The benefits of integrating legumes into napier-based fodder systems for smallholder dairy sys-tems in Kenya have been demonstrated. A casestudy is presented on recent activities to intro-duce D. intortum cv. Greenleaf and Calliandracallothyrsus in Kenya and their contribution toDM yields of fodder crops and animal perform-ance. Experience with the participatory introduc-tion of herbaceous and shrubby legumes intofarming systems and factors affecting adoption ofthe legumes and methods used in an attempt toovercome constraints are discussed. Availabilityof planting material and ease of propagation werecritical issues that needed to be addressed beforefarmers would adopt the technologies. Participa-tory development and evaluation of foragelegume technology may be the key to improvingadoption of forage legumes amongst smallholderfarmers in central Kenya.
Publication year
2022
Authors
Language
English
Keywords
desmodium intortum, calliandra calothyrsus, fodder legumes, desmodium intortum, calliandra calothyrsus
Geographic
Kenya
