Garissa farmer champions fodder production to combat climate change

Hassan Yussuf, a farmer at Jamhuri Farm in Garissa County, is inspiring fellow farmers to enhance fodder production as a way of protecting livestock keepers from the effects of climate change.

The 45-year-old father of eight, who initially trained as an automotive technician at the National Youth Service College, abandoned his garage in Garissa Town to pursue irrigated farming along the River Tana.

Unlike most farmers in Garissa County, who primarily grow vegetables and fruits, Hassan chose to focus on cultivating various types of grass, including super napier, paspalum, calliandra, Sudan grass, and lucerne.

"During drought seasons, the government spends huge sums to procure forage from ranches in Laikipia to support livestock farmers, yet we have the potential to grow these grasses along the vast land by the river. I decided to venture into fodder farming to encourage others to do the same," he said.

Hassan stressed that climate change is a reality in the region and that local farmers must be equipped with the necessary skills to cultivate different grass varieties and safeguard livestock against recurring droughts.

He also highlighted the economic potential for crop farmers along the river to benefit from selling fodder to livestock farmers.

"During the drought season, a bale of hay transported from Laikipia and Kiambu counties is sold for Sh1,000 to livestock farmers. This is an opportunity that farmers in Garissa need to invest in," he noted.

Hassan has already invested in fodder farming and expects significant returns. Recently, his efforts paid off when he was tasked with feeding 80 in-calf cattle for two weeks ahead of their flag-off by President William Ruto under the Sh1 billion government livestock restocking programme for drought-affected families in the northeastern region.

According to Hassan, farmers need not worry about losses since grass is non-perishable and can be stored for extended periods with proper storage facilities.

He remains optimistic that many farmers will follow his lead, as several have already visited his farm to learn from his experience.

He also called on the government and non-governmental organisations to empower farmers through training and support for fodder production.

Outlining his ambitious plans, Hassan revealed his intention to invest in feedlots, where he will purchase weak livestock from struggling farmers during drought at low prices, fatten them using high-energy feed from his farm, and later sell them at a profit.

In addition to fodder farming, he practises mixed farming, cultivating fruits such as lemons, oranges, mangoes, pawpaws, and tomatoes.

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• climate change
• Garissa
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• Livestock Farming
• Jamhuri Farm
• Hassan Yussuf
• Garissa farmer champions fodder production to combat climate change
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Through his initiative, Hasso Innovative Hub, he transports his produce to refugee camps in Dadaab, where he has found a promising market.

Siyad Ghedi, a farmer in Korakora, 25km from Garissa Town, said he was inspired by Hassan’s initiative and has become an advocate for fodder and fruit farming.

"We need to follow his example. Most of our people rely on livestock for their livelihood, but when drought strikes, it wipes them out. We must invest in fodder farming to protect our animals," he said.

Siyad shared how he borrowed grass seeds from Hassan, which have since thrived on his Korakora farm.

He echoed the need for farmers to be empowered with seeds, skills, and machinery to grind harvested grass before storage.

"We need training on feed formulation, the best grass varieties to plant, and the right seasons to do so. This will help pastoralist communities mitigate the adverse effects of climate change," he said.

He urged the National Drought Management Authority to invest in local farmers and promote fodder production as a sustainable solution to drought.