Abstract:
Zero grazing production provides self employment for most of the rural population in the Kenyan highlands. Zero grazing dairy livestock production has continued to grow over the years as the preferred dairy production system due to such factor as lands size. Small scale rural farmers in zero grazing production are significantly given in the role of agricultural production. The study examined the impact of zero grazing on income and food security on small scale rural farmers in Lelmokwo/Ngechek Ward in chesumei sub-county. The study objectives were to access impact of zero grazing on income and food security of small scale rural farmers and challenges that were hindering rural farmers in zero grazing. The study examined role of zero grazing in improving food security; challenges which relate to the income and food security of the small scale rural farmers and access the role played by zero grazing in improving the small scale rural farmers’ welfare to meet their basic needs. This included the conceptual framework on which the research was premised on. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study also adopted a random sampling techniques to identify the respondents of the study. The correspondents were the small scale rural farmers and livestock production officers of the area who were involved in zero grazing practice. They were also the key informants interviews for the study. The data collection tools were the use of questionnaires and key informant interview. The government and the lelchego cooperative Society were the most prominent supporters of rural farmers’ efforts in zero grazing. This include marketing services for the milk produced, value education process and education and training in effective dairy production. The study involved 51 respondents who were farmers and livestock officers. The stusy found out that the farmers were overburdened by productive roles of zero grazing and this may have negative effects on their income and food status. Access to credit was the major constraining factor among respondents. In regard to measures to improve farmers’ participation in zero grazing dairy farming, majority of the farmers indicated that they are not aware of initiatives to support their participation in zero grazing dairy production system. The study recommended that farmers should be given enough dairy animals so as to participate in zero grazing and also efforts should be made to strengthen small business organizations that are farmer owned and managed.
