Mandera County, located in Kenya’s arid northern region, has long struggled with harsh climatic conditions that pose significant challenges to both human populations and livestock.
Frequent droughts, coupled with water shortages and pasture depletion, have exacerbated food insecurity, threatening the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
However, in response to these growing challenges, residents are embracing fodder farming as a sustainable solution to secure animal feed, stabilize income, and build resilience against climate shocks.
The Drought Crisis and Its Impact
Mandera’s arid and semi-arid landscape makes it highly susceptible to prolonged dry spells.
These droughts have had devastating effects on local communities, particularly pastoralists who rely heavily on natural grazing for their livestock.
With pasturelands drying up and water sources such as the River Dawa becoming increasingly unreliable, livestock survival has become a formidable challenge. This has led to frequent food shortages, livestock losses, and economic instability.
Deputy County Livestock Officer, Mohamed Noor, acknowledges that Mandera’s economy is deeply intertwined with livestock farming.
“Livestock is the backbone of Mandera County’s economy. Without adequate pasture, the survival of our herders and their animals is at risk,” he stated.
The Shift to Fodder Farming
To counteract the effects of recurrent droughts, pastoralists in Mandera County have begun cultivating drought-resistant fodder crops such as Sudan grass.
This shift marks a significant departure from traditional grazing practices and represents an adaptation strategy aimed at ensuring food security for livestock and generating additional income for farmers.
Adan Mohamed, a farmer from Fiqo Location in Mandera East, explained how fodder farming has transformed his livelihood.
“The drought has made it difficult for us to sustain our livestock, but with fodder farming, we can now store feed for dry seasons and even sell some to our neighbors,” he said.
Farmers across the county have embraced this model, selling hay bales to other sub-counties, thereby strengthening their economic resilience.
The income generated from selling surplus fodder has provided stability to many households that would otherwise struggle to sustain themselves during prolonged dry periods.
Support from Government and NGOs
Recognizing the potential of fodder farming as a long-term drought mitigation strategy, both the county government and development organizations have stepped in to support local farmers.
The Mandera County government has been actively involved in training pastoralists on improved fodder production techniques, while organizations such as Boresha have provided training in dryland farming, seed bulking, post-harvest preservation, and sustainable land use.
Programme Manager for Boresha, Abdisalam Mohamed, highlighted the importance of such interventions.
“Through pastoral field school training, farmers are learning techniques that enhance food security and income generation across Mandera’s borderlands,” he noted.
The county government has also pledged continued support to ensure that fodder production becomes a mainstream practice.
“Fodder farming is a long-term solution that will help our pastoralists overcome the frequent drought crises,” emphasized Deputy County Livestock Officer Mohamed Noor.
Restoring Hope Through Climate-Smart Agriculture
Beyond immediate relief, fodder farming is playing a crucial role in restoring degraded land and promoting climate-smart agriculture.
With traditional pasturelands becoming increasingly unreliable, the cultivation of drought-resistant grasses offers a sustainable way to manage the effects of climate change.
The drying of the River Dawa and continued depletion of grazing fields have forced local communities to rethink their approaches to livestock management.
By embracing fodder cultivation, pastoralists are not only securing a steady supply of feed but also reducing pressure on natural grazing areas, allowing ecosystems to recover over time.
Going Forward…
The adoption of fodder farming in Mandera County is proving to be a game-changer in the fight against drought-induced food insecurity.
By shifting from reliance on natural pasture to cultivating their own animal feed, pastoralists are building resilience against climate shocks, ensuring stable incomes, and securing the future of their livestock-dependent livelihoods.
As climate change continues to threaten fragile ecosystems, sustainable agricultural practices such as fodder farming will play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding communities against environmental and economic uncertainties.
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With continued support from both governmental and non-governmental organizations, Mandera’s pastoralists are finding new ways to adapt, thrive, and turn the challenges of a harsh climate into opportunities for growth and sustainability.
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