Citation:

Ekiru Francis Anno. "Re-Evaluating Livestock Production and Marketing Strategy: A Transformational Agenda for Drylands Livestock Industry Based on Evidence from Literature" International Research Journal of Economics and Management Studies, Vol. 4, No. 5, pp. 106-119, 2025.

Abstract:

The systematic review study aimed to consolidate knowledge on livestock production, marketing, and other critical industry issues, specifically relating the findings to the context of livestock farming in Kenya's Turkana pastoral area while re-evaluating strategies and pathways to promote profitable and sustainable livestock farming and trading in drylands. The study's objectives were (i) to review developments in the livestock sector across various dryland regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, (ii) to evaluate the performance of the livestock industry in both Kenya's high-potential and dryland areas, (iii) to determine the effectiveness of pastoral livestock farming systems and identify development opportunities; and (iv) to examine the impact of climate change and other hazards on the livestock economy in dryland regions. The research methodology employed was a systematic review of the chosen literature. From the 142 research outputs identified according to the research topic and following a quality assessment for inclusion eligibility, 66 research outputs were ultimately selected for the study. The research indicates that the optimisation of livestock development in Africa and Kenya can be achieved by effective policies, strategic investments, and market-oriented production techniques. Arid and Semi-Arid areas of Ethiopia, Botswana, Nigeria, and Somaliland possess the capacity to produce livestock and by-products, notwithstanding obstacles such as inadequate infrastructure, disease prevalence, and climatic variability. Artificial insemination and animal breeding enhancement initiatives can rectify local breed deficiencies and sub-optimal productivity. Transforming pastoral agricultural systems to intensive and semi-intensive methodologies can enhance production efficiency and improve market access. Climate finance and information technology can mitigate the effects of climate change on livestock and agricultural livelihoods. Re-evaluating livestock production and marketing strategies for drylands is essential for sustainable growth. The study advocates for enhanced research in industrial development, climate change mitigation, conflict resolution, finance, and feed production, owing to the potential for livestock production and commercialisation, which can foster competitive and sustainable development in dryland areas.

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Keywords:

Livestock Production, Strategy, Market Access, Pastoral Economy, Turkana County, Pastoralism, Resilience.