Sociological and Economic Analysis
of Small Ruminant Production Systems

ANNUAL REPORT, 1996

Executive Summary

Kenya Dual Purpose Goat Component (KDPG)

Three general activities were the focus of research by KARI and University of Missouri researchers in sociology and economics with this year of funding. The first area, the impact assessment of the Kenyan Dual Purpose Goat at the household level focused on the economic performance of the KDPG enterprise, its role in household income, gender domains of the technology, and flexibility of the KDPG to adapt to different agroecologies, production systems and ethnic groups. Climatic conditions are not considered good for the years the KDPG has been introduced, and the technology appears to be performing. Research findings on performance during 1995 are encouraging, in that the enterprise shows positive returns in all clusters at the Coast (3) and Machakos (2). The relative importance in household agricultural income varies according to the production system and level of household wealth. At the cluster level analysis we find that the Coast cluster are relatively poorer than the Machakos clusters, therefore the relative importance of the KDPG is higher in the former. We also find at the Coast that the clusters had higher rates of pass on, and better relative performance. This is the case for both Kilifi and Vuga when compared to Kitanga and Kimutwa in Machakos. Matuga is the only Coast cluster that did not perform well. The multiplication of the KDPG, a second research activity this year, focused on analysis of the small holder multiplication system. Upgrading practices were observed as introduced by small holder producers owning KDPGs. The third activity focused on community and social networks developed by each cluster, Vuga, and Matuga in Kwale, and Kilifi at the Coast, and Kitanga and Kimutwa in Machakos. Community organization, social networks and social capital were studied combining PRAs and actor oriented research, to understand the positive externalities created by the pass on of the KDPG, and the conditions that make possible this type of multiplication. All cluster members were interviewed and a study completed. This is the basis for further research on the role of social capital, community organization and nongovernmental organizations in the success of development projects. A Resource Management Gender and Labor questionnaire was developed to study gender income and labor domains at the household level, and credit and income transfer mechanisms available in each cluster, as well presence of credit systems and other networks in the area. This was applied in all clusters and is currently being analyzed. During year 18, 1997, we will concentrate on further analysis of the data at both the household and community levels. This has been the first year of full and stable funding for the impact assessment and it has raised interesting questions that will be pursued in 1997. A World Wide Web site has been developed for the Social Sciences SR-CRSP. Reports and publications can be requested through this site:

Animal Health Management Through Biotechnology Component 

Two activities were conducted in year 17 by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and the University of Missouri in social science research related to animal health. The first is the study of vaccine production and distribution, which was conducted in collaboration with the Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute. Three specific objectives were: to determine the economic costs of production of the Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) vaccine in liquid and lyophilized forms; develop a profile of users of the vaccine, identified through sales by KEVEVAPI, sole producer of Caprivax; and to determine the level of competition in use of facilities, equipment, and labor in the production of Rinderpest Caprivax and Contavax vaccines. Costs of production were analyzed and recommendations to increase efficiency proposed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine levels at which current prices would be economically efficient. The analysis of competition shows that given current vaccine production levels there would not be competition in the production of lyophilized CCPP vaccine. The market profile highlights the declining role of government as main buyer of the vaccine and the increasing participation of private individuals and nongovernmental organizations as consumers in this market. 

The second main activity was to study the demand for animal health services, with an emphasis on CCPP vaccine as a case study. We conduct this study with the collaboration of the Kenya Veterinary Field Services Office. A study was conducted on the availability and use of animal health delivery services at the sites where the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat is being tested. The report appears in year 16 SR-CRSP annual report. After an appraisal of the knowledge of animal health delivery services for small ruminants we decided to conduct a study to determine the demand for these services and for CCPP vaccines, specifically. A survey was developed and field tested with the farmers participating in the testing of the lyophilized CCPP vaccine. Three sites were selected to conduct the study, Koibatek (pastoral production systems), Kitui (agropastoral production system) and Kajiado (pastoral production systems). All are CCPP endemic areas. Preliminary data analysis from the Koibatek study shows that farmers are not aware of the existence of the vaccine. Demand estimations for the liquid and lyophilized vaccines will be conducted in 1997. We have also developed a World Wide Web site where technical reports and other publications may be found. 

Sustainable Agropastoral Systems on Marginal Lands-Bolivia 

Several activities were conducted by sociology and economics in collaboration with Instituto Boliviano de Tecnología Agropecuaria and Utah State University. A research synthesis is being developed, and many chapters were completed this year. A workshop took place in Bolivia in November of 1995. It provided the opportunity to bring together researchers that had been involved in field activities in San José Llanga to discuss hypothesis on strategies of farmers in crop livestock production systems in marginal drought and frost prone areas. Research continued on peasant household economic and social strategies that contribute to persistence in the Altiplano. Diversification and the role of livestock in food security were the main topics of publication during this year. Analysis of the household data for 1995 was initiated. It shows the diversification strategies pursued by peasant households in San José during a low rainfall year. This is compared to the strategies pursued in 1993. Marketing systems were studied which show producers of San José responding to market signals in the production of sheep and cattle. Finally a study of nutrition and livestock in Andean communities was initiated and will continue during 1997, supported by the University of Missouri, to look at the role of livestock in household food security. All Bolivian students have completed and submitted their theses. Our collaborating scientists continue to provide them support. Christian Jetté and Jorge Céspedes in Bolivia, and Lisa Markowtiz in the U.S. have been essential to our project. We continue to collaborate in research with all of them. Support provided by IBTA allowed us to complete activities and close our program in San José Llanga, providing community leaders with studies that have been used to develop projects to benefit their members. We created a World Wide Web site that presents our activities, findings and publications. 

[Proceed to Annual Report 96 Table of Contents]