Pastoralism, pathways to prosperity

In pastoral areas, infrastructure – good road and power networks, phone coverage and processing facilities enable efficient livestock production and robust market connections. 

These photos and texts are from young pastoralists that participated in a November 2024 ‘photovoice‘ project in Kenya

“We rely on motorcycles for our livelihoods, connecting milk farmers to the local market and delivering milk in good time.

Although our bikes can access difficult terrain, we often get punctures and other breakdowns due to poor roads, sometimes in unsafe areas, with no access to tools.

This interferes with the entire chain, causing milk to arrive late, leading to wastage. We overcome this challenge by calling for help with our phones or paying mechanics to come to us.”

Abdi Borte, Kulamawe

“As I was coming from Qurqura to collect milk, I had an accident.

There was no network coverage, and it was unsafe to leave the milk and motorcycle.

So, I stayed out late, looking for assistance, climbing trees to find network coverage. Milk owners reached out to my family and a motorcycle was sent to find me.

All the milk went bad, and I received no payment for that day.”

Hassan Jirma, Biliqo

These photos and text are from young pastoralists participating in a November 2024 ‘photovoice’ project in Kenya’s camel production chain.

See other thematic pages created from the participants’ images and narratives.

Download the full poster that was prepared for the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit in Wajir, Kenya, from 8-10 December 2024

Contact Tahira Mohamed for more information