In the heart of Makueni County, Kenya, an 84-year-old farmer, Jonah Malika has defied convention by abandoning traditional maize farming in favor of high-value fodder grasses.
Makueni County, like many other regions in Kenya, relies heavily on maize cultivation as a staple food source.
However, erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have wreaked havoc on maize crops, leaving farmers vulnerable to food shortages and financial instability.
In response to these challenges, Mr. Malika decided to take a different approach.
On his 50-acre farm nestled on the leeward side of Mbooni Hills, Mr. Malika exclusively grows assorted fodder grasses.
“Instead of cultivating maize, beans, and peas which require months of rainfall, we have opted for Bhoma Rhodes and Brachiaria grasses, and Sugargraze sorghum. The three grass varieties are of high value, do not require weeding and pest management and withstand drought,” Mr Malika said.
By doing so, he has not only secured a consistent source of feed for his 30 Friesian cows but has also found additional income streams through the sale of hay and seedlings.
The key to his success lies in his strategic choice of high-value fodder grasses.
Bhoma Rhodes, for instance, takes just 90 days to mature and yields between 70 and 80 bales per acre.
Brachiaria grass matures in 60 days and produces between 150 and 200 bales per acre.
Sugargraze sorghum, rich in sugar and suitable for making silage, yields up to 40 tonnes of fodder per acre in just 60 days.
What sets these grass varieties apart is their ability to withstand drought, reduce the need for pest management, and eliminate the labor-intensive task of weeding.
As climate change continues to disrupt rainfall patterns and increase the frequency of droughts, these qualities have become invaluable to farmers like Mr. Malika.
Furthermore, Mr. Malika’s success has inspired his fellow farmers in the region.
Many have followed suit, transitioning from traditional crops like maize, beans, and peas to fodder farming.
This shift is not only driven by the promise of resilience against climate change but also by the economic benefits.
Fodder farming has created numerous income opportunities, with surplus grass being sold to neighboring farmers at competitive prices.
The impact of this transformation extends beyond individual farms.
It has led to the emergence of thriving networks of grass farmers, who, through collaboration, have accelerated the adoption of high-value grasses like Brachiaria in arid regions.
This collective effort has revitalized regions that were once struggling with drought and crop failure.
In Kathonzweni, an arid area within Makueni County, the growth of fodder farming has been particularly transformative.
Farmers like Festus Mwaniki have dedicated large tracts of land to tropical fodder grasses, such as Masai love grass and African foxtail grass.
These grasses are rich in essential proteins and have enabled Mr. Mwaniki to expand his cattle fattening business, ultimately boosting the local beef market.
As more farmers embrace fodder farming, traditional granaries for storing maize have been replaced by racks for hay and maize residue storage.
Even farmers who are not directly involved in dairy farming have found value in cultivating high-value grasses, which they can sell in local markets.
