The power of association: A case of smallholders growing Fodder Tree in Kenya. Some 20 years ago, the World Agrofrestry Centre and its partners in Est Africa began research on fodder trees. By 2006, over 205,000 smallholders were growing fodder trees as a source of prtein for their dairy animals, significantly increasing milk yields and incomes. Between 2005 and 2007, a communication process known as SCALE (System-wide Collaborative Action for Livelihoods and the Environment) revolutionalised the way fodder trees were promoted. As a result, demand for seeds soared. The World Agroforestry Centre and its partners did their utmost to get commercial seed companies involved in tree seed production and sale. However, the companies considered the returns from the sale of perennial seeds- which fames do not have to buy on an annual basis - tool low to justify setting up a new line of business. Nevertheless, a private seed sector began to emerge. This became increasingly influencial after the formation of the Kenya Association of Tree Seed and Nursery Operators (KATRESNO). ¨The emergence of KATRESNO had a tremendous impact on the tree seed supply system in Kenya, and this quickly translated into more farmers using fodder trees, ¨says Charles Wambugu. Over an 11-month period, 47 seed dealers belonging to the Association sold over 3.8 tonnes of seeds, enough to supply over 38 million trees to around 120,000 farmers. Although this trade is not subject to any certification, the dealers have received training from the World Agroforestry Centre, the Kenya Forestry Seed Centre and other organisations, ensuring that they are well versed in the measures required to produce and distribute good quality seeds and seedlings. The members of the association have good links to the market through research and extension systems within and outside Kenya. They have been able to import fooder-shrub seed from Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, and export fodder-shrub seeds to Madagascar and Japan. The World Agroforestry Centre also encouraged nursery owners in Nairobi and Meru to set up tree nursery network associations. An association in Nairobi, created in 2003, initially had 30 member nurseries. Subsequently, it split into three separate groups. These have provided many benefits, according to Samuel, who runs Juja Tree Nursery and acts as project manager for one of the associations. ¨WE meet once a month, and we share knowledge and information,¨ he says. ¨ I think this has helped to improve our business.¨ Muriuki agrees. ¨ The associations have helped to make nursery owners less dependent on our advice and support, ¨ he says ¨and they have also improved the quality of the material they sell.¨
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:43:54 +0000
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