Maize for food and forage in East Africa. Validated RNRRS Output.
Abstract
This is one of 280 summaries describing key outputs from the projects run by DFID's 10-year Renewable Natural Resources Research Strategy (RNRRS) programmes.
Summary for Project title: R7955:Strategies for feeding smallholder dairy cattle in intensive maize forage production systems and implications for integrated pest management.
Now, there's a basket of proven ways for farmers to meet both food and forage needs. Farmers in densely populated regions of Kenya need dual-purpose maize. They want maize that is good to eat but that also has lots of stem and leaf for animal feed. Previously, the focus was on raising grain yields in maize. Pests and diseases that affected maize foliage, and thus animal feed, were ignored. Small farmers in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Ethiopia now use new techniques that work best for them. Some opt for maize varieties that are resistant to maize streak virus or stem borers. Others grow a fodder legume that repels stem borers. These and other techniques mean more and better animal feed in the dry season.
The CD has the following information for this output: Description, Validation, Current Situation, Current Promotion, Impacts On Poverty, Environmental Impact. Attached PDF (17 pp.) taken from the CD.
Citation
CPP51, New technologies, new processes, new policies: tried-and-tested and ready-to-use results from DFID-funded research, Research Into Use Programme, Aylesford, Kent, UK, ISBN 978-0-9552595-6-2, p 65.