Abstract:
Brachiaria (Urochloa) is a genus, common name brachiaria, of forage grasses that is
increasingly transforming integrated crop-livestock production systems in East Africa. A study was
undertaken to (i) assess smallholder farmers’ perception on benefits of brachiaria in cereal-livestock
production, (ii) identify brachiaria production constraints, and (iii) identify farmer preferred brachiaria
genotypes. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. Data were collected
through semi-structured individual questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study
areas included Bondo, Siaya, Homabay and Mbita sub-counties in Western Kenya and the Lake zone
of Tanzania. A total of 223 farmers participated in individual response questionnaires while 80 farmers
participated in the FGDs. The respondents considered brachiaria mainly important in management
of cereal pests (70.4% of respondents) and as an important fodder (60.8%). The major production
constraint perceived by both male and female respondents is attacks by arthropods pests (49.2% and
63%, respectively). Spider smites had been observed on own farms by 50.8% of men and 63.1% of
women, while sorghum shoot flies had been observed by 58.1% of men and 67.9% of women. These
pests were rated as a moderate to severe problem. Xaraes was the most preferred genotype, followed
by Mulato II and Piata. These genotypes are important in developing new crop pest management
strategies, such as push-pull, and for relatively rapid improvements in crop management and yield
increases, particularly in developing countries.
