Farmers in Tinderet Sub-county, Nandi County, are increasingly turning parts of their land to commercial fodder production, to meet the rising demand from dairy and beef producers in the area and neighbouring counties.
Veteran farmer Mr. Kiprotich of Chebarus village has converted a quarter acre of his former maize land into Napier and Rhodes grasses, specifically for sale to nearby dairy farmers.
“Maize did not cover my costs anymore, the demand for clean fodder keeps rising,” he said, reflecting a shift among local farmers away from traditional food crops.
Similarly, Jane Jepchirchir from Chemamul, has integrated fodder grasses alongside her beans and intercropped trees.
“The cow owners come looking for cut-and-carry grasses, because they don’t want their animals grazing open fields anymore – it is easier for them, and they pay a premium,” she explained.
The growth in fodder farming is driven by several factors. Changing weather patterns have brought shorter rainy seasons, erratic rainfall, and extended dry spells, making traditional grazing less reliable.
At the same time, the intensification of dairy production in the region has increased the need for consistent and high-quality feeds. Livestock farmers in Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Kisumu counties are increasingly sourcing fodder from neighboring communities, creating a growing market for producers in Tinderet.
Farmers report that selling fresh grass, bales, or cut-and-carry units is far more profitable than traditional food crops, with one estimating that a ton of dry matter fetches around Sh 3,000, compared to much lower returns from maize.
Despite the opportunities, challenges remain. Access to quality seeds and planting materials is limited, and harvesting, drying, and storing fodder can be costly without proper equipment. Market stability is also a concern, as most purchases occur on a spot basis, leaving farmers vulnerable to fluctuating prices.
Moreover, dedicating land to fodder production requires careful consideration, since many households still depend on food crops for their own consumption.
Local agricultural officers see fodder production as a promising niche, particularly for youth and women groups. Plans are underway to link smallholder producers to dairy cooperatives and feed mills, providing extension services and demonstration plots to show best practices for growing, harvesting, and marketing fodder.
Some groups are exploring contracts with cooperatives to supply fodder consistently, which could transform small-scale farmers into key players in a growing agro-enterprise.
While commercial fodder farming in Tinderet is still in its infancy, the combination of rising demand, changing weather patterns, and farmers’ desire to diversify income suggests the sector could expand rapidly. With the right support, the few farmers already supplying fodder may soon lead a new chapter in the highlands’ agricultural economy.
by Sammy Mwibanda
