Farmers' perceptions on importance and constraints facing Napier grass production in Central Kenya

Abstract

Farmers Focus Group Discussions (FFGDs) were done with groups of farmers in the intensive and semi-intensive farming systems in central Kenya. This was in the administrative districts of Nyeri (semi-intensive) and Kiambu and Thika (both intensive). The exercise was to provide qualitative information on importance of napier grass in the systems and the status of the napier grass head smut disease. It was also to give some information on the delivery pathways for the head smut resistant cultivar "Kakamega I".

The discussions revealed that napier grass was an important component of the basal diet for cattle in the systems but was being threatened by the disease. Some farmers had acquired "Kakamega I" to counter the disease while others had not, although they were aware of its existence. Farmers who had planted "Kakamega I" had received it either through their local dairy cooperative or school Parents Teachers Association (PTA) in the areas that the FFGDs were held. To some extent some of these farmers had shared the smut resistant planting material with other farmers especially when they are friends or relatives.

Key words: Farmers focus group discussions, head smut, Kakamega I, Napier grass