Disseminate range reseeding and pasture production technologies for improved beef production in the ASALs
Feed unavailability is a major challenge to livestock production in the Kenyan ASALs due to extensive land degradation. Four grass species, Cenchrus ciliaris, Chloris roxburghiana, Eragrostis superba and Enteropogon macrostachyus were identified by KALRO as good grasses for forage production and have been promoted for hay production and rehabilitation of degraded rangelands. This has led to high seed demand occasioned by increased sensitization of communities in ASALs and devolution of agricultural extension service that has led to some ASAL Counties demanding for grass seed in large quantities for promotion of rehabilitation in their areas. Some of the high seed demanding institutions include FAO and Makueni, Samburu and Laikipia Counties. European Union through Kenya Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (KASAL) and ASAL APRP supported initiatives to address seed shortage through; (1) development of community based range grass seed bulking and (2) capacity building of KALRO Kiboko Centre to produce range grass seeds. However, the initiatives are still unable to meet the demand. Thus target activities will include to seed bulking of the KALRO identified grass species for use the informal system and increase the acreage under range rehabilitation. The following sub-activities will be undertaken
- Identification of common interest groups for seed bulking
- Capacity building of common interest groups on range grass seed bulking farmer groups
- Mobilize farmer groups to bulk grass seeds
- Identification of markets and linkage of farmers to markets
- Facilitate extensive rangeland rehabilitation with reference to the County governments integrated development plans
- Mobilize more farmers for hay production including large scale farmers thus reduce feed shortage
- Enhance value addition and job creation in the pasture value chain value chain
- Link producers to hay markets e.g. Kiserian beef abattoir Establish and operationalise innovation platforms in value chain
Research Area
Development of climate smart grass varieties for reseeding the ASALS
Inadequate feed resources continue to be a big constraint to livestock production, particularly in ASALs of Kenya. One of the main challenges to increasing feed resources in the ASALs is unavailability of certified seed. This has paved the way for informal seed systems of wild grass ecotypes. The only way to improve seed availability and increase fodder production is through development and release of certified seed that can be traded in formal seed markets. Under ASAL APRP, four promising ecotypes lines were identified that are drought tolerant, high leafy biomass, palatable and nutritious to livestock for further evaluation and release. Besides yield trials, the project will establish tolerance levels of these ecotypes to grazing and water scarcity, their nutritional quality and seed production traits.
The following sub-activities are proposed.
- Evaluation and selection of promising ecotypes for desirable traits (high yield, drought tolerant , palatability, and nutrition)
- National performance trials and DUS tests
- On station feeding trials
- Seed bulking
- Registration and release of varieties
Varieties
Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris)
|
Variety Name |
Release Name |
Owner(s) Licensee |
Maintainer and Source |
Areas for Optimal Production |
Maturity Duration |
Yield (T/Ha) |
Special Attributes |
|
Baringo |
Baringo |
Rehabilitation of Arid environments (RAE) |
Rehabilitation of Arid environments (RAE) |
Agro-ecological zones IV, V, VI Annual rainfall range of 300-800mm Confirmed results of good productivity from Baringo, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Narok and Kajiado counties |
2-3 months |
5-22 |
Semi-arid grass species, drought tolerant |