Despite minimal field visits during this period of the COVID-19-related restrictions, the AVCD program staff and management are working with extension officers and lead farmers to monitor the progress of the drought-tolerant crops component’s work. Continue reading
Category Archives: Livelihoods
Keeping safe while staying food secure in Kenya
The potato component uses a learning farm approach concept, which provides rural farmers with hands-on experience in potato production technologies by practising together with the trainers through a learning-by-doing approach. Continue reading
Using virtual communication tools to support northern Kenya partners during the COVID-19 pandemic
Over the last three months (April–June), the livestock value chain (LVC) team of AVCD program has worked tirelessly to maintain close and consistent communications with the county-based field office staff and the respective county government officials in Turkana, Garissa, Wajir, Isiolo and Marsabit. Continue reading
Diversification of diets: a community-led solution that improves nutritional outcomes in Kenya’s pastoral communities
In northern Kenya, thousands of people suffer from acute malnutrition. This dryland region experiences low rainfall, high temperatures and has poor soils, which lead to poor harvests and inadequate pastures for livestock. The region hence suffers significant food insecurity which results in high levels of malnutrition, particularly among women and children. Limited knowledge of appropriate … Continue reading
Promoting better agricultural practices of drought-tolerant crops in farming communities
Despite their value, drought-tolerant crops, particularly millets and sorghum, have been steadily losing their share of contribution to calories in Kenya to maize, rice and wheat. The reasons for the low demand of these cereals are low productivity, poor image and lack of product development. Continue reading
Multisectoral partners come together to deliberate on how to accelerate efforts to reduce malnutrition across Kenya
Kenya still has a long way to go in improving the nutritional status of both the rural and urban populations. Collectively we can support the education and application of nutrition sensitization for better lives through better health and better food systems. Continue reading
Can the private sector deliver livestock vaccines in Kenya? Yes, they can
At a meeting held on 18 July 2019 in Isiolo, Kenya, livestock sector stakeholders committed to implement eight resolutions that offer solutions that will guide future practice and encourage private sector investment in animal health service delivery: Continue reading
Improved herd management technologies for enhancing livestock productivity: Embedding innovations through community groups
ILRI, through the USAID funded AVCD project – Livestock Component has implemented interventions to improve sheep and goat productivity in Kenya, through better herd breeding and management. The project has developed a series of manuals on ‘Best Practices for Selective Breeding for Improved Livestock Productivity.’ Continue reading
Power of numbers: Collective action to accelerate marketing options for bounty green gram harvest across Kenya
The Feed the Future Accelerated Value Chains Development (AVCD) program is working with county governments, ministry officials, development agencies and farmers group to address the current anticipated green gram glut and to jump-start the green gram value chain across Kenya. Continue reading
Livestock traders gain at USAID- and ILRI-supported forum
Enthusiastic traders from several counties in northern Kenya and from across the border in Ethiopia joined a livestock trade facilitation forum in Marsabit, Kenya on 9 May 2018. By close of business, participating livestock buyers and sellers signed contracts for a total of 5,373 livestock at a value of USD 406,774. The United States Agency … Continue reading