More than 140 families in semi-arid parts of Meru County have received dairy goats from the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in an initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition amongst children.
A recent report by the Ministry of Health (MoH) released during the third National Food Fortification Summit indicated that 25 per cent of children in Meru are stunted and malnourished.
According to NDMA, semi-arid sections of Meru County are the worst hit due to perennial drought, leading to limited sources of nutrition.
Speaking at Kandebene in Tigania West while distributing 150 goats to families in the region, Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASAL) and regional development Secretary Maria Cherono said goat milk can play a vital role in reducing malnutrition among children.
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The project worth Ksh7.7 million was funded by the European Union (EU), the community and the County Government of Meru.
“The community has entered an agreement where the first offspring will be given to another family, bringing the number of beneficiaries to 284 families. This is intended to boost drought resilience and food security. This is sustainable because goats are not heavy feeders,” Cherono said.
The EU-funded the project to the tune of Ksh4.9 million, with locals building sheds worth more than Ksh2 million while the county government will provide veterinary services.
NDMA Chief Executive Officer Hared Adan said the agency was implementing drought resilience projects in 23 counties through community participation.
“We have been engaging communities in the ASAL areas so that they identify their challenges and provide the solution. This ensures communities undertake projects that will empower them. We will be monitoring the goats to ensure the community benefits,” Adan said.
He said a dairy goat can yield up to four litres of milk a day, providing the much needed nutrition for children, the elderly and mothers.
By John Majau
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