13/08/2026
From Fodder Production to Feedlot Farming: Malka Bisanadhi Women Build Resilience Through Livestock Value Addition
For generations, pastoralism has been the mainstay of livelihoods for communities in Kinna, Isiolo County. However, recurrent droughts, unpredictable weather patterns and changing livestock markets have increasingly exposed pastoral households to economic and food-security challenges. In response, communities are embracing innovative approaches that diversify livelihoods, improve livestock productivity and strengthen resilience to climate-related shocks. One such example is the Malka Bisanadhi Women Kinna Group, which is transforming fodder production into a growing feedlot enterprise.
Established in 2008, the group has 25 members, comprising 18 women, seven men and six youth. It initially engaged in catering and entertainment services before diversifying into agripastoral farming, poultry keeping, fish farming, horticulture and fodder production. According to Chairlady Makai Mamo, the diversification was driven by the need to develop sustainable sources of income as traditional pastoralism became increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks. “We have been trying different activities to improve our livelihoods because we can no longer depend entirely on traditional pastoralism. Diversification has helped us remain productive even when weather conditions are unfavourable,” she says.
The group's experience with fodder production gained momentum following severe droughts, particularly the 2013 drought, which affected livestock and household incomes. In 2019, the County Government of Isiolo, through the Department of Agriculture, trained members on fodder production. Armed with the new skills, the group produced about 500 bales of fodder, each selling at KES 400 and generating nearly KES 200,000. The initiative demonstrated the economic potential of fodder farming while providing an important source of feed during dry periods. “The drought taught us an important lesson. We realized that producing our own fodder could help us keep livestock during dry periods while also generating income,” Makai says.
Despite the success, the group and other fodder producers faced challenges accessing reliable markets for their hay. This prompted members to explore feedlot farming as a way of creating a ready market for fodder while improving livestock productivity. Through capacity-building support from the County Government of Isiolo, Kenya RAPID+ through CRS and other development partners, members received training on animal selection, feed formulation, disease prevention, animal handling, record keeping and feedlot management. They also participated in exposure visits, including a learning tour to Kajiado County, where they observed successful feedlot enterprises. “We used to think feedlots were only for wealthy investors, but after visiting Kajiado, we realized that feedlot farming is an economically viable business that can be adopted by community groups like ours,” Makai explains.
Building on the knowledge acquired, the group constructed a feedlot facility and acquired an initial stock of 25 Galla goats for fattening over a three-month production cycle. Members also partnered with Nasole Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) to access financing for purchasing additional animals. The feedlot model enables the group to control feeding, monitor animal health and prepare livestock for the market within a defined production period. According to the group's Vice Chairperson, Hussein Hassan, the approach offers a more predictable alternative to conventional pastoral production. “Feedlot farming allows us to control feeding, closely monitor animal health, and prepare livestock for the market in a more predictable and profitable manner,” he says.
The initiative is also attracting interest from other producer groups and financial institutions seeking to replicate the model. Nasole SACCO is exploring opportunities to expand feedlot and fodder production among its members, with plans involving eight groups that will utilize approximately 300 acres of land. Mohammed Hayota, a representative of Nasole SACCO, says the initiative comes at an opportune time as new livestock market opportunities emerge in Isiolo and the wider region. “We appreciate working with women-led groups because they are focused and committed. We are positioning ourselves to take advantage of emerging livestock markets where demand for quality animals will continue to grow,” he says. Meanwhile, Livestock Production Officer in Kinna, Hussein Jirma, says the County Government continues to provide technical support in fodder production, feedlot management, livestock health, vaccination, deworming, feed formulation and market linkages.
As Malka Bisanadhi Women Group expands its feedlot enterprise, its experience demonstrates how climate-smart livestock investments can strengthen pastoral livelihoods. By linking fodder production with livestock fattening, the group is creating a local value chain that addresses feed shortages, generates income, improves livestock quality and strengthens access to markets. The initiative also illustrates how women and youth can play a leading role in transforming traditional livestock systems into commercially viable and climate-resilient enterprises in Isiolo County.
