Climate smart technologies appropriate for livestock keepers

Kenya’s livestock sector faces acute vulnerability to climate change. Recurring droughts, erratic rainfall, land degradation and disease outbreaks threaten livestock productivity, food security and rural livelihoods.

Climate-smart technologies refer to innovative solutions that help mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts, specifically in agriculture and livestock production. Livestock is often the "villain" in climate narratives, and these technologies transition the sector into a potential climate solution. These technologies aim to:

• Enhance livestock productivity
• Help farmers and communities adapt to climate-related stresses
• Minimize greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation

Weather-Smart Livestock Housing

Building climate-resilient housing for livestock to protect them from extreme weather conditions. Weather‑smart livestock housing combines passive design (shade, orientation, ventilation), low‑cost cooling/insulation, water and feed planning, and simple sensors to cut heat stress, disease risk, and feed losses

Biogas Digesters

A biogas digester is a sealed tank where anaerobic digestion breaks down livestock waste to produce methane-rich biogas and a nutrient‑rich slurry (biofertilizer). Biogas digesters convert livestock waste into clean cooking/farm energy and organic fertilizer, cutting methane emissions and fuel costs for farmers, a practical, climate‑smart option that also improves sanitation and soil fertility.

Quick decision table for choosing a digester for livestock farms

Climate-Resilient Livestock Breeds

Kenya’s diverse agro-ecological zones necessitate livestock breeds that can withstand harsh climatic conditions, resist diseases and maintain productivity under stress. Advanced genetic tools have been used to breed indigenous livestock that emit less methane and are more resilient to climate change. Some of these breeds are:

The Boran and Sahiwal breeds are predominant in fattening operations and feedlots, valued for their resilience and meat quality. Sahiwal cattle, in particular, are gaining popularity among pastoralists in due to their adaptability, high-quality milk and beef production. Red Maasai sheep and Galla goats offer drought resistance and parasite immunity. Camels are increasingly promoted in northern counties for their ability to thrive in extreme drought and provide milk and meat.

The adoption of climate-resilient breeds has led to increased productivity, higher market prices, and improved household incomes. For example, farmers using improved breeds in feedlot can earn between KES 10,000 and 15,000 per cow after expenses. Crossbreeding can double the price of sheep and goats compared to local breeds, with significant reductions in disease incidence and mortality.

Feeding Systems and Fodder Innovations

Feeding systems are central to climate-smart livestock, addressing both productivity and environmental sustainability. Implementing concentrate feeding and fodder management practices is necessary to reduce emissions and improve livestock yield.

Several Integrated and Climate-Smart Feeding Models can be employed:

Intensive feedlots confine cattle for 75–180 days, feeding them formulated rations of grains, cottonseed cakes, and supplements to achieve daily weight gains of 1–2 kg. Semi-intensive systems combine grazing on improved pastures (e.g., Boma Rhodes, Lucerne) with supplementary feeding, reducing grazing pressure and improving feed conversion efficiency. Extensive systems are increasingly supplemented with crop residues and conserved fodder to buffer against drought.

Agroforestry practices integrate fodder trees such as Leucaena and Prosopis juliflora, providing shade, feed, and soil enrichment. However, overconsumption of Prosopis can cause livestock fatalities, highlighting the need for balanced management.

Fodder banks for established feedlots improve feed availability and market access. Integrating crop-livestock systems and agroforestry can enhance resilience, with crop residues and manure management contributing to soil fertility and carbon sequestration.

Feed cost and performance vary by model, with intensive systems incurring higher daily costs (KES 150–380) but achieving faster weight gains and shorter cycles, while extensive systems have lower cost but slower to market.

Feed formulation technologies, silage storage and feed mixers are increasingly adopted in commercial operations.

Water Management Technologies and Practices

Water harvesting, including rainwater and floodwater capture are appropriate to restore degraded rangelands and provide reliable water for livestock. Structures such as terraces, stone bunds, and brushwood barriers retain water and support vegetation recovery. Mechanized systems like the Vallerani plough enable large-scale micro-catchment creation for tree and grass planting.

Solar-powered irrigation and pumps can leverage abundant solar energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering operational costs. Drip irrigation is used for fodder and kitchen gardens, maximizing water use efficiency.

Water pans and sand dams are critical infrastructure, storing runoff and providing clean water with minimal evaporation.