Browsing by Author "Ochieng, V."
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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 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 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 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 Making Tomato Jam(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization , 2024) Ndambuki, J.M.; Wayua, F.O.; Ochieng, V.; Wasilwa, L.A.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationTomato is an important vegetable crop, which is widely grown for home consumption and commercial purposes. However, the crop is faced with a number of challenges including post-harvest losses, which is a major threat to harvested produce. The losses indicate wastage of inputs used during production. Value addition can be a strategic approach to mitigate these losses and maximize the profitability of tomato cultivation. Tomato jam is prepared from fruit pulp, sugar and citric acid. It can maintain quality for up to a year or even longer. The market for tomato jam includes not only individual consumers looking to enhance their home cooking but also restaurants and catering businesses. Makers can establish partnerships with local markets, restaurants, or supermarkets to sell their jam, thus fostering economic growth within their community.Item Management of Biotic Constrains to Tomato Production by Farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya(Journal of Horticulture, 2022-07-23) Odhiambo, H.; Orayo, M.; Wayua, F.; Mulwa, J.; Havi, S.; Kamau, E.; Ochieng, V.; Ndambuk, J.; Tabu, R.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationA baseline survey on pest and disease management by tomato farmers was conducted in seven farming communities of Chemsis, Chesikaki, Bukonoi, Namtoholo, Chemondi, Kabomi and Kang’anga’ in Mt. Elgon sub- county. A total of 93 farmers were selected using the stratified proportionate sampling method and interviewed through structured questionnaires. Data collected included demographic characteristics, tomato varieties, sources of tomato seed materials, major pests and diseases management practices, farm record keeping and communication information transfer. The cultivated tomato varieties were Elgon Kenya F1, Cal J, Safari F1, Stricker F1, Rionix, Kilele F1, Rio Grande (Simlaw), Rio Grande (Seed Co), Terminator, Money Maker, Roma F1, Shanti F1, Pamela F1(Agrotec), Ranger F1 and Safa F1. Adult farmers (36 to 81 years) dominated tomato farming at 59% while youths (18 to 35 years) represented 41% of the respondents, 96.7% sourced tomato seeds from agrovets, 2.2% recycled their own seeds and 1.1% borrowed seeds from fellow farmers. The use of synthetic agrochemicals in managing pests and diseases stood at 55.9% and 45.8% respectively. About 16.3%, 10.3%, 7.9%, 4.8% and 4.8% of respondents planted tolerant varieties, practiced crop rotation, rouging, use of botanicals and indigenous knowledge to control pests respectively. Rouging, use of tolerant varieties, scouting and crop rotation were reported by 12.5%, 15%, 1.7% and 12.8% of respondents, respectively. However, 8.7% of respondents were not controlling pests and diseases whereas 3.5% relied on indigenous knowledge. About 14% of the respondents relied on other farmers for information. The study therefore recommends awareness creation on correct use of chemicals and use of safer alternatives. Future studies on the level of synthetic chemical residues in tomatoes produced in Bungoma county are necessary.Item Soil and Water Management – Grass Strip in Mango(KALRO-Horticulture Research Centre, 2024) Tabu, R.; Odhiambo, H.; Magogo, J.; Ndambuki, J.; Ochieng, V.; Kirigua, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationGrass strips are 1 m-wide strip of grass planted on terraces along contours to reduce the amount of water flowing down the slope and conserve soil. This technique can be practiced in wet and moist areas. Grass strips are planted with fodder grass such as napier or are left with natural grass, thereby providing fodder for livestock (cut and carry). Grass strips are widely used as vegetative barriers to reduce soil loss and increase infiltration and soil moisture. Due to increased soil moisture, there is more water available for the crops which leads to increased agricultural production. The grass is grown in alternating strips following contour lines. Depending on the grass used, the strips may provide fodder for livestock as well. Compared to other interventions grass strips can be easily crossed by oxen and ploughs. Grass strips can filter sediment, evacuate excess runoff, and can also withstand inundation. They may ultimately form into bench terraces.Item Tomato Sauce(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Ndambuki, J.M.; Wayua, F.O.; Ochieng, V.; Wasilwa, L.A.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - MugugaTomato is an important vegetable crop in Kenya, widely grown for home consumption and commercial purposes. However, the crop faces a number of challenges, including post-harvest losses, which are a major threat to harvested produce. The presence of losses in a crop indicates waste of resources that were put in place during production.Value addition can be a strategic approach to mitigate these losses and maximize the profitability of tomato cultivation. Tomato sauce, made from tomatoes and spices, is usually served a condimet for many dishes. The production of tomato sauce improves flavor and extends shelf life. Tomato sauce can maintain its quality for six months or more. The market for tomato sauce encompasses not only individual consumers looking to enhance their home cooking but also restaurants and catering businesses. By processing surplus or lower-grade tomatoes into tomato sauce, farmers can add value to their produce and extend its shelf life, thereby reducing post-harvest losses, creating employment, and increasing income. Additionally, they can establish partnerships with local markets, restaurants, or supermarkets to sell their tomato sauce products, fostering economic growth within their community while meeting the demand for high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.Item Tomato Sun Scald(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2024) Odhiambo, H.; Ochieng, V.; Ndambuki, J.; Tabu, R.; Lelgut, D.; Kirigua, V.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research OrganizationSunscald is a condition that affects green tomato fruit that has been abruptly exposed to excessive sunshine due to pruning, natural spreading of the plant induced by a high fruit load, or diseased leaf loss.Item Use Contour Bunds for Soil and Water Conservation(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Magogo, J.; Tabu, R.; Odhiambo, H.; Ndambuki, J.; Ochieng, V.; Kirigua, V.; Finyange, P.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationContour bunds, also known as contour bundling or contour ridges are stone or earthen walls built across a slope to prevent runoff. Making furrows parallel to the contours ensures that rainfall and runoff are spread evenly over a field. The earthen bund is formed by excavating a channel and creating a small ridge on the downhill side. Thus, contour bunds resemble narrow channel terraces commonly referred to as “fanya chini” terraces. This technology is highly suitable for areas with unpredictable rains, especially drought-prone areas. They are commonly used in hilly or mountainous terrain to minimise soil erosion and enhance agricultural productivity.
