Turning the tide towards better nutrition in the Pacific

Farmer John Malika and experts from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT showcased how Brachiaria grass is boosting incomes and livestock resilience in Makueni, Kenya, proving that livestock forage can be a profitable and sustainable alternative to traditional crops.

Forget traditional cash crops for a moment. In Makueni County, farmer John Malika champions a surprising source of wealth: grass. His conviction is clear: “Brachiaria grass is not just grass; this is money. You could even say it’s like you are selling gold.” That powerful message resonated deeply during a recent field day where beef, dairy and other small non-ruminant farmers gathered to explore the transformative potential of improved livestock feeding practices. The gathering focused on turning forage cultivation and utilization into both a profitable enterprise and a pillar of agricultural resilience especially in arid and semi arid regions of Makueni, Machakos, and Kajiado.

The economic potential of these forage grasses represents more than just a seasonal opportunity. As explained by Solomon Mwendia, a Forage Agronomist with the Alliance, “with proper management, the grass can go up to eight years”. This insight highlights a critical advantage: investing in quality forage isn’t a short-term expense but a long-term asset that delivers reliable feed and income for nearly a decade.