ABSTRACT
The descriptions of producer samples set the stage for quantitatively analyzing the various livestock production units in order to better assess constraints to the pastoral transition process. The Kajiado Group Ranch budgets depict notable differences among pastoral producers, by location and household wealth. The use of budgets in operating a commercial farm or ranch is well recognized as an activity integral to profitable decision making. Budgets have been developed for each production unit of the Kajiado Individual Ranch (KIR) and Western Narok Producer (WNP) samples. The principal purpose of the budgets is to determine livestock production and marketing magnitudes and relationships for the sampled systems. The effects on sales levels for the KIR sample units of including or excluding use of off-ranch grazing and Agricultural Finance Corporation-financed steers are evident. Prevailing traditional production practices of small-scale producers in the WNP sample area and the significance of cultivation in the more humid region of Maasailand are revealed by the WNP budgets.
