Fodder Production Reap Much in Kinna Ward of Isiolo County

Lack of quality fodder, especially during drought, is a major limiting factor in improving livestock production in the Northern Areas of Kenya. The work undertaken to improve fodder yields and fodder quality through the introduction and evaluation of improved fodder production system championed by both the County government of Isiolo and Development partners has started working immensely. In recent years, Isiolo has grappled with drought diminishing the quality and quantity of livestock feeds. Compounding this is poor technical knowledge of fodder production and the unsustainable use of limited natural resources.
In order to face the future successfully, farmers will have to adapt to changing and more extreme weather patterns, and will need to develop environmentally sustainable and efficient solutions to improve animal production. Fodder is key to maintaining healthy animals. It is also cheaper and more nutritious than the industrial concentrates used by many Kenyan farmers. Fodder production as part of an integrated farming system provides food for Isiolo livestock and dairy herds under a sustainable and profitable production model. The DRIC project has improved the livelihood and change has started to be felt by the people of Rapsu in Kinna ward. According to the chairperson of Rapsu Livestock Producers self-help group, Mr. Hassan Ali famously known as Somo they received technical training in fodder production and were provided with additional support to ensure that practices were adopted on their own farms. Training was completed in several phases. “I have personally benefited from fodder production at least I have gained financially and changed my livelihood”. Said Somo.
“The project success generated a broader increase in demand, with farmers outside the program and living in the surrounding areas expressing interest in being trained so that they could start their own fodder production on their individual plots”, added Hassan.
The DRIC project addresses vulnerability through a multi-sector One Health approach which encompasses human health, animal health and environmental interventions, and the creation and facilitation of a common platform for coordinating at institutional level and sharing good practice. VSF-Suisse is leading in this project along with consortium of experienced NGOs that are well-established in lsiolo and the neighboring counties: Comitato Collaborazione Medica, E4IMPACT Foundation, Social Ministry Research Network Centre, and WeWorld Onlus.