From the Field Improved forages enhance adoption of climate-smart agriculture among smallholder farmers in Kenya

Adapting to climate change calls for widening the options for farmers. The introduction of improved forage grasses and legumes aims to boost the application of other innovative Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices such as mechanization, intercropping, mulching, and the use of certified seeds, all of which contribute to creating a climate-resilient agricultural system. However, some farmers face challenges in fully adopting these practices.  

"Typically, farmers use crop residues from maize and legumes to feed their livestock, but when they’re introduced to mulching, those same residues are needed for soil cover. This creates a dilemma—whether to feed the livestock or apply mulch. However, with the introduction of improved forage grasses and legumes, farmers now have a nutritious alternative forage for their animals. This not only boosts livestock productivity but also frees up crop residues to be used effectively as mulch." said Fredrick Muthomi, Research Associate at the Alliance.

Through the CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa, also known as Ukama Ustawi, the Alliance forages team and partners are promoting improved forages to not only provide much-needed fodder for smallholder systems but also to complement the other CSA and CA practices. Ukama Ustawi aims to support climate-resilient agriculture and livelihoods in 12 countries in East and Southern Africa by helping millions of smallholder farmers to intensify, diversify, and de-risk maize mixed farming through improved extension services, enterprise development, and private investment. The work in Kenya is implemented in Nakuru, Embu and Makueni counties in collaboration with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), the Africa Conservation Tillage Network, county governments, farmer groups and other development partners. 

The initiative made a deliberate choice to work with women and youth who often have to look for livestock feed away from home during the dry seasons; having forages produced and conserved on the farm will help address this challenge. 

The Alliance introduced and set out to evaluate the adaptation and acceptability of 7 forages varieties (1 leguminous and 6 grasses). The choice of these forages was informed by their favorable characteristics including high biomass production, high crude protein and energy when harvested at the right growth stage, and adaption to tropical environment for example Bracharia hybrids being used are Cayman, Cobra, Mulato II and Camello whose crude protein could range 10-14% when harvested just before flowering. Panicum, Mombasa, Panicum Maasai and Camello perform relatively better than many forages in drier areas like in Makuni.  

As such, these forages provide the much-needed roughage for livestock. Additionally, through their extensive and deep rooting system, they contribute to carbon sequestration key in mitigation of climate change. Crotalaria, the leguminous forage contains crude protein between 25-30 % further providing this key nutrient for livestock performance. Crotalaria fixes free nitrogen into the soil thus soil enrichment and is among the best crop for green manuring. The communities first established most the forages in nurseries for close monitoring e.g. irrigating the nurseries and transplanted to individual farms at the onset of rains. As such, the forages established quickly in prepared seedbed without a time lag on germination which is key with the erratic and changing rain seasons.

"As part of our ongoing efforts, our team, in partnership with KALRO, has been diligently training farmers on the agronomic aspects of forage production and best farming practices to ensure effective management of the demonstration plots. Our approach includes regular follow-up visits, field days, and small-group trainings, which are crucial for reaching a broad spectrum of farmers, including those outside the direct demo plot areas" finished Dr. Boaz Waswa, Project lead of the Ukama Ustawi initiative in Kenya.  

Beyond production, the communities are being trained on forages post-harvest management - baling, storage, silage making. Concomitantly, production of forages as business is emphasized with different gender engagement along the forage value chain and contribute to livelihood gains, and increased livestock productivity while taking care of the environment. To deepen and reap the benefit of the adapted forages, to the more than a million smallholder livestock producers, concerted efforts from stakeholders is key and encouraged. 

Blog edited by Anny I. Yedra Cubillos with inputs from the Africa Tropical Forages Team.