The paper examines the early stages of adoption of Calliandra calothyrsus, a leguminous fodder tree, among smallholder dairy producers in the highlands of central Kenya. The main objectives of the study were: to examine the expansion of calliandra planting by farmers; to document farmers' experiences and assessments in testing, managing and using the tree; to determine the economic impact of calliandra from farmers' perspective and to provide feedback to research, extension and policy makers on issues which need to be examined for the improvement and promotion of calliandra as a fodder crop It starts by describing the study area, then summarises the research on the management of calliandra as a fodder tree and as a feed for dairy cows. Next the survey methods are described and the results and conclusions are presented.
Publication year
1999
Authors
Franzel, S.; Arimi, H.K.; Muriithi F M; Karanja J K
Language
English
Keywords
calliandra calothyrsus, dairy farms, fodder, innovation adoption, on-farm research, small farms, surveys
Geographic
Kenya
