Shamba Shape Up Sn 13 - Ep 7: Cattle, Pest & Diseases, Fodder, Goats and Climate Literacy (English)

Summary

The video follows a journey through East Africa, where farmers are celebrated and provided with knowledge to adapt to climate change and increase productivity. Joseph Tokiti, a farmer from Taita Taveta County, faces challenges with scarce rainfall and cattle diseases. Experts offer advice on feeding, deworming, and fodder storage. Weather patterns are discussed, and solutions for fodder scarcity are explored. Joseph's farm is transformed with new feeding and storage practices, and the importance of proper animal healthcare is emphasized.

Takeaways

• 🌱 **Climate Change Impact**: The script highlights how climate change affects farming, particularly in East Africa, causing issues like lack of rain and increased challenges in farming practices.
• 👨‍🌾 **Farmer Empowerment**: The program aims to support farmers by providing them with knowledge to adapt to climate changes and improve farm productivity.
• 🐄 **Cattle Farming Challenges**: It addresses specific challenges in cattle farming, such as feeding difficulties due to scarcity of grass and disease control, particularly due to parasites.
• 📈 **Expert Advice**: Experts are brought in to advise on better cattle management, including proper feeding, disease prevention, and the importance of minerals and water for cattle.
• 💊 **Proper Medication**: The script emphasizes the importance of consulting a vet for livestock treatment instead of self-medicating animals, to avoid health risks and ensure correct treatment.
• 🌿 **Fodder Management**: It provides insights on how to manage fodder, especially in dry conditions, including the proper way to harvest, dry, and store grass as hay or silage.
• 🏡 **Farm Infrastructure**: The importance of having proper farm infrastructure, like a well-maintained shelter for goats, is discussed to protect them from weather and diseases.
• 🌡️ **Weather Variability**: The script points out the variability of weather within close geographical areas and the importance of local weather forecasts for farming activities.
• 📊 **Agricultural Zones**: It introduces the concept of agro-ecological zones and how they affect farming practices, stressing the need for farmers to understand their specific zone for better planning.
• 📞 **信息服务**: The script introduces 'iShamba', a call center service that provides agricultural advice and weather forecasts to help farmers make informed decisions.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the 'Shamba Shape Up' initiative?

The main goal of the 'Shamba Shape Up' initiative is to celebrate hard-working farmers in East Africa, provide them with knowledge to adapt to climate change, and support them in increasing their farm productivity and income.

What challenges do farmers face in Taita Taveta County according to the script?

Farmers in Taita Taveta County face challenges such as lack of rain for the past three years, scarcity of fodder, and diseases caused by parasites like ticks and tsetse flies.

How does Joseph Tokiti, the farmer featured in the script, make money from farming?

Joseph Tokiti makes money from farming primarily by selling his cattle for beef.

What advice does David from CKL Africa give to Joseph regarding cattle feeding?

David from CKL Africa advises Joseph to cut fodder into small pieces, ensure constant access to water for the animals, and provide necessary nutrients including mineral supplements to improve the health and productivity of the cattle.

What is the recommended deworming schedule for cattle as per the script?

The script recommends deworming cattle every three months for calves up to six months old, and every month for calves above six months.

How does the script suggest a farmer can determine the correct dosage of dewormer for their cattle?

The script suggests using a tape measure called a withers band to measure around the gut of the animal, then reading the scale to find the correct dosage of dewormer.

What are the two ways to store excess fodder as mentioned in the script?

The two ways to store excess fodder mentioned in the script are making silage or making hay.

Why is it not advisable for farmers to treat their livestock themselves as per the script?

It is not advisable for farmers to treat their livestock themselves because they might misdiagnose the disease, use the wrong drug, or overdose, which can be fatal to the animal.

What is the importance of goat farming in the context of climate change as discussed in the script?

Goat farming is important in the context of climate change because goats consume less feed and mature faster compared to other animals like cows, making them a more sustainable option in regions with limited resources.

What is the recommended age to sell meat goats for optimal production weight according to the script?

The script recommends selling meat goats when they are about 11 to 12 months old for the best production weight.