How pasture farming is curbing hunger and malnutrition in Samburu

For generations, nomadic herders in Samburu have faced perennial threat of drought, forcing them to migrate long distances in search of pasture and water for their livestock, their economic mainstay.  

This tedious journey has often led among other things to malnutrition, particularly among children.

36-year-old Nouyam Learpora, a mother of seven children, has for years endured long, gruelling journeys across the arid landscape, often walking hundreds of kilometres.

However, this situation is slowly changing. Mrs. Learpora is now one of many Samburu herders who have embraced a new approach to food security: pasture farming.

After attending a training on the cultivation of African foxtail grass, a drought-tolerant species, Mrs. Learpora has witnessed a significant improvement in her family's well-being.

"Since I started growing this grass, I no longer need to walk long distances. My livestock are healthier, and I can provide milk for my children," says Mrs Learpora with a smile.

The availability of fresh milk has significantly improved the nutritional status of her children, reducing the prevalence of malnutrition.

Mr. Roiman Lolpuranai, a community trainer of trainers for farmers supported by USAID Nawiri program, says that together with Mrs. Learpora they are members of Lokere Nalepo group at Nakwamur village in Samburu East with 64 members who are fully focused on pasture production.

"Since we began cultivating African Foxtail Grass, our cows are healthier, and we produce more milk. Even during dry months, we don’t have to move with our children. When the warriors take the rest of the herd to distant lands, during prolonged droughts, we can keep our dairy livestock at home, feeding them from our stored grass, ensuring our children have milk," he explains.

African foxtail grass, known scientifically as "Cenchrus ciliaris," is a hardy plant that thrives in arid areas like Samburu.  According to experts, African foxtail grass is a valuable source of nutrition for both livestock and humans.

According to USAID Nawiri Resilience Livelihoods Coordinator Mr. Charles Leboo, by cultivating this grass, herders can reduce their reliance on migration and ensure a more stable milk supply and this reduces malnutrition among the children.

"At USAID Nawiri we are thrilled to see the positive impact our pasture farming training is having on the Samburu community. By empowering herders to grow their own food, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also building long-term resilience to climate change and food insecurity," says Mr. Leboo

The impact of pasture farming extends beyond individual households. Communities across Samburu are witnessing a transformation in food security.

The consistent availability of quality forage has stabilized livestock production, providing families with a reliable source of milk and meat.

This, in turn, adds Mr. Leboo, is reducing the reliance on emergency food aid during droughts, empowering families to build more resilient livelihoods.

The adoption of African Foxtail Grass farming is fostering a shift away from the traditional nomadic lifestyle, which is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to climate change.

As the initiative gains momentum, more families are joining the movement, inspired by success stories like that of Mrs. Learpora.

USAID Nawiri continues to support these efforts by providing ongoing training and resources, ensuring that the benefits of pasture farming are shared widely.