Damaris Kikwai: Helping East African Farmers Improve Forage and Fodder production

Damaris developed her passion for agriculture and rural development by observing her distinguished grandfather, who served as an agricultural officer and worked closely with farmers to enhance productivity in their communities. Inspired by this upbringing, she pursued a career in the same field. Ms Kikwai completed her undergraduate studies at Maseno University, where she obtained a degree in Animal Science. She is pursuing a Master of Science in Animal Nutrition from the same institution. Following her graduation, she gained experience as a research assistant at Climate Smart Dairy in Ethiopia and Kenya Project, conducting studies to examine the impact of various feeding practices on milk productivity and greenhouse emissions.

In June 2022, Kikwai joined NEADAP as a dairy consultant on forages. In her role, she works on the economics of fodder and forage production. She also works with government agencies and other stakeholders to promote the use of improved forage varieties and to develop sustainable forage production systems.

Kikwai is passionate about her work and is committed to helping smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods. She believes that working together can create a more sustainable future for agriculture in East Africa.

• Here are some of the ways that Damaris Kikwai is helping smallholder farmers in East Africa:
  • Promoting the use of improved forage varieties: Ms Kikwai is working with strategic partners under NEADAP to create an updated list of recommended forage varieties for the Kenyan market. These varieties are more productive, drought-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases among other parameters.
  • Developing a cost calculation model for forages: Damaris has worked on a model that helps farmers and stakeholders to efficiently produce cost-effective forages for ruminants. The Cost of Forage Production-Calculator (CoFP Calculator) will revolutionise how Kenyan farmers produce milk by lowering costs and increasing productivity.

Damaris Kikwai's work is making a real difference in the lives of smallholder farmers in East Africa. By promoting the use of improved forage varieties, developing sustainable forage production systems, and providing training and extension services, Kikwai is helping farmers to improve their livestock productivity by use of improved forages make a better living and to build more resilient livelihoods.