The Utilization of Grassland in East Africa

Abstract

In the article on fodder conservation attention is rightly directed to the wastage involved in the prevalent practice of leaving portions of the rainy season growth to mature in situ. Analyses are quoted showing the detrioration in composition which sets in towards maturity,and reference is made to the losses from fire, dessication and seed production which occur in 'practice. These statements may be read in conjunction with "A Note on Butter Production and Prices" published in this Journal, March 1938 (page 381) in which attention is called to the strongly marked seasonal variation in production of butter in Kenya. "The seasonal range of production is very considerable. exports in the lowest month falling to one-third of the level in the highest month. A large amount of potential production must be lost in the dry seasons." As the author points out, management practices are determined largely by the value of land, by which is meant the real value rather than the commercial value put upon it by speculative activity. This value tends to increase with increase of population and rising standards of living. It is in any case often underestimated and a useful purpose is served by studies which show the way along which live stock husbandry must travel if solid progress is to be achieved