In the remote village of Olteyani, Kajiado County, a group of young farmers has taken a bold step toward securing their future in the face of adversity. After suffering devastating losses of their livestock due to contaminated feed, these enterprising youth have turned to forage cultivation as a sustainable solution to protect their animals and livelihoods.
The Olteyani Youth Self-Help Group, based deep within Kajiado County, is composed of 11 determined individuals who are driven by the need to safeguard their livestock. Among them is Jeremiah Sailoji, a member who vividly recalls the harrowing experience that led them down this path.
“Truckloads of hay and silage were sold to us at the Kiserian market. The cows that fed on them died within days. It was heartbreaking to watch our animals perish, not from disease, but from starvation and poisonous feed. That was a soul-searching moment for us,” Sailoji recounts. “We realized we could no longer rely on external sources for our feed. We had to take matters into our own hands.”
Determined to prevent a repeat of the tragedy, Sailoji and his fellow group members embarked on a journey to produce their own forage. This decision was supported by the Livestock Feed Commercialisation project, a collaborative initiative between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Mastercard Foundation. The project aims to ensure the availability of quality and affordable animal feed throughout the year, regardless of seasonal variations.
Sailoji, who has dedicated two acres of his land to hay cultivation, acknowledges the invaluable support provided by FAO. “They trained us on forage production and provided essential machinery, such as a brush cutter and hay baler, to help with harvesting and baling,” he explains. “These tools have been instrumental in our success.”
The group’s efforts have already yielded impressive results. From just two acres of land, they have harvested over a thousand bales of hay. Recognizing the importance of securing their future, the group is now considering forming the region’s first Fodder Cooperative Society. This cooperative would not only enhance their collective bargaining power but also serve as a buffer against future droughts.
“Each member is required to contribute 200 bales to the group’s collective reserve. While we have the option to sell the hay, we have collectively decided not to. This is our insurance against potential future droughts,” Sailoji explains. “We’ve vowed not to see our cattle die for lack of feed. Our barns are full, but we won’t sell our hay because we’re cautious that, despite our good maiden harvest, it may not last if another drought strikes.”
Looking ahead, the group has set its sights on expanding its forage production. They plan to dedicate additional land to pasture cultivation and are exploring options to source high-quality calves for collective rearing. Their ultimate goal is to expand their operations to over 200 acres, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of feed for their livestock.
The significance of this shift in mindset among young Maasai pastoralists cannot be overstated. Traditionally, the Maasai have relied on natural pastures, which they view as a divine gift that comes with the rains. However, prolonged droughts and the risk of purchasing substandard feed have forced them to adopt new approaches to safeguard their herds.
Tito Arunga, Programme Manager of Sustainable Agrifood Systems at FAO Kenya, underscores the importance of this transformation. “Approximately 1.5 million Maasai indigenous people practice pastoralism in Kenya and Tanzania. Historically, Maasai boys have been taught to care for animals and move from one location to another in search of good pasture,” Arunga explains. “But with the increasing frequency of droughts and the fear of poor-quality silage, the Maasai pastoralists have longed to be self-sufficient.”
To support this transition, FAO has provided the youth group with seeds to grow local grasses for pasture, as well as the necessary harvesting and post-harvest equipment. Additionally, the organization has introduced green technologies and practices to meet the growing demands of climate change. The Kajiado County government has also played a pivotal role by offering training on pasture establishment, harvesting, and preservation.
The impact of fodder production extends beyond the youth group to the broader community. Indigenous youth are now engaged in various activities, including farm fencing, seed planting, harvesting, baling, and tractor operation. These experiences have positioned the Maasai youth to offer services to other pastoralists and Indigenous Peoples who wish to start fodder production.
The Livestock Feed Commercialisation project, which is being implemented in all five sub-counties of Kajiado County, aims to promote sustainable development in the feed subsector. According to Arunga, the project focuses on increasing productivity, value addition, market access, utilization, and income through viable business models.
“The interventions are designed to enhance adaptation and resilience, supported by policies that lower entry barriers and stimulate public and private investments,” Arunga adds. “We partner with youth groups, women’s groups, indigenous people, cooperatives, and individual entrepreneurs to boost fodder production and commercialization.”
Arunga emphasizes that the future of Kenyan youth lies in agriculture and livestock, sectors that remain largely untapped. “With FAO and the Mastercard Foundation’s support, Maasai youth have become pioneers in pasture production. As they continue to expand their efforts, they set a precedent for others to follow. Investing in sustainable fodder production with technical backstopping and support enables these Indigenous communities to thrive, paving the way for a more resilient and food-secure future.”
As the Olteyani Youth Self-Help Group continues to grow and innovate, their story serves as an inspiring example of how young farmers can take control of their destinies, ensuring the survival of their livestock and the prosperity of their communities.
