Research Articles Boosting livestock productivity and sustainability in East Africa: The role of forage seed systems
Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economies of East African countries, with millions of people depending on cattle, goats and sheep for food, income and employment. However, despite the region's vast agricultural potential, livestock production faces a significant feed deficit - nearly 40% of the total ruminant feed demand is unmet annually. This challenge, compounded by climate change, is limiting the region's ability to maximize livestock productivity. Addressing this feed shortage is essential for improving food security, rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
A recent study by Burkart and Mwendia from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT delves into the pressing need to improve access to quality forage seeds in East Africa. The research highlights that many farmers rely on outdated, low-quality seeds, limiting the potential for cultivating the high-yielding, nutrient-rich forages that are necessary to close the feed gap.
The forage deficit challenge
East Africa’s feed shortages are especially concerning in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi, where the cultivated forage area is alarmingly small compared to other regions such as Latin America. For example, Colombia - despite having less land than East Africa - cultivates forages on nearly six times more land. The reasons for this disparity include limited land availability, high seed costs, a lack of access to quality planting materials and adverse weather conditions.
With a 40% annual feed deficit, the region’s ruminant livestock farmers are struggling to meet the nutritional needs of their herds. This not only impacts livestock health but also lowers productivity in terms of milk and meat production, putting the livelihoods of small-scale farmers at risk.
A solution: Improved forage seeds
The study proposes a multifaceted approach to addressing the forage deficit, with a particular focus on improving access to high-quality forage seeds. This could be achieved through the promotion of improved forage varieties like Urochloa hybrids and Megathyrsus maximus, which have been bred to offer better nutritional content and resilience against climate stressors such as drought.
Testing different forage varieties like Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) for yield and drought resilience. Credit: Georgina Smith / CIAT
The research suggests that local seed production initiatives could reduce the dependence on costly imports. By supporting domestic seed production, seed prices could be lowered, making them more affordable for farmers. This would encourage the adoption of improved forages, leading to higher livestock productivity and better economic outcomes for farmers.
The economic potential of forage seed systems
The economic potential of improved forage seed systems in the region is substantial. The study estimates that the regional forage seed market could be worth nearly $877 million USD over the next decade, due to demand for improved forage varieties that can boost livestock productivity, enhance climate resilience and contribute to food security.
In addition to the seed market, the cultivation of improved forages also has significant environmental benefits. For example, certain species of Urochloa have been shown to reduce methane emissions from livestock and sequester carbon in the soil. These environmental benefits contribute to broader climate change mitigation efforts and align with global sustainability goals.
What can be done to scale up the adoption of improved forages?
The research outlines several key recommendations to help close the forage deficit and scale up the adoption of improved forages in East Africa:
1. Government policy support: Governments in the region should prioritize forage production in their agricultural policies. This includes investing in research, improving the seed regulatory system, and fostering public-private partnerships to enhance seed availability.
2. Support for local seed production: To make forage seeds more accessible and affordable, local seed production systems must be developed, with Zambia emerging as a promising country due to its favorable environmental conditions for seed production. This will reduce reliance on expensive imported seeds and provide economic opportunities in rural areas.
3. Improved seed distribution: Efficient seed distribution networks should be established, particularly in rural areas where farmers often face barriers to accessing quality seeds. This could involve partnerships with seed companies, NGOs, and farmer associations.
4. Farmer education and extension services: There is a need for comprehensive training programs to educate farmers about the benefits of improved forages and how to effectively manage them. These programs should focus on practical techniques and the long-term economic and environmental benefits of forage cultivation.
5. Regional cooperation: East African countries should collaborate more closely to streamline the movement of forage seeds across borders. This could be achieved through regional trade blocs like COMESA and EAC, which would help reduce bureaucratic delays and improve seed access.
Livestock farmers in the region of Tanzania, are finding ways of boosting their production and lowering their environmental impact by planting improved forages. Credit: Georgina Smith / CIAT
Livestock production in East Africa holds immense potential for economic growth and food security, but it is hindered by a significant forage deficit. By improving access to high-quality forage seeds, the region can boost livestock productivity, support rural livelihoods and contribute to climate change mitigation. However, overcoming the barriers to seed access will require coordinated efforts from governments, the private sector and farmers. With the right policies, investments and support, East Africa can overcome its feed challenges and pave the way for more sustainable and productive livestock production.
This research underscores the urgent need for strategic investments in forage systems, not only to improve livestock productivity but also to enhance the resilience of East African agriculture to the challenges of climate change. The opportunity to transform livestock production into a driver of sustainable development is within reach.
