Cactus and Prosopis spp as Famine Feed Reserves in Dry lands of Kenya

Marginal areas are characterized by fluctuations in the quantity and quality of feed resources due to climate change. This work was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Prosopis juliflora and Cactus species (Opuntia ficus indica) as under-utilised, drought-resilient feed resources, potential for adapting livestock systems to climate change in Kenya. Sociological survey using multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used, combined with controlled on-station In vivo and In vitro experiments using Randomized complete block design. From the research findings of this work, livestock farming systems in pastoral systems in Kenya are highly vulnerable to climate change risks, as compared to Agro-pastoral systems. Due to the high energy levels recorded in Cactus and high protein in Prosopis pods, these feeds are plausible alternative feed resources in range lands for Climate Smart Agriculture. On the basis of the findings of this study, it is recommended that formulation of total mixed rations with these noxious invasive weedy plants is an ideal intervention to combat feed scarcity and quality in range lands to enhance livestock productivity in dry land pastoral farming systems.