By Miriam Makato
POULTRY FARMING HAS gained popularity in Kenya due to the ease in management and fast returns, as compared to other livestock enterprises such as dairy cattle keeping. However, this sector has faced a major challenge-an increase in feed prices, which has caused small scale farmers to reduce the number of birds kept in the farm. This has been the case with Wilson Muindu, a farmer based at Kyai, Kangundo Sub county. The challenge had made him reduce the bird population, up to 20. This situation changed when he learnt about azolla farming for poultry feeding.
Wilson learnt about Azolla farming for the first time through Plant Village and through information from The Organic Farmer Magazine and with support from Hand in Hand East Africa, he established a demonstration plot. “I learnt on how to grow Azolla from The Organic Farmer Magazine, and with the help of Hand in Hand East Africa, I obtained the starting material to establish the farm, which is now a demonstration plot where other farmers come to learn,” says Muindu. Azolla farming has been adapted fast by farmers in Kenya, due to its high protein content and ease of propagation. The
commonly grown azolla variety is Azolla Pinnata. Azolla farming has been done for centuries in Southern China and Northern Vietnam, where it is used as a bio fertilizer and green manure for rice crops due to its Nitrogen fixing ability.
The stages of establishment were as follows:
- A pond was established, measuring 2m by 1.5 m and 1 foot deep. The pond was dug in a shaded area (under a tree) since azolla doesn’t do well in direct sunlight.
- A black polythene paper was placed in the pond, and the edges in the banks covered with soil.
- 10kgs of soil were added into the pond.
- Slurry was also added (1 bucket)-to provide phosphorus, which fastens azolla growth.
- Water was added, up to 15 cm height.
- The pond was left to settle for 3 days
- Azolla (sourced from another farm) was introduced into the pond.
The plants were broken by rubbing in the hands, for faster multiplication.
Management practices when growing azolla include:
- Replacing 25% of the pond water after 10 days, to prevent Nitrogen build up.
- Adding a kilogram of cow dung every week, to provide azolla with phosphorus.
- Ensuring that the water in the pond is not below 10 cm depth, to prevent azolla roots from touching the soil.
- Replace the pond/tank water after 6 months.
Other than feeding azolla for his poultry, Wilson also sells azolla for propagation to farmers, at Ksh 1000 per kilogram. This has boosted the farm’s income. He has also increased the bird population to 40, which is a commendable progress. With increase in poultry feed prices, farmers can grow azolla in the farm as a supplement feed and also earn income. This will increase farm production, and diversification.