Browsing by Author "De Jager, A."
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Item Demonstration trials on Tumbukiza and Conventional Tillage Methods and their impacts on Agro-economic Performance of Two Napier Varieties in Kiambu, Central Kenya - KARI-ETC-LEI INSMAP REPORT NO.KE 19-2005(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2005) Onduru, D. D.; Wouters, B.; Muchena, F. N.; Gachini, G. N.; Gachimbi, L.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Onduru D.D; Wouters B.; Muchena F.N; Gachini G,N; Gachimbi L.In sub-Saharan Africa, mixed crop-livestock systems predominate in the semi-arid, sub-humid and cool highland zones. In these areas, systems intensify and crops and livestock become increasingly integrated as the human population increases and land becomes a more important constraint than labour (Mcintire et a/., 1992). It has been estimated by the World Bank that around 10 percent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are primarily dependent on their animals, while another 58 percent depend on livestock indirectly (Ogle, 1996). Livestock are important culturally in establishing the status of the farmer (Moll et a/., 2001); as a store of wealth (Doran et a/., 1979); as a form of insurance (Slingerland, 2000); as providers of employment to the farm households, and in the recycling of waste products and residues from cropping or agro-industries (Sansoucy et a/., 1995).Item Development of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices in Semi-arid areas of Kenya using Participatory Leaming and Action Research Approach: Final Report(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2004) Gachimbi, L.N.; Thuranira, E.G.; Karuku, A.M.; Itabari, J.K.; Nguluu, S.N.; Gichangi, E.M.; De Jager, A.; Van Keulen, H.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Wageningen Univerity and Research centre, The Hague, The Netherlands.; Plant Research International, Wageningen University and Research center, Wageningen, The Netherlands.In order to address the problems of low soil fertility in the ASAL, the project "Assessment and monitoring of nutrient flows and stocks to determine appropriate integrated nutrient management strategies for semi-arid lands in Kenya". The nutrient monitoring in semi-arid lands (NUTSAL) project was formulated and implemented in the period 1998-2003. The objective of the project was to analyse the nutrient management practices in the semi-arid areas and to design, test and disseminate improved, integrated soil fertility management recommendations for various land use zones, soil types, farming systems and farm types through participatory efforts of scientists and other stakeholders.Item Exploring effects of Rhizobium Strains on performance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris): Experiences from Demonstrations held in Kiambu District, Central Kenya. KARI-ETC-LEI INSMAP Report.(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2004) Onduru, D. D.; Gachimbi, L.; Muchena, F. N.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteSoil fertility is closely linked to productivity and is a function of individual soil variables (inherent and influenced) such as climate, management and slope. There is a belief that soil fertility is declining in East Africa as evidenced by appearance of widespread distribution of soil deficiencies in major macro-nutrients and micronutrients ascertained from commensurate crop responses and soil analyses and local soil quality indicators; widespread appearance of plant species which thrive under low soil fertility such as striga and poverty grass; changes in soil colour and texture associated with low fertility; and widespread negative nutrient balances (Nandwa and Bekunda, 1998; Nandwa, 2003). Emerging evidence points to the fact that a reversal of soil fertility decline requires the adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) as a pragmatic and feasible approach to overcome the limitations of past research approaches (Deugd et al., 1998). As a holistic approach to soil fertility management, INM embraces responses to the full range of driving factors and consequences, namely biological, physical, chemical, social, economic and political aspects of soil fertility decline. The approach also addresses nutrient deficiencies; inappropriate germplasm and cropping system design; pest disease interaction with soil fertility; linkage between land degradation and poverty and global policies; incentives as well as the role of institutions in soil fertility management (Bationo, 2003).Item Farmer Field Schools and Integrated Nutrient Management in Semi-Arid Areas of Eastern Kenya: Learning Experiences on Testing of Farmyard Manure, DAP, Tithonia and Their Combinations in the Central Learning Plot, 2003(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2003) Onduru, D.D.; Gachimbi, L.; Muchena, F.N.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteDeterminants of crop productivity growth include soil fertility, pests and diseases, weeds and water availability. In the semi-arid areas of Eastern Kenya, the biophysical challenges such as inherent infertile soils, declining soil fertility, and poor rainfall distribution together with farmer's poor socio-economic situation are some of the major factors contributing to declining food production (Onduru et al., 1999). Soils in the semiarid areas generally have low organic matter and total nitrogen contents because of low biomass production and a high rate of decomposition (Mokwunye et al., 1996). Also in many places of the semi-arid areas, nitrogen and phosphorus are limiting. The soils also have low-activity clay, and thus low capacity to fix added phosphorus. This implies that the phosphorus requirement for obtaining maximum yields is often low (Bationo and Mokwunyu, 1991; Osiname, 1979).Item Integrated nutrient management to attain sustainable productivity increase in East African farming system: Smallholder Farming and Rural Livelihoods in Ngaita Village, Kiambaa Division Kiambu District Kenya: A Baseline Survey Report(Ministry Of Agriculture, 2004) Gachimbi, L.N.; Gachini, G.N.; Onduru, D.D.; Maina, F.; Muchena, F.N.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteAgricultural production among the smallholder farmers of Kiambu District, Centre Kenya Highlands is increasingly being threatened by declining soil fertility. Population growth, increasing land scarcity and inappropriate land use practices are seen as the main factors explaining why soils are coming under pressure in many parts~ of sub-saharan Africa (Scoones and Toulmil1, 1999). Evidence Of field studies in the highlands of Kenya! has shown that soil fertility is declining and at the dimension of the problem varies with biophysical, socio-economic and institutional factors Addressing this seemingly bleak scenario Calls for adoption of of all encompassing strategy of managing the widest variety of possible sources of fertility in the most efficient Way as well developing practical technologies applicable to farmers.Item Smallholder Farming and Rural Livelihoods in Ngaita Village, Kiambaa Division, Kiambu District Kenya: A Baseline Survey Report. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. KARI-ETC-LEI INMASP Report(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 2004) Gachimbi, L. N.; Gachini, G. N.; Onduru, D. D.; Maina, F.; Muchena, F. N.; De Jager, A.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteFarmer's knowledge on soil fertility management exists in a social context and access to such knowledge is subject to differential resource endowments and social determinants. The study investigated salient features of household characteristics that may directly or indirectly influence agricultural practices and choice of livelihood options. The study has shown the sample was a middle aged with persons below 40 years accounting for 38% of the sample size. The potential labour force (age 11-59) represented 31% of the sample size and a greater part of this potential labour force was literate. This indicates that agricultural activities may not be potentially constrained by labour availability. The potential labour a farm level was found to be 2 adult equivalents. The average land size was 0.5 ha with average farm population density off 5 persol11ls per hectare.
