Multilocational trials for improved forages in Kenya

Under Sustainable Animal Productivity, one of the CGIAR initiatives, use of improved forages is key towards increased ruminant productivity. Given the diverse ecologies, matching species/cultivars with suitable agroecological zone is better done through multilocational trials. In addition to increasing productivity, forages confer additional co-benefits including ecosystem services e.g. soil erosion control, sequestering carbon and providing business opportunities along the forages and livestock value chains. Towards this endeavour, selected forage grasses and legumes were established in three sites in Kenya to provided empirical evidence on their performance in these agro-ecologies and by extension in similar environments elsewhere.