One critical aspect of water is how it affects animal protection. All animals need water to survive, and lack of water can lead to disastrous consequences. One such scenario has been happening in Kajiado County, Kenya, where pastoralists have been facing water scarcity that has led to animal deaths.
Kajiado County is located in the southern part of Kenya and is home to a significant number of pastoralists who depend on their livestock for their livelihood. These pastoralists rely on their animals for meat, milk, and as a source of income. Unfortunately, the county faces recurring droughts, which lead to the scarcity of water and pasture for the animals. The situation is worsened by climate change, which affects the region's rainfall patterns.
The drought affects the region's rivers and streams, leading to their drying up. This makes it challenging for pastoralists to access water for their animals. The scarcity of water leads to the death of thousands of animals in the region, and the situation has not been improving. The pastoralists are forced to move their animals to far-off areas in search of water, which exposes the animals to danger, such as attacks from predators. The death of the animals leads to financial losses and this situation has made it challenging for them to access food for their families.
To address the water scarcity in the region, they have come together to drill boreholes in the region, which has provided a source of water for them and their animals. Additionally, they have established water pans in the region to collect rainwater, which has been an essential source of water during the rainy seasons.
They have also resulted in buying water tanks to collect and store rainwater and managing their water sources effectively. Additionally, the pastoralists have learned about planting drought-resistant crops, which have been an essential source of food for the animals during the drought.
The role of water in animal protection cannot be overemphasized, and we all have an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the protection of water sources. The situation in Kajiado County is a case in point, where lack of water leads to the death of thousands of animals and affects the pastoralists' livelihoods. The pastoralists’ efforts in addressing the water scarcity in the region are commendable, and more needs to be done to ensure that animals have access to water to protect them from death and suffering.