More shrubs mean more milk in East Africa. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R6549: Investigation of factors affecting the nutritive value of Calliandra calothyrsus leaf as fodder for ruminants.
Two million small farmers in East Africa could increase milk production simply by planting fodder shrubs—as an extra high-protein feed for cows and goats. The shrubs don't take up valuable land. They can be planted alongside paths, on field boundaries and banks. Plus, not a lot of labour is involved. About 48,000 farmers in Kenya, 33,000 in Uganda, 11,000 in Rwanda and 8,000 in northern Tanzania now grow fodder shrubs because they quickly reap substantial benefits. Farmers consistently report an increase of around 1-2 litres of milk per animal per day. So, the market for seeds of fodder shrubs is thriving. Over 40 dealers now market seed and seedlings across Kenya.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (19 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
FRP43, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 66.