RP-School of Agriculture And Enterprise Development

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Addressing challenges in communicating adaptation practices to smallholder farmers in Kenya through a radio intervention
(Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare (IAO), 2017) Mwaniki, Fiona; Gichuki, Charity; Mwangi, Maina; Mburia, Pamela; Wandago, Benson O.
Farmers in Africa are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their high dependency on climate-sensitive natural resources. Kenyan farmers are faced with limited public agricultural extension services, narrowing their sources of useful information including adaptive strategies that would help them cope with the impacts of climate change. Radio can be an effective extension tool with the ability to reach many farmers in their local language. This study investigated the potential of radio in influencing the utilization of climate change information by farmers in Kilifi County, located along the Kenyan coast. Education and communication about climate change was undertaken using radio to make available and understandable information to different social and cultural groups. This study revealed that radio can effectively complement other agricultural extension methods and has the potential to engage farmers on climate change issues and motivate them to take action, if appropriate approaches are used. Although very few of the farmers surveyed (33%) reported to have listened to the programs, a high percentage (82%) of those who did implemented the recommended strategies and technologies they heard. The major challenges reported by farmers to accessing the radio programs were lack of a radio and unsuitable program timing. An additional reported challenge was the inability to store or record the programs resulting in farmers relying on their own recollection when implementing strategies. Further research should explore the use of social learning approaches that encourage group rather than individual listenership (such as community listening clubs and community-based radio schools) to overcome these challenges.
Adoption and Intensity of Integrated Agriculture Aquaculture among Smallholder Fish Farmers in Kenya
(Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023) Fonda, Jane Awuor; Macharia, Ibrahim Ndegwa; Mulwa, Richard Mbithi
This paper examined the adoption and intensity of using integrated agriculture aquaculture (IAA) among smallholder fish farming households in Kenya. The analysis was based on crossectional farm-level data collected from four counties in Kenya: Nyeri, Kakamega, Siaya, and Busia. Results showed that risk plays a central role in farmers’ decisions through the direct effect of the sample moments of the profit distribution. Specifically, the first moment (mean profit) had a highly significant positive effect on the adoption and intensity of IAA. Profit variability, as reflected by the second moment, negatively impacted adoption and the intensity of IAA. Other factors that were important in IAA adoption included the proportion of economically active members, full-time land ownership, awareness of IAA, accessibility to irrigation, and flat farm topography, all of which were statistically significant in influencing IAA adoption positively. Other factors which were found to influence the intensity of IAA positively and significantly were: age, education level, number of economically active members, full-time land ownership, awareness of IAA, flat farm topography, and clay soil type. Thus, IAA should be promoted alongside farmers’ education, farm size, access to affordable and accessible credit, number of farm enterprises, and IAA awareness as a mechanism for enhancing smallholder IAA adoption and intensity of use.
Adoption Intensity of Selected Organic-Based Soil Fertility Management Technologies in the Central Highlands of Kenya
(Frontiers, 2022) Mwaura, George G.; Kiboi, Milka N.; Bett, Eric K.; Mugwe, Jayne N.; Muriuki, Anne; Nicolay, Gian; Ngetich, Felix K.
Soil fertility decline continues to be a major challenge limiting agricultural productivity globally. Despite the novelty of organic-based technologies in enhancing agricultural production in Kenya’s central highlands, adoption is low. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional household survey of 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers to determine the specific organic-based practices by farmers; and the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the data and the Tobit regression model to evaluate the socioeconomic determinants of adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We identified nine organic-based technologies that had different adoption rates among the farmers. The majority of the farmers had adopted manure (97%) and manure combined with fertilizer (92%) in Murang’a and Tharaka-Nithi, respectively. Manure was applied to the largest land in Murang’a with 31% of the cultivated land. In comparison, manure combined with fertilizer had the highest adoption intensity in Tharaka-Nithi applied to about 25% of the cultivated land. Gender, age of the household head, level of education, household size, access to external labor, training, Tropical Livestock Unit, agriculture group membership, access to credit, land cultivated, and farming experience influenced the adoption intensity of organic-based technologies among smallholder farmers. Based on the smallholder farmers’ adoption behavior, this study can be used to disaggregate the farming households better in order to tailor specific organic-based soil fertility technologies solutions that meet their unique needs. One group would be those households that face specific constraints, as reflected in their low adoption rates, women-headed households and older farmers, and thus require more targeted / intensive efforts to overcome these barriers. The other group would be those households that require less focus because, when confronted with the technologies, they are more likely to adopt them easily, for example, the male-headed households. Hence, the smallholder farmers’ adoption behavior, can enable policymakers to form a base for designing appropriate policies that encourage the adoption of organic-based soil fertility technology by smallholder farmers.
Adoption of Climate-Smart Droughttego® Varieties in Kenya
(ajfad, 2019) Muinga, G; Marechera, G; Macharia, I; Mugo, S; Rotich, R; Oniang'o, RK; Obunyali, CO; Oikeh, SO
African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) promotes DroughtTEGO® drought-tolerant maize hybrids developed by Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project in partnership with CIMMYT, Monsanto and five National Agricultural Research Systems for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa to address the impact of drought occasioned by climate change. To determine the level of adoption and use of DroughtTEGO® maize hybrids in Kenya, a survey was conducted involving 642 farming households from six counties. The results indicated a high rate of awareness of at least one of the DroughtTEGO® varieties (61%). The adoption rate stood at 26% with WE1101 maize hybrid being the most widely known and adopted due to its availability and high yields. Expected adoption was calculated at 89% with about 65% new farmers adopting the DroughtTEGO® hybrids. Lack of full information on the productivity, non-availability of the seed when required and the varieties being expensive compared to other locally available varieties were found to be key barriers to its adoption. The econometric results reveal statistical differences between the variables that influence awareness and adoption of DroughtTEGO® hybrid seed. Variables that determined adoption included age of the household head, fellow farmers and demonstration sites as the primary main source of seed information. Other variables were record-keeping, women’s control of household resources, perception of food security, price, and location. Well-thought-out strategies that target these variables can be effective in attracting new adopters. Thus, the study recommends, promotional messages and extension approaches appropriate to both the young and the aged, better seed pricing strategies, women’s control of household resources to be encouraged, and specific locations with low probability of adoption should be given priority. Steps could include the promotion of the varieties through on-farm demonstrations with wider coverage, strengthening of the extension service and allocation of resources for extension activities in Kenya. Other broad recommendations that emanated from the study included timely availability and delivery of quality DroughtTEGO® seed and availability of credit facilities. It is important to investigate the case of adopters who discontinued using these varieties.
Adoption of Soybean by Smallholder Farmers in the Central Highlands of Kenya
(International Scholars Journals Publishing Corporation, 2019-05) Murage, F. M.; Mugwe, J. N.; Ngetich, K. F.; Mucheru-Muna, M. M.; Mugendi, D. N.
Current demand for soybean in Kenya is higher than production, and the deficit is filled through importation from neighboring Countries. Despite the high demand, production and adoption remain low. The study sought to determine factors influencing the decision to adopt soybean by smallholder farmers, assess acreage under soybean, and its production. Interviews were carried out using an interview schedule on 210 households randomly sampled from purposively selected farmer groups. Data were subjected to cross-tabulation for categorical variables to test for association. It was also subjected to a logistic regression model to predict factors affecting the decision to adopt soybean. Results showed that 41% of the households were adopters while 59% were non-adopters. The number of adopters increased from 28% to 88% over the six seasons. Acreage under soybean and its production increased over the six seasons. Farm size, membership of a farmer group and attendance of training on soybean production influenced the decision to adopt soybean positively while household head age negatively influenced the adoption of soybean. These results imply that the adoption of soybean can be enhanced by targeting younger farmers, farmers with bigger farm sizes, encouraging farmers to join farmer groups and increasing training on soybean.
Adoption potential of selected organic resources for improving soil fertility in the central highlands of Kenya
(Agroforestry Systems, 2012-01-04) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Kung'u, J.B.; Bationo, Andre; Mairura, Franklin
Soil fertility decline is the major cause of declining crop yields in the central highlands of Kenya and elsewhere within the African continent. This paper reports a study conducted to assess adoption potential of two leguminous trees, two herbaceous legumes, cattle manure, and Tithonia diversifolia either solely applied or combined with inorganic fertilizer, for replenishing soil fertility in the central highlands of Kenya. The study examined biophysical performance, profitability, feasibility and acceptability, and farmers experiences in managing and testing the inputs. The study was based on a series of studies incorporating both sociological and experimental approaches for two and a half years.Results of on farm trials showed that manure ? fertilizer and tithonia ? fertilizer treatments increased yields by more than 100% above the control. These treatments were the most profitable having highest net benefits and benefit cost ratios. They were also the most commonly preferred by farmers who used them on larger plots compared to the other inputs. In conclusion, cattle manure and tithonia were found to be the organic materials with the highest adoption potential for soil fertility improvement in this area. Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena trichandra, on the other hand, have potential for use as animal fodder. The herbaceous legumes had the least adoption potential due to poor performance recorded on the farms that possibly led to low preference by the farmers. However, issues of sustainable seed production could have played a role. This study recommends some policy issues for enhancing adoption and research issues focusing on exploring strategies for increasing biomass production and use efficiency on farms.
Adoption Potential of Soil Replenishment Resources: Feasibility and Acceptability of Leguminous Plants and other Organic Resources for Soil Fertility Improvement in Meru South District, Kenya
(African Crop Science Society, 2003) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Kung'u, J.B.
A preliminary study to assess adoption potential of legumes and other organic soil replenishment resources was carried out in Chuka division, Meru south District, Kenya during 2002 long rains season. The study examined feasibility, acceptability, biophysical responses, farmers experiences - constraints and modifications of technologies as indicators of adoption. In a collaborative project between Kenyatta University and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute on integrated soil fertility management, a follow-up was done on how farmers selected technologies for soil fertility improvement after field days held every growing season, and a formal survey was carried out to find out how farmers implemented and modified the technologies. Selection of technologies by farmers was variable. Farmers initially selected soil fertility improvement resources that combined both organic and inorganic resources, but majority of the farmers implemented tithonia and cattle manure. Herbaceous legumes were least preferred due to competition with foodcrops while majority of the farmers used the new technologies on relatively small plots ranging from 0.02 to 0.05 acres citing reasons that they wanted to see the results first. Farmers practicing the technologies mainly benefited from increased crop yields and improved soil fertility. Among the main constraints farmers indicated were facing were lack of adequate biomass for incorporating into the soil and lack of cash to purchase inputs like hybrid maize and inorganic fertilizer. Farmers have responded by planting trees for biomass production on their farms and by 2002 long rains season some farmers had planted up-to 700 trees. The study has revealed the need to monitor how farmers adopt technologies as it facilitates in identification of issues and constraints that might hinder adoption and that could possibly feed into second generation research agenda. There is need to carry out more studies to validate the farmers innovations and to explore further the long-term sustainability of using tithonia.
Advantages of Cotton Based Intercropping System: A Review
(Association for Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology, 2020) Panda, Shravan Kumar; Panda, Pritam; Pramanick, Biswajit; Shankar, Tanmoy; Praharaj, Subhashisa; Saren, Binoy Kumar; Gitari, Harun I.; Brahmachari, Koushik; Hossain, Akbar; Maitra, Sagar
Intercropping provides ample scope to incorporate at least two or more crops at a time in same piece of land aiming at higher productivity from unit land area through optimized utilization of available resources. Selection of crops, planting geometry and optimum stand and crop maturity are important factors influencing success of intercropping system. Upland cotton, being a moderately long duration and widely spaced crop and having moderate growth rate during early stage, offers suitability for adoption of intercropping. Previous research indicates that under cotton-based intercropping system there is efficient use of resources resulting in not only high productivity from unit area but also in high profitability. The current review article highlights the advantages of cotton-based intercropping system based on previous research findings.
Aflatoxin Contamination Detected in Nutrient and Anti-Oxidant Rich Edible Stink Bug Stored in Recycled Grain Containers
(Public Library of Science, 2016) Musundire, R.; Osuga, Isaac M.; Cheseto, Xavier; Irungu, Janet; Torto, Baldwyn
Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentallyfriendly source of food for the ever increasing human population especially in the developing countries. However, food quality and safety concerns must first be addressed in this context. We addressed these concerns in the present study using the edible stink bug Encosternum delegorguei, which is widely consumed in southern Africa. We analysed for mycotoxins, and health beneficials including antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Qtof-MS) and coupled gas chromatography (GC)-MS. We also performed proximate analysis to determine nutritional components. We identified the human carcinogen mycotoxin (aflatoxin B1) at low levels in edible stink bugs that were stored in traditonally woven wooden dung smeared baskets and gunny bags previously used to store cereals. However, it was absent in insects stored in clean zip lock bags. On the other hand, we identified 10 fatty acids, of which 7 are considered essential fatty acids for human nutrition and health; 4 flavonoids and 12 amino acids of which two are considered the most limiting amino acids in cereal based diets. The edible stink bug also contained high crude protein and fats but was a poor source of minerals, except for phosphorus which was found in relatively high levels. Our results show that the edible stink bug is a nutrient- and antioxidant-rich source of food and health benefits for human consumption. As such, use of better handling and storage methods can help eliminate contamination of the edible stink bug with the carcinogen aflatoxin and ensure its safety as human food.
Aggrandizing soybean yield, phosphorus use efficiency and economic returns under phosphatic fertilizer application and inoculation with Bradyrhizobium
(Springer, 2022-08) Akello , Mirriam; Mugwe, Jayne ; Raza, Muhammad Ali ; Seleiman, Mahmoud F. ; Maitra, Sagar; Gitari, Harun H.
Agri food efficiency marketing systems: a case study of efficiency of market organizational structures of macadamia industry in Central Kenya Highlands
(2016-08) Muroiga, Wilfred M.; Wanderi, Peter M.; Maina, Mwangi; Mwai, Wangari
The macadamia industry in Kenya is a complex one with many diverse interested players, all fighting for the control of Macadamia market, which is assumed to be very profitable against a background of few drying and processing factories having being closed in the last few years. This study assessed the risks and costs involved in marketing while trading on macadamia nuts in the various stages within the long chain which alsoaffects the efficiency of macadamia marketing systems .The study indicated how low quality levels of nuts affects processors ability to enter into contract in the international market, which in turn affects both large and small-scale farmers decreasing market share further. The research found that the future of macadamia industry in Kenya will not depend on the increasing production of raw nuts alone but rather on the ability to develop efficient marketing systems across the whole chain .It is necessary for the country to regain export global market position number two having moved to current position number four in the last few years. This calls for better and relevant educational training to farmers to meet the international market quality standard requirements. International trade in relations to the macadamia industry is important as more than 60% of all processed nuts (Kernel) are exported. The average Sound Kernel Recovery (SKR), of between 18% and 20% for Kenya raw nuts is far too low compared to 30 and 33 percent for Australia and South Africa respectively, which makes Kenya kernel to have comparatively very low market value in the international market. The Government of Kenya ban on export of Nuts in shell (NIS) clearly indicates that there is a major problem of market, which has not been addressed to by a labialized market. Hence there is need to study market systems of the macadamia with the aim of establishing their efficiency. This study relied on primary data from five market channels; farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, which were collected using multi-stage sampling system from the five stratified counties. Information was collected from 292 respondents using 32 market centers and structured questionnaires to supplement econometric tests, which could reflect factors that inhibit market efficiency. Various methods which included regression analysis, price transmission, integration, price correlation, margins and structure conduct and performance (SCP) analysis were used to measure and analyse the efficiency of market systems of macadamia in the central Kenya Highlands. The data was analysed further using SPSS version 12 and Microsoft excel to determine whether macadamia price movements between the five market channels and five counties reflected a competitive market system, which was used as an indicator of market efficiency. The analysis carried indicated that market efficiency of macadamia was low. The study was to benefit traders who would get properly analysed data to assist in making informed decisions. The Government of Kenya was also to benefit by using the same data in the policy formulation.
Agricultural Extension Approaches Influencing Uptake of Improved Sorghum Technologies in Embu County, Kenya
(Horizon Research Publishing, 2016) Chimoita, E. L.; Onyango, Cecillia M.; Kimenju, John W.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.
Agricultural extension and technology transfer services play a vital role in disseminating research knowledge, skills and income generating strategies among the farming communities in Kenya. However, there exists a kind of disconnect between the amount of information and technologies developed in research centres and what is implemented by the farmers. The study evaluated the access and use of extension approaches in promoting uptake of improved sorghum technologies. The study systematically selected 129 farmers from four villages. Data on farmers’ gender, age, household leadership, occupation and agricultural extension approaches were collected. The study revealed that 83% of the respondents were female out of which, 67% were engaged in improved sorghum production technologies. Besides, 56% young women (20 to 49 years) had embraced the growing of improved sorghum varieties Gadam and Sila 1. Further, mobile phones and radio services were the main means of access to the improved sorghum technologies. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation (r=0.122, P=0.01) between extension approaches and uptake of the sorghum technologies. Besides government agricultural extension agents, visits to progressive farmers and/or research sites and use of demonstration plots contributed to 68% and influenced uptake of improved sorghum technologies. It was concluded that gender, family position and age of the farmer contribute to the uptake of improved sorghum technologies. Moreover, mobile phones and radio technologies play an important role in access of sorghum technologies.
Agricultural nematology in East and Southern Africa: problems, management strategies and stakeholder linkages
(Society of Chemical Industry, 2015) Talwana, H.; Sibanda, Z.; Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Kimenju, W.; Luambano-Nyoni, N.; Massawe, C.; Manzanilla-López, R.H.; Davies, K.G.; Hunt, D.J.; Sikora, R.A.; Coyne, D.; Gowen, S.R.; Kerry, B.R.
By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to exceed 2 billion. Africa will have to increase food production more than 50% in the coming 50 years to meet the nutritional requirements of its growing population. Nowhere is the need to increase agricultural productivity more pertinent than in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is currently static or declining. Optimal pest management will be essential, because intensification of any system creates heightened selection pressures for pests. Plant-parasitic nematodes and their damage potential are intertwined with intensified systems and can be an indicator of unsustainable practices. As soil pests, nematodes are commonly overlooked or misdiagnosed, particularly where appropriate expertise and knowledge transfer systems are meager or inadequately funded. Nematode damage to roots results in less efficient root systems that are less able to access nutrients and water, which can produce symptoms typical of water or nutrient deficiency, leading tomisdiagnosis of the underlying cause. Damage in subsistence agriculture is exacerbated by growing crops on degraded soils and in areas of low water retention where strong root growth is vital. This review focuses on the current knowledge of economically important nematode pests affecting key crops, nematode control methods and the research and development needs for sustainable management, stakeholder involvement and capacity building in the context of crop security in East and Southern Africa, especially Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Agro Pastoralists’ Awareness and Knowledge on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Two Selected Counties in Kenya
(Taylor and Francis, 2022) Ouya, Fredrick Ochieng; Bett, Eric; Nguhiu, Purity; Makokha, Stella; Mwirigi, Martin K.
Poor identification of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia diseases from its signs and symptoms is a major problem to goat farmers which leads to use of wrong method of disease control. The uptake of control strategies like vaccination by farmers depends on many factors while awareness and knowledge become the foundation of the technology adoption processes. This therefore necessitated a study to understand the level of awareness and knowledge of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, which is a highly infectious goat disease. The study analysed and used cross-sectional data collected from 342 households interviewed in October, November, and December 2020 in Kajiado County and Taita Taveta County in Kenya. These two counties are dominated by agro pastoralists and goat keeping is predominant. The study examines the factors influencing the agro pastoralists’ knowledge and level of awareness on the six major signs and symptoms of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia disease differentiating it from other goat diseases. Multivariate probit model was the main data analysis method used. Results show that agro pastoralists’ level of knowledge and awareness on Contagious Caprine Pleuropnemonia disease depend significantly on other factors such as the gender of household head, age, education level, household size, access to extension services, and group dynamics. The findings imply that policymakers and agricultural development partners should increase public and private investment on agro pastoralists’ training and education programmes which is one of the main pathways for increasing public awareness in livestock dominated areas.
Agro-Ecological Lower Midland Zones IV and V in Kenya Using GIS and Remote Sensing for Climate-Smart Crop Management 49
(Springer, 2021) Manzi, Hilda; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P
Food production in Kenya and Africa in recent past has experienced vagaries of weather fluctuations which ultimately have affected crop yield. Farming in Kenya is localized in specific Agro-ecological zones, hence understanding crop growth responses in particular regions is crucial in planning and management for purposes of accelerating adoption. A number of strategies for adoption and adaptation to changing weather patterns have been deployed yet only limited challenges have been partially addressed or managed. This chapter examines previous methods used in classifying agro-ecological zones and further provides additional insightful parameters that can be adopted to enable farmers understand and adapt better to the current variable and unpredictable cropping seasons. The chapter scrutinizes past and current documented information on agro-ecological zonal valuations coupled with the use of earth observation components such as air temperature at surface, land surface temperature, evapotranspiration, soil, temperature, and soil and moisture content in order to better understand and effectively respond to new phenomena occurring as a result of climate change in the marginal agricultural areas. Significant variations in precipitation, ambient temperature, soil moisture content, and soil temperature become evident when earth observation data are used in evaluation of agroecological lower midland zones IV and V. The said variations cut across areas within the agro-ecological zones that have been allocated similar characteristics when assigning cropping seasons. The chapter summarizes the outcomes of various streams of contributions that have reported significant shifts or changes in rainfall and temperature patterns across Kenya and wider Eastern Africa region. The chapter highlights the need for re-evaluation of the agro-ecological zones based on the recent earth observation datasets in their diversity. The research emphasizes the use of multiple climate and soil-related parameters in understanding climate change in the other marginal areas of Kenya.
Agrobiodiversity Endangered by Sugarcane Farming in Mumias and Nzoia Sugarbelts of Western Kenya.
(2010-07) Waswa, F.; Maina, L.; Netondo, G.W.; Naisiko, T.; Masayi, N.; Ngaira, J.K.
Commercial sugarcane farming has been practised in western Kenya for nearly forty years. This monocultural land use is associated with loss of natural vegetation and cropland, thus undermining food security status of a place. Further, sugarcane farming is a major contributor to loss of biodiversity in western Kenya. This study was therefore aimed at determining the long-term effects of sugarcane farming on indigenous food crops and vegetables in Mumias and Nzoia sugarbelts of western Kenya. Up to 188 respondents in three divisions of Mumias and 178 respondents of three divisions in Nzoia were purposively selected. These included small-scale and large-scale farmers. Data were collected using questionnaires, Participatory Rural Appraisal tool, interviews and field observations. Secondary data were obtained from documented materials. Land under indigenous food crops and vegetable has been declining since the introduction of sugarcane. Indigenous food crops and vegetable cultivation by farmers in the sugarbelts has been declining. Furthermore, some farmers have abandoned the growing of these crops altogether. Our results imply that sugarcane farming is a major contributor to agrobiodiversity erosion, but that there are also other important reasons such as change of consumer preference, land fragmentation, climate variability among others. In order to curb further loss of biodiversity, efforts should particularly focus on food crops and livelihood diversification and adoption of farming technologies such as agroforestry.
Agromorphological Performance and Character Association of Finger Millet under Varying Phosphorus Regimes
(Macrothink Institute, 2017) Wekha, Wafula Nelson; Korir, Nicholas K.; Siambi, Moses; Ojulong, Henry F.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.
Agronomic and Economic Performance of Maizesoybean Intercrop under Rhizobia and Soil Amendments in Western Kenya
(ResearchGate, 2018) M. A. Onyango, M. A; Danga, B; Odendo, M
Low crop responses to N and P fertilizer application among small holder farms are common phenomena in degraded acidic soils of western Kenya. An on-farm trial was established in Shianda sub-location in Mumias District, Western Kenya during two seasons in 2011 to determine the effect of inoculation (Bradyrhizobium japonicum), lime (CaCO3) and inorganic P (Single Super Phosphate) on soil chemical properties and yield components of soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was a 23 factorial with 4 replicates laid out in a randomized complete block design giving a total of 32 plots. Experimental treatments were Lime (0 and 2.5 tons lime ha-1 ), P fertilizer (0 and 30 kg P ha-1 ) and Inoculation (soybean inoculation and no inoculation). Lime application at 2.5 t ha-1 led to a significant increase in soil pH from 4.85 to 5.58 (P =.05) after two cropping seasons. Increase in soil available P was in the order of lime > P > inoculation (9.35>6.50>5.10 mgkg-1 ). A combination of Lime + P + inoculation recorded the highest maize Original Research Article Onyango et al.; JEAI, 27(6): 1-9, 2018; Article no.JEAI.30636 2 (4490 kgha-1 , 3470 kgha-1 ) and soybean (970 kgha-1 , 830 kgha-1 ) grain yields during the long rain (1st) and short rain (2nd) seasons respectively. Sole P treatment gave higher average number of nodules per plant and average plant biomass, (7.7 and 21.8 g) respectively than both sole inoculation (4.3 and 19.2 g) and sole lime treatments (2.3 and 16.8 g) during the 1st cropping season. On average, across the treatments during the two seasons benefit-cost analysis indicated that the lime + P + inoculation treatment gave the highest net benefit (Ksh. 107,518.60) with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.7. These results indicate that a combination of lime + P + inoculation offers a better option for increasing maize and soybean grain yields in the degraded soils of western Kenya.
Agronomic assessment of phosphorus efficacy for potato (Solanum tuberosum L) under legume intercrops
(Taylor & Francis, 2019) Gitari, Harun I.; Shadrack, Nyawade; Kamau, Solomon; Karanja, Nancy N.; Gachene, Charles K. K.; Schulte-Geldermann, Elmar
Phosphorus (P) is an essential element and its efficient use is of global importance. This study evaluated the effect of growing potato under legume intercrops on P uptake and use efficiency indices: P harvest index (PHI), P uptake efficiency (PuPE), P partial factor productivity (PPFP) and P partial balance (PPB). The experiment was carried out for four consecutive seasons with treatments comprising potato cultivated under legume intercrops: none (T1), dolichos (Lablab purpureus L) (T2), peas (Pisum sativum L) (T3) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L) (T4). Across the seasons, the mean haulm P uptake for T2 (6.7 kg P ha 1 ), T4 (5.5) and T3 (4.5) were 6%, 23% and 36% lower than that observed in T1 (7.1 kg P ha 1 ), respectively. On the other hand, tuber P uptake was highest in T1 (21.8 kg P ha 1 ) and T2 (21.3 kg P ha 1 ) and were significantly higher than 13.2 kg P ha 1 in T3 and 15.1 kg P ha 1 in T4. This had a profound effect on PuPE, which was equally highest in T1 (0.26 kg total P uptake kg 1 P supply) and T2 (0.25) and lowest in T3 (0.16) and T4 (0.18). Similarly, PPFP, PHI and PPB followed a similar trend, with highest values in T1 (57 kg tuber dry matter yield kg 1 P supply, 76.4 kg tuber P uptake kg 1 total plant’s P uptake and 0.20 kg tuber P uptake kg 1 P supply, respectively). Among the tested legume intercrops, dolichos competed least for P with the main crop (potato) hence it can be integrated into potato-based cropping systems without compromising potato tuber yield.
Agronomic management of yellow passion fruit among farmers in Mbeere Sub-County, Kenya
(Horticultural association of Kenya, 2016-09) Mwirigi, P.; Mwangi, M.; Gweyi-Onyango1, J.
Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) is emerging as an important high value horticultural crop in Kenya since its introduction five years ago. The fruit is gaining wide adoption in Mbeere Sub County due to its apparent adaptation to the hot arid conditions and tolerance to Fusarium wilt disease. However, the current production levels of the fruit are low due to poor water and nutrient management, erratic rainfall and poor agronomic practices. A study was conducted to assess the agronomic practices and main constraints among the farmers in Mbeere Sub County. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to collect data from 63 households from a total population of 170,950. Data was collected on household demographics, farm size, farming systems, planting materials, fertilizer use and irrigation types. This was carried out through personal interviews with members in each household responsible for management of passion fruit orchards using structured and semistructured questionnaires. The results indicate that the majority of the farmers (65%) grow yellow passion as an intercrop with other food crops. Nevertheless, passion contributes to <10% of the proportion of the farm, though this proportion is expected to increase with expansion in production. Major findings indicate that the main source of planting materials were seedlings from KARLO (44%), use of Yaramillar (44%) as the preferred planting fertilizers and irrigation of crops three times per week (49%). In conclusion, yellow passion is a fruit with potential for increased adoption but more detailed studies are needed to clearly identify and understand water and nutrient management.

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