Browsing by Author "Githunguri, C.M."
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Item 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.Item KARI Katumani Research Centre Annual Report 2002(2002) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute - Katumani Reserach Centre; Githunguri, C.M.; Kwena, K.; Kavoi, J.; Okwach, E. W.; Gatheru, M.; Abok, J. O.; Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteAgriculture in the dry areas depends on the vagaries of weather, especially rainfall. The dry areas are characterised by low seasonal rainfall, the distribution of which varies in space and time. The greatest climatic risk to sustainable agricultural production in these areas is rainfall variability, which increases with decreasing seasonal rainfall. Consequently risk-averse farmers are unwilling to invest in fertilizers and other inputs that are needed for high levels of agricultural production. Economic agricultural production in these areas could be achieved through use of appropriate nutrient replenishment and water harvesting techniques. Water harvesting supports a flourishing agriculture in many dry areas (Oweis and Taimeh, 1996; Oweis, 1994; Perrier, 1990; Suleman et al., 1995; Giller, et al., 1998).Item Variety Characteristics and Production Guidelines of Traditional Food Crops(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - Katumani Research Centre, 2006-04) Karanja, D.R.; Githunguri, C.M.; Ragwa, L.M.; Mulwa, D.; Mwiti, S.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - Katumani Research CentreEastern, parts of Rift Valley and North Eastern are the main provinces constantly threatened by famine. Onyango et.al. (2006) have estimated that at any given time of the year 300,000 to 2,000,000 residents in these two provinces are receiving famine relief food. Unfortunately, Eastern and North Eastern provinces are major consumers of maize, which is not drought tolerant perse and hence does not perform well in these regions. About 80% of famine alarms are frequently raised in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. Unfortunately, these famines are ignored and frequent need for food relief occurs despite the fact that the these regions can support the growth of drought tolerant traditional food crops such as sorghum, millet, beans, cowpeas pigeon peas, mungbeans, cassava and sweetpotatoes. In addition, most traditional food crops, especially sorghum, millets, cassava and sweetpotatoes are perceived as poor people’s food. This has frustrated the national efforts to promote these crops as viable, commercially marketable foods. Hence, it is not a wonder that products from these crops are hardly stocked in major supermarkets. There should be deliberate and concerted efforts by all stakeholders involved in food production to promote the production of traditional food crops in the ASALs and their utilization nationally if the humiliating famine and relief are to become a thing of the past.Item Water Harvesting Furrows Options for Maize Production in the Southern Rangelands of Semi-Arid Kenya(2013) Githunguri, C.M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Muga, M.; Wekesa, L.; Mutunga, C.; Muchiri, D.; Ng'ethe, R.; KARI- Katumani, P.O Box 340, MachakosThe Southern Rangelands of Kenya's drylands are prone to unreliable and insufficient rainfall making crop production risky and food insecurity and poverty rampant. The drylands are characterized with low and erratic rainfall and high transpiration rates. In order to improve crop and tree production in these areas, sustainable drought mitigation farming methods, through better on-farm rainwater management are required. A study was conducted to determine the effect of using mechanized furrows made using the Vallerani technology, vis-a-vis the traditional furrows made using the oxen plough to harvest rainwater, on the yield of maize in Kibwezi and Kiboko Divisions in the Southern Rangelands of Kenya. Other common water harvesting methods include creation of surface and earth dams, roof catchment, trapping road runoff and directing the water into the farm, and digging oftied trenches. The Vallerani technology involved use of a tractor with a calibrated Delphino plough to make tied ridges and furrows during seedbed preparation before planting. Eleven farmers were selected from Mtito Andei and Kibwezi Divisions. Maize was planted in 5 m x 3 m plots with a total of 66 plants and a sample of 24 plants harvested.
