Browsing by Author "Esilaba, A.O."

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Changes of Soil Conditions and Maize Yield After Years of Conventional Tillage on a Mollic Soil
(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 2023) Mwangi, H.G.; Irene, W.G.; Ooro, P.A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Githunguri, C.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural Livestock & Research Organization (KALRO)-Njoro ; University of Nairobi
Soil tillage affects soil physical, biological and nutrient cycling capacity. Field studies were conducted from 2016 to 2018 on same site using two tillage systems Conventional and Reduced tillage. Conventional tillage was done using a 3-disc plough while reduced tillage was done using a Chisel plough. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in some soil properties induced by two different tillage treatments and their effect on maize grain yield. The trial was set at Kenya Agricultural Livestock & Research Organization (KALRO) Njoro on a Mollic Andosol. The design was randomised complete block replicated four times. The factor tillage had two levels. Changes in water stable aggregates, compaction as measured by changes in bulk density, soil water retention at pF 4.2, total soil organic carbon and hence soil organic matter, microbial biomass [bacteria and fungi] in form of total microbial biomass-N and microbial biomass-C and maize yield were obtained after three years in 2018. With exception of bulk density that was found to be higher in Conventional tillage, results showed that aggregate stability water stable aggregates, soil water retention capacity at pF4.2, soil organic matter. Total microbial biomass-nitrogen and microbial biomass-carbon were higher in reduced tillage. Maize grain yield was higher (p<0.05) in reduced tillage. Bulk density of the soil was observed to be higher after three years of conventional tillage compared to reduced tillage. Reduced tillage increased soil organic matter, structure, water retention and microbial biomass and maize yields. This study has revealed that reduced tillage is pivotal in healing the highly weathered soils that have become degraded and soil fertility has declined through decades of continuous disc and plough tillage, lengthy exploitation and nutrient mining leading to low crop yields.
Characterization of AOP Project sites for Gums and Resins production: Integrating Socio-Economic issues with biophysical information for the rehabilitation of the degraded arid and semi-Arid lands in Kenya. KARI-NARL-KSS M 90 2006
(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2006) Muga, M.O.; Esilaba, A.O.; Keya, G.; Wanjogu, C.R.K.; Maingi, P.M.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Muya, E.M.; Lelon, J.K.
Kenya is an agricultural country, depending almost entirely on land productivity for subsistence and socio-economic development. However, about two-thirds of the country is semi-arid to arid. Rainfed agriculture is confined to the remaining one-third of the country. The pressure is exerted on the fragile ecosystems that characterize these lands by the rapidly increasing population, thereby increasing land degradation. Since the main objective of Acacia Operation Project is to rehabilitate the degraded land and enhance its productivity for gums and resins, baseline information on the current state of land degradation is required against which the impacts of the proposed intervention and relative degree of desertification in future can be assessed. This has been done by evaluating the interactions between climate, relief, soils, vegetation and land cover, and their influence on biological functions, at both national, regional and site levels. Also, the indicators of land degradation have been reviewed. At the micro-catchment level the physical, hydrological and biological properties of soil have been evaluated as the basis of comparing the impacts of Delifino and Treno ploughs in rehabilitating the degraded land.
Cow Pea Production Training and Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2016-08) Too, A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Bett, B.; Gathambiri, C.; Githunguri, C.; Nyongesa, D.; Nassiuma, E.; Odoyo, E.; Wanjekeche, E.; Wamaitha, J.; Miriti, J.; Wasilwa, L.; Waithaka, M.; Otipa, M.; Likhayo, P.; Kuruma, R.W.; Amata, R.; Ochieng, V.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is believed to have originated in Africa where a large genetic diversity of wild types occur throughout the continent, particularly southern Africa, however the greatest genetic diversity of cultivated cowpea is found in West Africa. In Kenya, cowpea is an important source of proteins consumed in many households. It is consumed in the form of whole dried seeds or leaves. Cowpea is grown as a green leafy vegetable mainly in Western Kenya and for grain mainly in the dry lands of Eastern, Coast and Nyanza regions. Cowpea grown as a vegetable requires rich soils and high rainfall. In contrast, cowpea grown for grain requires low rainfall and high temperature. 85% of total area under cowpea production in the eastern region of Kenya, is under intercropping systems with maize and or cassava. Cowpea rank second to beans in importance as vegetable protein food crops. The production is mainly at subsistence level by small-holder farmers with low input. The crop is mainly grown by smallholder farmers. However, pests and diseases are major constraints in cowpea production in Kenya. Accuracy in pest and disease identification are important for proper management making it necessary to build the capacity of extension officers and small holder farmers in pest and disease management in orderto minimize losses.
Cow Pea Trainer of Trainers’ Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization., 2019-04) Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Otipa, M.; Too, A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Mutisya, D.; Njunie, M.; Muli, B.; Karanja, J.K.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an important food and fodder legume crop in the semi-arid tropics. It is grown in 45 countries across the world. An estimated 14.5 million ha of land is planted to cowpea each year worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa region accounts for about 84% of area as well as production. The world average yield is estimated at about 450 kg/ha. Kenya is among the major cowpea producing countries in Africa. Cowpea is well suited to diverse environments and fit in various cropping systems owing to their wide adaptability, low input requirements, fast growth, nitrogen fixing and weed smothering ability. The majority of cowpea growers are women who grow the crop primarily for household food, but also for sale-an increasing phenomenon in recent years. The typical woman cowpea grower has a small plot, 0.625 to 2.5 acres often intercropped with other cereals such as sorghum, millet and maize. The purpose of this training of trainers’ module is to familiarize master trainers on the cowpea technologies, innovations and management practices (TIMPs) and empower them with knowledge and skills to train farmers’ trainers.
A Diagnostic Survey on Striga in the Northern Ethiopian Highlands
(Arem (Ethiopia) Journal , 1998) Esilaba, A.O.; Mulatu, T.; Reda, R.; Ransom, J.K.; Woldewahid, G.; Tesfaye, A.; Fitwy, I.; Abate, G.; AHI, Addis Abeba (Ethiopia)
A diagnostic survey on Striga was conducted during March-April 1996 in the northern Ethiopian highlands. The main objective was to obtain information about current farming systems, the determinants of Striga infestation, and to identify and prioritize the Striga problems and constraints. Of the 218 farmers interviewed, 90 percent identified Striga as a major constraint to cereal production. Most farmers (87 percent) indicated that the witchweed problem was on the increase and 52 percent associated the incidence of Striga with the less fertile areas of the farm. The farmers identified seeds, farm implements, water erosion and animals as methods of Striga dispersal. Control methods that farmers use include hand weeding (74 percent), ox-plow cultivation (20 percent) and farmyard manure. Other crop management practices in the region were limited fallowing and fertilizer use as well as non-legume intercropping and rotation. Long-term research should be conducted on breeding and screening resistant cereal varieties, integrated nutrient management, improved cropping systems, use of multipurpose trees and forage legumes as trap crops to reduce the Striga seed bank, improve soil fertility, and decrease pests and plant diseases. Long-term socio-economic implications of the parasite problem need to be investigated. The development of integrated Striga control measures requires the involvement of farmers, extension agents and researchers.
Effect of Tillage, Liming, and Cropping Systems on Maize Yields in Different Agroecological Zones in Kenya
(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 2023) Githunguri, C.M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Miriti, J.; Nyongesa, D.; Thuranira, E.; Koech, M.; Mutoko, C.; Ndungu, K.; Ooro, P.; Ketiem, P.; Mwangi, H.; Woyengo, V.; Odendo, M.; Ashiono, G.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization(KALRO)
Negative effects induced by climate change have contributed to reduced global yields of maize. There is therefore need to endow farmers with innovative and transformative climate smart agriculture technologies to urgently address food insecurity and the realities of climate change in cereal growing regions of Kenya. Technologies have been generated for improved maize and beans production and their impact has not been fully felt. In this study, technologies and innovations on tillage, liming and cropping systems that can improve maize and beans production were evaluated and demonstrated to farmers in different agro-ecological zones in Kenya with the aim of enhancing their adoption. Trials were established at KALRO-Njoro, KALRO-Kakamega, KALRO-Kitale, Baraton University, and Mabanga Agricultural Training Centre, in Nakuru, Kakamega, Trans-Nzoia, Nandi, and Bungoma Counties, respectively. The tillage treatments evaluated included conventional, tied ridges, minimum and zero tillage planted in plots applied with 2 t/ha of lime or without lime. The cropping systems evaluated were maize intercropped with beans or sole cropped maize. A split-split plot design with four replications was used. Results indicated that conventional, tied ridges, and minimum tillage produced higher (P<0.05) yields than the zero tillage with or without lime irrespective of the cropping system in Nakuru, Nandi and Trans-Nzoia Counties. In Nandi, Kakamega and Bungoma Counties, there were no differences (P>0.05) between the four tillage systems.
Evaluation of irrigation suitablility of Kalacha Irrigation Scheme Marsabit District. KARI-NARL-KSS D81 2006
(Ministry of Agriculture, 2006) Muya, E.M.; Lelon, J.K.; Gitau, J.; Sikunyi, S.; Esilaba, A.O.; Ogara, S.; Maingi, P.M; Kenya Soil Survey
Soil survey was carried out to collect the baseline data on biophysical characteristics of land resources with the following objectives: • To assess the water quality and its suitability for irrigation • To evaluate the current irrigation practices and their sustainability • To assess the potentials and limitations of soils for the envisaged crops • To identify appropriate land use and management alternatives for improved land productivity and diversified irrigated agriculture • To provide the framework for monitoring the impacts of the current and proposed intervention on the environment
Farm-Level Agricultural Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Change Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2019-12) Okoti, M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Ketiem, P.; Mangale, N.; Muli, B.M.; Nyongesa, D.; Otipa, M.; Mutisya, D.; Too, A.; Njiru, E.; Muthiani, E.; Finyange, P.; Ndanu, A.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Climate change and variability is acknowledged as a global phenomenon with potentially far-reaching implications to many economic sectors. It is characterized by increased recurrence of droughts, floods, rainfall variability (pattern, timing and intensity), increased mean surface temperature and famine that threaten millions of people, crops and livestock systems. The developing countries and the poor in society are highly vulnerable to impacts of climate change despite the minimal contribution (less than 10%) to the annual global carbon dioxide emissions. The increasingly observed weather risks threaten the agricultural production systems and food security conditions for majority of population in Kenya. Farmers who largely practice subsistence farming for livelihoods are characterized by degraded soils, small farm sizes, and low crop yields. Therefore, sustaining farmers’ agricultural growth and minimizing climate related shocks is crucial in building farmers and food production system resilience. Agricultural adaptations to climate change need to be resilient to deal with stresses and disturbances. These adaptations can either be technological, institutional or policy interventions to help farmers build resilience to current and future climate related shocks as well as mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Farming as a Business Trainer of Trainers Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2019-04) Nyongesa, D.; Esilaba, A.O.; Rono, B.; Kavoi, J.; Mwenda, M.; Okoti, M; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Mutuma, E.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
This training manual focuses on building trainees’ capacity in entrepreneurial and management skills through a "learning by doing" approach, eventually leading to, and aiming at developing farmer’s skills and competencies in business while improving their knowledge, changing their attitudes towards farming as a business (FAB) and producing for the market. This will be done through a season-long programme that has been designed to be demand responsive, flexible and practical. It is, however, important to note that farmers learn in small groups, in their own farming environment and at their own pace. The training module intends to master for Training of Trainers (ToTs) constituting government extension personnel and service providers. They will in turn enhance capacity of the farmers under the KCEP-CRAL Programme. The module covers the following broad topics: Farming enterprises; Markets and marketing; Keeping farm records and accounts; Business planning and business plan; Group dynamics; and Gender mainstreaming and communication.
Field And Laboratory Research Manual For Integrated Soil Fertility Management In Kenya
(Kenya Soil Health Consortium, 2016-05) Mangale, N.; Muriuki, A.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Kibunja, C.N.; Mutegi, J.K.; Esilaba, A.O.; Ayuke, F.O.; Nguluu, S.N.; Gikonyo, E.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
In Kenya research efforts have generated numerous Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) technologies with potential for increasing food production and rural incomes (Jama et al., 2000; Lekasi et al,. 2001; TSBF, 2005; Salasya, 2005; Ojiem, 2006; AGRA, 2007; Misiko, 2007; Okalebo, et al., 2007; WAC, 2008; FAO, 2009; Rockstrom et al., 2009). However, these technologies have had limited impact on smallholder farmers’ fields. The gap between research and application of ISFM guidelines is wide and evidenced by the low uptake and utilization of recommended ISFM technologies by smallholder farmers. Reasons for this unfortunate scenario include incoherent and conflicting recommendations for ISFM technologies because generators of ISFM technologies and innovations hardly collaborate and/or share their research outputs with each other or with end users. This also results in many inappropriate technology recommendations that confuse target farmers and lower technology adoption. These are the major reasons why farmers have been unable to realize the full benefits of the potential productivity gains possible from growing improved crop varieties, although adoption of these varieties is now widespread in the country (Rukandema, 1984; Omiti et al., 1999). Although it is evident that appropriate use of ISFM can transform agriculture, the level of production with ISFM in Kenya has remained low. Part of the reason for low production ISFM can be traced to poor research. Successful ISFM research with a potential of increasing food production and incomes is best driven by appropriate field and laboratory research methods. In Kenya different laboratories use different methods to analyze for the same elements, often generating varying results for the same soil and plant samples. For example there are more than three methods for determination of soil and plant phosphorus levels used in different laboratories viz: Infra-red spectroscopy (IR), Bray II, Olsen, Mehlich I, II and III and the Truog methods. Recommendations based on the variable results from these methods are difficult to validate for reliability. Often this may lead to confusion and generation of wrong fertilizer recommendations leading to inappropriate use of farm inputs, soil acidification, low crop yields, low adoption, food insecurity and low household incomes. The Kenya Soil Health Consortium (KSHC) has developed this manual of field and laboratory methods through consultation with the major national, regional and international research and learning institutions to guide implementation of agricultural research in Kenya. This protocol highlights among others; the process of research formulation, process of project implementation, field research methodology and approaches, plants-soil sampling and analysis, soil chemical analysis methods, fertilizer recommendation and use efficiency, and data management. The protocol is intended to act as a reference material and as a guide for future agricultural research and development in Kenya. This protocol is of great benefit to a wide range of stakeholders involved in agricultural research, agricultural extension, capacity building, and agricultural policy development.
Harmonized Fertilizer Recommendations for Pulses in Smallholder Farming Systems of Kenya
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2017-12) Mangale, N.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Production of pulses in East Africa dates back many years. The pulses (grain legumes) are beans, cowpeas, pigeon peas, green grams, dolichos lablab, chickpeas and lentils. These crops are grown in the Eastern Africa region in varying hectareage, depending on preferences and adaptation to agro-ecological zones. Cowpeas, chick peas, pigeon peas and green grams are grown in lower, drier and warmer areas. Beans and dolichos are grown in the medium rainfall areas of the region while lentils are grown in the cooler regions (Karanja, 2016). Pulses are grown in both mono-cropping and intercropping systems in Kenya. Most common crop combinations in intercropping systems include: maize-beans, maize cowpea, maize-pigeon pea, maize-Soya bean, maize-dolichoslablab, sorghum cowpea, millet-pulses, sugar cane-pulses and rice-pulses (Chui and Nadar 1984; Nadar 1984; Mangale 1989; Matusso et al., 2012; Karanja, 2016). This cropping practice aims to match efficiently crop demands to the available growth resources and labour. The efficient use of available growth resources in a given piece of land and eventually maximizing productivity is the primary advantage of intercropping crops of different height, canopy structure, rooting ability, and nutrient requirements (Matusso et al., 2012). Many studies on intercropping have shown that legumes-cereal intercropping is an important productive and sustainable system due to its resource facilitation and significantly enhancing crop productivity as compared to that of monoculture crops (Matusso et al., 2014). In an effort to improve food security, intercropping cereals with legumes plays an important role by providing a farmer with both carbohydrates and proteins for their dietary needs. Apart from nutritional composition of component crops in an intercropping, it has been also reported that intercropping improves soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, increases soil conservation through greater ground cover than sole cropping (Ofori and Stern, 1987; Matussoet al., 2014; Hailu Gebru, 2015; Nyoki and Ndakidemi 2016), and provides better protection against crop pests and diseases than when grown in monoculture (Ofori and Stern, 1987; Matusso et al., 2014; Hailu Gebru, 2015).
In-Situ Water Harvesting Technologies and Fertilizer Rates Increase Maize and Bean Yields in the Semi-Arid Katumani, Kenya
(Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 2022) Wafula, K.M.; Karanja, N.N.; Karuku, G.N.; Esilaba, A.O.; University of Nairobi ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
Background. Crop production in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) is constrained by erratic rainfall and poor soil fertility. Therefore, climate smart agriculture mechanisms such as in-situ rainwater harvesting technologies and recommended fertilizer rates would be vital for ensuring food security. Objective. To evaluate selected in-situ water harvesting technologies and fertilizer rates on soil water content and yield of maize and beans at KALRO Katumani Research Center in Machakos County, Kenya during the 2019 and 2020 short and long rain seasons, respectively. Methodology. The experiment was established in a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement, replicated three times, with in-situ water harvesting technologies comprising of zai pits, ngolo pits, contour furrows and conventional tillage, as the main plots, whereas the split plots were varying rates of fertilizer inputs: Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), goat manure and control. The split-split plots comprised of maize and beans cropping systems. Soil moisture content was assessed at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after emergence, whilst nutrient uptake, use efficiency and crop yields at physiological maturity. Data was subjected to analysis of variance. Results Soil moisture, maize and beans yields, nutrient uptake and use efficiency were significantly (p≤ 0.05) increased by in-situ water harvesting technologies and fertilizer inputs. Highest soil moisture content was recorded under zai and ngolo pits and lowest in conventional tillage treatments. Ngolo pits recorded higher maize and beans grain yield. Application of DAP fertilizer increased maize and beans grain yield compared to control. Intercropping maize and beans increased grain yield significantly (p≤ 0.05) compared to sole maize and sole beans. Implications. There is need for promoting a combination of in-situ rainwater harvesting technologies especially ngolo and zai pits with application of DAP+ manure in semi-arid areas where water is scarce coupled with poor soil fertility. Conclusion. Ngolo and zai pits increased soil water retention capacity while application of DAP fertilizer led to increased crop yield and the study therefore recommends their adoption within the study area and extrapolation to areas of similar conditions.
Integrating Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers in Cropping Systems for the Transformation of Maize Productivity in Nakuru County
(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journa, 2023) Ooro, P.A.; Mwangi, H.G.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Miriti, J.M.; Okoti, M.; Lusike, W.A.; Githunguri, C.; Thuranira, E.G.; Moraa, L.M.; Luvonga, J.; Osoo, J.O.; Bor, P.K.; Kenya Agricultural Livestock & Research Organization -Njoro (KALRO), Headquaters & Kabete
Despite the immense significance of maize (Zea mays L.) for Kenya’s economic prosperity and food security, productivity and production have not significantly increased over time. This is attributed to a number of things, including decreased soil fertility. In order to ascertain the applicability of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM), a study was carried out between 2016 and 2017 in Nakuru County at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Njoro Centre, Nakuru County. The treatments were arranged in a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times. Soil and water conservation (SWC) and conventional tillage (CT) were allocated to the main plot, the split-plots and fertilizer sources i.e Farm yard manure (FYM), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphoros (P) fertilizers to the split-split plot. Kenya Seed Company maize hybrid (H6213) and Egerton bean variety (Chelalang) were used as test crops. A variety of maize and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L) characteristics, such as plant stand at germination, plant vigor, days to 50% blooming, days to 50% maturity, plant stand at harvest, number of pods per plant, number of cobs, number of seeds per pod, grain yield, and 100-grain weight, were all recorded. Applying a full rate of inorganic fertilizer resulted in significantly maize yields (P< 0.05) compared to all other fertility management strategies, with the exception of those where a half rate of both inorganic and organic fertilizers was applied. The results further showed that the use of inorganic fertilizer alone considerably increased maize output whether cultivated as a sole crop or an intercrop compared to farmyard manure applied alone or in conjunction with inorganic fertilizer.
Kalro-Kcep - CRAL Climate Smart Agriculture Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization., 2019-04) Kisilu, R.; Karanja, J.K.; Mwathi, J.W.; Ooro, P.A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Githunguri, C.; Miriti, J.; Otipa, M.; Nassiuma, E.; Too, A.; Kamidi, M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Odoyo, E.; Wayua, F.; Likhayo, P.; Kamau, G.M.; Ochieng, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Climate change is real and has become an obstacle to sustainable development all over the world. Climate change has positive and negative effects in agriculture depending on the regions of the world. The negative impacts are expected to be more serious in developing countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa such as Kenya. For instance, Kenya has experienced increasing temperatures from 1960’s, together with higher frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as El Niño and La Niña. Effects of the negative impacts include declining agricultural productivity and loss of crops, livestock, fish and investments in agriculture due to changing temperatures and rainfall and many extreme weather events.
KALRO-KCEP - CRAL Common Dry Beans Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization., 2016-04) Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Githunguri, C.; Miriti, J.; Otipa, M.; Too, A.; Bett, B.; Gathambiri, C.; Amata, R.; Nassiuma, E.; Odoyo, E.; Wayua, F.; Karanja, J.K.; Mwathi, J.W.; Likhayo, P.; Ooro, P.A.; Ochieng, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Pulses, or grain legumes in general, are an essential source of supplementary protein to daily diets based on cereals and starchy for a predominantly vegetarian population and those who cannot afford expensive animal protein. Pulses are therefore often regarded as poor man’s meat”. They also provide energy, protein, essential minerals, vitamins and several compounds considered beneficial for good health. Their cultivation enriches soil by adding nitrogen, and improves the physical, chemical and biological soil properties. They are also well suited to diverse environments and fit in various cropping systems owing to their wide adaptability, low input requirements, fast growth, nitrogen fixing and weed smothering ability. Their short growing period and photoperiod sensitivity make them suitable for crop intensification and diversification. Notwithstanding their high production potential, their productivity is generally low as these are cultivated on poor lands, with no or little inputs, and are susceptible to several abiotic and biotic stresses.
KALRO-KCEP - CRAL Green Grams Trainer of Trainers’ Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2019-04) Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Otipa, M.; Too, A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Mutisya, D.; Njunie, M.; Muli, B.; Karanja, J.K.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) also known as Mung bean and in Kiswahili Ndengu is one of the potential food and cash crop pulses that have been observed to perform well in the arid regions of Kenya. The crop is commonly grown in central, south Nyanza, eastern and coastal regions. Green gram is well suited to diverse environments and fit in various cropping systems owing to their wide adaptability, low input requirements, fast growth, nitrogen fixing and weed smothering ability. Sole crop, cereal-bean and root or tuber crop-green gram intercrops are important among the many green gram cropping systems in Kenya and for which the crop‘s rapid maturity and shade tolerance make it particularly suitable.
KALRO-KCEP Climate Smart Agriculture Training and Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)., 2016-04) Okoti, M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Ketiem, P.K.; Mutoko, C.; Kimani, S.; Mwathi, J.W.; Githunguri, C.; Nyongesa, D.; Miriti, J.; Nassiuma, E.; Gitari, J.; Ooro, P.A.; Murage, P.M.; Murage, P.M.; Koech, M.; Thuranira, E.; Ashiono, G.; Rono, B.; Kamau, G.; Njaimwe, A.; Gachuki, P.; Maina, I.; Masinde, W.; Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Barkutwo, J.; Mwenda, M.; Ringera, J.M.; Onyango, E.M.; Karanja, J.; Kamidi, M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Woyengo, V.; Odendo, M.; Kipkemoi, P.L.; Magiroi, K.N.; Mwangi, H.; Chebosonwy, R.; Macharia, M.; Wanyonyi, M.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
A significant variation either in the mean state of the climate or its variability, persisting for a period not less than 30 years. Climate change and variability is attributed to both natural and man-made induced causes. In the last 2 decades, causes attributed directly or indirectly to human activity have significantly altered the climate system through the greenhouse gas emissions. It is now evident that the globe is warming and the mean surface temperature has tremendously increased.
KALRO-KCEP Curriculum for Training of Trainers
(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, 2016-03) Esilaba, A.O.; Githunguri, C.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Miriti, J.; Nassiuma, E; Wamaitha, M.; Kamau, G.; Kimani, S.; Karanja, J.; Macharia, D.; Njaimwe, A.; Gachuki, P.; Rono, B.; Mutoko, C.; Masinde, W.; Gitari, J.; Ooro, P.A.; Murage, P.M.; Kamidi, M.; Mwenda, M.; Waithaka, M.; Ketiem, P.K.; Maina, I.; Ringera, J.M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Gitari, I.; Masilia, P.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
The KCEP specific objectives are to support smallholder farmers’ graduate from subsistence to commercial agriculture, enhance post-production management practices and develop market linkages for targeted value chains. Among various other programme roles, KALRO is responsible for the development and, updating of extension materials and guidelines in addition to building the capacity of key stakeholders. Eight training of trainers’ (TOT) workshops covering Nakuru, Kakamega, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, Bungoma, Machakos, Makueni and Tharaka Nithi counties have been designed to build the capacity of lead farmers, extension agents and service providers who will in turn train the farmers in their respective areas. This curriculum has been developed to guide facilitators who will be involved in the ToTs program planned for the various project areas. The training will be accomplished through lectures, field exercises, practical sessions, role-plays and other adult learning techniques. The curriculum describes the step by step process that will be followed to train on farming as a business (FAB), climate smart agriculture (CSA), soil fertility management, Maize, millet (Pearl and finger) and sorghum and pulses (beans) production and marketing in Kenya.
KALRO-KCEP Farming as Business Training and Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2016-04) Rono, B.; Nyongesa, D.; Esilaba, A.O.; Masinde, W.; Mutoko, C.; Mwenda, M.; Waithaka, M.; Mwathi, J.W.; Githunguri, C.; Okoti, M.; Nassiuma, E.; Miriti, J.; Maina, I.; Ketiem, P.K.; Kamidi, M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Woyengo, V.; Odendo, M.; Kipkemoi, P.L.; Magiroi, K.N.; Mwangi, H.; Chebosonwy, R.; Macharia, M.; Wanyonyi, M.; Gitari, J.; Ooro, P.A.; Murage, P.M.; Koech, M.; Thuranira, E.; Ashiono, G.; Kamau, G.; Njaimwe, A.; Gachuki, P.; Macharia, D.; Barkutwo, J.; Ringera, J.M.; Onyango, E.M.; Karanja, J.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization
Most farmers are subsistence oriented and mainly strive to produce food for their households only. However, farmers play a great role, including contributing to food and nutrition security and generating income for their household needs. There is therefore a great need to empower farmers increased participation in embracing farming as a business. A business is viewed as a commercial activity, which operates with the intention of making a profit, by provision of services or commodities to meet needs and wants of customers. This requires changing the mind-set of most farmers from producing only for subsistence use to becoming commercially oriented.
KALRO-KCEP Soil Fertility Management Training and Extension Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2016-04) Miriti, J.; Nassiuma, E.; Gitari, J.; Murage, P.M.; Koech, M.; Thuranira, E.; Ashiono, G.; Esilaba, A.O.; Mwathi, J.W.; Nyongesa, D.; Githunguri, C.; Okoti, M.; Rono, B.; Ketiem, P.K.; Kimani, S.; Kamau, G.; Njaimwe, A.; Gachuki, P.; Maina, I.; Mutoko, C.; Masinde, W.; Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Barkutwo, J.; Mwenda, M.; Ringera, J.M.; Ooro, P.A.; Onyango, E.M.; Karanja, J.; Kamidi, M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Woyengo, V.; Odendo, M.; Kipkemoi, P.L.; Magiroi, K.N.; Mwangi, H.; Chebosonwy, R.; Macharia, M.; Wanyonyi, M.
Soil is composed of mineral particles, weathering products of the parent material, and organic matter, (e.g. residues from plants and animals), air and soil water. The solid particles are categorized size into: gravel and stones (>2 mm in diameter), sand (2.0 to 0.02 mm), silt (0.02 to 0.002 mm) and clay (< 0.002 mm). Soil properties are dependent on the relative composition and arrangement of soil particles.l texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt and clay contained in a soil. Soils are described as sands, sandy loams, loams, clay loams, clays depending on their texture.

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