Abstract:
The livestock sector plays a critical role in supporting livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), yet it faces significant challenges arising from recurrent droughts, insecurity, weak market systems, and limited adoption of modern technologies. This study examined the potential of technology-driven integration of livestock production and marketing through the implementation of Enterprise Information Systems (EIS). An exploratory research design employing mixed methods was adopted. Data were collected from eight primary and secondary livestock markets in Turkana County through focus group discussions involving market management committees and stakeholders. Secondary data and literature on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Business Intelligence (BI), and other enterprise systems were reviewed and validated through consultations with livestock traders, government officials, civil society actors, and researchers. The findings revealed substantial technological deficiencies in livestock marketing, including manual record-keeping, poor data management, limited market transparency, weak stakeholder communication, and inadequate decision-support mechanisms. These challenges contribute to inefficiencies, increased operational costs, poor compliance with livestock health regulations, and reduced market competitiveness. The study established that integrating Enterprise Information Systems, Livestock Management Information Systems (LMIS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mobile-based market platforms, and Decision Support Systems (DSS) can significantly enhance livestock production and marketing by improving traceability, market access, data-driven decision-making, and operational efficiency. The proposed EIS framework incorporates data integration, reporting tools, security controls, collaboration platforms, SCM, CRM, and transaction processing systems to strengthen the livestock value chain. The study concludes that technological adoption is essential for the sustainable development and commercialization of Turkana's livestock sector and recommends phased implementation of integrated digital solutions supported by capacity building, infrastructure development, and enabling policies.