Abstract:
Smallholder dairy cattle and goat production based on Napier grass (Elephant grass) fodder and improved breeds is a major source of milk, meat, income, manure for crop and fodder production and employment. Napier grass produces high herbage yield (8-30 tons/ha/yr). The grass is used for soil and water conservation. It is an important tool in the integrated management of stem borers of maize and sorghum due to its importance as a trap crop for these pests. The fodder and milk are sources of income. The grass also serves as mulch in banana farming areas.