The ranch has been working together with ICSIAPL project and Taita Taveta Wildlife and Conservation Association for the last two years on improved pasture management and testing suitable fodder crops at scale for cut and carry and hay making. Some of the activities jointly undertaken are:

• Development of a forage-based feeding master plan including utilization of pastures.
• Introduce rotational grazing and land use plans dividing the ranch in 14 grazing blocks. This has helped the conservancy to streamline the grazing operations.
• Introducing zero-visibility movable bomas and reseeding of the natural pasture.
• Capacity building of the ranch on improved grazing practices through training of Board members, management, herders, and the community on holistic grazing practices. Amongst others through visits to Ol Pejeta in Laikipia County and to Narok County.
• Establishment of trial plots (10 acres) of improved fodder varieties for intensified fodder production to determine suitable forage varieties and conservation technologies (for hay or silage making) under local conditions (Cenchrus Ciliaris, Eragrostis Superba, Dolichos lablab, Cowpeas and Panicum Maximum Siambasa).
• Enhanced mechanisation and storage of forages using conservation agriculture and other good agronomic practices.
• Improved linkage with pasture and forage seed suppliers.
• Organisation of field days for learning by shareholders and the wider community.

Key outcomes and impact of the partnership:

• A business strategy based on improved pasture management and sustainable fodder production, assuring year-round access to forage, reducing mortality, and enhancing productivity and profitability of the operations, and leading to a more resilient landscape.
• Benefits for the community through increased dividends for members-shareholders, improved linkages with Mgeno Ranch through field days, trainings, and demonstrations, buying of emaciated animals from the community, sales of hay during excess periods and buying of hay when shortage arise, sales of breeding stock, and enhanced ability of the ranch to provide machine contracting services for the community.
• Implementation of a holistic grazing management plans covering a total of 50,000 areas. Holistic grazing principles are employed during grazing with support of herders.