Demonstration and Participatory Evaluation of Improved Forage Production in Case of Shabeley District Fafan Zone, Somali Region

Abstract

This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating and demonstration the productivity of the selected improved forage species and assessing pastoralists’ perception on the selected forage species and assessing pastoralist criteria for select forage species as livestock feed evaluated. Data on growth yield and yield related parameters were collected and analysed using SAS software. Accordingly, the result Panicum grass had significantly (P<0.05) early maturity than Sudan, Rhodes grass variety the biomass yield of Sudan was significantly higher than all the other grass species, in Sudan (12 t/ha) and Panicum (9t/ha) followed by Rhodes (6.7t/ha) and the maturity for Sudan Grass was significantly higher than the other species in (67 days). Where Sudan and Panicum Grass showed significantly higher plant height than the other grass types the highest plant height was recorded from Sudan grass (2.06m) followed by Panicum grass (1.75cm) and Rhodes (70cm) grass respectively. Overall, the findings indicate that agro-pastoralists favour forage varieties that are high-yielding, palatable, quick-maturing, and, with moderate regard for drought tolerance and sustainable harvesting practices. These insights are valuable for breeding programs, policymakers, and extension services, as they clarify which traits should be prioritized in developing improved forage options. Future breeding initiatives should aim to select and promote forages that maximize productivity while remaining resilient to climate variability. According to the pastoralist perception ranked Sudan and Panicum were selected first and followed by Rhodes Grass respectively. According to the pastoralist perception criteria for their biomass palatability, drought tolerance and regeneration capacity. Sudan and Panicum showed higher biomass yield quality and performance; therefore, these grasses should be tested in different areas and disseminated to the community by creating awareness about proper management system.