Garissa County is facing a severe drought, but the distribution of Sudan grass seeds by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) aims to increase milk and meat production in the region.
On April 24, 2022, the ILO distributed over 1,500 kilograms of Sudan grass seeds to 30 fodder farmers from Dadaab, Township, and Fafi Sub-Counties in Garissa.
According to Dr. Haret Hambe, the Garissa County director for livestock, the seeds will enable pastoralists to have adequate access to pasture and ensure consistent and nutritious livestock feed.
The project, ‘Strengthening the Livestock Market Systems in Garissa County through Value Chain Approach,’ aims to boost livestock production in the region.
Sudan grass is preferred over other varieties for this region because its seed germination rate is above 95 per cent and it requires only 9-10 kilograms per acre to yield 27-30 tonnes per acre annually.
