Factors affecting livestock restocking projects in South Teso of Eastern Uganda

Abstract

This study was undertaken among the restocked beneficiaries of Kumi and Bukedea Districts in Eastern Uganda. Kidongole in Bukedea district and Kobwin and Mukongoro in Kumi district were chosen for the study. Fourteen key informants semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants. Three decentralized focus group discussions were conducted at sub county levels. Later a questionnaire was administered to 73 respondents. Secondary data from literature review was also used. The restocking exercise was done by provision of female goats, Boer bucks, in-calf local zebu heifers and Sahiwal bulls. The major beneficiaries were women hence it was a good strategy of empowering women. Mukongoro Sub County had benefited more in terms of cattle restocking, while Kobwin received more goats and Kidongole benefited least. The number of animals restocked per household was only one goat or cow per household. The stocking scheme was a loan scheme; whereby major mode of payment was through local farmer committees in Kobwin and Mukongoro, and through both local farmers committee and their organization representatives in Kidongole. Sale of cattle was not being done in Mukongoro (major cattle beneficiary) and Kobwin but were taking place in Kidongole. Cattle retention syndrome was exhibited in cattle beneficiary subcounties. Goats were equally sold in all sub-counties. Goats were considered as "moving bank accounts" quickly sold in times of need. Therefore, restocking projects interested in increasing household incomes in the short run should consider restocking with goats. Livestock were sold for payment of school fees and medical bills. Livestock was one of the major sources of household incomes. The success of restocking project was due to provision of donor funding, good market prices, political stability, government encouragement, farmer group formations, participation of beneficiaries in the selection of restocked livestock, beneficiaries being traditional cattle keepers, and training of farmers on animal husbandry skills. The threats to the success of the restocking project were mainly a manner of loan repayment, few animals supplied per household, sale of livestock for payment of fees, ability of animal to survive drought, livestock diseases, livestock raiding, shortage of labour to take care of the livestock and unwillingness of beneficiaries to pass offspring to next beneficiaries. Restocking supported the future aspirations of beneficiaries such as investment in education, livestock-related business, housing and agriculture. Education for children was one of the areas most recommended for future investment and livestock was used as means of raising school fees. Therefore, restocking projects will need appropriate understanding of these factors prior to designing and implementing restocking project in a community.