Browsing by Author "Okoti, M."

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Assessing the Demand for Improved Cook Stoves among Low Income Households in Kenya: Case of Baringo and West Pokot Counties
(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2022-08-29) Kisiangani, B.; Okoti, M.; Mutembei, H.; Wamalwa, P.; Mandila, B.; Egerton University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; University of Nairobi ; University of Kabianga
In recent years, clean and improved cooking solutions have significantly evolved globally, generating an attractive market opportunity for enterprises engaging in the provision of innovative cooking appliances, fuels, and financing to speed uptake of the disseminated technologies. Improved Cook stoves (ICS) have been widely touted for their potential to deliver triple wing benefits of improved agricultural productivity, enhanced household health and time savings through reduced scrimmage in sourcing for biomass fuel, and sustainability through reduced local deforestation, further reducing black carbon emissions. Despite decades of promotion, diffusion of ICS has continued to remain slow. This project aimed at investigating the factors that hinder the uptake of ICS in some selected poor villages from Baringo and West Pokot Counties in Kenya, East Africa. Data was collected from 2918 households across 12 villages and analyzed statistically. On average, households spent approximately KES 2149 on fuel per month, covered 2.15 km and spent around 1.5 hours collecting/getting their primary cooking fuel. Majority of the consumers, 94% expressed willingness to pay (WTP) for an ideal cookstove (one that emits less smoke, saves fuel, safe during cooking, easy to light, and that could cook fast). A majority of the consumers (46.5%) preferred to acquire ICSs through equal monthly installments while 40.47% preferred to pay cash and the rest opted for the “pay-to-use” model and whenever cash was available. From the binary Probit model, consumers’ WTP for the ICSs was positively influenced by age and level of education of the head of the family, size of the family, number of children under five years, distance to the source of fuel, and the desire to use and own an ICS. Policies that are aimed at maximizing cook stove effectiveness and uptake among the poor in the target counties and Kenya at large was recommended.
Climate Smart Agriculture Trainer of Trainers Manual
(KALRO, 2019-04) Okoti, M.; Esilaba, A. O.; Ketiem, P. K; Mutoko, C.; Kimani, S.
The purpose of this training of trainer’s module is to familiarize extension officers, lead farmers and service providers on the Climate Smart Agriculture manual content and empower them to train farmers. This will enable them to impart knowledge on appropriate technologies, innovations and management practices that will help the farmers and other agricultural stakeholders in hedge their agricultural activities against climate change risks. Climate change is real and has become an impediment to sustainable development globally. Climate change has a range of positive and negative impacts in agriculture depending on the regions of the world. The negative impacts are expected to be more adverse in developing countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa such as Kenya which has experienced increasing temperatures from 1960’s coupled with increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as El Niño and La Niña. Effects of the negative impacts include declining agricultural productivity; land degradation; loss of crops, livestock and fish due to changing temperatures and precipitation regimes and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
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.
Does the Adoption of Minimum Tillage Improve Sorghum Yield Among Smallholders in Kenya? A Counterfactual Analysis
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Musafiri, C.M.; Kiboi, M.; Macharia, J.; Ng'etich, O.K.; Okoti, M.; Mulianga, B.; Kosgei, D.K.; Ngetich, F.K.; University of Embu ; Cortile Scientific Limited ; KCA University ; Kenyatta University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; , Moi University ; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
Climate change is a major drawback to food security in most developing countries. Promoting minimum tillage and climate-smart crops is essential in mitigating and adapting to climate shocks. However, information on the impacts of minimum tillage on crop productivity under farmers' conditions is limited in Western Kenya. We assessed the effects of minimum tillage adoption on sorghum productivity among smallholder sorghum farmers in Western Kenya. We used household survey data collected from 300 smallholder farmers and performed an endogenous switching regression model to analyze the effects of minimum tillage adoption on sorghum yields. The results revealed that the adoption of minimum tillage increased sorghum yields by 11%, from 1163 to 1146 kg ha−1. The occupation of the household head, acreage, soil fertility perception, and farm credit significantly and positively determined minimum tillage adoption. The remittance, agricultural associations, weather information, and site negatively and significantly determined minimum tillage adoption. Our findings suggest that minimum tillage adoption under drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum could improve community wellbeing through increased crop productivity, notwithstanding the changing climate and associated weather shocks.
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.
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.
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.
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 Organization
Pulses, 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).
KCEP-CRAL Millet Training of Trainers’ Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization., 2019-04) Kisilu, R.; Muli, B.; Karanja, J.K.; Otipa, M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Too, A.; Mutisya, D.; Njunie, M.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
The purpose of this training of trainer’s module is to familiarize extension officers, lead farmers and service providers on the millet production practices and empower them knowledge and skills to train farmers’ trainers.. This will enable them to impart knowledge on good agricultural millet production practices to farmers through farmer trainings.Millets are a group of grasses mainly found in the arid and semiarid regions. They produce small seeded grains and are often cultivated as cereals. They include Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) and Foxtail millet (Setaria italica). The popularity of millet fell for some years due to introduction of maize, wheat and rice, but the current unpredictable rainfall patterns accompanied by frequent maize crop failures have led to renewed interest in the production of indigenous, drought tolerant crops. Popularity of millets is once again on the rise with millers demand being far above the deliveries. Land under millets production in Kenya was 111,271 ha in 2011 with a production of 73,396 tons.
KCEP–CRAL Soil and Fertility Management Trainer of Trainers’ Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2019-04) Esilaba, A.O.; Mangale, N.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Njiru, E.; Muindi, E.M.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
The agriculture sector in Kenya directly contributes 26 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 per cent of GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors. However, growth in this sector is constrained by, among other factors, declining soil fertility and deteriorating soil health. Soil management strategies center on: acquisition of appropriate knowledge on soils, their utilization and maintenance of their fertility for sustainable improved crop productivity. This module is intended to familiarize participants on the importance of soil management and recognition that healthy and fertile soils are essential for crop productivity and value chains.Agricultural productivity in Kenya is generally low despite the high demand from the increasing population. Yields of the major staple crops, maize and beans, obtained by farmers are well below the research potential yields and this is attributed to various problems including low soil fertility resource base (low soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and some micro-nutrients) and poor land and water management. Such poor management results in loss of soil nutrients estimated at 21% of nitrogen, 8% phosphorous and 45% Muriate of Potash per year per hectare. Soil fertility management is therefore crucial for farmers to realize potential yields and improve households and national food and nutrition security.
Maize Trainer of Trainers’ Manual
(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2019-04) Karanja, J.K.; Otipa, M.; Esilaba, A.O.; Nyongesa, D.; Okoti, M.; Mutuma, E.; Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Too, A.; Mutisya, D.; Njunie, M.; Muli, B.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)
The purpose of this training of trainer’s module is to familiarize extension officers, lead farmers and service providers on the maize production manual content and empower them with the capacity and training methods. This will enable them to impart knowledge on good agricultural production practices of maize farming through farmer trainings. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major staple food in Kenya. It can be used as food, feed for animals and as a source of industrial raw material. It contributes to about 65% of daily per capita cereal consumption. Maize accounts for more than 20% of the total agricultural production and 25% of agricultural employment in the country. Maize is an important source of carbohydrate, protein, iron, vitamin B, and minerals. Its 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.
Potassium Nutrient Status and Management in Kenyan Soils for Increased Productivity
(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 2022) Kathuku-Gitonga, A.N.; Esilaba, A.O.; Mangale, N.; Wasilwa, L.; Okoti, M.; Nyongesa, D.; Kamoni, P.T.; Waruru, B.K.; Muya, E.M.; Thuranira, E.; Mutisya, D.; African Plant Nutrition Institute (APNI) ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kabete & Katumani
Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are regarded as the main basic nutrients necessary for plant growth and production and their functions are interrelated. Potassium is necessary for regulation of plant cells, for the production of proteins and enzymes. It improves crop's disease and pests' resistance, and it increases crop yield and plays a significant role in enhancing crop quality. Potassium deficiency inhibits protein production even when nitrogen is abundant. The objective of the study was to determine status of potassium in selected Kenyan soils and responses to applied potassium fertilizers. Studies were carried out in Kenya through laboratory soil analysis, meta-data analysis and fertilizer response studies. Soils were collected in the trial sites and analyzed using wet chemistry method. For meta-analysis, published materials were collected, collated, digitized and harmonized. Benefit cost ratios were calculated for each technology to ascertain its profitability. The soil analysis results showed that potassium, nitrogen, organic carbon and zinc were deficient. The meta-analysis results showed that, limited research studies had been conducted on potassium in Eastern, Coast and Rift Valley regions of Kenya. The most economical potassium responses were recorded under application of 60 kg K/ha, although the yields were not profitable. However, the fertilizer response studies showed increased crop yields on addition of potassium fertilizer up to 40 kg K/ha. Hence lower rates of potassium (less than or equal to 40 kg K/ha) are recommended to offset and maintain adequate potassium levels in the soil for optimal crop production and income. Nevertheless, soil analysis is key before any fertilizers are added to soils.
Smallholders’ Adaptation to Climate Change in Western Kenya: Considering Socioeconomic, Institutional, and Biophysical Determinants
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Musafiri, C.M.; Kiboi, M.; Macharia, J.; Ng’etich, O.K.; Kosgei, D.K.; Mulianga, B.; Okoti, M.; Ngetich, F.K.; University of Embu ; Cortile Scientific Company Ltd ; Kenyatta University ; Moi University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ;Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST); University of Embu; Cortile Scientific Company Ltd; Kenyatta University; Moi University; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO); Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Climate change has stimulated detrimental threats to the global agricultural ecosystems. The study investigated i) the climate change perceptions, drivers, effects, and barriers, and ii) determinants of climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. The study interviewed 300 households using a semi-structured face-to-face interview schedule. The study employed two indices, i.e., weighted average and problem confrontation, and two regression models, i.e., Binary logistic and Poisson regression. The findings indicated that smallholder farmers were aware of climate change, its drivers, and its effects. The main barriers to climate change adaptation were unpredictable weather patterns, financial constraints, and limited agricultural training. Group membership and site negatively influenced climate change adaptation. Household head's education, experience, remittance receipt, access to credit on inputs, climate change perception, access to weather information, and cultivated farm size positively influenced climate change adaptation. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring smallholder farmers' dynamics in climate change policies to enhance adaptation. The negative prediction of group membership needs to be emphasized to prevent demotivating farmers from joining community associations. The study highlights the need to incorporate farmers' perceptions of climate change, climate awareness creation, and monetary assistance to enhance climate change resilience among smallholder farmers.

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