s:973:"%T An assessment of the early stages of adoption and economic impact of Calliandra for fodder among dairy farmers in the highlands of central Kenya %A Franzel, S. %A Muriithi F M %A Arimi, H.K. %X The paper examines the early stages of adoption of Calliandra calotyrsus, a leguminous fodder tree, among smallholder dairy producers in the hioghlands of central Kenya. The main objectives of the study were to: examine the expansion of calliandra planting by farmers; document farmers' experiences and assessments in testing, managing and using the tree; determine the economic impact of calliandra from farmers'perspective; and provide feedback to research, extension and policy makers on issues which need to be examined for the improvement of calliandra as a fodder crop. The paper starts by describing the study area, the summaries the research on the management of the tree. The survey methods are also described and the results and conclusions are presented. ";