Use of RFID Technologies to Combat Cattle Rustling in the East Africa

A solution that could contain cattle rustling activities among the cross border communities between Kenya and adjoining areas of Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia is proposed. The region is characterized by nomadic movements of people with their livestock on vast and hostile terrains with inadequate physical and communication infrastructure. The vice has caused havoc to many inhabitants of the region and has been the main source of conflict and instability. No adequate mechanism is in place to aid in identification and recovery of stolen animals which is necessary in addressing these challenges. This paper discusses how RFID technology can be designed and used to address these challenges. The design provides for tagging, identification and information management system supported by a centralized database system. The system allows for querying of livestock details remotely for one or more animals; using Internet, Short Messaging (SMS) or GPRS technology. The design of an appropriate supportive animal records management framework is also provided. Upon implementation, the proposed solution will aid governments in the region to stem a vice that has consumed considerable resources and has seemingly appeared insurmountable.