IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Steve N. Machan; Jones Agwata; Nicholas Oguge

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

Analysis of the regulatory environment influencing sustainability of livestock food system in Isiolo County, Kenya

Steve N. Machan, Jones Agwata, Nicholas Oguge

Abstract :

Analysis of the livestock food systems sustainability requires understanding of internal and external drivers and processes that influences productivity and the value chain outcomes. The regulatory environment includes the institutions, policies and legislations that govern the food system. Our study analyzed value chain institutions and other frameworks that influence the sustainability of livestock food system in Isiolo County, Kenya. Specifically, we examined the technological transformations in the value chains, actors and their control mechanisms and responses to pressures with a view to develop options for sustainability. We established that there is lack of effective policies and regulations to enhance regional and international trade in livestock and livestock products value chains. Weak institutional coordination of value chain actors and poor policy implementation modalities for livestock sub–sector are threat to the sustenance of these systems. Uncoordinated Cross–border trade linkages among the neighbouring counties and regions (e.g. Ethiopia and Somalia) exacerbate trade and resource use conflicts. However, the County has the potential for domestic, regional and international trade in livestock and livestock by–products that would benefit from effective regulatory frameworks.