Strategies for the improvement of livelihoods among the pastoralists in Nakasongola district

Abstract

This study delved into the livelihoods of pastoralist farmers in Nakasongola District and strategies through which they can be enhanced. Specific attention was put on milk production and marketing because milk is their flagship output, let alone the fact that it is a highly demanded commodity through which significant levels of income could be generated. In particular, the study sought to establish the current levels of incomes accruing to pastoralist farmers; major challenges affecting pastoralist farming in the District; major interventions undertaken to mitigate these challenges so far; and strategies through which milk production and marketing and, subsequently, pastoralist livelihoods could be enhanced. Following a case study design, based on focus group discussion, questionnaire and interview, primary data was collected from a sample of fifty-four respondents, including pastoralist farmers, local leaders and opinion leaders from Nabiswera Sub County over the period January to April 2008. The findings were that the average income accruing to pastoral farming stands at a lowly 4,000/= shillings a day, despite the fact that the pastoralist farmers have large families; and that the lack of: sufficient grass and water resources; access to affordable veterinary services; access to lucrative milk markets due to the poor state of roads; unreliable milk cooling facilities; and lack of access to the high milk yielding exotic and hybrid breeds of cattle has affected milk production and marketing among the pastoralists in the District. Interventions to redress these constraints have included increased keenness on farm hygiene; fencing off of farm holding; digging of valley dams; and cross breeding. However, it was also found that governmental contribution to these interventions has been minimal. It was, therefore recommended that the pastoralist farmers form unions and that government: facilitates the increased availability of water and pasture resources through the construction of permanent valley dams and introduction of highly nutritious and drought resistant pastures into the District; boosts the provision of extension veterinary services to the pastoralist farmers; upgrades the road network in the District; and provides the farmers with low cost credit; and that the Ministry of agriculture and other relevant departments and non-governmental organizations promote access to the high quantity milk producing breeds of cattle; and sensitize the pastoralists about emerging farming good practices and challenges. It was also recommended that research be undertaken into ways through which highly nutritious and drought resistant pastures can be introduced in the District.