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Empowering the Feed Sector in Kenya- FeedTech Kenya

Empowering the Feed Sector in Kenya- FeedTech Kenya

FeedTechKenya | Partnership

Empowering the Feed Sector in Kenya

Region: Kenya

Sector: Agriculture & Feed

Duration: 2019-2023

Overview

FeedTech Kenya is a groundbreaking initiative focused on improving the feed sector in Kenya to meet the growing demand for animal protein. This project, co-financed by the Dutch government, brings together eight key partners from Kenya and the Netherlands. Together, they aim to close the gap between feed supply and demand, improve feed quality, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Top Achievements

  • Better Feed Quality: Introduced insect-based protein sources to enhance animal feed.
  • Training Farmers: Trained over 500 Kenyan farmers, leading to a 40% improvement in how efficiently they run their operations.
  • Strong Partnerships: Strengthened collaboration between Dutch and Kenyan feed experts.
  • Increased Production: Boosted production capacity with a 30% reduction in post-harvest losses.

Developments in Kenya’s Feed Sector

On December 1, 2019, Kenya's first impact cluster was approved by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Kenya's livestock industry, driven by population growth and changing diets, faces challenges due to the slower progress of its animal feed sector. While the number of registered feed producers has doubled over the last five years, production has only grown by 30%, pointing to inefficiencies. Kenya’s total annual feed production currently stands at about 900,000 tons.

Challenges in the Sector

The feed sector in Kenya faces several hurdles, including a shortage of raw materials, limited access to new protein sources, and inefficient transport, storage, and production methods. On top of that, many farmers aren’t aware of the benefits of using high-quality feed or the risks associated with poor storage and feeding practices.

The Impact Cluster

The FeedTech Kenya consortium is made up of leading organizations from both the Netherlands and Kenya:

  • Aeres Training Centre International: Provides training in green sector industries.
  • Almex Extrusion Techniques: Shares best practices in extrusion technology.
  • Ottevanger Milling Engineers: Demonstrates solutions in feed storage and milling.
  • Unga Farm Care Ltd: Produces high-quality fish feed in Nairobi.
  • Insectipro: Uses Black Soldier Fly larvae as an alternative protein source.
  • Nutreco Africa: Offers expertise in animal and fish feed nutrition.
  • Larive International: Manages project coordination and communication.
  • Lattice: Handles local project management and key interventions.

Strategic Interventions

Lattice played a critical role in managing the project locally, with efforts focused on:

  • Conducting trials using insect-based feed to test its effectiveness.
  • Demonstrating best practices for feed production and usage.
  • Running workshops and training sessions to transfer knowledge directly to farmers.

Economic Impact

FeedTech Kenya has significantly improved Kenya’s feed production capacity. By introducing innovative feed practices and new protein sources, the quality and availability of animal feed have improved, boosting both livestock and aquaculture industries. These advancements have contributed to the growth of a sector that adds more than USD 3.1 billion to Kenya’s economy.

Quote from Lattice

Sharon Nzula - Project Coordinator, Lattice:
"By focusing on practical training and innovative feed solutions, we’ve empowered farmers to improve their productivity and sustainability, driving growth in Kenya’s livestock and aquaculture sectors."

Conclusion

FeedTech Kenya has successfully tackled many of the challenges in Kenya’s feed sector, thanks to the diverse expertise of its partners. The project has improved feed quality, boosted farmers' knowledge, and strengthened partnerships between Kenyan and Dutch experts. These efforts are helping Kenya’s livestock and aquaculture sectors meet the rising demand for animal protein, driving economic growth and food security in the region. Through this initiative, Lattice Consulting has played a vital role in training farmers on feed formulation and advancing the country's feed industry.