African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6941

Full Length Research Paper

Estimation of forage biomass in mobile livestock systems using GIS and remote sensing

Anne Atieno Ochieng
  • Anne Atieno Ochieng
  • Livestock Efficiency Enhancement Group (LEEG), Department of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Maseno University, Private Bag 40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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Chrilukovian Bwire Wasike
  • Chrilukovian Bwire Wasike
  • Livestock Efficiency Enhancement Group (LEEG), Department of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Maseno University, Private Bag 40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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Caroline Celina Wambui
  • Caroline Celina Wambui
  • Livestock Efficiency Enhancement Group (LEEG), Department of Animal and Fisheries Sciences, Maseno University, Private Bag 40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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Herbert Lwangu Chamwada
  • Herbert Lwangu Chamwada
  • Department of Geography and Natural Resources, Maseno University, Private Bag 40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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Jennifer Vera Atieno
  • Jennifer Vera Atieno
  • Department of Environmental Science, Maseno University, Private Bag 40105, Maseno, Kenya.
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  •  Received: 18 February 2025
  •  Accepted: 10 April 2025
  •  Published: 30 April 2025

Abstract

The availability of quality forages is critical in ruminant systems, but it is influenced by forage type, management, and climatic conditions. This study estimated forage biomass in Usonga and Bunyala North Wards (Siaya and Busia counties) from September to December 2021 and February to April 2022 using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS). GIS mapping determined the vegetative index and forage biomass, which were then used to calculate carrying capacity (CC) and stocking rate. The vegetative index ranged from -0.01 to 0.84, with higher values (-0.34 to 0.84) observed in Usonga. Monthly forage biomass varied from 0.266 (November 2021) to 0.398 t/ha (April 2022), with no significant differences between wards or months. The CC (0.11-0.16 TLU/ha/month) was slightly below the optimal range (0.15-0.20 TLU/ha/month), while the stocking rate was 3.21 TLU/ha/year. This study highlights the potential of GIS and RS for biomass estimation and sustainable forage management. Although biomass, CC, and stocking rate showed no regional or seasonal differences, regular biomass assessment can enhance decision-making on stocking rates and CC, promoting sustainable grazing management.

Key words: Satellite imagery, ruminant grazing systems, pastoral systems, QGIS.

Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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