Improved pasture (rangeland) management; with support from the E.U

by | Sep 6, 2019 | General, Livestock Production and Productivity Improvement

The European Union in partnership with Uganda Meat Producers Cooperative Union Ltd is implementing the Farmer-Led Beef Livestock Investment and Sustainability project for 38 months. Among the project result areas is; “Improved pasture (rangeland) management involving small and large scale livestock farmers.

L-R: Mr. Herbert Kamugisha – outgoing UMPCU Board Chairman, Mr. Aloys Lokeers – E.U Head of Section Sustainable Development, Hon. Joy Kabatsi – Minister of State for Animal Industry (MAAIF)

UMPCU farmers were trained between May and July 2019, by experts from the Agriculture, Environment & Ecosystems(AGRENES) on how to tell pasture varieties, the establishment of pasture gardens, their management, and conservation.

Types and varieties of pastures

• Broadly, there are two types of pastures: Natural and Improved/ planted

Characteristics of natural pastures

• Naturally growing or obtained from public land

• Low or poor in quality and quantity

Improved or planted pasture

• Grasses

Chloris Gayana/Rhodes grass

• Legumes

✓Established using the recommended management practices

✓Has higher nutritive quality than natural pastures

• Source of income from the sale of seeds and fodder

The training was conducted in Nakasongola and Kiruhura districts for UMPCU farmers in those areas.