ABSTRACT
This chapter presents information about Merueshi group ranch and its members for the additional insights into the regional economy thereby gained. Selection of the Kajiado Group Ranch (KGR) sample and gathering of information were undertaken by the International Livestock Centre for Africa (ILCA), as part of its research of livestock production systems of Subsaharan Africa. The transhumance of Mbirikani households in contrast to the less mobile production patterns found on Olkarkar and Merueshi reflect distinct eco-climatic differences. The Western Narok Producer sample area was chosen for its distinctly more humid eco-climatic conditions. An appropriate introduction to livestock production and marketing by the KGR sample households is provided by the following review of preliminary findings by ILCA scientists conducting research in the area. The value of acquisitions is greater for Mbirikani households than for Olkarkar households and the types of acquisition are more balanced, with a greater proportion of exchanges and gifts than on Olkarkar.
