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Tropentag, September 18 - 20, 2019 in Kassel

"Filling gaps and removing traps for sustainable resources development"


Scaling of Improved Forages in Eastern Africa: an Activity of the GIZ/BEAF Task Force on Scaling

Steffen Entenmann1, Uwe Ohmstedt2, Eduardo Stern3

1Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Advisory Service on Agricultural Research for Development (BEAF), Germany
2International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Tropical Forages, Kenya
3Semillas Papalotla, Mexico


Abstract


In 2017 the Task Force on Scaling was launched by the Advisory Service on Agricultural Research for Development (BEAF) of GIZ to support the CGIAR in delivering their ambitious strategic goals of improving the livelihoods of smallholder households and using natural resources more sustainably. The Task Force on Scaling is a group of Integrated CIM Experts that are seconded to Agricultural Research Centers around the world. The Task Force comprises a broad range of different professional experiences and skills. It understands ‘scaling' as pathways for widespread adoption of beneficial and customer-oriented innovations.

One activity of the Task Force aims at improving the productivity of dairy farms in East Africa by promoting large-scale adoption of improved forages, i.a. Brachiaria and Panicum Cultivars. Dairy cows fed on Brachiaria increase milk production up to 30%. Scaling approaches focus on spreading adequate information about the forages to farmers and improving access to forage plants. This includes the establishment of demonstration plots, field trainings and radio transmissions. Partnerships with commercial seed distributors are part of the strategy to improve availability and distribution of seeds. Private sector actors like Semillas Papalotla have a high operational flexibility and good access to infrastructure, allowing them to respond fast to customers' needs. On the other hand, the private firms may benefit from an extended product range. Further implications of engaging private sector actors in scaling activities are discussed, together with other lessons learned from the Task Force activities.


Keywords: Fodder plants, GIZ, Public Private Partnerships, scaling, Kenia


Contact Address: Steffen Entenmann, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Advisory Service on Agricultural Research for Development (BEAF), Bonn, Germany, e-mail: steffen.entenmann@giz.de


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