine coverage in Baringo district is 40%. Solid waste is mainly disposed by crude dumping and burning, while liquid waste is mainly disposed through septic tanks and open drains. Poor sanitation poses a serious risk of contamination of underground and open water sources. In the lowland areas, waste is mainly disposed in the open field; there was no data available on latrine coverage in East Pokot.
2.2.5 Health and Nutrition Malnutrition rates in the districts range between 3.9% and 7.8% with Kabartonjo and Bartabwa divisions having the highest. The district mean is 5.4% which is higher than the mean for 2005 and 2006. Notably, there was an increased level of malnutrition in December 2007 (6.6%) compared to December 2006 (3.5%). None the less, the rates have not exceeded the emergency thresholds.
Immunization coverage is 80% and 43% for Baringo and East Pokot districts respectively. The high coverage in Baringo is attributed to improved outreach services. In East Pokot, constant raids have led to displacement of families, thus affecting immunization. However, it was reported that coverage of yellow fever is affected by frequent stock outs of the vaccine. Incidences of Kalazaar were reported in Chesirimion and Kosile in Kipsaraman division however they are under management.
Dietary Diversity Some 75% households interviewed reported consuming on average 1 meal per day for at least two months, compared to 3 meals per day during normal times. There is chronic dietary deficiency as the main and the only meal for adults consisted of carbohydrates. Under fives were fed on carbohydrates and occasionally on little milk available from goats.
Morbidity and MortalityAvailable data shows that URTI is the most common (43.3%) disease, followed by malaria (29.3%), diarrhoeal (5.6%), diseases of the skin (5.5%) and accidents (3.8%). There was no reported disease outbreak between July and December 2007. For East Pokot, the most prevalent diseases were malaria, URTIs, diarrhoeal and skin diseases in that order (see figure 4 below).
The prevalence of HIV in the district has decreased by 0.6% in the last three years (from 4.2- 3.8%).
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 5 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
Figure 4: Percentage Morbidity: East Pokot 33.55% Malaria 27.37% URTI
Diarrhoeal 19.21%
Skin Diseases 5.96%
Pneumonia 5.74%
Typhoid 2.65%
Brucellossis 2.65%
Tuberculosis 1.32% 1.10% Intestin al wor ms
Maln utr ition re late d 0.44%
2.2.6 Education There were several schools closed in Mukutani and Bartabwa divisions. This was mainly due to cattle rustling which forced the residents to move away to areas deemed to be safe. The schools closed in Bartabwa were: Kinyach, Chemoi, Kalapata, Kapturo, Tuluk, Chepkisin and Toboroi. In Mukutani division, the three schools that were reported closed were Mukutani Boarding Primary school, Lugus and Noskuro. The affected communities agreed to support efforts of the provincial administration to open Kalapata and Chepkisin primary schools in the next one week.
There are a total of 365 primary schools in the district. Out of these, 252 are under the Regular School Feeding program, 78 were under the Expanded School Feeding Program, which was phased out. A total of 21% of the pupils previously benefited from ESFP. It was reported that this programme contributed to increased enrolment and retention. However, data to support this was not available.
2.2.7 Security
Cattle Rustling The provincial administration reported a total of 15 raids in 4 divisions namely Marigat, Mukutani, Nginyang and Kipsaraman, which led to 11 human deaths and 538 cattle stolen between December 2007 and February 2008. Cattle rustling incidences have also led to the closure of schools and dispensaries and thus interfering with education and provision of health care services. A part from the schools mentioned above, Kalapata, Kapturo, Bartabwa, Yatya and Mukutani dispensaries, were also reportedly closed as a result of insecurity.
Post election Violence There were IPDs from Solai area accommodated at Marigat sub-district hospital and fed by well wishers. This group comprised of 3 households consisting of 5 women, 5 children under the age of five and 8 aged 6-16 years.
Post election crisis had also interfered with transportation of farm produce in the irrigated livelihood zone. This has affected the source of livelihood for the more than 700 households who
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 6 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
depend on it. It was estimated that 70% loss was incurred especially for the subsistence crops i.e. tomatoes, water melons and kales that were harvested in January. Reduction in commodity prices has compromised the farmers’ ability to repay the loans they had acquired at the beginning of the planting season in 2007. Furthermore, it was reported that due to the uncertain security situation in the country, the credit facilities that were readily available to farmers were closed down and those that are currently available have put restrictions that cannot allow the farmer to access credit facilities.
It was also reported that the post election skirmishes hampered facilitation of supportive supervision especially in the water and health care sectors.
2.2.8 Coping Mechanisms
Reduced number of meals (1meal per day from previous 3 meals per day) Consumption of wild tree leaves for vegetables Reliance on social networks kinship ties Engaging in degrading jobs
2.2.9 Food Security Prognosis
The districts is currently experiencing borderline food insecurity in both pastoral and agro- pastoral livelihood zones and general food security with low resiliency in irrigated cropping and mixed farming livelihood zones.
2.4 Summary of Food Security Situation by Division (Divisional Ranking)
Division Reasons for Ranking Muchongoi Most arable part of district, over 50% of grains, lowland in agro-pastoral zones, lots of pasture and water, easy access to Marigat market, high honey production, Highest food variety in the market Kabartonjo Accessibility to markets Kabarnet Accessibility to markets Sacho Arable land Relative security Tenges Relatively fair crop and livestock production Accessibility to markets Marigat Irrigation scheme Accessibility to markets Water availability Kipsaraman Insecurity due to frequent cattle rustling, long walking distance to water source, depleted pasture Barwesa Insecurity (schools closed due to insecurity), water scarcity, Lake Kamnarok dried Salawa Relative stability in production and accessibility Tangulbei Cattle rustling Failure of Short rains affecting pasture regeneration Water scarcity Mukutani Insecurity (schools closed due to insecurity), depleted pasture, water scarcity Bartabwa Insecurity Failure of Short rains affecting pasture regeneration
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 7 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
Closure of health facility Kolowa Insecurity Market from Marakwet, Livestock prices higher than Nginyang Failure of Short rains affecting pasture regeneration Nginyang Low livestock prices, low commodity prices, No rivers, dry pans, high illiteracy level, long distances to health facilities, high insecurity Failure of Short rains affecting pasture regeneration
3 RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Monitoring Required Monitor o Cattle rustling trends o Malnutrition trends o Livestock and human disease trends o Food commodity availability and prices o Market trends o Rainfall pattern
3.2 Food Interventions
Both food availability and access have been made difficult for livelihoods in the two districts. Food aid is recommended for 15% of the population for the next 8 months, with the implementation of food for asset projects to build resilience (table 1 below)
Table 1 Proposed food aid Division Population % in need Beneficiaries Ration Size Modality Bartabwa 12,817 28% 3,589 50% FFA Barwesa 22,961 0% - Kabarnet 51,296 0% - Kabartonjo 39,667 0% - Kipsaraman 21,839 27% 5,896 50% FFA Kollowa 17,765 28% 4,974 50% FFA Marigat 31,908 25% 7,977 50% FFA Mochongoi 13,144 0% - Mukutani 8,912 28% 2,495 50% FFA Nginyang 34,563 35% 12,097 50% FFA Sacho 14,051 0% - Salawa 9,787 27% 2,642 50% FFA Tangulbei 23,116 30% 6,935 50% FFA Tenges 12,209 0% - District Total 314,036 15% 46,606 3.3 Non-Food Interventions Livestock Mass vaccination of small stocks to avert possible PPR outbreak
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 8 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
DVO to continue doing surveillance of PPR along the Turkana and West Pokot boarders and create a buffer zone to keep away the disease Sensitize communities on harmonious co-existence with wildlife Promote local tourism Reseeding of denuded land in East Pokot and Marigat, adopt and expand pasture demonstration models
Health and Nutrition Conduct a health and nutritional survey in all livelihood zones
Water and Sanitation Sensitize communities to construct and utilize pit latrines Desilt water pans and dams in Bartabwa, Barwesa, Nginyang and Tangulbei Conduct environmental impact assessment on: Dried Lake Kamnarok on the balanced existence of the ecosystem Increased fluorine concentration in Lake Baringo on human and animal health
Education Creation of school owned assets in pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood zones that have potential for producing food commodities or generate income for purchase of food
Security Enhance security to preserve dry grazing areas KPR training to enhance security
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval 9 of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
4 APPENDIX: DISTRICT RESPONSES MATRIX Livelihood Intervention Total Sector Justification Source of funds zone Immediate Long term Budget Livestock Reseeding of denuded To increase pasture availability 300,000/= Livestock & ALRMP areas FMD vaccination of Regular annual vaccination The area is prone to FMD outbreaks 9.2 M GOK about 10,000 cattle of 50,000 head of cattle in especially on the border with Laikipia Arid Lands
Mochongoi the district district External Control will facilitate trade.
All livelihoods Disease surveillance Routine surveillance For disease outbreak preparedness and 3M GOK contingency planning Arid Lands
Promotion of pasture To enhance pasture availability during dry 120,000/= Livestock & ALRMP conservation season CCPP vaccination of Regular vaccination of The disease is endemic in the district 2M GOK, about 10,000 goats about 100,000 goats causing deaths and loss of productivity. ALRMP annually LSD vaccination of Regular annual vaccination The district occasionally experiences cases GOK about 20,000 cattle of 50,000 cattle when the weather is favorable for insect 2.5M vectors. Control will facilitate trade. Enterotoxaemia Regular annual vaccine of The disease is common in the lowlands in 300,000 vaccination 10,000 sheep and goats Marigat and Mukutani divisions causing death and loss of productivity Sheep and goat pox Regular annual vaccination The disease is common in the district 300,000 vaccination of 10,000 sheep and goats affecting livestock productivity
Pastoral and and Pastoral Promotion of pasture To enhance pasture availability during dry 120,000/= Livestock & ALRMP agro-pastoral agro-pastoral conservation season Promotion of pasture To enhance pasture availability during dry 60,000/= Livestock conservation season Promotion of value addition To increase income and market access 100,000/= Livestock of honey Reseeding of denuded To increase pasture availability 600,000/= ALRMP areas Promotion of modern Alternative source of income 500,000/= Livestock & ALRMP apiculture
Disclaimer: The recommendations of the Regional Assessment Team are tentative and subject to the approval of the Kenya Food Security Steering Group 10 (KFSSG)