Adapting dryland livestock production to meet climate change challenges in Kenya
Date
2015-01
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Publisher
WRENmedia
Abstract
Research demonstrates that with one acre of Sudan grass and improved pasture production, farmers may produce 3.6 tons of feed in a year. This will sustain milk production by three cattle during the annual four-month feed deficit period, and the milk can sustain a family of four. With a strengthened extension service and support for farmers in acquiring adapted livestock breeds, specifically camels, Sahiwal and improved Boran cattle, livestock productivity can be increased by 50% and herd sizes reduced, which decreases overgrazing and environmental degradation. County governments can support these changes by strengthening their extension work in pasture production, organized grazing, and controlled breeding management.
Description
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Policy Brief
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Keywords
SEMIARID ZONE, DROUGHT RESISTANCE, CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION, AGRICULTURAL POLICY, GRASSLANDS MANAGEMENT, AGROPASTORAL SYSTEMS, SORGHUM SUDANENSE, CENCHRUS CILIARIS, LIVESTOCK FEEDING, FODDER PLANTS