KENYA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE Kiboko Research Centre P. O. Box 12 – 90138 Makindu Tel. 020-353-4232, 0724-468207; Email:
[email protected]
PROCEEDINGS OF TRAINING OF TRAINERS WORKSHOP FOR THE MANDERA TRIANGLE IN COMMUNITY BASED RANGE FORAGE SEED SYSTEM HELD AT MANDERA FROM 19TH TO 29TH MAY, 2009
Compiled and Edited by Dr.W.N Mnene, R. Kimitei, D. Kubasu and B. Kidake
i
Table of Contents Abbreviations and acronyms ......................................................................................................iv Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 Introductions and welcome remarks by Mr. Martin Nyamweya, Team leader, Vsf Suisse 3 Remarks by Dr. WN. Mnene, Chief trainer, CD KARI-Kiboko ................................................... 3 PARTICIPANTS EXPECTATIONS....................................................................................................... 3 WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES /OUTLINE .............................................................................................. 4 REPORTS/EXPERIENCES FROM VARIOUS IMPLEMENTERS ON RANGELAND ON FODDER/SEED AVAILABILITY.................................................................................................................................... 5 INTRODUCTION TO KARI/KASAL PROGRAMME.......................................................................... 6 UNDERSTANDING BEEF BEEF VALUE CHAIN (BVC)..................................................................... 8 PART ONE ........................................................................................................................................ 9 LAND / NATURAL PASTURES DEGRADATION............................................................................. 10 SITE SELECTION FOR PASTURE SEED PRODUCTION................................................................... 12 TYPES OF RANGE FORAGES & DESIRABLE GRASSES ................................................................ 14 LAND PREPARATION .................................................................................................................... 19 WEED CONTROL AND CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ...................................................... 20 PART TWO ...................................................................................................................................... 24 FORAGE SEED HARVESTING ........................................................................................................ 25 FODDER PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION ......................................................................... 28 Field trip ......................................................................................................................................... 31 SEED STORAGE.............................................................................................................................. 38 SEED QUALITY CONTROL CONCEPTS......................................................................................... 41 Action plans/commitments........................................................................................................ 47 List of figures Figure 1: ELMT Operational areas................................................................................................ 2 Figure 2: KASAL programme implementation structure in KARI Centres .............................. 7 Figure 3: Beef Value Chain........................................................................................................... 8 Figure 4: Effects of sand paper grade on germination……………..……………………….…42 Figure 5: Daily germinationFigure ............................................................................................. 44 Appendix Appendix 1: Programme ........................................................................................................... 51 Appendix 2: List of participants ................................................................................................. 55 Apendix 3: List of different plates ............................................................................................. 56
ii
List of plates Plate 1: Degraded land, devoid of grass cover…...................................................................9 Plate 2: Reseeded field ............................................................................................................. 10 Plate 3: Chloris roxburghiana ..................................................................................................... 17 Plate 4: Eragrostis superba ........................................................................................................ 17 Plate 5: Enteropogon macrostachyus .................................................................................... 18 Plate 6: Cutting with stalks ......................................................................................................26 Plate 7: Stripping ........................................................................................................................ 26 Plate 8: Cutting with stalks e.g. Eragrostis superba ............................................................26 Plate 9: Stripping e.g.. Eragrostis superb................................................................................... 27 Plate 10: Velvet beans (Mucuna) ............................................................................................. 32 Plate 11: Sudan grass ................................................................................................................. 33 Plate 12: Sweet potato vines .................................................................................................... 33 Plate 13: Toggenburg goats ...................................................................................................... 34 Plate 14: Stall feeding of zerograzed Sahiwal Cattle ............................................................. 35 Plate 15: Napier grass planted in strips regenerating after a previous cutting.................. 36 Plate 16: Participants making range pits at a degraded site (Micro-catchments) ......... 37 Plate 17 : Traditional seed/legume store.................................................................................. 39 Plate 18: Seed storage containers ........................................................................................... 40 Plate 19: Caryopses arranged in rows in petri dishes ...........................................................43 Plate 20: A set of petri dishes for a treatment ......................................................................... 43
iii
Abbreviations and acronyms ALO ALRMP ARSP ASALs BVC CB CD CECI CHRO DLPO ELMT ENMA ERSU GoK ISTA KARI KASAL MODA NaPI SADO TOT VSF
Alternative Livelihood Options Arid Lands Range Resource Management Programme Agriculture/Livestock Research Support Project Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Beef Value Chain Community Based Centre Director Cenchrus ciliairis Chloris roxburghiana District Livestock production officer Enhanced Livelihoods in the Mandera Triangle Enteropogon macrostachyus Eragrostis superba Government of Kenya International Standards of Testing Association Kenya Agricultural Research Institute Kenya Arid and Semi Arid Lands Project Moonlight Development Agency Natural Pasture Improvement Social Life Agricultural Development Organization Training of Trainers Vétérinaires Sans Frontières
iv
Acknowledgement We wish to acknowledge the support from KARI/KASAL programme for supporting this activity, without which it wouldn’t have been possible for us to travel all the way to Mandera. Direct involvement of Dr. Mario Younan (Technical Assistant – KASAL) and Dr. Carey Farley (Chief of Party – Care International, Nairobi) was invaluable in initiating the training. We also appreciate the support of our colleagues at the Centre for their moral support, it wasn’t easy being out there for over two weeks, and considering that weather and security conditions were not very friendly. It was a good experience being with trainees from Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya; creating linkages and partnerships was exciting and captivating. The insights into opportunities available to the Mandera community provided by the DLPO Mr. Abdalla Yusuf will remain memorable. In deed they will inform into what others could do elsewhere in Kenya, the eastern Africa region and beyond. The whole exercise would not have succeeded without the collaboration of Martin Nyamweya and Justus Namatsi of VSF Suisse. Thank you all.
v
Introduction This is a workshop report of Northern rangeland Training of Trainers (ToT), on Community based range forage seed system, which took place at Mandera from 19th to 29th May 2009. The participants trained were from The Enhanced Livelihoods in the Mandera Triangle (ELMT) project drawn from Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. The participants represented different agencies/NGOs which included CARE Somalia, CARE Kenya, CARE Ethiopia, Save the Children/US (SC/US), Save the Children/UK (SC/UK) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières - Suisse (VSF-S). These organizations work with communities, local partner-organizations and international resource agencies. One of the ELMT’s undertakings is livestock improvement, given that it’s the mainstay of the economy of the region. However, like in the rest of the country and in deed the whole of eastern Africa’s rangelands, livestock production is seriously constrained by feed shortage. Degradation is extensive; one option has been reseeding. This has a myriad of attendant challenges, greatly impairing successful establishments. Over the years, KARI Kiboko has undertaken research aimed at developing strategies to alleviate this problem in order to increase success rates in reseeding. One of the challenges is lack of seeds of appropriate pasture species; this has been addressed through the initiation of a community based seed system approach. Together with other technologies on fodder production and conservation, it requires dissemination and up-scaling; ELMT is one excellent opportunity to do so after capacity building. The training course covered aspects of; Site and species selection, Land preparation, Sowing, Weeding, Correct timing of seed harvesting, Methods of harvesting, Processing, Packaging, Storage and Fodder production and conservation as well as feed rations/formulations.
1
Figure 1: ELMT Operational areas
2
Introductions and welcome remarks The workshop was called to order at 9.00 am with a word of prayer from one of the participants. Dr. Nyamweya then appealed to all the participants to feel at home during the workshop sessions. He recognized the training team from KARI Kiboko and thanked them for honouring the invitation and making it by road despite several problems encountered while travelling to the venue. He then informed participants that a group of participants from Somalia had not yet arrived and that they would join us the following day. He then proceeded to invite the Centre Director KARI Kiboko to make proceed with introduction of the workshop programme.
Remarks by Dr. W.N. Mnene, Chief Trainer, Centre Director KARI-Kiboko He thanked the hosts for the invitation and asked the participants to choose the appropriate language to be used in the sessions of which participants agreed on English. He then proceeded in asking the participants to choose the sessions chairman together with the energizer and informed participants that the workshop was a participatory type and therefore all were welcome to contribute during discussions. After introductions he led the participants through the programme. Both the programme and list of participants are in the appendices. Majority of participants were from Kenya with Ethiopia and Somalia contributing an equal number. PARTICIPANTS EXPECTATIONS The participants converged from different places and all had different expectations from the workshop. The table below summarizes what the participants expected from the training.
3
Table 1: Participants expectations No Expectation 1 Gain knowledge on pasture/fodder production 2 Gain knowledge on feed formulations 3 Share experiences and compare Mandera with other places 4 Know better ways of land rehabilitation 5 Know suitable grass species in ASALs 6 Knowledge on seed storage 7 Knowledge on seed harvesting 8 Knowledge on seed viability tests 9 Create linkages with other partners/participants 10 Get a certificate of participation 11 Feed conservation 12 Know more about soil sampling and tests
No 13 3 4 6 7 2 2 2 3 2 3 1
% 1 7 4 3 2 8 9 10 5 11 6 12
Pasture/ fodder production ranked the highest followed by suitable grasses for drylands and ways of land rehabilitation. Altogether there were 12 expectations, the least been knowledge of soil sampling and testing.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES AND OUTLINE Objectives The participants presented a short list of workshop expectations. These were: 1. To form and strengthen linkages 2. To receive and discuss reports from various implementers on rangeland on fodder/seed availability 3. Present and discuss Natural pasture improvement (NaPI) options particularly community based systems 4. Develop action plans/including community based forage seed system Workshop Outline
• Land / natural pastures degradation • Management / intervention options • Reseeding approaches • Community based seed bulking • Site selection 4
• Species selection • Land /seedbed preparation • Planting / sowing methods • Weed control and general management • Forage seed harvesting • Forage seed processing /drying/cleaning/protection • Seed storage • Seed quality testing • Fodder production and conservation • Action plan / Commitments REPORTS/EXPERIENCES FROM VARIOUS IMPLEMENTERS ON RANGELAND OR FODDER/SEED AVAILABILITY 1. Mr. Noor Ahmed-Project Officer, Fodder Production, Moon Light Development Agency (MODA) MODA is a development partner with Vsf-Suisse in fodder production and the target population are the Somali Bantus in the riverine areas along Juba River. The purpose of this project is to Improve fodder production of about twenty contact farmers who are involved in growing and conserving fodder to be used in times of emergencies especially during dry and prolonged droughts. Challenges; There are various challenges, this include; - Prolonged drought lack of local natural grasses suitable for arid conditions - Unexploited natural resource, especially utilization of water from river Daua from Ethiopia passing through Kenya to Somalia - Lack of capacity or know how for farmers in drought mitigation and management strategies Way forward Translate knowledge and skills acquired from KARI and other research institutions to practical applications for farmers.
5
2. Mr. Bashir Osmar- Programme Officer, CARE- Kenya The programme operates in Mandera Central and Mandera East, the programme has seed banking and fodder production as a component. CARE Kenya has planted Cenchrus ciliaris and Ergrostis superba grasses along eight water pans to act as a seed bank. The first attempt failed due to inadequate rains; however, it was repeated this current season, March 2009. CARE Kenya in collaboration with Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) did a resource mapping and identified potential fodder production sites. These will be piloted by setting up demonstration plots strategically.
3. Mr. Tekele Atmasu, Save the Children /US The approach of Save the Children /US has been participatory on Natural Resource Management (NRM) mainly targeting pasture and water, identifying together with customary institutions. This approach identifies potential wet and dry seasons grazing areas including degraded ones. The communalities have taken an initiative to prepare action plans; to prepare enclosures either on degraded land or potential pasture areas, thinning of bushes is also done where necessary. The general understanding from these experiences was that the efforts were being made by various players to make forage available BUT certainty was not clear and success was still elusive. Therefore, research input was pertinent hence the relevance of this workshop. INTRODUCTION TO KARI/KASAL PROGRAMME The Kenya Arid and Semi-Arid Research programme (KASAL) is being implemented by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). It is financed jointly by the Government of Kenya and the European Union. KASAL is the third phase of EU funding to KARI, and will end in 2010. The programme focuses on developing site specific agricultural technologies for farmers and livestock keepers in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands. The ASALs cover 80 per cent of the country and support 30 per cent of the population. These areas support 60 per cent of the livestock and 65 per cent of the wildlife. Despite the huge potential the people living in the Arid and Semi-arid areas have remained outside the mainstream economy of the country. These areas are characterized by high poverty rates. Poverty rates are between 60 and 80 6
per cent, and are highest amongst female-headed households, and thousands are dependent on famine relief. Subsistence is the way of life for most of these farmers who are agro-pastoralists and pastoralists. The programme is being implemented in three KARI Centres viz; KARI Kiboko, KARI Katumani and KARI Marsabit. The national level has a programme coordinator while at each of the Centres there is a programme component coordinator.
KARI/KASAL PROGRAMME
KARI Kiboko
Beef research
KARI Katumani
Small ruminant research
KARI Marsabit
Alternative Livelihood Options (ALO) 1) Indigenous chicken 2) Hive products value chain
Figure 2: KASAL programme implementation structure
Discussion Q. What is the duration of this programme? – Nyamweya A. It is a five year programme, having started in the year 2007 with Institutional Development e.g. upgrading of facilities- Kimitei Q. What are the achievements so far in this programme?-Nyamweya A. This Programme is EU’s funding phase III, it is a continuation of earlier work done in Agricultural Research Support (ARSP II) whose findings it seeks to disseminate and up-scale –Mnene The cover areas of NRM, animal health, young stock management and marketing of livestock and their products. In this instance, re-seeding to improve natural pastures has been found possible. Strategies for greater success in establishment have been identified.
7
UNDERSTANDING BEEF VALUE CHAIN (BVC) Livestock is the dominant source of livelihood in the ASALs. There are many players along the value chain, starting from primary/ farmers/pastoralists producers all the way to the consumption level. It is critical that all the players along the value chain are effective for a chain to be efficient. Nutrition is an important factor at the production level which eventually determines the quality of beef produced. Primary producers (Agro pastoralists, Pastoralists, Ranchers, Small-scale mixed farmers)
Assemblers (Middle men/brokers)
Itinerant traders (KMC, Abattoirs, Butchers)
Wholesalers/ Retailers Butcheries,
Consumers (Individuals, Institutions)
Figure 3: Beef Value Chain Therefore, both quantity and quality of seeds must be sufficient. However, most of the ASAL is degraded and as such most of the time the forage are scarce. This is a weakness at producer level that KASAL seek to address through this initiative.
8
PART ONE
RANGELAND DEGRADATION AND RESEEDING FOR SEED PRODUCTION
9
LAND / NATURAL PASTURES DEGRADATION Land degradation refers to the reduction or loss of biological or economic productivity of cropland, pastures, forests and woodlands. This may occur as a result of wrong land uses and agricultural practices, overgrazing or cutting vegetation and drought which lead to deterioration and erosion of soil properties. Droughts occur naturally every one out of five years in East African rangelands. However, in recent years, much of ASAL is in a drought state with normal rains becoming more and more scarce.
Plates 1: degraded land, devoid of cover
Plate 2: Reseeded field
With respect to natural pasture, (rangeland) degradation is a process and involves one or more of the following: –Net loss of vegetation as a result of heavy grazing without sufficient time to rest, –Reduction in palatable forage species, –Decrease in palatable perennial grasses, such as Cenchrus ciliaris, chloris roxbohurghiana, Digitaria macroblephara, Enteropogon macrostachyus, Eragrostis Superba, sporobolus pellucidus among others –Increase in annual plants e.g. Aristida himensis –Species rarity –Bush encroachment, and –Weed invasion e.g. Ipomoea kithensis, Astripomoea hyocyamoides
10
Status in Makueni (Eastern province) • Total grazing land per household - 5.3 out of 9 ha in the lower parts (Makindu, Kibwezi and Mtito Andei) - Improved proportion is only – 0.05 ha by bush clearing or plating fodder • Implication – Gross overstocking obviously leading to land degradation and environmental destruction. Available options in this and other areas with similar problems are: - Deferred grazing to allow the pasture time to recover - Burning if there is enough dry vegetation to carry a fire through this would endanger the Ozone layer and therefore, should be used sparingly. - Slashing bush selectively since some woody vegetation is in fact useful. - Water harvesting using micro-catchments to boost soil moisture through increased infiltration. - Rest-rotation system of management which allows time for pasture plants to flower and also regain strength. - Lease from neighbours - Purchase feeds (commercial concentrates, hay, straws, industrial by-products e.g. cotton seed cakes molasses, cotton seed husks, brewers waste, buggasse) etc - De-stock; reducing the number of animals per grazing area so as to reduce grazing pressure. - Improve your own pasture (Re-seeding with grasses and/or legumes) • The biggest challenge at hand is that we do not have enough seed of the recommended types of grasses to plant and the only way forward therefore would be to produce own seed locally for reseeding these degraded lands. Commercial pasture seed dealers mostly stock commercial varieties only suitable to high rainfall areas. To produce own seed locally, the approach could be through community based range forage seed multiplication. Discussion Q. Will this really work in my home country Ethiopia? - Tekele A. We are here because these technologies work; we have seen farmers in Makueni who are now benefiting. Though initially communities were hesitant to take up the challenge more are showing interest- Mnene
11
SITE SELECTION FOR PASTURE SEED PRODUCTION An important requirement in seed production is for the grower to plant in areas or sites which are most likely to support high seed yields. Experience has shown that shoot density, the number of seeds formed per flower and the percentage harvest recovery of the seed are three of the most important factors contributing to seed yield. They are also the most influenced by weather and farming practices. The best forage seed crops are produced in environments with sufficient radiation, temperature and rainfall for vegetative growth, favorable photoperiods and higher temperature for floral induction and calm, dry weather during maturation and harvest. Material for multiplication must be chosen to match the prevailing conditions for climate, day length and most importantly soils. Many pasture seed production interests in sub-Saharan Africa have failed to mature mainly because of an unsuitable choice of site. Factors influencing site selection Climate Although soils are important, the location of the site for seed crops depends primarily on the climate. The weather, unlike nutrient and soil supply, may only be marginally modified by the grower. Seed production is generally encouraged by sunny weather. Areas with abundant radiation especially in the later stages of crop development are expected to have high seed production by encouraging rapid growth rates, flower opening and increased bee (insect) activity. Temperature affects; - Vegetative growth - Floral induction - Inflorescence growth - Pollen germination - Differentiation (flower opening, pollen germination and subsequent seed set and maturation) NB The effect may vary within and between species.
12
Soil The soil requirements of forage crops vary significantly. Some crops prefer deep soils with a good moisture-holding capacity while others, such as the noncompetitive legumes, can grow well on less fertile sandy soils. - In general, a soil with good moisture-holding capacity is an advantage, especially with grasses, against unreliable rainfall and inefficient irrigation. - The problems of acidity and alkalinity also require attention while selecting a site. Several important forage species are adapted to acid soils and grow poorly on alkaline or neutral soils. Fertile soils of suitable pH are generally preferred. - Mineral deficiencies should be corrected by application of fertilizers. Matching the forage to the site Forages are very varied. They include a wide range of genera and species, which are adapted to grow and produce seeds under varying environmental conditions as outlined above. It is essential to match the forage species to the site to obtain good seed production. Grasses, legumes and fodder trees differ in their adaptation and requirements. I. Grasses Grasses can be produced in a wider range of climates than legumes. Rainfall is the major factor for consideration. Depending on flowering behavior and species adaptation, grasses can grow within an annual rainfall range of 600 to 1500 mm. Where species prefer tropical as opposed to cooler subtropical conditions, temperature becomes very important. Most tropical grass species are extremely frost-sensitive. A wide range of well-drained soils can be used, but mineral deficiencies should be corrected. Several species are day neutral and therefore have a potential for several crops each year. 2. Legumes Short days and stress often control flowering. Reduction in rainfall or irrigation frequency is useful to stimulate synchronized flowering. Poor drainage conditions can delay flowering and reduce flowering vigor. Such conditions also delay mechanical operations. Most of the true tropical legumes show some kind of short-day response and require a frost-free environment. A four- to six-month wet season with an average annual rainfall of 800--2000 mm is ideal. Species from the cool tropics are adapted to lower temperatures and longer wet seasons.
13
Some subtropical species can be grown in areas subject to frost. Moisture stress has little effect on flowering and rainfall can be of less than four months duration, but is still required early in the growing season for good vegetative growth. 3. Fodder trees Many species can tolerate low amounts of rainfall owing to their deep rooting habit, but must have sufficient water during seedling stages. Moisture stress often controls flowering. This is important to synchronize seed production. Other species flower continuously. Coppicing also often induces flowering at a suitable height for harvesting and is recommended to avoid difficulties of harvesting from tall trees. Most tropical species cannot tolerate frost. Subtropical species grown in the tropics rarely show deciduous behavior and cannot then tolerate frost. Many fodder tree species are out breeding. This implies the need for isolation and appropriate insect pollinators in many cases. What all this implies is that:
•It
is important for the farmer to plant in areas /sites which are most likely to support high seed yields
•Consider Species habitat requirements •Most important factors contributing to high seed yield -Shoot density -Number of seeds formed per flower -Percentage harvest recovery of the seed •Avoid steep slopes and swamps NB Most seed production programme failures are caused by poor choice of site than any other factor TYPES OF RANGE FORAGES & DESIRABLE GRASSES Species selection Not every species has all qualities that contribute to a successful forage establishment, such as: • Tolerance to heavy grazing • High nutritive value • Drought tolerance • High palatability 14
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
• High seed production & ease of harvest • High biomass production • Tolerance to fire • Persistence and rapid Regeneration • Adaptability to a wide range of soils • Compatibility with legumes Tolerance to overgrazing Tolerance to overgrazing can occur due to: a. low palatability, b. Plant growing in habitats difficult to access e.g. in dense bush c. Plant being noxious to animals at certain stages Grass species less tolerant to overgrazing are easily lost resulting in degradation. Nutritive value • Stages of maturity, species and variety are factors to be considered • Grasses that seed late in the season and that hold their nutrients well into maturity are valuable • Maturity and desiccation cause nutrient decline • High soluble carbohydrate content in the forage is an advantage Drought tolerance • Deep roots such as those of Cenchrus ciliaris • Stem and leaf modifications to reduce transpiration Palatability • Palatability is greatly affected by plant species’ morphological characteristics, such as: o tough stems especially at maturity o Too hairy and tough leaves o Presence of pricking awns, leaf serration o Ratio of leaves to stems High seed production & ease of harvest • High production of viable seed that ripens evenly over a restricted period is an important factor Persistence and Regeneration • These characteristics are affected by suitability to the environment and management practice • Grasses growing close to or under the ground (Rhizomatous Spp.)
15
g) Adaptability to a wide range of soils • Adaptability helps simplify the choice of species and quantity of seed required • Compatibility with a legume • Short, leafy grasses are preferred to reduce competition for light, and bunch grasses are preferred to strongly stoloniferous ones • During severe dry seasons, less competitive grass species that recovers quickly is a more desirable. h) Tolerance to fire • Fire is an almost universal feature of the annual picture of grasslands, semi and arid lands. • Species that tolerate fires have a special niche to fill in these situations (e.g. Cenchrus ciliaris and themeda triandr ) Common grass species in ASALs 1) Digitaria Macroblephara 2) Cenchrus ciliaris (African foxtail) 3) Themeda trianda (Red oatgrass) 4) Cynodon dactylon (Star grass) 5) Chloris roxburghiana (Horsetail) 6) Panicum maximum (True guinea) 7) Enteropogon macrostachyus (Bush ryegrass) 8) Bothrochloa insculpta (sweet pitted) 9) Eragrostis superba (masai love grass) Below is a brief description of for of these grasses. 1) Chloris roxburghiana • Common name: Horsetail grass • Perennial; occurs at 0-500m a.s.l in open grasslands with sandy clay, deep clay or firm red clay ; • Inflorescence 6-20cm & yellow-green to purplish, • Highly palatable and major grass component in dry areas • Has the widest ecological adaptation
16
Plate 3: Chloris roxburghiana 2) Eragrostis superb • Common name: Masai love grass • Perennial occurs in areas below 2100 m a.s.l; • Soils: sandy-clay and clay soils • Moderately good for grazing – has tough stems
Plate 4: Eragrostis superba 3) Enteropogon macrostachyus • Common name: bush rye • Perennial; occurs from 0 – 1300 m • Frequent in bushed lands/dense bush • Soils: clay or sandy clay • Highly palatable (commonly overgrazed) • Commonly found growing within dense bushes.
17
Plate 5: Enteropogon macrostachyus Cenchrus ciliaris Discussion Q. Some of us really don’t know those grasses in their botanical names. Therefore can we have a method of identification? - Jeremiah A. I’ll pass around samples of these grasses so that we can discuss and find out if we have seen them in our various regions and what we call them in our local languages-Kubasu Q. What about the other grasses? -Justus A. The four species I have mentioned are the ones that we have worked with in the southern rangelands and have had success others could be encountered during the field tour- Kubasu Q. Which one is the inflorescence? - Abdidirizak A. The upper part of the grass is the inflorescence; the flower Q. Some of us don’t know the plant parts and therefore can we get illustrations? -Ali A. There’s a book titled the grasses of Kiboko. We shall have it photocopied so that you get the illustrations, as it contains the grasses being promoted here plus a lot others found in rangelands. This can be used for reference- Mnene Q. Which are the seeds? - Abdirizak A. This samples are in there early stages and therefore the inflorescence has not formed properly. We shall see the seeds, (dispersal unit) and naked caryopses later when dealing with seed quality. - Mnene 18
LAND PREPARATION The timing of land preparation is very important as it is key to the success/failure of the pasture establishment. Since this venture is dependent on rainfall, land preparation should be done just before the rains have begun. For many areas in the Southern rangelands this is done at the beginning of the month of October before the short rains which are more reliable. Land preparation should be completed by mid October in readiness for sowing. For areas where the long rains are more reliable preparation of the land should start in late February and end by mid of March Importance of land Preparation –Loosen the soil surface –Reduces the rate of runoff hence controls soil erosion –Enables better infiltration of rain water into the soil –Eases the penetration of roots of the crop into the soil –Prevents grass seed from being blown away by wind –Removes all unwanted plants (weeds) so as to give the target crop a head start after planting All these aid in the better establishment of the crop Resources required • Finance • Equipment (tractor, ox plough, jembes, pangas, axes) • Labour; the initiative is thus a good way to address unemployment It is important to take note of all costs that go into the preparation of the land as these will assist the farmer to estimate the gains or losses (cost-benefit ratio) How to prepare • Clear bush or other invasive species if present in the farm/ selected area • The purpose of land preparation in this case is for grass seed production which will be gown as a mono crop; therefore the whole area should be ideally ploughed. • For faster land preparation, use a tractor. First, plough the land then follow-up with harrowing. • An ox plough can also be used but for small acreages. • Hand tools like jembes may also be used for small scale undertaking and also to make micro catchments (Kiboko range pits)
19
WEED CONTROL AND CROP MANAGEMENT PRACTICES Weed control A weed is a plant out of place not intentionally sown; whose undesirable qualities outweigh its good points. Some crop plants even can become weeds when they grow where they are not wanted. In contrast, a number of plants usually thought of as weeds may actually be helpful in controlling erosion or serving as food for wild animals and birds. Weeds are troublesome in many ways. They reduce crop yield by robbing water, light, space, and soil nutrients. Weeds can produce allelopathic substances that are toxic to crop plants. Weeds often serve as hosts for crop diseases; they also may provide shelter for young crop seedlings. Classification of weeds Weeds may be classified by the length of their life cycle: -Annual - Biennial - Perennial Knowing the type of weed is important as it has great impact on the selection and/or success of control procedures Methods of weed control • Mechanical control • Chemical control • Crop rotation • Fire; prescribed burning • Biological control • Crop competition 1. Mechanical Control • Effective on annual weeds, it’s also cost effective, system of weeds. Annual weeds are usually mowed to prevent seed production and to allow the crop a better competitive advantage. • Use of simple tools e.g. hand hoes etc • Hand weeding is also ideal in small farms • Weeds should be controlled at the earliest, before they set seed
20
•
Best weed control is usually achieved by a combination of two or more of these methods.
2. Chemical Control • Chemical control is by use of herbicides • Can be administered: pre-plant, pre-emergence, and postemergence • Herbicides are applied selectively • Selective herbicides kill specific targets while leaving the desired crop/plant • However, chemical control is expensive and may be harmful to environment and must be used with a lot of care Other crop management practices
•Aim of management whether for grasses of legumes is to produce high yields • Pasture species are bred for their forage potential Management of grasses
•Aim is to promote
large number of seed heads in a short time span as possible
for synchronization
•The plant life cycle also is a critical consideration A) Defoliation
•Cleaning is usually made at the beginning of each cropping cycle •Cut removes old plant parts & encourages development of tillers on which seed heads will eventually develop
•Previous crop cycle is removed by cutting or grazing at the beginning of the season
•Clean cut results in faster growth and greater tiller development •Unfortunately heavy/severe defoliation may restrict crop growth resulting into delayed flower head emergence B) Fertilizer application
•Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for grass seed production 21
•Deficiency should be corrected by applying fertilizers •However, Consider; –Age of the crop –Time of the year –Climatic conditions at the time of application C) Irrigation
•Ensures good seed yields because it maintains desirable soil moisture •Drought is known to reduce seed production •Good moisture availability reduces drought stress •Good moisture stimulates plant reproductive phases D) Pests and diseases
•Various caterpillars (the worst being army worms) can affect grass seed crops •Rats and mice can also cause considerable damage in the field and in the stores
•Birds
and grasshoppers (locust being the worst) also damage inflorescence and young shoots
•Diseases
affect forage grasses viral as well as fungal
Management of forage legumes
•Main objective of developing legume seed crop is to close the canopy as soon as possible; this will smother out weeds.
•Vegetative structure is important •Seed management is very crucial; trial are important Management practices of forage legumes A) Defoliation;
•Usually cut back at harvest and then allowed to build up gradually •Excessive growth (overgrowth) can be a problem •May produce tangled mass of stems •Compact stems cannot be properly utilized by livestock 22
•Defoliation must be done early
to allow complete recovery of the canopy
B) Irrigation
•Irrigation strategies may vary in different legume crops •Alternating periods of irrigation and moisture tress is important •Avoid over-watering C) Pests and diseases
•Pests are normally seen feeding on pods and flowers •Diseases also affect legume plant and regular inspection should always made Discussion Comment: Most farmers use common methods (e.g. ------------) to control weeds in their farms and has worked- Nur Comment: Chemicals are known to pollute the environment and will be important to have conventional methods which farmers can afford and use with relative ease- Akumu
23
PART TWO RANGELAND FORAGE SEED MULTIPLICATION TECHNOLOGY
24
FORAGE SEED HARVESTING In tropical pasture seed crops, the choice of harvest time is a complicated decision because some immature seeds will always be present. Even the most closely synchronized crops comprise inflorescences in various stages of maturity and there is further variation in flowering time within individual inflorescences. For a particular crop, the period in which high yields of ripe seed can be harvested depends on the species or cultivar involved, weather conditions and harvest method. In practice, approximately 25--50% of the potential yield is available because of continuing production and loss. The decision to harvest the crop depends on what the head looks like. All indicators for harvest are somewhat subjective; therefore, for accurate assessment there is no substitute for experience aided by keen observation. Seed moisture content, endosperm hardness or seed weight can be monitored, but for all practical purposes appearance of the crop is the best factor. Seed yield depends on: y Weather conditions y Species involved y Correct timing y Harvest method Of these four, timing and weather conditions are most critical. Weather y Dry conditions are a pre-requisite y Harvesting wet seed may result in molding and rotting Timing y Color / appearance of the seed heads (yellowing or browning of seed heads. Where 60% of the crop is yellowish brown then harvesting can be done, especially if mechanized. However, if manual then target those seed heads with that color, leaving the rest to continue maturing y Endosperm hardness y Seed moisture content (%) y Seed weight
25
Species maturation periods • Mid – Late January Chloris Roxburhiana and Cenchrus Ciliaris would be ready for harvesting. They will also mature earlier in the low rains than other grasses •
February Entoropogon Macrostachyus and Eragrostis Superba usually mature late
Seed harvesting methods y Mechanized Harvesting y Manual Harvesting Approaches used are:y Harvest entire plant above ground y Harvest only the seed head and its stalk plus the last leaf -Cutting with stalks y Harvest only the seed head - Stripping
Plate 6: Cutting with stalks (Mnene 2006) (Mnene 2006)
Plate 7: stripping Plates
The harvested seed therefore should be thinly spread to dry under shade as shown below. Thick heaps lead to heating and damage.
26
Plate 8: Cutting with stalks e.g. Eragrostis superba Plate 9: Stripping e.g. Eragrostis superb Regular (2-3 daily) turning helps so that mould or rotting does not occur.
Cutting with stalks; Process Involved y Stooking in the field for 2 weeks y Sweating y Threshing Advantages of sweating y High seed recovery y High seed quality y Only light threshing is necessary y Longer seed storage Advantages of Stripping; y Not labor intensive y Done when seed have started being shed y Seeds recovered require less processing
27
Table 2: Harvest method and seed yield of Panicum maximum Method
Seed size
Total collection Cutting and field drying Hand shaking Reaper and Binder Direct heading
0.98 0.96
Seed yield recovered Germination (Kg/ha) (%) 410 54 14 39
1.03 0.76 0.74
256 31 123
53 29 35
Source: Roe 1972 The method that involved reaping the crop and binding it into small bundles for curing before threshing led to greater shattering losses than with simple cutting and field drying. Finally, with a single direct heading and threshing, a yield of 123 kg/ha of lower quality seed was recovered. This study illustrates the problems encountered while trying to recover a high proportion of seed in Panicum maximum. Repeated hand harvesting gave the best results and the added labor and risks associated with cutting and curing before threshing were not justified relative to direct heading.
FODDER PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION The crops in this category have the ability to produce forage in the form of leaves and pods in greater quantities than range forages some fodders are food crop e.g. Sorghum and maize may be harvested before ear formation and fed as such or after ear formation and conserved by ensiling, except that in smallholder farms scarcity of resources does not allow for conservation even in periods of plenty. Pigeon peas and cassava plants have the added advantage of being drought-resistant. Sweet-potato vines are already widely fed, while banana leaves and pseudostems alleviated the severe shortage of feed in the last drought period of 1984. Types of animal feeds; •These may be green forages in established and natural pastures. They could also be farm by-products –Stovers, Standing hay and Vegetable wastes or Agro-
28
based Industrial products- Brewers waste, Pineapple waste, Cotton seed husks, Molasses and Potato peelings 1. Pasture examples
•Pennisetum
clandestinum, Chloris gayana and Setaria sphacellata in high
rainfall areas;
•Cenchrus
ciliaris, Chloris roxburghiana, Enteropogon macrostachyus Eragrostis superba, and Cynodon dactylon in medium to low rainfall areas. Introduction
•Pastures, whether natural or established ones are usually poorly managed •Fencing and paddocks are is rare •No fertilizer at planting nor topdressing •Weed control is also minimal •Overgrazing is common (overstocking & lack of rotational grazing) 2. Fodders
•Mainly: - Napier, Guatemala, Maize, Sweet potato vines, Sorghum, Leuceana, Sesbania, Gliricidia
•Fodders are more taken care of than pastures •Major problems: - fertilizer/manure, weeding, cutting regime & spacing •Therefore, many fodders show low productivity (yield per unit area as well as quality) Forage Production Practices Land preparation for fodder production Land preparation should be done before the onset of the rains for fine tillage (hoe, tractor or ox-plough); the objective is to get a clean seedbed. If the soil clogs are too large, seed will be buried too deep as the clogs crumble. So harrowing is important, Raking helps as well as thorny branches. Planting Planting should be done at the onset of the rains, Depth 1.6 to 2.5 cm deep (0 if very small seed); OR 5 times diameter of seed. Seed rate of grass is 5-6 kg/ha PGS and double for others; desmodium seeds 3-5 kg/ha PGS. Fertilizer 29
application is essential, Use NPK (20-20-0) or DAP or organic manure broadcast during planting time. Weeding This is done just before broad-leafed weeds flower by uprooting, slashing or mowing Topdressing is done as soon as the ground is wet. For grasses it is recommended that you use CAN at 400 kg/ha in two splits while for legumes, use NPK at 100 kg/ha by broadcasting once. Topping- This is the cutting or removal of dry fibrous materials, done after grazing period OR onset of the rains. It is done by use of machetes, slasher or mower. Grazing – Firs, Allow plants enough time to grow and establish well. If no seeds are desired, then start to graze new pastures towards the end of second growing season. A fully established pasture should be grazed after flowering BUT just before seed maturity. Grass/legume mixtures are best cut, wilted and chopped before feeding. Similar treatment should be carried out for very leafy grasses like Panicum maximu. Conservation - Only conserve when there is excess fodder. Cut when 20-30% of the plants have flowered at 5 cm above ground or slightly higher. Dry in the field for 3-4 days on tripod, especially in rainy conditions. Use baler where possible/available Legume Seed Treatment- Legume seeds have a seed coat that tends to slow down germination. They are also generally affected more by salinity. So, there are various ways to ameliorate these conditions for a better establishment. a) Put legume seed in bucket and above mixture b) Mix until each seed is well coated c) Dry seed and keep in a cool place to await planting d) Lime pelleting - Add Agricultural Lime (Gypsum) to legume seed - Mix thoroughly
30
Napier Production and Management Varieties most common are: Bana, French Cameroon and Kakamega 1. Land preparation should be done early before the rains and holes dug 25 cm deep (9 in). Plant cane cuttings 3-4 nodes with buds or splits because they are quick to establish. Plant at the onset of the rains but after the ground is fairly wet. Spacing- 1.0 m X 0.5 m i.e. one m between rows and 0.5 m within row, Plant cutting in the soil at 45o angle to the ground. Splits should be upright with roots straight down in holes 15-21 cm deep. Farmyard manure application is also ideal applied at the rate of 10 t /ha or a spadeful per hole in simple terms. Fertilizer application Fertilizer application is essential, apply NPK (20-20-0) at 200 kg/ha or 20 g/hole NB: Place fertilizer or manure in hole and mix with soil. Harvesting; First harvest 4-6 months after planting. Then at intervals of 1-8 weeks. Cut when crop is 1 m high for best quality. Cutting height 2-5 cm above the ground. Possible yield can be up to 15 t DM/ha/yr, mostly 4-8 t/ha/yr. Napier Conservation Napier conservation is ideal for small scale farmers. However, do not allow to over grow. Appropriate when there is excess forage; store in a Silo. The size of the silo depends on the amount of available material; usually 1 m3 will hold about 500 kg silage. It is recommended to dig 1.5 m deep X 3 m wide; length to vary. The silo should be protected from floods (dig cut-off drain around the sides and at the upper end) and the floor of the silo should be made such that it allows drainage down slope.
FIELD TRIP The field day was organized by VSF and the DLPO Mandera. The visit was to the ALRMP Mandera demonstration farm, along river Daua, which is the main source of water. The activities undertaken on the farm include training on aspects of fodder and pasture establishment, production, conservation, storage and utilization. Farmers are also trained in seed bulking and livestock
31
improvement. The participants were taken through these by the DLPO Mandera, Mr. Yusuf, assisted by Dr. Mnene. The pasture species sown on the farm are Columbus grass, Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass), Panicum maximum, (Sorghum Sudanese grass) and (Napier grass). Legumes and other fodder varieties include; Mucuna (velvet beans), leucaena, and sweet potato vines. Seeds from grasses and vegetative material for the other fodder species are also produced on the farm and distributed to farmers. The animals reared on the farm are the Sahiwal pure cattle breed and the Togenburg dairy goats. They are stall-fed with feed material from the farm. Other activities practiced on the farm include irrigated agriculture where maize and other crops production takes place, apiculture and fodder conservation through hay baling. The other site that the participants were taken to was a degraded site located on the outskirts of Mandera town approximately 10 km away. The aim for visiting this site was demonstrate how it can be reclaimed through range reseeding. Participants were practically taken through the process of making micro catchments (range pits) which aid in on-site water retention and conservation for faster seedling establishment. Below are photos taken from the two sites during the trip.
Plate 10: velvet beans (Mucuna)
32
Plate 11: Sudan grass
Plate 12: Sweet potato vines
33
Plate 13: Toggenburg goats The above photo shows the dairy goats on the farm resting in an enclosure made of local materials. They are fed in the same enclosure where fodder and browse material are hanged on the rope seen in the background tied across the trees.
34
Plate 14: Stall feeding of zero-grazed sahiwal pure breed cattle on fodder and crop residues which include maize stovers chopped into smaller portions and molasses added to improve intake.
35
Plate 15: Columbus Napier grass planted in strips regenerating after a previous cutting Planting Seed for napier is normally vegetative material from older napier stalks. Pg 30 -Napier Production
36
Plate 16: Participants making Kiboko range pits at a degraded site
37
SEED STORAGE Seed is stored from harvest to the next planting season, which may be in the immediate next season or after several seasons. A number of factors influence the viability and maintenance of seed quality during storage. The most important factors considered in seed storage are; 1. Temperature 2. Humidity (Moisture) 3. Pests (insects and rodents) and moulds 1) Temperature • Storage temperature affects the seed moisture content • Cold storage is the best for long-term seed storage as this slows down the rate of biological activity within the seed. • High temperatures are not desired because they lead embryo death through enzyme denaturizing and other processes such as cracking of the seed • Seed stores should be located in dry conditions and should be well ventilated 2) Humidity • Seed tend to absorb moisture from the air- i.e. they are hygroscopic • This re-absorption takes place in high relative humidity. This mainly occurs with packaged seeds where storage materials are not water-proofed • Relative humidity has the most influence on seed longevity because it affects the moisture content and may trigger germination on rotting. • Further high moisture contents allow insects, pest and disease & micro organism activity • To store seed longer in good condition they should be dried to 8-12 % moisture content during processing • Storage facilities should, therefore, be located in areas where relative humidity is low or have artificially controlled relative humidity • Legume seed can survive longer in a given set of relative humidity than grass seed due to seed coat that is relatively impermeable to moisture.
38
3) Pests and moulds • Pests and insects that affect stored seeds of other plant materials also affect stored grass seed e.g. rats, mice, ants and even termites. • Moulds can occur due to humid/moist conditions in the storage facility. This makes stored seed susceptible to disease and rotting resulting into losses Every effort should be made to dry seeds sufficiently and keep them dry all the time till plant. Types of storage facilities 1. Open naturally ventilated storage (unconditioned) • Involves keeping seeds in traditional stores or rooms • This has proven to be satisfactory for keeping seed of some grass species up to 3 years • Mostly used for keeping seed for short period • Otherwise, a cool and dry well-ventilated store is ideal
Plate 17: Example of a traditional seed store 2. Conditioned storage • Relative humidity and temperature are controlled by mechanical means • Temperature is controlled through refrigeration while seed moisture is controlled using dehumidifiers • Used mainly for processed, packaged, high value seeds especially those produced on large scale • High costs are involved for controlling the environment 39
Packaging and storage containers Packaging involves the packing and sealing of seed into containers ready for storage transport and (or) sale. Packaging material suitability is dependant on:
• • • • •
Quantity of seed Quality of seed and desired protection Cost of the package Value of the seed Conditions under which the container is kept
Packaging is important because it protects the seed from physical, climatological and also biological damage. The recommended is that Seeds should be dried to 8-12 % moisture content and packed in air tight containers for long term storage. The Package should have a label indicating species, cultivar, date harvested and other details as may be required by the law. Package and storage containers include: - Tailor-made white woollen /cloth bags - Woven or synthetic sacks - Prefabricated aluminium tins - Brown paper bags - High-density Polythene paper bags
Plate 18: Seed storage containers that small scale farmers/producers could use. (Mnene 2006)
40
•
Metallic containers with tight fitting lids tend to store seed for a longer period than the other types of containers while allowing the seed to remain viable. They are largely recommended.
SEED QUALITY CONTROL CONCEPTS While under storage, regular checks should be made to ensure that pests and mold do not infest seed. In addition, it is advisable to test seed samples for viability from time to time. Degree of excellence is then expressed as a rating when compared with an acceptable standard Major characteristics considered as measurements of seed quality:• Analytical Purity (physical) • Germination (% of pure seed) • Moisture content (% by weight) • Appearance • Incidence of noxious weed seed • Health (Signs of – fungal or other infestation degrades a seed cot) • Genetic purity • Vigor ( Sum total of those properties of the seed which determine the potential level of activity and performance of the seed) It is important to note that not all the characteristics are evaluated routinely, most seed testing labs test the following:• Purity • Germination • Moisture content (On request) Stored seed should regularly be sampled and tested to ensure seed performance after planting. Sample, in this case, is a representative portion of the population (seed stock) taken for examination. Principles of seed sampling • The basic technique is to sample randomly a quantity of seed using a method where every seed in the population has the same chance of being selected • Where containers/sacks are used, samples can be taken from the top, middle and bottom
41
•
In hot humid areas, frequent sampling is highly recommended because such conditions are likely to spoil stored seeds as presented above.
Methods of seed quality testing y Several techniques have been designed to evaluate quality of seed y Discrepancies in test results due to different methodologies resulted in the formation of ISTA (1924) to ensure uniformity Common Methods used and approved by ISTA include:• Air-Oven Method • Germination test • Biochemical test for viability 1. Air Oven Method y This method involves removing water from the seed by drying to constant weight under controlled conditions y Moisture content is the difference in weight before and after drying and is expressed as a percentage of the original weight Moisture Content = Loss of Wgt/Init.wgt X 100 2. Germination test • Caryopses extracted from grass are placed in a petri dish lined with wetted filter paper • Wetting is done by a fine spray as not to disturb the seeds from their lodged positions • Observations are done for 21 days (or 14 days for rapid appraisal) • % total germination against seed tested is calculated. • This method doesn’t indicate what proportion of the seed will emerge under field conditions • This is because some seeds may be hard to germinate but still viable. • Some may germinate but result in abnormal seedlings 3. Seed hardness Seed hardness is overcome by: • Pre-soaking before planting • Rubbing with abrasives (sand, sand paper, --- cloth ,etc) • Heat treatments to different degrees depending on species • Sun drying for 2-3 days before planting • Heating in pre-boiled hot water (not direct boiling)
42
4. Biochemical test for viability • This is done through the use of the Tetrazolium test TZ • This test also detects physical damage on seed during harvest Mechanism • Colorless solution of TZ salt (Indicator) reacts as a result of the respiration process of the living cells. • H+ released from respiration process by cells combines with absorbed TZ solution to form a red substance. Dead seed will not pass this color test. Procedure • Soak seeds to remove the seed coat and allow the TZ chemical to come into contact with the seed embryo
Plate 19: Caryopses arranged in rows in petri dishes dishes in an for a treatment in a laboratory at KARI Kiboko
Plate 20: A set of petri experiment
Table 4: Recommended sandpaper grades No 1 2 3 4
Grass spp Entaeropogon Macrostachyus Eragrostis Superba Cenchrus Ciliaris Chloris Roxbhurghiana
Recommended grade Grade P80 Grade 2 Grade 1 Grade 0
It is important to note that the sandpaper used has an effect on the germination Viability of the various grass seeds as shown below. Entoropogon Macrostachyus had
43
the highest germination viability as compared to the rest irrespective of sand paper grade used. E. superba
C. ciliaris
C. roxburghiana
Daily germination (%)
E. macrostachyus 90
Total germination (%)
80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10
20 15 10 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
0 0
1
2
3
P80
Sandpaper grade
Figure 1: Effects of sand paper grade on germination
Days of observation
Figure 5: Species daily
DISCUSSION Q. How are we going to be able to control the temperatures to perform the moisture content test? - Bulle A. This test can only be done under controlled conditions. Therefore, an oven with thermostat is pre-requisite; fairly established secondary schools can perform it. Or any major KARI center near by- Mnene Q. This Tetrazolium test, how much is the TZ salt? - Abaha A. I can’t exactly state the prize but I can give you the websites of two Lab chemical suppliers so that you can get their catalogues- Kubasu Q. When reseeding, are we supposed to remove the caryopses? - Belayney A. If you plant the naked caryopses, they will grow, but they will be so tiny they might be unable break out of the soil. The dispersal unit increases their size and gives them a chance to germinate and be able to break out of the soil. Plus it’s a lot of unnecessary work for field trials and general reseeding, whole seed as dispersal units are used. – Mnene
44
Q. If we cannot get the filter papers, can we use toilet paper? - Tekele A. Yes in deed the idea is to have some kind of bloating paper or some kind of material that can remain moist for a while. For us being in the lab, filter paper becomes naturally the material of choice- Mnene Q. Plants require light to germinate. How will yours grow if you cover the Petri dish? - Galma A. The Petri dish is transparent. We even use glass petri dish which is clearer as compared with our plastic ones but a little expensive nevertheless, important requirement for seed germination is not light BUT warmth and moisture. For example, the seeds of cereals and pulse are buried in holes several inches deep, but surely they germinate in the dark. - Mnene
45
ACTION PLANS AND COMMITMENTS This session sought to move forward the seed system by requiring that the various teams come up with a set of activities that within 6-12 months would be implemented as a follow up to the workshop’s capacity building. Because the teams were from different back grounds and were engaged in different programmes, they were left to propose realistic action plans. This entailed working in groups after which they shared in plenary. The outcomes are here below tabulated. Each team was assured of backstopping by KARI Kiboko team whenever called up to do so. Progress reports are to be shared so as to compare notes and borrow experiences from lessons learnt.
46
ACTION PLANS/COMMITMENTS Table 6: Participants actions plans and commitments No. Institution/NGO Activity s Name 1 VSF Somalia & -Community mobilization and Kenya/EPAG sensitization and resource Mark Abaha, mobilization Justus Namatsi, -Site selection/identify Tobias Dunga, farming zones and selection Mahat Diriye, of beneficiaries Silvester Mugo, - training of targeted beneficiaries Abdi Hussein -Establishment of seed bulking units -Up scaling & adoption of the system in the wider community and material support -Monitoring (Targeted sites are; irrigated farms and natural range farming ) -Divide fodder production 2 Save into two viz; children/US a) Irrigated farmland 15ha Abdirashid Sheikh, Galma b) Rain fed farmland 15 ha Duba, Tekele -Irrigate 15ha, 5 each at Admasu and Dollo, Avero & uban dist. - Rain fed farmland 15 ha, Ali Hassan
When -June/ July 09
-July/Aug 09 -Aug/Sept 09 -Oct/Dec 09
Requirement s Seeds, containers, equipments / tools, Demo farms, seed bulking plots, training materials, farmers from community
Responsibility All members
-June/Dec 09
-June/July 09
-June/ Dec 09 47
Community, CI, Government., SC/Us
3
4
linking up with communities practicing communal enclosure for local seed production, -Enclosing degraded 15ha pasture land and construction of microcatchments for seed planting -Training farmers Community -Awareness creation initiative -Sourcing for funds to Facilitation and conduct trainings Assistance -Identify seeds for re-seeding (CIFA) -organize stakeholders forum Guyo Golicha on livelihoods diversification initiatives -Training on marketing options, group dynamics and leadership -Training groups on the economic value of range grasses KARI-Marsbit -Purchase of certified seeds Bulle Hallo -collection and viability tests Dabasso of seeds -Community mobilization and start of experiments - Monitoring and data collection
-June 09
-Dec 09
-July to Sept. 09
-CIFA,ALRMP AND COMMUNITY
-Sept to Dec 09
-CIFA, GoK, ALRMP,CATH.CHURCH, PISP
-March 09 -May 09
KARI- Marsabit
-Dec 09 -April 2010 -April 2010 48
5
6
-Nutrition analysis -Test viable method of storage BORENA -Workshop with identified Ethiopia partner sand development Aliyu Mustefa, agency Galma Guyo -Community Atlaw Belayneh dialogue/sensitization and identify members -Training group members -Site selection -Provision of seed, hand tools and Land preparation -Sowing, weeding and harvesting -Construction of storage facilities -Identification of range denuded sites -Distribute seed for re-seeding denuded sites -M & E
-Nov 2010
SADO/MODASomalia Abdirizak M. Abdi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ibrahim
-June 09 to 2010
-Community mobilization and awareness creation -Identification of contact farmers -training of farmers -Land preparation and
-June 09
-CARE, ZPDO & OARI
-July 09
-CARE,ZPDO & DPDO
-Aug 09 -Aug 09 -Sep to Oct 09
-Community, CARE & ZPDO - Community, CARE & ZPDO -CARE, ZPDO & OARI
-Oct-Dec 09 -Dec 09 -Jan to Feb 2010
-Community -Community
-Mar 2010 -Jun 09 to 2010
-June to July 09 -June to July 09 -July 09 49
SADO & MODA
Guhad, Sgukri Abdi, Noor Abdow Abdikarim omar
fencing -Planting and weeding -Harvesting -M & E
- July 09 -July to Dec 09 -Aug to Dec 09
1-Mark Abaha, Justus Namatsi, Tobias Dunga, Mahat Diriye, Silvester Mugo, Abdi Hussein. 2- Abdirashid Sheikh, Galma Duba, Tekele Admasu and Ali Hassan. 3-Guyo Golicha. 4- Bulle Hallo Dabasso 5-Aliyu Mustefa, Galma Guyo and Atlaw Belayneh. 6- Abdirizak M. Abdi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Ibrahim Guhad, Sgukri Abdi, Noor Abdow, Abdikarim omar.
50
Closing remarks Remarks by Dr. Tobias Ounga, Vsf Suisse Dr. Ounga on behalf of Vsf Suisse thanked the Chief Facilitator/Trainer and his team from KARI Kiboko for coming all the way to mandera to be with the various players in the livestock sector. He also expressed his satisfaction in the way in which the training was received by the participants. He hoped in future more interactions will take place by way of knowledge exchange. He pointed out that that was just the beginning of working ties between the NGOs and research institutions. Finally he wished well all the participants as they train the communities the importance of a viable seed system to improve feed security for the livestock in the ASALs
Remarks by Mr. Abdirizak Mohamed, Executive Director, SADO. Mr. Mohamed being the chairman of the training sessions expressed his appreciation to all participants for their corporation, through out all sessions. He went on to say that the training was superb given the fact that very little was known in regard to pastures and how its production can be increased. ”All participants have a lot of work to do especially at community level, to educate our people the importance of native and adaptable grasses” Said Mr. Mohammed. He concluded his remarks by wishing all the blessings of Allah. Final closing remarks by Dr. WN. Mnene, Chief Trainer, CD-KARI Kiboko The chief trainer thanked all the participants for availing themselves for the training and also for being very keen throughout the training sessions. He went on to challenge the trainers to make an impact in the community, to be the examples themselves to the people by being in the front, practicing the technologies learnt in the training. He closed the workshop by wishing all the trainers Gods blessings in all that they will be doing to improve the livelihoods of farmers in the rangelands
51
Appendix 1: Programme COMMUNITY BASED RANGE FORAGE SEED SYSTEM –NORTHERN RANGELANDS PROGRAMME FOR TRAINING OF TRAINERS AT MANDERA MAY 19TH TO 29TH 2009
DAY ONE: Tuesday May 19th, 2009 (Recorder –. D. Kubasu) 8.30 – 9.00 am: Registration (Secretariat) 9.00 – 9.30 am: Introductions (Mr. Martin Nyamweya) 9.30 – 9.45 am Official opening (DLPO Mandera) 9.45-10.00 am: Expectations (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30 – 11.00 am: Workshop outline/ Objectives (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 11.00 – 11.15 am: Discussions 11.15 – 11.45 am: Introduction to KARI /KASAL program (R. Kimitei) 11. 45- 12. 30 pm Beef Value Chain (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene 12.30 – 1.00 pm: Discussions 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH 2.00 – 3.00 pm: Land and natural Pasture Degradation (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 3.00 – 4.00 pm: Natural Pasture Improvement (NaPI) (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 4.00 – 4.30 pm: TEA BREAK DAY TWO: Wednesday May 20, 2009 (Recorder –. D. R.Kimitei) 8.30 – 9.00 am: Registration 9.00 – 9.15 am Recap 9.15 – 10.00 am: Site Selection for Pasture Seed production (Mr. Richard Kimitei) 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30– 11.30 am: Types of Range Forages and Desirable Grasses (Denis Kubasu) 52
11.30 – 12.30 pm: Foraging behaviour of free ranging animals(Dr. W N Mnene) 12.30 am –1.00 pm Discussion 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH 2.00 – 3.30 pm: Land Preparation 3.30 4.00 (Mr. Bosco Kidake) 4.00 – 4.30 pm: TEA BREAK DAY THREE: Thursday May 21, 2009 (Recorder –. B. Kidake) 9.00 – 10.00 am: Planting methods (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30 – 11.00 am: Pasture/fodder production in Mandera district (DLPO-Mandera East) 11.00-1.00pm Forage Management Practices part I 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH 2.00- 3.00 pm Seed harvesting (D.Kubasu) 3.00- 3.30pm Discussion DAY FOUR: Friday May 22, 2009 Field trip Degraded areas/land preparation and planting methods (Mnene, Kimitei, Kubasu and Kidake) DAY FIVE Saturday May 23rd 2009 (Recorder –. B. Kubasu) 8.00 -8. 30 AM Registration and assembly 8.30- – 9.00 am: Forage Management Practices Part 2 (R. Kimitei) 9.00 -9.15. am Discussion 9.15 – 9.45 am Seed processing (R. Kimitei) 9.45- 10.00 Discussion 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30 – 11.30 pm: Seed storage (B.Kidake) 11.30 – 12.00 Discussion 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH DAY SIX Monday May 25Th 2009 (Recorder: R. Kimitei) 8.30 – 9.00 am Registration and assembly 53
9.00 – 9. 45am
Seed quality testing (Kubasu/Kimitei/Kidake) 9.45 – 10.00 am Discussion 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30 – 1.00 pm Practical 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH 2.00 -3.45pm Seed marketing (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene) 3.45 -4.00 pm Discussion DAY SIX: Tuesday May 26th 2009 (Recorder – R. Kimitei) 8.30 -9. 00 AM Registration and assembly 9.00 – 9.45 am: Fodder production (Dr. D. Njarui) 9.45. am-10.00 am Discussion 10.00 – 10.30 am: HEALTH BREAK 10.30 – 12.30 pm Fodder Conservation 12. 30. 1.00 pm Discussion 1.00 – 2.00 pm: LUNCH 2.00 – 3.30 pm Feed rations/formulations (Dr. D. Njarui) 3.30 – 4.00 pm Discussion 4. .00 PM – 4.30pm HEALTH BREAK DAY SEVEN: Wednesday May 27th 2009 (Recorder –. D. Kubasu) 8.30 – 10.00 am–
Scaling up Range Forage Seed Multiplication (Action Plans/Agreements) (Dr. W. Ngoyawu Mnene)
10.00 – 10.30 am 10.30 – 11.30
TEA BREAK Scaling up Range Forage Seed Multiplication (Action Plans/Agreements). cont’
11.30 – 1.00 pm 1.00 – 2.00 pm
Benchmarking tool Lunch/ Departure
54
Appendix 2: List of participants No.
Name
ID/P. Number
Institution/CBO
Tel. No.
Email address
1
Mahati Diriye
2254715
V.S.F. Suisse
0720973279
[email protected]
2
Nur Hasan Mohamed
-
DFCS
516489
-
3
Shugri Cabdi Carte
-
MODA
5247374
[email protected]
4
Mahamed Abdi Ibrahim
20513267
DFCS
0727534374
[email protected]
5
Sylvester .N. Mugo
0298731
DDLPO-G/Tulla)
0722908285
[email protected]
6
Ibrahim Suhaul Nur
-
MODA
-
[email protected]
7
Tekele Admasu
EPO729385
SC/US
8
Bashir Osman
10028717
CARE-Kenya
0722385709
Osmanbashir66@ yahoo.com
9
Noor Abdow Ahmed
10028633
MODA-DolowSomalia
0720748067
[email protected]
10
Mohamed Adan Ibrahim
22336002
VSF-Suisse
0720710416
[email protected]
11
Ali Hassan
SC/Do110/0 15
SC/USA-Ethiopia
+25215247301
[email protected]
12
Abdirashid Sheikh
SC/DO11/01 6/01
SC US Dolo Ado
+25215197528
[email protected]
13
Adan Nor
13330679
EPAG
0720779602
[email protected]
14
Galma Duba
15
Bulle Hallo Dabasso
20934277
KARI Marsabit
0727429105
[email protected]
16
Richard Kimitei
7517
KARI -Kiboko
0720779934
[email protected]
17
Abdirizak Mohamed
11782980
SADO-Bardera
0715585323
[email protected]
18
Ibrahim M. Nur
0217263
CARE Somalia
0722176211
[email protected]
19
Aliyu Mustefa
801
CARE Ethiopia
+251911741839
[email protected]
20
Justus Namatsi
11305545
VSF-Suisse
0722924380
[email protected]
21
Atlaw Belayneh
07607
CARE(PDO) Ethiopia
0911-043007
-
22
Jeremiah Akumu
A809379
VSF-Suisse
0721524392
[email protected]
23
Martin Nyamweya
5244827
VSF-Suisse
0713436270
[email protected]
24
Abaha Mark
23452026
VSF-Suisse
0723807479
[email protected]
25
W. Ngoyawu Mnene
1636
KARI -Kiboko
0724468207
[email protected]
26
Denis Kubasu
22519800
KARI –Kiboko
0722256192
[email protected]
27
Kisambo Bosco .K
7818
KARI –Kiboko
0723723403
[email protected]
28
Abdi Hussein Kahiye
20914927
EPAG-Kenya
0720476005
[email protected]
29
Guyo Golicha Huka
12754881
CIFA/CARE-Kenya
0727706595
[email protected]
30
Tobias Ounga
9183154
VSF-Suisse
0721562679
[email protected]
31
Patrick Chazima
13736389
KARI Kiboko
0720272126
-
32
Muktar Birik Mohamed
0209461
NSIS
0720286714
-
SC/USA-Ethiopia
55
[email protected]
Appendix 3: different plates at various occasions
a) Donkey cart pulling forages to market in Mandera town
b) Unique forage market in Mandera town
c) Process of doing Caryopses
d) Placing Pure grass seed in a petri-dish
56
