The demand for livestock products is on the rise and farmers, policy makers, state and non-state actors are making efforts to ensure that the demand is met. However, a number of challenges affect the sub-sector and these include shortage of grazing land and forages, low milk and egg production, low rates of growth and input/output market information asymmetry among others. With a view to addressing some of the above mentioned challenges, a number of initiatives have been launched in Kenya. An assessment of four identified innovation initiatives was conducted and the findings are herein reported. The selected innovation case studies included:
- Development of hay and crop residues
- Community based genetic improvement of Sahiwal cattle breed
- Development and upscaling of improved indigenous chicken
- Market integration in pigs: The case of Farmers’ Choice
The broad objective of the study was to carry out a brief overview of the national livestock sector and its recent developments, including the evolution of the policy environment and a description of major innovations. The specific objectives were to: Select novel and scalable innovations for the study; Carry out in-depth analysis of major factors contributing to the success of the innovations in the selected platforms; Identify potential for further development and scaling; Draw lessons for other countries potentially desiring to initiate similar initiatives.