DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT.

The sector comprises of agriculture, fisheries, veterinary services, and livestock production sub sectors.

Vision: “To be the leading agent towards the achievement of food security for all, employment creation, income generation and poverty reduction in Marsabit County”.

Mission: “To improve the livelihoods of Marsabit people through by promoting competitive agriculture, sustainable crop, livestock and fisheries development, innovative research and technologies, equitable distribution and sustainable management of natural resources

Mandate:

1. Strengthen collaborations and linkages with public and private institutions in the management and delivery of agricultural programmes and services

2. Develop and approve instruments for operation and accountability of agriculture sector programmes and projects

3. Facilitate development, review, implementation, monitoring of policies, strategies, standards, regulations, plans, legislations of relevance to the sector

4. Develop mechanisms for management and dissemination of agricultural information

The strategic objective of the sector

 • Creating an enabling environment for agricultural development through review of the current legal and policy framework.

• Promoting market and product development by adopting a value chain approach.

• Facilitate increased livestock, fisheries, agricultural productivity and outputs through improved extension, advisory support services and technology application.

• Promote conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources through sustainable land use practices.

 • Strengthen access to agricultural and livestock information through ICT-based information management systems.

•   Facilitate accessibility of affordable credit, insurance and quality inputs to farmers, fisher folks, pastoralist,

 • Strengthen human resources development, including monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and coordination of staff functions within the Department.

 • Strengthen crop and livestock pest and disease control management

 • Strengthen veterinary public health, quality assurance and control of zoonotic disease

Development challenges, priorities and strategies

Some of the sector development challenges include:

·         Food insecurity,

·         Low Agricultural production and productivity.

·         Inadequate market and market infrastructure for agricultural products.

·         Low incomes from agriculture, Fish and livestock products.

·         Low fish and livestock production; and High zoonotic diseases leading to deaths,

·         Severe effects of climate change including frequent and more severe drought leading to poor sector performance and resource-based conflicts,

·         High prevalence of pest and diseases in both crops and livestock,

·         Decline in range productivity and health,

·         Negative cultural belief, practices and values,

·         High post-harvest losses