Characterization of the livestock production system and potential to enhance productivity through improved feeding in Sabatia, Vihiga county, Kenya

Abstract

Livestock farming contributes significantly to the economies of the Western Kenya (Ojowi et.al 2001 and KARI Kakamega 2006) through generation of tangible and intangible products (World, 2005). Within the region, most of the milk produced is marketed informally and is thus an important source of employment and income in rural areas from production at household level to informal transporters and retailers in the urban centres (EAPP Final Document). In addition, a regular supply of milk provides nutritional security for many rural poor families, affordable nutrients to improve the well-being of those suffering from HIV/AIDS and generates more regular household income and jobs than many other farming enterprises in Eastern Africa (Nicholson et al., 2003).