Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/149600 
Year of Publication: 
2016
Series/Report no.: 
ZEF Discussion Papers on Development Policy No. 215
Publisher: 
University of Bonn, Center for Development Research (ZEF), Bonn
Abstract: 
Productivity of rangelands in Kenya is affected by increasing crop farming especially in more fertile range areas. Among the key factors driving the encroachment of crops on rangelands are the changing opportunities brought about by markets. We hypothesize that the existing market inefficiencies characterizing livestock markets, especially the price disincentives that livestock producers face, are major risks rangelands face. To analyze the effect of livestock market conditions on rangeland management, we draw on household survey and economic modeling tools. We find that traders' rent seeking behavior and high transport costs act as disincentives to livestock producers' participation in livestock markets and influence their decisions in seeking alternative rangeland uses to sustain livelihoods. However, improved livestock market access enhances livestock producers' livelihoods and the stewardship of the ecosystems thus reducing pastoralists' vulnerability to ecological climate variability associated with rangelands.
Subjects: 
Extensive livestock production
market access
ecological-economic model
positive mathematical programming (PMP) model
Kenya
JEL: 
Q13
Q15
Q24
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
841.78 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.