Feed and fodder continue to be a great challenge for thousands of dairy farmers in Kenya which is 80 per cent Arid and Semi-Arid.
A farm in Njoro is doing its best to propagate and disseminate two types of high-yielding and nutrient-dense hay.
In the heart of dry Lare Division in Njoro, Nakuru, where low precipitation and extreme temperature fluctuations challenge small-scale farmers, a transformation is taking place at WILDA Farm.
Like many parts of the county, the area is characterised by poor crop performance which this pioneering farm is addressing by embracing dairy farming through regenerative agriculture practices.
Dr Harun Warun, the co-owner of the farm says by harnessing the power of innovative Napier varieties namely, JunCao and Pakchong, WILDA Farm is not only revolutionising the dairy industry but also contributing significantly to Kenya's climate agenda.
Warui, a leading expert in sustainable agriculture says these napier varieties have proven themselves as invaluable assets to dairy farmers in marginal areas.
“Their ability to withstand harsh growing conditions and still provide abundant forage is a game-changer for small-scale farmers and pastoralist communities,” he says.
Warui further highlights the nutritional superiority of JunCao and Pakchong stating that the nutrient content of these napier varieties is impressive as they offer a well-rounded diet for dairy cattle which translates to improved milk quality and higher yields.
He notes that the nutritional richness not only boosts milk production but also reduces the need for costly supplementary concentrates and makes dairy farming a more viable and sustainable enterprise for farmers.
JunCao is a Chinese nappier grass which is very rich in protein plus other macro and micronutrients. Its protein contents are between 13 and 15 per cent.
“Most nappier grass varieties have the stinging effect of human skin but JunCao is friendly to the farmer,” he adds.
Warui says that Pakchong which is also referred to as super nappier is equally high-yielding and nutrient dense with 18 per cent of crude protein depending on the soil it is grown on.
The agroecological dairy farmer who has also reserved part of his farm for apiculture adds the biomass production of the two nappier varieties is high as they can produce as high as 180 tonnes per acre per annum.
“I advise farmers to invest in the two nappier varieties because, besides the aforementioned benefits, they are also climate resilient and come in at a time when the world is suffering from the effects of global warming,” he says.
He says the nappier which can be fed on pigs, poultry and other ruminants is also cost effective because it reduces dependency on concentrates by 50 per cent.
He says the farm is selling Juncao and PangChong nappier seeds at Sh30 per cutting with two nods and has attracted farmers from as Western Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The introduction of the two high-yielding, nutrient-dense and climate-resilient napier varieties comes at a time when the country is recovering from a very long drought that caused massive losses of livestock, especially in the northern region.
Warui says the most noteworthy aspect of WILDA Farm's approach is the synergy between dairy farming and regenerative agriculture principles.
Warui emphasizes that the integration of Napier varieties into regenerative practices showcases the potential for agriculture to mitigate climate change.
“By sequestering carbon and enhancing soil health, WILDA Farm is contributing to a more resilient ecosystem," he says
He says in line with Kenya's climate agenda, the role of WILDA Farm's napier varieties gains even more significance because these varieties not only adapt to harsh conditions but also aid in climate adaptation efforts,"
“The napier serves as a buffer against the effects of climate change by providing consistent forage and minimizing soil degradation," says the farmer.
Beyond their contributions to climate resilience, WILDA Farm's napier varieties are playing a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farming.
Warui points out that enteric methane production from dairy cows is a significant contributor to Kenya's greenhouse gas emissions.
She says that the use of high-quality fodder has shown reduced methane emissions during digestion.
“This reduction in enteric methane production not only aligns with global emission reduction goals but also positions dairy farming as a more sustainable sector in Kenya,” he adds.
He observes that by adopting napier varieties, dairy farmers can actively contribute to the country's efforts to combat climate change while ensuring the continuity of their livelihoods.
"WILDA Farm's adoption of napier varieties sets a precedent for sustainable dairy farming that resonates beyond Nakuru County and demonstrates that innovative approaches can enhance productivity, promote ecological balance, reduce emissions, and foster knowledge sharing," he says
He adds that the napier varieties' influence has the potential to transform the dairy landscape in Kenya, shaping a more resilient, low-emission, and prosperous future."
Warui says the farm welcomes farmers to learn about its various interventions through collaborations with key stakeholders, including the County Government of Nakuru, the Dairy Board of Kenya, the Micro Enterprise Support Programme (MESPT), and the Equity Bank Foundation.
He notes that through these collaboration efforts, the farm aims to spread knowledge and empower farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment.
Warui says the napier varieties the farm champions offer a path toward dairy excellence, agricultural sustainability, emission reductions, and a resilient future.
