Smart farms

: 07 August 2018; Hits: 9484

KALRO launches a research study to demystify rising cases of livestock death and infertility in Kakamega County

artificial insemination in dairy cows

Veterinary officials administering artificial insemination service to a cow. Photo courtesy.

The Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization has embarked on a research study in Kakamega County following rising cases of livestock death and infertility which has been blamed on, among others, the use of dead semen during artificial insemination by farmers in the county.

KALRO has partnered with USAID to carry out a research in a bid to find out what has been causing unprecedented occurrence which if not handled may cause low productivity especially in dairy cows.

According to a 2013 study by Camilla Eklundh for the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences on The use of artificial insemination in dairy farms in urban/peri-urban Kampala, Uganda, one strategy for improving productivity in dairy cows through faster genetic improvement is to breed them using proven semen via artificial insemination (AI).

However, the study further indicates that if it is not managed in a correct way, AI can cause wide spreading of diseases and genetic defects lowering the cows’ productivity.

It is estimated that Kenyan farmers lose up to 60 per cent of revenue per year per cow in failed AI because of inaccurate determination of the fertile cycle, lack of well trained and technically skilled personnel and not using relevant equipment.

Now a section of Kakamega farmers are blaming county veterinary officials arguing that the county veterinary officers have been using dead semen to inseminate their livestock causing death of their calves and subsequent infertility.

On the other hand, the county director of veterinary services Dr. Fineas Mulala blamed the situation on poor livestock management including inadequate feeding as well as poor shelter for the animals and their calves.

The county government subsidised AI services to assist farmers upgrade their stocks. The subsidised semen goes for Sh700 instead of Sh1,500.

However, KALRO’s research which will run for two years will see farmers receive training on best practices as well as get access to artificial insemination for their livestock for free during the study period.

Kakamega County has in the last three years been giving dairy cows to select farmers under its one-cow initiative.

The programme is meant to enhance milk production within the county, as the government plans to establish a multibillion-shilling milk processing plant in Malava subcounty, starting this financial year.

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: 06 August 2018; Hits: 8830

Over 150,000 Makueni farmers to benefit from farm services courtesy of Safaricom’s DigiFarm

makueni safaricom launch digifarm More than 150,000 farmers in Makueni County will now access information on the best farming practice, discounted farm inputs and credit services through Safaricom’s DigiFarm, an agribusiness service tailored for small-holder farmers.

The programme has so far registered 120,000 farmers who have been trained on DigiFarm and can now access the service.

To bring the services of quality input closer to the Makueni farmer, DigiFarm will open three depots in Wote, Kalawani and Mbumbuni where farmers will access quality, discounted inputs. Makueni farmers will especially benefit from the all-round availability of inputs at the depots, especially during peak season, and access to advisory and technical information from experts stationed at each of the depots.

“We welcome digital farming in Makueni courtesy of a partnership with Safaricom. We are glad that our farmers will now benefit from direct access to information on best farming practices, discounted inputs and credit services through their phones,” said Prof. Kivutha Kibwana, Makueni County governor.

The farmers have been educated on DigiFarm, an achievement, credits to the county’s on-going efforts of improving the livelihood of farmers.

“There is a lot of work that has been going on (in Makueni) in terms of increasing productivity of the farms so it is our hope that we can replicate this in other counties. This platform is there to ensure that farmers get the best prices and have all the information they require,” said Safaricom Director of Strategy and Innovation, Joe Ogutu.

Farmer support through digital platforms will enable the production of quality products as well as direct farmers to ready markets, cutting off middlemen and brokers.

“As a farmer wants to have information on the type of agriculture they want to embark on, the farmer is helped to learn through this simple phone just as we do with M-Pesa. They can get extension services through this new way of doing agriculture,” said Kibwana.

Launched in October 2017, Digifarm now serves more than 700,000 farmers and has opened 18 depots across the country.

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: 03 August 2018; Hits: 8998

Government to establish special zones for production of livestock for export

Livestock Nairobi International Trade Fair bull Zebu bulls at a stand during past nairobi International Trade Fair. Photo: Zablon Oyugi.

The government of Kenya has announced plans to establish 50 special zones, technically known as feedlots, for production of livestock for the export market.

The new initiative will be done in collaboration with strategic partners with the aim of mitigating against climate change and saving farmers from the losses they incur during drought.

“This approach is expected to mitigate against climate change; and to ensure production of quality livestock for local consumption and export,” said President Kenyatta.

The Head of State added: “To raise the quality of livestock and meat for local and export markets, my Administration will establish 50 feedlots through strategic partnerships and private investors.”

The feedlots will be established in various parts of the country and will be spread to cover regions with heavy livestock populations as well as those that are affected the most during drought.

President Kenyatta spoke at the Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi when he presided over the official opening of the 2018 Livestock Breeders Show and Sale. Traditionally, the Breeders Show and Sale precedes the Annual Nairobi International Trade Fair which is scheduled for early October.

The President said the feedlot initiative is part of the broad livestock value chain improvement programme which is being implemented by the government and partners.

Among other key components, the livestock value chain improvement programme encompasses provision of comprehensive insurance cover for livestock and the provision of top quality and adequate semen through liquid nitrogen plants established in various parts of the country including Meru, Sotik, Kirinyaga and Eldoret.

“My Administration has an insurance programme for cushioning farmers against livestock losses caused by drought. This year we expect to cover 110,000 livestock, thus protecting 22,000 households,” said the Head of State.

Alongside the feedlot initiative, the government is working on ensuring that farmers have access to quality and affordable livestock input as well as improved markets.

President Kenyatta expressed satisfaction with the quality of the breeders show which is now attracting farmers and stakeholders beyond the East African region to include COMESA and SADC regions.

“If it is true that the objective of the Livestock Breeders Show and Sale is to showcase superior livestock and livestock products, and the most effective farming methods, then I must say that this objective has been met,” said President Kenyatta.

Other speakers at the Show included Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.

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