INTRODUCTION

An Assessment of Fodder Conservation Technologies among Farmers in

Tharaka Nithi, KenyaThomas Kogo*, Salome Migose and Rebecca Yegon

**Department of Agriculture Resource Management,

University of Embu. P.O Box 6-60100, Embu

The dairy industry is important for livelihood and economy of Kenya (FAO, 2020). However, productivity of cattle dominated by smallholder systems is low, attributed to

fodder scarcity and seasonal fluctuation (Kimenchu, 2014; FAO & New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre., 2017). The conservation of fodder is a

strategy to reduce fodder scarcity and fluctuation (FAO, 2020). Adoption of fodder conservation remain low and technologies adoption have not been characterized. The

objective of the current study, therefore was to characterize fodder conservation technologies among smallholder dairy farmers and commercial fodder producers in the

highlands of Kenya. Data was analyzed using statistical program for social science (SPSS 23). The descriptive results include (1) Fodder conservation technologies existing

among dairy farmers in the County, (2) Percentage of farmers who have adopted different fodder conservation technologies.

Crop Residues are

99% Maize

stover’s while

others are straws

of Beans, cow pea,

pigeon pea, green

grams and

Bananas

Crop residue storage was the only conservation technology stored

by farmers (100%) in one method. Followed by silage in a hole

lined with polythene sheet and baled hay at 55% and 50%

respectively and other methods of the three technologies.

Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to collect data on fodder conservation

technologies from 246 smallholder dairy farmers and 5 commercial fodder

producers from Tharaka Nithi Counties). Data on technologies used by farmers

were analyzed using descriptive statistics and represented in table, graphs and

pie chart.

METHODS DISCUSSION

Fodder conservation technologies are adopted differently by famers,

most farmers opting for crop residue due to its availability though of

low nutritional value. This can be of much help to improving

productivity, if means to improve nutritional value can be made

enhanced to through information and subsidies. Therefore,

recommendation of further studies on economic performance in

different fodder conservation technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Acknowledgement:

I aknowwledge the following institutions, first Kenya Climate Smart Project (KCSAP), secondly Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization

(KALRO) and lastly Embu University for the trust and chance to study. I also acknowledge the following individuals, all members of KCSAP secretariat for

scholarship and fairness and lastly special thanks goes to my supervisors for their guidance, and not forgetting farmers who provided the information.

References:

FAO. (2020). Nutrition and livestock. (Issue Rome.). Technical guidance to harness the potential of livestock for improved nutrition of vulnerable populations

in programme planningRome Italy. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca7348en

FAO & New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre. (2017). Options for low emission development in the Kenya dairy sector. reducing

enteric for food security and livelihoods.

Kimenchu, D., Mwangi, M., Kairu, S., & Gitunu, M. (2014). Characterization and Profitability Assessment of Dairy Farms in Central Kenya. International

Journal of Inavative Research and Development, 3(9), 82–90.

Plate 1 Farmer hay stored in straws form

Plate 2. Farmer using silage bag for conservation

Plate 3. Farmer using crop residues (dry maize stove's) stored in raised stores.

RESULTS

Fodder conservation technologies common in Tharaka Nithi County include;

silage, hay and crop residue storage.

Technology Frequency Usage (%)

Crop Residues 118 48.36%

Hay 42 17.21%

Hay+Crop Residues 20 8.20%

Silage+Hay 20 8.20%

Silage 18 7.38%

Silage+Crop Residues 14 5.74%

Hay+Crop

Residues+Silage

12 4.92%

Total 244 100.00%

Table 1. Different combinations of fodder conservation technologies

PLATE 1. HAY

PLATE 3. CROP RESIDUE

Graph 1. Fodder Conservation Technologies and Methods