Kenya’s Pastoralists Adapt to Climate Change with Silage and Climate-Smart Seeds
Livestock farmers in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties are facing escalating challenges due to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall. These conditions threaten traditional livestock-dependent livelihoods, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability, according to a recent report.
The struggles faced by these communities include water and pasture scarcity, increased livestock diseases, and conflicts arising from competition for dwindling resources. Drought has led to widespread water shortages, impacting both livestock and human consumption. Reduced grazing land, a direct consequence of climate change, is causing malnutrition and livestock deaths, while simultaneously increasing the spread of diseases that further jeopardize animal health.
Farmers are increasingly adopting strategies to cope with these challenges, most notably moving livestock to areas with better pasture and water sources – a traditional practice common among many communities. A fact-finding mission conducted in January revealed increased movements of cattle from counties like Kajiado, Narok, and Laikipia to parts of Machakos and Makueni in search of sustenance.
The drought has also led to increased cross-border movements of livestock between Kenya and Tanzania, according to Namanga subcounty police commander Hassan Elema. “We have in the recent past witnessed a lot of livestock moving from Tanzania into the country and vice versa, owing to the drought in parts of the two countries,” Elema stated. He noted that the porous borders, particularly on the Oloitoktok side, facilitate these movements.
The challenges extend beyond livestock, impacting education as well. Elema explained that some children, particularly boys, are leaving school to accompany their families and livestock in search of pasture, hindering the government’s efforts to achieve 100 percent learner transition rates. Despite interventions by President William Ruto’s administration, achieving full enrollment remains a struggle in arid and semi-arid areas.
Silage as a Solution: Ausquest Farm’s Role
Amidst these difficulties, privately-owned Ausquest Farm, located in Kyumbi, Machakos county, is emerging as a vital resource for pastoralists. The farm produces silage – fermented, high-moisture fodder – which farmers from affected counties are purchasing to feed their livestock, reducing the need for long-distance migrations.
Founded in 2012 by Stuart Barden, the 3,000-hectare (7,413-acre) farm is providing a crucial lifeline. William Leposo, a resident of Mashuru in Kajiado county, explained, “I have come to purchase silage for my cows because we didn’t get enough rainfall. This has led to a shortage of grass, forcing us to move to different areas away from our homes in Kajiado county in search of water and pasture.”
Leposo described moving his livestock to areas like Kambu, Kiboko, and Masimba in Makueni county, retaining only a few cows for milk production. “We rely on silage from this farm to feed the cows. At Ausquest Farm, livestock feeding is treated not as a routine task but as a strategic decision,” he said.
Joseph Olengatunyi echoed this sentiment, stating that the drought is devastating parts of Kajiado county and the Lower Eastern region. He emphasized that the silage supplements dwindling forage, enabling farmers to meet basic needs, including school fees for their children. “Now that schools are open and our cattle have lost weight, we have to sell them at low prices. The cows, which were selling between Sh60,000 and Sh70,000, now cost Sh35,000. It’s a serious challenge. I am left with only 50 cows,” he said.
Strategic Feeding and Modern Infrastructure
Samson Mutuku, a worker at Ausquest Farm, explained that the silage is produced from sorghum, developed through advanced research. “The sorghum we grow here and use to make the silage has been developed through advanced research. This proves rich in proteins, with 15 percent carbohydrates, which makes the animals add weight faster. It goes through a long process to be ready for livestock consumption,” Mutuku said. He added that the silage increases milk production and promotes weight gain, and can be consumed alone or mixed with other feeds.
Ausquest Farm, through its Ausafrica Fencing Limited company, also supplies farmers with modern cattle bomas constructed from stainless steel. These bomas are designed to improve disease and pest control, reduce livestock theft, and enhance overall production.
Mutuku highlighted the bomas’ durability and anchoring system, ensuring they withstand weather, livestock pressure, and long-term use. He also noted their portability, a key advantage over permanent concrete structures. “Unlike permanent concrete structures, the boma is designed with flexibility, allowing it to be moved from one location to another,” he said.
Climate-Smart Seeds: The Role of Pure Seeds
The success of Ausquest Farm’s crops is also attributed to its partnership with Pure Seeds E A Limited. The farm produces certified, research-backed seed varieties tailored to local weather conditions, prioritizing resilience to pests, diseases, and shifting weather patterns.
The Nyota bean, grown at Ausquest Farm under dry-land conditions, is a prime example. Fidel Bradley, a worker at the farm, explained, “Nyota bean seeds are early-maturing and drought-tolerant. Traits that are more important as planting windows shorten and rainfall becomes unpredictable. If you look at the Nyota beans keenly, they look like any other bean in the field, though they have undergone advanced research. We discovered that a farmer can get high yields compared to others. Nyota beans can yield eight to 12 bags if you preserve them well in your farm.”
Bradley added that the Nyota bean is rich in iron, micronutrients, and fiber, promoting health and boosting the immune system. The seeds are packaged in 1kg, 2kg, and 5kg packets and are available for delivery or purchase online at www.pureseeds.ke.
As climate change intensifies, farms like Ausquest, investing in smart systems and strategic planning, may define the future of Kenyan agriculture. The combination of certified seeds, strategic livestock feeding, and smart infrastructure represents a proactive approach to mitigating the impacts of a changing climate and ensuring food security and rural livelihoods.
