Zero grazing in Kenya

Increased agricultural output from a smaller land area is the challenge facing all countries with rapidly rising populations. In Kenya, to meet the growing demand for dairy products, milk production has to double in a period of less than 15 years. Currently, 60% of the milk in Kenya is produced by smallholder herds, and it is this sector of the dairy industry in particular that is being encouraged to adopt a zero grazing system. The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the Netherlands Government, set up the National Dairy Development Project (NDDP) in 1980, the project now covers 22 Districts throughout Kenya. The project started in 6 Districts by developing a package for zero grazing which included the design of animal housing, growing of napier grass as the main fodder crop, and the development of an extension and monitoring service. Plots of napier grass were established where farmers could obtain planting material and research could be conducted into its management. Farm visits, field days and courses were held and at the end of the initial phase 553 farmers had adopted the zero grazing system. Self-help farmers groups were formed and more Districts were covered by the project until, by the end of 1990, 4,500 farmers were recorded practising zero grazing. There is hope that double that number will be participating in the project in the next four years. The impetus for farmers reacting very positively to the idea of zero grazing has been greatly assisted by a good policy on milk-prices. There has been good extension back-up with the field staff being provided with motorbikes. Regular staff training, courses and video productions have all raised farmer awareness and together farmers and extension staff work out a Stall feeding of cut and carried forage farm-plan. The project also assists with the buying of dairy animals, organizing credit schemes and marketing. G C J Voskuil, Zevenlindenweg 53 3744 BC Baarn, THE NETHERLANDSIncreased agricultural output from a smaller land area is the challenge facing all countries with rapidly rising populations. In Kenya, to meet the growing demand for dairy products, milk production has to double in a period of less than 15 years...