Characterization of the livestock production system and potential to enhance productivity through improved feeding in Kisumu west, Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

The Feed Assessment Tool (FEAST) was used to characterize the feed‐related aspects of the livestock production system in Matayos, sub County, Busia County of Kenya. The assessment was carried out through focused group discussions (FGDs) and completion of short questionnaires at 3 sites representing peri-urban and near tarmac road and typical rural setup. At each site nine key farmers were interviewed, 3 each owning small, medium and large scale farms on the 22nd of November and 3rd December 2013. The farming system is a mixed crop livestock production system. Cattle (predominantly local) are the most important livestock species In Matayos Sub-county. Improved dairy production is constrained by inadequate feeds and high cost of disease control in all the wards. Lack of improved breeds in Nasewa and Lwang’a and milk marketing are also constraints that require attention to activate commercial dairy productivity in the sub-county. To mitigate these constraints farmers suggested an integrated approach to improve livestock production through (i) expanding area under fodder crops with those tolerant to Napier grass stunt disease and those tolerant to drought, (ii) improving access to animal health and AI facilities to ensure farmers can rapidly upgrade the genetic merit of their cattle holdings especially in Nasewa and Lwang’a, (iii) access to credit facilities to enable farmers invest in livestock production enterprises and also milk marketing strategies.