Machakos: The government, under the State Department of Livestock, is poised to release a report from a feasibility study aimed at addressing pasture and fodder availability across the 21 Arid and Semi-arid (ASAL) counties. This initiative is focused on resolving challenges in pasture and fodder production to potentially boost livestock production, which contributes 12% to the GDP and employs over 50% of the agricultural labor force.
According to Kenya News Agency, the feasibility study, conducted by a consultancy firm, was presented to stakeholders for validation. It is expected to serve as a guide for livestock owners and stakeholders, highlighting solutions to existing challenges. The Director for Livestock Production from the Ministry of Agriculture, Bishar Elmi, emphasized the government’s dedication to improving the livestock sector by tackling issues in the pasture and fodder value chain. This effort aims to enhance feed and nutrition security while promoting sustainable livestock production in the AS
AL regions.
Dr. Stanley Mutua, head of livestock feed at the State Department for Livestock, revealed that the feasibility study was initiated in response to a significant loss of livestock between 2021 and 2022 due to drought. With a reported 60% feed deficit threatening livestock production and economic growth, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current pasture and fodder production, associated challenges, and potential market dynamics.
The study’s findings indicated unmet demand for pasture and fodder, primarily due to underproduction and inadequate storage infrastructure. Dr. Mutua highlighted issues such as water scarcity and land degradation that hinder pasture production. Additionally, unstructured markets and a preference for free grazing among farmers pose further challenges.
County experts and local governments are encouraging feed producers to form cooperatives to better organize and expand market access. The report recommends adopting drought-resistant pasture species through
subsidized seed and awareness campaigns, developing frameworks to align national and county policies, and ensuring equitable resource allocation.
Denis Kasoo, CECM Agriculture Livestock and Cooperative Development Laikipia County, expressed optimism about the report’s potential to enhance livestock feed quality and increase livestock production. He stressed the importance of involving farmers in the process and reaching them through extension services to produce quality fodder.
