CW-School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development

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1st biennial international conference proceedings on bridging the gap between society, science and industry
(Kenyatta University, 2014-11) Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Kariuki, George; Mwangi, Maina; Gichaga, Cyrus
PREFACE Africa’s greatest hope for development and freedom from poverty is closely linked to the performance of the agriculture sector. Agricultural higher education institutions (HEIs) have critical roles to play in developing well trained manpower to support a thriving agriculture sector that effectively addresses Africa’s needs for food, employment, income and other benefits derived from agricultural activities. However, African HEIs face the common challenges of diminishing resources, diminishing interest in agriculture careers, weak linkages to industry and other stakeholders of the development process, and a constant need to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of society. To extend efforts in addressing the challenges facing agriculture higher education institutions, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED) at Kenyatta University resolved to organise and host a Biennial Conference (every two years). This is an important forum for various stakeholders to share and exchange their knowledge and experiences, and a platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development. This first conference was organised in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Horticulture Association of Kenya (HAK), with support from the German Academic Exchange Foundation (DAAD). The conference brought together local and international Scholars, Researchers, representatives of public and private sector, development partners, Non-governmental organisations, and Community based organisations, industry and development practitioners, farmers associations and representatives, among others. The deliberations centred on innovative approaches for strengthening the interaction of academia, researchers and industry to more effectively address the needs of African small scale farmers, consumers and other members of society. Core to the theme of the conference was recognition of a need to develop a generation of agricultural researchers and agroentrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century. This book presents the Proceedings of the 1st SAED Biennial International conference that was held from 30th November to 5th December, 2014 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. It is therefore with great pleasure that we launch the Proceedings of the 1st School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development International Biennial Conference that was held in Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya from 30th November to 5th December, 2014. The five days Conference under the theme “Bridging the gap between the Society, Science and Industry” featured a rich mix of keynote addresses, technical papers and poster presentations, exhibitions, plenary panel discussions and field excursion. The organizing committee members representing Kenyatta University, AGRA, the University of Nairobi, Horticulture Association of Kenya, DAAD, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and other stakeholders worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the conference. The commitment, diversity of ideas and resources contributed by the various stakeholders in the committee significantly increased the quality of deliberations and eased the task of organizing the conference. The opportunity to host celebrated Pan-African and global scholars, the next generation of young researchers, policy makers and opinion shapers, innovators and industry practitioners was a great motivation to deliver a high quality conference. The committee greatly thanks Kenyatta University Management, Conference Organizers, Collaborators, Sponsors, Participants, Government of Kenya and all other stakeholders for their valuable contributions towards the success of the forum. We particularly thank the then Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Felix Koskei for officially opening the conference. We are delighted to have worked together to organize this conference successfully.
2nd biennial international conference on enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems
(Kenyatta University, 2016-11) Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Willy, Daniel Kyalo; Nguhiu, Purity; Gichaga, Cyrus
PREFACE The agricultural sector remains a key pillar to economic development in SubSaharan Africa and other developing regions. In Kenya for instance, agriculture is one of the key sectors, accounting for 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector also accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya’s total exports and provides more than 18% and 75% of formal and informal employment respectively. The growth of the national economy is therefore highly correlated with agricultural growth and development. The sector is however faced by a battery of challenges, limiting its potential to play this critical role. The challenges include limited use of modern agricultural technologies extreme weather events, deterioration in soil fertility, post harvest losses and poor access to agricultural extension services. As a result of these challenges, agricultural productivity has been low and agriculture dependent households continue to be impoverished. It is therefore critical that efforts by the government of Kenya in collaboration with other key stakeholders such as research institutes, universities and other collaborators should focus on addressing these challenges. In line with this agenda, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED), Kenyatta University organizes a Biennial Conference every two years. This offers an opportunity to various stakeholders in Agricultural sector to share and exchange knowledge and experiences. The SAED Biennial conference also provides a platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development and address the challenges affecting the Agricultural sector. The second conference was organized in collaboration with World Vision Kenya. It brought various stake holders in agriculture from Kenya and other African countries. The deliberations centered on the theme “Enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems through science, technology and innovation”. We are therefore pleased to present the book of proceeding of the 2nd SAED Biennial Conference which was held form 29th November to 2nd December, 2016 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference received an overwhelming number of scientific papers cutting across varied themes. These papers are contained in this book of proceedings and therefore will be of interest to wide readership.
Agrifood efficiency marketing system: a case study on macadamia nuts value chain in five selected counties of central Kenya highlands
(2013-07-31) Murioga, Wilfred M.
Analysis of profitability of organic vegetable production system in Kiambu and Kajiado counties of Kenya
(African Crop Science Society, 2013) Ndungu, S.K.; Macharia, I.; Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Though there are many documented reasons that make farmers adopt organic farming system, economic benefits present a major motivation. The study was conducted to analyse the profitability of organic production system as an investment alternative to conventional farming in the two Kenyan Counties of Kiambu and Kijiado so as to appraise its contribution to improvement of rural livelihoods. The study collected data on costs and returns from 208 smallholder vegetable farmers who were composed of 78 organic and 130 conventional farmers. The means of variables of the two samples were compared using chi square, while factors associated with adoption of organic production system were analysed using logistic regression. Factors influencing profitability of organic production system were evaluated using ordinary least square regression. Organic production system was found to have higher gross margins for kales and spinach. Age, farming experience, and number of trainings attended; availability of irrigation, target market selected, production per acre, cost of production and price per unit were found to have a bearing on the profitability of an a given vegetable. In addition, age, farming experience, irrigation, land ownership and County of residence were found to be associated with adoption of organic vegetable production system.
Banana Farming in Kenya: Options for Rejuvenating Productivity
(Ruforum, 2010) Mwangi, M.; Mbaka, J.; Adipala, E.; Tusiime, G.; Majaliwa, J.G.M.
Bananas constitute an important component of farm enterprises in the mid altitudes of central and eastern provinces of Kenya. In recent years the crop has steadily gained importance over traditional cash crops, e.g. coffee, and various short season horticultural crops grown mostly for export markets. Despite its increasing importance, the crop’s production faces intractable constraints. Interventions have previously focused on increasing availability of healthy seedlings and strengthening farmer capacity to manage pests. Recent indications are that there is need to re-think current approaches to enhancing productivity. Interventions should consider creating micro-financing and value addition opportunities, and extending technologies to cope with climate change effects.
Baseline report on the status of Agricultural training in higher education institutions in Zimbabwe
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Musundire, R.; Mwangi, M.; Mugabe, F.T.; Maboreke, K.M.
Resource constraints in Sub Saharan Africa universities necessitate interventions to strengthen quality of teaching to produce qualified agricultural graduates. The objective of this study was to identify opportunities and ways to improve curricula and teaching capacity for agriculture training in Zimbabwean universities. Data were collected from nine universities from 30 randomly selected students and teaching staff members who responded through self administered questionnaires specific for each category. Most students (90%) studying agriculture were below the age of 25 years. Female students (80%) preferred non-field based specializations such as Food Sciences and Agribusiness. Across all universities 60% of teaching staff had master degrees as highest qualification with 80% being males. Overall, 59% of academics were involved in reviewing curriculum at departmental level. However, 49 % were not adequately capacitated in pedagogy despite the fact that 66 % of respondents acknowledged presence of training programmes at their institutions. In conclusion, effective agricultural training in Zimbabwean universities is limited by gender bias which is in favour of males compared to females leading to preferential selections of disciplines by female students and lack of adequately trained staff members both in their academic disciplines and pedagogy.
Cadmium Uptake and Distribution to Edible Organs in African Indigenous Vegetables
(Tropentag, 2015) Onyuka, Enos; Husen, Wilhelm van; Nambafu, Godfrey N.; Bessler, Holger; Andika, Darius O.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Mwonga, Samuel; Ulrichs, Christian; Engels, Christof
Cadmium (Cd) is toxic to humans. The most important source for dietary intake is consumption of plant products, whereby Cd concentrations in leafy vegetables are particularly high. In periurban areas, soils are often contaminated with Cd. Thus, recommendations to increase vegetable consumption should consider species-specific uptake and allocation to edible plant organs. Cadmium uptake and distribution within plant was compared in various species to derive recommendations for vegetable production on contaminated soils. Four African indigenous vegetable species (African Nightshade Solanum scabrum, amaranth Amaranthus cruentus, cowpea Vigna unguiculata, spider plant Cleome gynandra), and a standard species commonly grown in Asia (Pak Choi Brassica rapa chinensis) were grown in nutrient solution at three Cd-concentrations: 0.1 (low), 1.0 (moderate) and 2.5 μM Cd (high contamination). Biomass and mineral nutrient concentrations were measured in roots, leaves, stems and lateral branches. Growth was little affected by Cd supply with the exception of amaranth and cowpea. In these species, growth of shoot organs was substantially reduced at moderate and high supply. Growth depression was associated with low leaf iron concentrations indicating Cd-induced iron deficiency. In all species Cd concentrations were higher in roots than in shoot organs, which is in accordance with xylem loading being an important barrier for Cd distribution within plants. At moderate and high supply, Cd concentrations in shoot organs strongly differed among species. Concentrations were particularly low in cowpea, and high in amaranth and African Nightshade. Low Cd concentrations in shoot organs of cowpea were associated with low apparent uptake and translocation rates of Cd from roots to shoots. At all rates of Cd supply, Cd density in edible organs was significantly influenced by species. Cadmium density was particularly low in cowpea and Pak Choi. Based on a vegetable dish of 250 g fresh mass, best choice of species reduced Cd intake by 0.1 mg at low supply (amaranth versus African Nightshade), 0.7 mg at moderate (cowpea versus African Nightshade) and 1.7 mg at high Cd supply (cowpea versus
Communicating and publishing research: Developing and strengthening journals
(INASP, 2016) Maina, Mwangi
Comparing Initial Performance of Macropropagated, Tissue Cultured and Naturally Regenerated Banana Seedlings
(Elewa.org, 2011) Kasyoka, M.R.
Objective: Banana is an important crop for food security and income generation in Kenya. It is also used as fodder especially during the dry season when feed resources are less available. Production of the crop faces many challenges, among them poor seedlings supply systems. Tissue culture was introduced in Kenya about ten years ago but its adoption is still low, largely due to high cost of seedlings as a result of high production cost. There are also few private sector players in the tissue culture sector. As a result farmers have continued to rely on natural regeneration methods to obtain planting suckers. This method is slow and in most cases does not yield adequate planting materials. Macropropagation technology was introduced in Kenya in 2008, but has had only limited evaluation in the country. An ongoing study is evaluating this technology, partly to compare the performance of seedlings from different propagation methods. Methodology and results: Ten seedlings of each method were planted and their establishment evaluated in a field at Kenyatta University Kenya. Initial growth parameters are to be monitored over a period of six months. Data is being recorded on the number of leaves, diameter of the stem from a point initially ten centimeters above the ground, and height of the plantlets recorded at two weeks interval. Results showed that tissue culture seedling have high growth rate initially while naturally regenerated suckers have the least growth rate. The growth rate of macropropagated seedlings was not significantly lower compared to tissue cultures, and maintained a consistent trend over time. Applications of findings: The preliminary findings of this study show that macropropagated seedlings respond the same as tissue cultured seedlings during the early stages of establishment after transplanting. The slow establishment of naturally regenerated suckers was to an extent due to absence of leaves that had been pruned when transplanting.
Crop Water Productivity and Economic Return of Rain Fed Potato-Legume Intercropping Systems
(University of Montenegro, 2020) Gitari, Harun I.; Kamau, Solomon; Nyawade, Shadrack
Reliance on rain-fed potato-legume intercropping systems among resource constrained smallholder farmers is usually ineffective without considering their economic viability. A field experiment conducted at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, in the growing seasons of 2014 to 2016 evaluated the effect of intercropping potato with legumes on soil moisture content (SMC), evapotranspiration (ET), potato equivalent yield (PEY), net income and crop water productivity (CWP) based on PEY (CWPPEY) and economic returns (CWPE). The treatments comprised of pure potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) stand (PS), potato-dolichos (Lablab purpureus) (PD), potato-garden pea (Pisum sativum) (PG) and potato-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (PB). Results showed significantly higher SMC values at tuber initiation stage: 77, 69, 67 and 62 mm in PD, PG, PB and PS, respectively. Fresh tuber yield was highest in PS (36 t ha−1) and PD (35 t ha−1) and lowest in PG (29 t ha−1). PEY was higher under intercropping than monocropping systems. The lowest ET values that were recorded in PS (630 mm) and PG (631 mm) differed significantly from those in PB (636 mm) and PD (642 mm). Potato-dolichos was the most profitable cropping system with a net income of 9,174 US$ ha−1 and a BCR of 5.7 compared to PS (7,436 US$ ha−1) with a BCR of 5.1. CWPPEY varied significantly between cropping systems in the order of PD (6.2 kg ha−1 m−3) > PB (4.7 kg ha−1 m−3) > PG (4.3 kg ha−1 m−3) > PS (2.3 kg ha−1 m−3). A similar trend was observed for CWPE with values of between 1.3 US$ ha−1 m−3 for PD and 1.5 US$ ha−1 m−3 for PS. The study shows that dolichos is a viable legume crop that could be integrated into potato cropping systems to improve their CWP without compromising the tuber yield.
Decomposition and Nitrogen Release Rates of Buried Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Residue in a Mollic Phaeozem of Njoro, Kenya
(2010) Mochoge, B. O.; Onwonga, Richard N.; Nakhone, Lenah; Musandu, Amos O.; Lelei, Joyce J.
Synchronization of nutrient release from organic material and nutrient uptake requires a better understanding of plant residue decomposition kinetics. A field experiment was consequently conducted, at field 7 research station of Egerton University, to determine chickpea residue decomposition and N mineralization rates. Fresh chickpea residue, weighing 50 g, was placed in each of the fifteen 7 mm-mesh litterbags measuring 25 × 25 cm. The litter bags were arranged in a randomized complete block design and buried horizontally in the plough layer with five bags per replicate. One bag was randomly retrieved from each replicate after 10, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days. Dry weight of the residue was recorded after oven drying at 70_C for 48 hours. The decomposition (KD) and N release (KN) rate constants were estimated using a single exponential model Yt = Y0 ×e-kt; where: Y0 is the original amount of material applied and Yt the proportion of the initial dry matter or N remaining after a period of time t, in years. The K value was the slope of the linear regression of l_Y verses t. The chickpea residue initially decomposed rapidly with 67% of the original weight being lost within the first 30 days and 80, 94% by 50 and 90 days, respectively. On a logarithmic scale, the calculated KD was -11.05 year-1 and 20 days were required for 50% loss in dry weight. Nitrogen released from the residue followed the same trend as dry weight loss. The calculated KN of the chickpea residue was -3.11 year-1. The cumulative N mineralized, in 30 days, was 18.9 g kg-1 (58%) out of the 32.4 g kg-1 contained in the residue before incorporation in soil. To synchronize nutrient release and nutrient demand, the chickpea residue incorporation should therefore be done closer to planting to benefit the subsequent crop.
Determinants of Adoption and Utilisation of Integrated Soil Fertility Management by Small Holders in Central Kenya
(RUFORUM, 2012) Mugwe, J. N.; Mairura, F.; Kimaru-Muchai, S. W.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Mugendi, D.N.
Per capita food production in Africa has been declining over the last two decades, contrary to global trends due to soil fertility decline. The study sought to determine factors that influence adoption and utilization of integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies by smallholder farmers in central Kenya. Two hundred and forty (240) farmers were randomly sampled and data collected through face-to-face interviews. Data were subjected to binary logistic regression to determine factors that could explain adoption and utilization of the ISFM technologies. Results showed that in regard to combined organic and inorganic fertilizers utilisation, positive associations were detected with occupation, farming experience, perception of soil degradation, external assistance, off-farm income, perception of food and cash security, tropical livestock units, and house-hold size. The study concludes that there is need to examine the critical role that socio-economic variables contribute in the farming system during the development of ISFM
Determinants of Pesticide Handling Practices in Vegetable Production in Kenya.
(2012-04-12) Macharia, Ibrahim;
Development of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) value chain under Governments of Kenya, Germany and Israel trilateral arrangement for increased aquaculture production and conservation of dwindling stocks of Lake Victoria, Kenya
(2013-10) Ngugi, Charles C.; Di Domenica, L.; Meijberg, A.; Manyala, J.; Bejerano, I.
Combining agriculture initiatives and income generation or wealth creation has been a major challenge in the African continent. The overall aim of Kenya, under the Vision 2030 Economic Pillar, is to promote economic growth through the value chain approach. The Government recognizes that the fisheries sector plays a key role in the national economy especially on food security, poverty reduction and employment creation. Increased demand for fish and increased fishing pressure has compelled the government to prioritize aquaculture as a platform for economic growth. Especially around Lake Victoria aquaculture can relieve the pressure of capture fisheries. In order to realize the potential of aquaculture to the country, the Government of Kenya under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP), invested US$ 85 Million in small-scale fish farming in 2009/2011. As a consequence, Aquaculture production increased from 4,220 to 19,337 MT (from 2007 to 2011) whereas Kenya now is the 4th largest aquaculture producer in Africa, mainly from culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Upon request of the Government of Kenya in 2012, a trilateral agreement was signed between the Governments of Kenya, Germany and Israel to support small-scale aquaculture in the Lake Victoria region. The aim was to enhance knowledge of fish farmers, train trainers and extension officers and establish a center of excellence in aquaculture at Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology (RIAT) in Kisumu. As part of the program, a baseline survey conducted in the counties of the former Nyanza and Western Provinces indicate that the average area per fish farmer in the project area is 500m2. 73% practice monoculture, while polyculture accounts for 27%. Manure (organic) is applied in 61% of the ponds and 60% of the ponds were green, which indicates good pond management. Over 51% of the farmers keep records, though further training is needed on record keeping and financial management. Major challenges are low adaptation of technology, quality of seed and feed, high cost of feed, access to aquaculture inputs and lack of market information. The trilateral project has already shown positive impacts at different levels. The baseline survey identified gaps and needs of farmers, extension officers and future areas of cooperation. Through this on-going collaborative effort, aquaculture in the region will be key to improving the lives of the riparian communities who depend on fish for their livelihood and parallel reduce their dependence on the dwindling stocks from Lake Victoria.
Economic Evaluation of Locally Available Inputs for Soil Fertility Replenishment in the Smallholder Farming Systems of Meru South District, Kenya
(2006-07) Mucheru-Muna, M.; Mugendi, D.N.
Declining land productivity is a major problem facing smallholder farmers in Kenya today. This decline is a result of reduced soil fertility status, which is caused by continuous cultivation of soils without adequate addition of external inputs in form of manures and fertilizers. The low soil fertility contributes enormously to one of the greatest challenges facing farmers in the central highlands of Kenya currently; the inadequate food production for the rapidly growing population. A farmers' participatory trial was established in Meru South District, Kenya in 2000 with the main objective of offering poor resource smallholder farmers feasible soil nutrient replenishment technologies. The results across the seven seasons indicate that, sole tithonia gave the highest grain yield followed closely by tithonia with half recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer with 6.4 and 6.3 Mg/ha respectively. Control treatment gave the lowest yield of 1.5 Mg/ha across the seasons. The integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources of N gave higher maize grain yield as compared to the sole application of organic materials during the seven seasons of the study. Results of the economic analysis indicate that, on average across the seven seasons, tithonia with half recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer recorded the highest (USD 787.2) net benefit while control recorded the lowest (USD 271.7). On the other hand recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer gave the highest (USD 12.5) return to labour while sole tithonia gave the lowest (USD 4.0). On average in the farmers' fields, manure alone gave the highest return to labour of USD 3.6, while the control treatment gave the lowest return to labour of USD -0.2. Despite the fact that tithonia had the lowest return to labour in the demonstration site, most farmers in the study area were willing to try it in their farms. This could be due to its to local availability and the low opportunity cost of farmers' time.
Effect of a cowpea intercrop on maize yield and nutrient use efficiency in the coastal lowlands and semi-arid parts of Kenya
(1999) Mochoge, B. O.; Onwonga, Richard N.
To establish maize yield responses to N and P fertilizer and to manure, cowpeas were intercropped with maize in the drier zones of Kenya. The experiments were conducted over five seasons at six trial sites, in the coastal lowlands and in semi-arid parts of Kenya. M maize yields were significantly increased by the use of N and P and manure. Maize yields increased (P = 0.05) with the cowpea intercrop along the coastal lowlands, with increases ranging between 11 and 26%, while maize yields in the hinterlands were greatly reduced (18-36%), probably due to competition for environmental resources. Cowpea yields were generally low and unaffected by fertilizers or intercropping. The maize sole crop used N better than maize in the cowpea- maize intercrop, which in turn used P better than maize alone.
The Effect of Gender on the Adoption of Agricultural Innovations: The Case of Improved Cotton Technology in Kenya
(Tropentag, 2013-09) Bett, E.K.; Muriithi, A.G.; Kinyanjui, C.
The Government of Kenya has identified cotton as a key sub-sector in the Vision 2030 which is a vehicle for accelerating transformation of the country into a rapidly industriali- sing middle-income nation by the year 2030. The sector has potential to benefit 8 million people in production, ginning, marketing and other activities along the value chain. Since the crop thrives well in dry areas of the country with limited alternative opportunities for development, it is being promoted in Kenya on poverty-reduction grounds and to spur economic development in these areas. The country has potential of producing 300,000 bales of lint while the local demand is 200,000 bales per year to meet the annual local fabric demand of over 225 million square meters. In the past, lint production has stagnated at 20,000 bales, produced from 30,000 hectares under rain fed cotton production with pro- duction ranging from 400 to 600kg of seed cotton per hectare. Over ninety percent of this production is realised from small scale producers who own less than two hectares of land. Data on the adoption of cotton varieties and inorganic fertilisers were collected through a national survey of cotton farmers carried out between March and November 2012. A three stage clustered, randomised procedure was used to select a representative sample of 500 farmers located in 50 villages throughout the country. The results from this survey suggest that gender-linked differences in the adoption of modern cotton varieties and inorganic fer- tilisers result from gender-linked differences in access to complementary inputs. This study further proposes the enactment of a policy that will ensure better access of complementary inputs to women especially extension services, land and labour
Effects of Banana Varieties in Central and Eastern Kenya on Macropropagation Technique
(Agroforestry, 2011) Kasyoka, M.R.; Mwangi, M.; Kori, N.; Mbaka, J.; Gitonga, N.
Kenyans obtain most of their food, livelihood, employment and foreign exchange from the agricultural sector. Banana contribution toward this cannot be over looked. Recently banana has become an important cash crop, especially in Central and Eastern Kenya where income from traditional crops especially coffee has drastically reduced. However, banana industry is faced by many challenges among them lack of clean planting materials. Natural .regeneration is inadequate and associated with high risk .of pest and disease spread while tissue culture plantlets are priced above what will be affordable for many small-scale farmers who are the main, stake holders. Macropropagation technology relies on affordable and simple methodology and can be done easily, with adequate training. This. has been used in other countries; Cameroon, and Nigeria' to increase seedling at farm level. The question is whether this technology can be used to propagate local banana genotypes. To answer this, macropropagation chambers were set in different location in Central and Eastern districts namely: Mathioya, Kirinyanga East, Embu East, Meru Central and Imenti South. Fifteen corms of four different varieties (Kampala, Cavendish, Sweet banana and kiganda) were initiated in sawdust media in a chamber which humidity and temperature was increased. Data was collected on earliness of sucker initiation and the number of suckers' (plantlet) of the first 5 corms per variety. In all the six sites, there was a significance variety difference on the number of days from corm planting to sucker initiation; with Kampala variety taking shortest time and had more plantlets per corm while Sweet banana took the longest time and had few plantlets. The response clearly indicated that the 4 varieties can be propagated through this technology to boost seedlings availability, banana production and food security in Kenya.
Effects of companion crops on population dynamics of maize lethal necrosis disease vectors in Bomet County, Kenya
(2015-06) Namikoye, E. S.; Kariuki, G.; Kinyua, Z. M.; Githendu, M. W.; Kasina, M.
Maize is the most consumed staple food crop in Kenya with a per capita of 110kg. It is equally an important commercial crop particularly in high potential areas. Currently, the presence of Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) has constrained its production. The disease is challenging to manage because it is a co-infection of maize by two viruses, the Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus, which are vectored mainly by C0111 thrips iFrankliniella Williamsi) and C0111 leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis), respectively. This study was carried out to assess the potential for companion crops to act as traps or repellents for these vectors, thus contributing to vector management. Trials were carried out in fanners' fields in Bomet County. Treatments included Napier, coriander, millet, sorghum and maize, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates for two seasons, November 2014- April 2015 and April-August 2015. Each crop was planted either as an intercrop or a border crop with maize as the main crop. We present results from the first season. There were significant differences (P
Effects of phosphorus sources on soybean yield in central highlands of Kenya
(2012) Mugwe, J. N.; Abuli, Jackson Sianje; Mugendi, D.N.
Farmers in Central highland Kenya continue to experience depressed land productivity and incomes mainly due to their farms’ low soil fertility status. Fertilizer costs have remained high beyond the reach of many farmers. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) is espoused as appropriate in intervention. Integration of legumes into smallholder farming system is one of the ISFM options. Using legumes can minimize nitrogen fertilizer requirement while improving farmers’ incomes and food security. Soybean is a versatile legume fixing more nitrogen (N) than most grain legumes but it s production has not received adequate attention in spite of its huge demand and short supply in the country. The most limiting nutrient in soybean production is phosphorus (P), critical in soybean growth but is limited in the central highlands, needing replenishment. The study done at Kigogo in Meru South District and Kamujine in Tigania East District assessed selected sources of P. The sources of P were Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), Minjingu rock phosphate, Mavuno fertilizer, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), manure and fortified manure (Manure with Minjingu fertilizer at 1:1 ratio) all providing 30 kg P ha-1. The trial was carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) having four replications with a plot size of 4.0 m by 4.5 m, being done in two seasons. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) (p=0.05). Results showed DAP and Mavuno were among the best sources of Phosphorus. Farmers have an opportunity to enhance soybean production through use of either DAP or Mavuno fertilizer. The study recommends consistent use of manure in central highland farms alongside DAP and Mavuno use.

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