Fodder Production as an Adaptation Strategy in the Drylands: A Case Study of Producer Groups in Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

prolonged droughts which has triggered a number of responses aimed at enhancing resilience of pastoral households against such shocks. Fodder production is increasingly gaining popularity as a source of both livestock feed and income for pastoral households. In Baringo County, fodder production groups drawing membership from the community have been established with the aim of improving household livelihoods. This has however, been going on in the absence of empirical evidence to guide out-scaling of such approach. This study was carried out in Marigat Sub-County of Baringo County to map the fodder and grass seed value chain, determine its profitability based on gross margin and contribution to household income as well as factors that influence households’ participation in fodder production groups. Household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to gather data. The results show that fodder producers were mainly composed of men, majority of whom had attained primary level education, and livestock keeping was their main occupation. Cenchrus ciliaris was the preferred grass species by the fodder producers due to its ability to easily establish, drought tolerance and it’s viable and easy to harvest seeds. Those involved in bulking and processing of grass seeds were found to be the dominant actors in the value chain. Besides buying grass seeds from producers, these agents provided inputs and ploughing services, and trained farmers. The individuals produced 28.13 kgs of seeds/acre while the groups produced 9.35 kgs/acre. A kilogram of grass seed was sold at an average price of Kshs. 250 by the fodder producers at the farm gate. However, the price varied depending on the quantity of grass seed offered for sale by a producer, the market outlet and the price negotiation skills of the producer whenever that option was available.