Livestock are an important part of livelihood systems for many poor rural populations in developing countries. ‘‘Small stocks’’ decreases the vulnerability to poverty, especially since it’s more accessible to greater numbers of poor households.
Francis Kinyanjui a small-scale farmer in Ngarua Division, have demonstrated resilience in small stocks farming. He keeps a stock of over two hundred rabbits, which have multiplied since he started rabbits rearing for his livelihood, four years ago. In spite of the challenges associated with his choice of occupation, he is not giving up.
Francis a regular user of Ngarua Maarifa Center, located in N’garua division of Laikipia County, is looking for the means of marketing his animals. He has secured a hotel outlet in Nyahururu where he supplies his stock; any opportunity to get more clients will be of great help to the hard working farmer.
He has a word of encouragement to other farmers; to venturing into rabbits rearing because, as he puts, ‘‘is easy to start and manage’’, rabbits can easily multiply and provide a source of ready income when needed. For example, an activity requiring small amounts of money can be completed from the sale of a rabbit than in the case of large stocks i.e. cattle. Selling a cow in that case could lead to having money, which are not planned for.
To build his capacity on how to improve the management of his stock, Francis attended a training workshop organized by, Mt Kenya workers forum for vision 2030, Association. They were taught on the importance of rabbit’s meat over other meat products and how to mobilize rural farmers to start keeping the animals.
Challenges: - Francis has to contend with a few challenges like, lack of a ready market, high mortality rate for young animals and lack of adequate quantities from other farmers.
Bigger quantities can attract better buyers and provides the necessary bulk making it economical to transport to bigger towns.
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