By Anderson Ojwang
The increasing demand for fodder in Western Kenya, following the adoption of dairy farming by most farmers in the region, has led to a shortage of animal feed.
Additionally, the emerging challenges of climate change globally have prompted investment in fodder production to address potential shortages caused by the climatic changes currently being experienced.
To that end, the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) is investing in the livestock sector through the production of hay to meet the growing demand for fodder.
LBDA Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga said that in Migori County, the Authority has cultivated over 200 acres of land for hay production to meet the demand for livestock feed in the region.
“We hope that from the over 200 acres of land under hay cultivation, we will be able to produce over 4,200 bales of fodder, which will go a long way in improving livestock production,“ he said.
He added that by supporting the livestock sector, LBDA will help create employment opportunities, improve farmers’ incomes, and drive economic growth through a bottom-up approach.
In Alupe, Busia County, the Authority is targeting 1,000 acres, with each acre expected to yield 200 bales, potentially translating to 200,000 bales.
“The livestock sector plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, providing food, jobs, and raw materials for agro-industries. In alignment with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the Authority is enhancing the livestock value chain by investing in fodder production to support sustainable livestock farming,“ he said.
Recently, development partners, county governments, and various groups have promoted dairy farming activities in the Nyanza region—a non-traditional dairy area—as a strategy to increase production, improve access to milk, and boost incomes for rural small-scale farming families.
The region has historically relied on tethering and has made minimal investments in commercial fodder growing, despite its high returns.
