Browsing by Author "Miriti, J."
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Item 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 OrganizationCowpea 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.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 Green Grams Production Training and Extension Manual(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2016-08) Too, A.; Esilaba, A.; Rono, B.; Bett, B.; Gathambiri, C.; Githunguri, C.; Nyongesa, D.; Macharia, D.; Nassiuma, E.; Odoyo, E.; Wayua, F.; Kamau, G.; Mwathi, J.M.; Miriti, J.; Wasilwa, L.; Wanyama, M.; Waithaka, M.; Otipa, M.; Likhayo, P.; Amata, R.; Ochieng, V.Green grams also known as mung bean, is an erect annual plant which grows to a height of 60-70 cm tall are the more commonly grown in Kenya as compared to black grams. They are common in central and south Nyanza areas, in Machakos and Kitui Counties and at the coast. The two main varieties for the Kenyan market are N26 and KS20 and are differentiated by the colour of seeds. Yellow green grams have bright green seeds while the local green gram seed is small and ripens unevenly. An improved variety (K26) has larger seeds and tends to ripen uniformly, see Table 1. The common names used to refer to green grams are Ndengu or Pojo Ngina. Green grams produces pale yellow flowers borne in clusters of 12–15 near the top of the plant. The flowers develop into cylindrical pods with cylindrical seeds. Pods measure 7.5 cm to 10 cm long and contain 10 to 15 seeds each. Each plant typically produces 30 to 40 pods which turn darker in colour as they mature. The seed colour is in varying shades of yellow to green and black with green and yellow grams being the more common ones in Kenya. The crop is mainly produced by smallholder farmers. However, pests and diseases are major constraints in green grams production in Kenya. Accuracy in pest identification and disease diagnostics are important for proper management of these challenges. It is therefore necessary to build the capacity of extension officers and growers in pest and disease management in order to minimize losses.Item Integrating Scientific and Farmers' Evaluation of Water Harvesting and Soil Fertility Technologies on Sorghum Productivity in Eastern Kenya(2013) Mwangi, D. M.; Muriithi, F.; Kimani, S. K.; Mahasi, M.; Mugwe, J.; Mutea, K.; Miriti, J.; Njeru, P.N.M.; Miruka, M.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Maina, I.; Amboga, S.; Gitari, J; Lekasi, J. K.Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining per capita crop production on smallholder farms in Kenya highlands. A study was conducted to compare farmers' perception and biophysical data on selected water harvesting and integrated soil fertility management technologies on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) production in Central highlands of Kenya. The treatments were 3 levels of water harvesting (Tied ridges, contour furrows and conventional tillage) 3 cropping systems (Sole sorghum and Sorghum and cowpea intercrop and 6 levels of soil fertility amendment options (control, 40 Kg P/ha + 40Kg N/ha, 40 Kg P/ha + 20 Kg N/ha, 40 Kg P/ha + 40Kg N/ha + manure 5 t/ha, 40 Kg P/ha + 20 Kg N/ha + manure 2.5 t/ha and manure 5t/ha. One hundred seventeen smallholder farmers were invited to evaluate crops based on their performance and grain yields. Thirty six plots laid out in partially balanced incomplete block design (PBIDD) replicated three times. The results show that treatments that ranked top on the scale of 'good' had external soil amendment regardless of water harvesting and cropping systems. The treatment which was ranked best was farmers practice under sorghum alone plus external soil amendment of 40 kg P/ha + 20 kg N/ha with (69.1 %) respondent with grain yield of (3.5t/ha). This was closely followed by tied ridges and contour furrows rankings ranging from 68.3% to 68.8% respondent under sorghum alone, plus external soil fertility amendment options. Generally, the poorest ranked treatment and low yielding were experiment control. The results further showed that there was no significant difference between treatment scoring by gender (P~.05) on the scale of good, fair and poor. Therefore, integration minimal addition of organic and inorganic inputs on highly valued traditional with adequate rainfall under normal farmers practice in semi-arid lands could be considered as an alternative option contribution to food security in central highland of KenyaItem 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 OrganizationClimate 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.Item 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 OrganizationPulses, 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.Item 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.Item 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 OrganizationThe 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.Item 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 OrganizationMost 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.Item 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.Item KCEP - CRAL Green Grams Extension Manual(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2019-04) Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Otipa, M.; Nassiuma, E.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Githunguri, C.; Miriti, J.; Too, A.; Bett, B.; Gathambiri, C.; Amata, R.; Odoyo, E.; Wayua, F.; Karanja, J.K.; Mwathi, J.W.; Likhayo, P.; Ooro, P.A.; Kamau, G.M.; Ochieng, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPulses, or grain legumes in general, are an essential source of supplementary protein. 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. Not withstanding 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.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. Its edible grain is characterized by good digestibility, flavor, high and easily digestible protein content and absence of any flatulence effects (Ahmed et al., 2001). Its seed contains contain approximately 374Kcal, 23.9% protein, 1.2% fat, 16.3% dietary fiber, 4.5-5.5% ash, 63% carbohydrates on dry weight basis. It’s also a crucial source of vitamins A and B complex and generous amounts of micro-nutrients such as iron and zinc which are deficient in diets among the poor, particularly pregnant women and children in Africa (Swaminathan et. al., 2012).Item KCEP - Maize Production Training and Extension Manual(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2016-08) Karanja, J.K.; Mwathi, J.W.; Ooro, P.A.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Kamidi, M.; Wanjekeche, E.; Macharia, D.; Waithaka, M.; Woyengo, V.; Barkutwo, J.; Githunguri, C.; Kamau, G.; Miriti, J.; Nassiuma, E; Masinde, W.; Mwenda, M.; Njaimwe, A.; Macharia, M.; Gitari, J.; Murage, P.M.; Koech, M.; Thuranira, E.; Ashiono, G.; Rono, B.; Ketiem, P.K.; Kimani, S.; Gachuki, P.; Wanyonyi, M.; Maina, I.; Mutoko, C.; Ringera, J.M.; Odendo, M.; Kipkemoi, P.L.; Chebosonwy, R.; Magiroi, K.N.; Mwangi, H.; Onyango, E.M.The scientific name for maize is Zea mays; but for the purpose of this manual it will be referred to as maize. This production manual is a guide on growing maize successfully in different agro-ecological areas of Kenya, in a rain fed system not under irrigation. However, many principles of agronomy are relevant to both irrigated and rainfed farming systems. Maize is a staple food in Kenya, accounting for an average production of 4.4 million tonnes for the period 2010 to 2013 (FAO, 2015). It contributes to about 65% of daily per capita cereal consumption and serves as subsistence and a commercial crop grown on an estimated 1.4 million hectares. Maize production accounts for more than 20% of the total agricultural production and 25% of agricultural employment in the country. It is an important source of carbohydrate, protein, iron, vitamin B, and minerals. Maize products include baked, roasted and boiled fresh maize on the cob, porridge, pastes, beer, starch, oil and livestock feed from by-products of fresh and dry maize grain. This manual outlines important maize-crop agronomy and provides information on the methodology and technology that farmers may be able to utilise to grow maize in Kenya. Climate change, increased human activities, pathogen and vector evolution have increased the spread of invasive pests and diseases in maize farming systems in Kenya. The country has faced severe disease and pest outbreaks that impact on the country’s food security. Heavy attacks of loses of as much as 100% have been reported due to Maize lethal necrosis disease and fall armyworm. The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides maize farmers with management options to reduce pesticides use in the management of pest and diseases. Precise and prompt pest and disease detection are vital for their prevention or management. After harvesting their crop, farmers in Kenya face challenges of poor grain handling and management, leading to 30% of post-harvest losses, translating to more than US$ 4 billion losses per annum (Hodges et al., 2011). They also market their grain at low price at harvest time forcing households to buy grains for family consumption when prices increase. Post-harvest losses lead to insufficient food supply, even when crop yields and land under cultivation have been increasing. This is partly due to lack of knowledge on appropriate methods of grain storage. This post- 11 harvest management component will support farmers in securing high returns from investments on grain production. This is through adoption of improved on-farm grain handling practices to minimize post-harvest losses and enhanced access to markets offering favourable terms. This manuals’ goal is to reduce post-harvest losses from the current estimated 30% to industry accepted levels of below 5%. This will lead to usage of certified warehouse system by farmers to bulk and sell their produce at a price 30% higher than prevailing farm gate price. systems in Kenya. The country has faced severe disease and pest outbreaks that impact on the country’s food security. Heavy attacks of loses of as much as 100% have been reported due to Maize lethal necrosis disease and fall armyworm. The use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provides maize farmers with management options to reduce pesticides use in the management of pest and diseases. Precise and prompt pest and disease detection are vital for their prevention or management. After harvesting their crop, farmers in Kenya face challenges of poor grain handling and management, leading to 30% of post-harvest losses, translating to more than US$ 4 billion losses per annum (Hodges et al., 2011). They also market their grain at low price at harvest time forcing households to buy grains for family consumption when prices increase. Post-harvest losses lead to insufficient food supply, even when crop yields and land under cultivation have been increasing. This is partly due to lack of knowledge on appropriate methods of grain storage. This post- 11 harvest management component will support farmers in securing high returns from investments on grain production. This is through adoption of improved on-farm grain handling practices to minimize post-harvest losses and enhanced access to markets offering favourable terms. This manuals’ goal is to reduce post-harvest losses from the current estimated 30% to industry accepted levels of below 5%. This will lead to usage of certified warehouse system by farmers to bulk and sell their produce at a price 30% higher than prevailing farm gate price.
