At least 30 farmers in Garissa County underwent a silage processing training to encourage nomadic pastoral communities to embrace fodder farming to cushion their livestock from the ravages of prolonged droughts.
The farmers from Dadaab, Fafi, Garissa Township and Balambala sub-counties were informed of various methods of preparing and storage of Silage for their livestock during the dry spell to save them when times are hard.
Silage concept utilizes the available types of fodder whether green or dry are later cut into small pieces, compacted and allowed to ferment in controlled conditions where they are preserved for future use.
The training which was co-facilitated by Somali Lifeline Organization (SOLO), County government and the Agriculture Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP II) engaged with the farmers and trained them concerning fodder production and harvesting.
The ASDSP and SOLO organizations further provided the farmers with inputs such as motorized grass harvesting and chopping machines, fodder additives, silage bags and different varieties of fodder seeds.
Speaking at the training, Agriculture CEC Hassan Abdirizak pointed out that the training is aimed at increasing conservation and utilization in light of recurrent drought which has affected production in the regions.
“We also want our farmers to be able to embrace locally manufactured and save money which would otherwise be used on logistics and buying from other areas,” he added.
The County Director for Livestock & Pastoral Economy, Haret Hambe and the Coordinator for ASDSP II programme advised the livestock farmers in the county to join cooperative societies so as to get access to specialized training from the county government programs and other partners.
By Ruman Shide
