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By Isabella Maua
Farmers working with Ripple Effect have expressed their gratitude to the organization for sponsoring them with bracharia grass, which has been helpful in cattle and donkey health and nutrition.
During an exclusive interview with Taarifa News at her farm in Kapsogom, Rose Ndiema Sakit, a beneficiary of bracharia grass from Chamtaet Self Help Group, attests that the grass has transformed her life and that of her family.
“When I heard that Ripple Effect had brought bracharia grass to Chamtaet, neither my husband nor I could understand its benefits, but when my friend Gladys told me how her cows produce triple the amount of milk she used to get before, I had no choice but to try,” explained Ndiema.
Robert Kwemoi is a beneficiary of the Chamtaet Self Help Group project since he has learned a lot from his wife, who has been a member of the group for over five years.
He admits that letting his wife join the group has been a non-regrettable venture since his donkeys, cows, and sheep have tripled their productivity since they incorporated bracharia in their diet.
“Were it not for the Ripple Effect, I cannot imagine how life would have been because I had planned to sell all my animals for lack of pasture; however, I am happy to report that my animals are doing extremely well, and I’m planning to buy more,” divulged Kwemoi.
Kennedy Sikiriet, an Animal Health Practitioner working within Chepyuk, Mt. Elgon sub county, reminisced about his first time working with Send a Cow before it rebranded to Ripple Effect.
“Being one of the pioneer practitioners around, we have not only benefitted from diversified knowledge on donkey health, but we have also gotten a lot of experience in bettering the livelihoods of farmers around,” reiterated Sikiriet.
Not only has this bracharia project benefited farmers from Kapsogom, but also Kibagenge Self Help Group from Chepkube can attest to its goodness.
Bracharia grass has most of its varieties taking about four to five months to attain full height, with the nutritive value of forage declining as it matures.
The wonder grass has a crude protein of 12–16% for 25–35 days of nitrogen-fertilized pasture.