C. K. RUTO et al. 369 PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION OF THE PRODUCTION AND UTILISATION OF IMPROVED FORAGES UNDER DIFFERENT FERTILISER REGIMES, KEIYO DISTRICT RUTO 1 C. K, F.N. MUYEKHO 2 , S.C. RONO 2 , R.M.ONYANGO 2 D.K. BUNYATTA 1 and E. NYAMBATI 2 1 Ministry of Agriculture, Keiyo District, P.O. Box 249, Iten, Kenya 2 Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, P. O. Box 450, Kitale, Kenya ABSTRACT High quality forage grasses and legumes were introduced in Anin sub-location, Keiyo district through on farm demonstrations to improve soil fertility and livestock performance. The forages evaluated were Desmodium uncinatum, D. intortum, Medicago sativa, Vicia sativa, Calopogonium muconoides, Arachis pintoi; 2 cultivars of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and one of Rye grass (Lolium multiflorum). In addition, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic amendments and combinations of organic manures and inorganic fertilisers on napier grass production. Rhodes grass, napier grass and desmodium were also established for a feeding experiment. The objectives of the feeding trial was to enhance farmers' perception of utilisation of improved forages and hence encourage their adoption. Napier grass dry matter yields from organic manures, combinations of organic and inorganic fertilisers and recommended inorganic fertiliser rate were not significantly (P>0.05) different though they were all significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control. Although there were no significant (P>0.05) milk yield differences as a result of the three different diets used during the first two years of the experiment, farmers reported that there was an increase in milk production and time saved on herding. Key words: Improved forages, inorganic fertilisers, organic manures, milk yield INTRODUCTION Livestock industry contributes about 26% of the total agricultural production in Kenya (Kenya Government, 1994). Dairy farming is the most important enterprise of the livestock sector. It provides milk for human consumption, creates employment and also provides constant income and manure for smallhold farmers (Rees et al., 1998). Smallhold farmers owning less than 10 ha of land produce more than 80% of the total milk sold in the formal market (Mbogoh; 1992; Muriuki, 1992). These farmers practice mixed farming and have limited land and capital resources. In Keiyo District (Rift Valley Province), 82% of the farming community own less than 0.8 ha of land and keep cross breed dairy cows in addition to growing food crops. Milk production on these farms average between 3- 6 and less than 3 litres/day during the wet and dry seasons, respectively compared to more than 10 litres/day for the cross-breed cows (Nyambati, 1997). Inadequate nutrition limit dairy cattle production on smallholder farms in the district. Cattle depend mainly on unimproved natural pastures and agricultural by-products. These feed resources are inadequate in terms of quantity and quality especially during the dry season. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has conducted studies which have identified high yielding forages and has developed agronomic practices that could increase forage yields per unit area (Wandera, 1995). These studies have also shown that when legumes are grown in association with grasses, they not only improve the nutritive value of grasses but also improve soil fertility. Adoption of such technologies on smallholder farms ensures increased and sustainable animal production, enhanced soil fertility and reduced grazing pressure on the land, thus reducing soil erosion on smallholder farms.