Kenya explores alternative feed crops as poor maize harvests squeeze livestock sector

KENYA – Kenya is intensifying efforts to diversify crop production and reduce the livestock sector’s dependence on maize after poor rainfall reduced harvests, prompting fresh calls to expand climate-resilient feed crops and utilise failed maize crops for animal feed.

The renewed focus comes as below-average rainfall continues to affect maize production across key growing regions, tightening the supply of one of the country’s most important feed ingredients. 

Authorities are now encouraging greater production of drought-tolerant cereals and root crops while exploring ways to recover value from failed maize fields by converting damaged crops into livestock feed.

Speaking during the 3rd Agroecology Symposium Kenya in Nairobi, Agriculture Secretary Peter Owoko urged farmers to move away from overreliance on maize and adopt crops better suited to changing climatic conditions.

“If farmers in regions which are not favourable to maize must grow grains, then let them plant sorghum and finger millet, which will give them better yields and ensure food security,” he said.

Owoko also encouraged increased production of cassava and sweet potatoes, noting that they are more resilient to drought and can improve household nutrition while reducing crop losses.

The government’s diversification push aligns with recommendations from the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association of Kenya (AKEFEMA), which has repeatedly warned that Kenya’s livestock industry remains overly dependent on maize despite chronic shortages of locally produced feed ingredients.

According to AKEFEMA, maize remains the single largest energy source in livestock feeds, yet domestic production falls far below demand, forcing feed manufacturers to compete directly with human food markets for available grain.

The association has instead called for greater cultivation of yellow maize specifically for feed production, alongside expanded production of sunflower, soybean, cotton and canola, whose oilseed meals provide essential protein for livestock diets.

AKEFEMA estimates that raw materials account for between 70% and 80% of feed manufacturing costs, while the country continues to import large volumes of protein ingredients from neighbouring countries due to limited local production.

The association has also warned that climate change is worsening raw material shortages by reducing agricultural productivity and increasing weather-related production risks.

Beyond encouraging alternative crops, the government is also seeking ways to minimise losses from this year’s poor maize harvest. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently announced plans to convert failed maize crops into animal feed, allowing affected farmers to recover part of their investment while helping ease pressure on feed supplies.

The initiative could provide an additional source of feed ingredients at a time when livestock producers continue to grapple with high feed costs, particularly in the dairy, poultry and pig sectors.

Owoko noted that Kenya’s increasing desertification and shrinking arable land make climate-smart agriculture essential for future feed security. 

He highlighted agroecological practices such as crop diversification, improved soil management, water conservation, organic fertilisers and integrated pest management as practical solutions for building more resilient farming systems.

“Over time, agroecology reduces production costs, strengthens resilience to climate change and improves soil health for future generations,” he said.

The combined push toward climate-resilient crops, alternative feed ingredients and improved utilisation of failed harvests reflects a broader strategy to strengthen domestic raw material production, reduce dependence on imports and build a more sustainable livestock feed supply chain.

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