Kenyan City News

NCCK, KALRO Train Athi Ward Farmers on Fodder Grass as Alternative Livelihood

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Jane Kanini, a farmer from Kilawa, learns how to use a bailer during a training on fodder grass harvesting and management
Jane Kanini, a farmer from Kilawa, learns how to use a bailer during a training on fodder grass harvesting and management

Farmers in Athi Ward, Kitui County, have received training on fodder grass establishment as part of efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods and improve resilience against climate change.

The training was conducted by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Kiboko.

During the session, farmers were taken through the establishment, management, and benefits of fodder grass, which has increasingly become a reliable alternative to traditional crops in the face of prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns. Fodder grass not only enhances livestock productivity but can also be harvested and processed into hay, creating additional income opportunities for households.

The use of bailers for harvesting and packaging was highlighted as a game-changer in fodder management, ensuring farmers can store surplus grass for dry seasons or sell to neighboring communities. This innovation is expected to boost food security and provide farmers with a steady income stream.

The training is part of ongoing initiatives under the Nature Positive Food Systems Programme implemented by NCCK with support from Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) through the United Church of Canada (UCC, which seeks to create resilient communities and strengthen livelihoods through nature-based solutions and agricultural innovations.

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