Research
Activity II: Markets: Multiplication and Privatization

Problem Statement and Approach

At the market level an analysis of sustained models for the multiplication of the Kenya Dual Purpose Goat Multiplication Program will be documented. Two distinct models will be analyzed: privatized multiplication flocks of elite KDPG (moderate/commercial and small scale/micro-enterprise), and the upgrading model (at the small scale).

Case studies will be developed documenting the small scale multiplication schemes at the Coast and Machakos. Both the pure breed pass on scheme and the up-grading schemes will be analyzed. Prices of KDPG bucks will be recorded, as well as the rules set by each cluster to ensure both the pass on mechanisms and the rotation of bucks. Capital accumulation at the household and community levels generated by the sales of bucks for upgrading will be recorded. Interviews will also be conducted with Non Governmental Organizations interested in facilitating credit for micro-enterprise development.

A study of privatized multiplication flocks of elite KDPG with moderate scale commercial producers will be undertaken as part of the component's effort to sustain multiplication of this breed. Socio-economics tasks are two: 1. Market analysis of current pure breeds in Kenya to look at price formation to set a price for the registered KDPG; and 2. Development of instruments for the economic evaluation of this multiplication strategy.

Progress

Commercial multiplication was initiated with an analysis of the potential multipliers and selection of two breeders. Profile of the Kenya breed market was developed and reported in last years annual report. The study served as a base to set the prices for sale to commercial multipliers. At the end of July 1996, KDPG seed stock was sold for this purpose to these selected commercial farmers. Two commercial multipliers signed agreements with KARI (see breeding annual report). Instrument for data collection of the commercial multiplication process was developed with the other projects. Evaluation of the multipliers will take place in 1997.

The upgrading multiplication process will be formulated for the full proposal for regionalization of the KDPG. Here we report basically on the process of the multiplication through the pass on. Details on community organization related to the pass on are described in activity III.

The initial clusters had 20 members each. By 1996 each cluster had 17 active original members. Four of the clusters started at the end of 1993, while Kilifi started in March of 1994 with does that were not pregnant, which has affected the multiplication process delaying roughly from ten to twelve months. Therefore numbers on growth are not comparable between Kilifi and the other four clusters.

Table 2.1: Households Owning KDPGs and Upgrades, and Growth of Flocks.

Source: Resource Management Labor and Gender Questionnaire and Monitoring Data Base.

Activities in 1995-1996 have focused on the small scale/micro-enterprise multiplication model. Assessment of the rate of pass-on and identifying constraints are activities under the economic assessment of the KDPG on farm. Crosses of native does with KDPG bucks are being documented to provide information for the development of a model of multiplication through up-grading.

At the small scale level the pass on rate shows that the Vuga cluster has completed almost the process to all the original members in waiting, 82 % (see table 2.1). The other clusters have had more difficulties in the process. The Kilifi cluster has a delay of almost a year because the does were place on farm almost five months later and were not in kid at the time, and the pass on rate is close to the experienced in Machakos. The Matuga cluster has not performed well. Analysis of the development of pass on institutions is developed in activity III.

In terms of the growth of KDPG numbers, this have increased by 262 % from the original base flock of 50 placed on small scale farms. Mortality rates were high in the first year affecting the rate at which the flock grew. A progress report of the animal health project (1996) indicates that the mortality rates during this year have dropped dramatically, which will contribute further to the multiplication and the pass on of the KDPG.

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