Saving the smallholder dairy industry in East Africa: Validation and implementation of an integrated management approach for Napier stunt disease

The project seeks to contribute to poverty alleviation, improved incomes and better livelihoods by providing an effective management approach for the Napier stunt disease that is currently causing huge economic losses and threatening livelihoods of smallholder farm families in East Africa. This is being achieved through integration of various components of disease management and capacity building opportunities. Effective management of the disease will ensure sufficient availability of quality fodder and enhance productivity in dairy and cereal production systems that are dependent on Napier grass. The project will also look into effects of selected Napier cultivars on stemborer and mycotoxin management in maize within the push-pull systems.

Funding:

• McKnight Foundation

Collaborators:

• Heifer International Project-Kenya
• Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KARLO)
• Send a Cow, Kenya,
• National Crops Resources Research Institute, Uganda
• Various farmer groups