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Item Kenya Mavuno: A High Yielding Late Blight Tolerant Potato Variety With Good Cooking and Processing Qualities(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2017) Onditi, O.J.; Karinga, J.K.; Nderitu, S.W.K.; Nyongesa, M.; Mbiyu,W.M.; Oyoo, J.; Otieno, S.; Muthoni, J.M.; Kabira, J.N.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Kenya Mavuno is a tall potato plant attaining a plant height of about 1 metre. It has strong semi erect stems, green medium sized leaves and abundant white flowers with regular flowering habit. The variety produces a vigorous crop with good ground cover.Ranges from 20-30 t/ha (72-110 bags of 110 kg per acre) under sufficient rainfall and recommended crop production ractices.Item How to Graft Cashew-Nut Seedlings(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, 2017) Katama, C.K.; Mwinga, W.; Pole, F.N.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationCashew nut has previously been propagated in Kenya through seed. KALRO has introduced propagation through grafting to ensure crop uniformity and shorten time to maturity. The technique involves use of one month old rootstock which is grafted with improved cashew varieties using top-wedge grafting. Grafting on rootstocks older than one month do not succeed because of hardening of the rootstock cambium causing graft incompatibility. Grafting of young rootstocks produces seedlings ready for planting within 3 months.Item Dryland Beans: Plant KALRO Dry Land Beans to Reduce Poverty and Raise Incomes in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, 2017) Kathuli, P.; Golicha, D.; Kimotho, L.M.; Ngutu, M.N.; Maingi, P.M.; Adongo, A.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationBeans are the most widely used pulses in the dry lands. They are grown in low, dry and warmer areas and are a major source of proteins in cereal-based diets. Large amounts of beansare sold locally in urban centres and are alsoexported in green, dried and processed forms. Majority of beans fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, thus contributing significantly to the sustainability of soil fertility in the dry lands, cropping systems and hence reduce the requirements for inorganic fertilizers.Item Identification and Management of ANTESTIA BUG (Antestiopsis Spp) in Coffee(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, KALRO, 2017) Mugo, H.M.; Minai, J.M.; Luusa, J.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationA pest of coffee found in both East and West of Rift valley. Symptoms are Blackened flower buds. No flower/fruit set, Attacked branches grow side shoots (fan branching), Bean bear zebra like stripes.Item Cowpea Breeding(Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)., 2022) Kuruma, R.; Kihwaga, C.; Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Cowpea 2nd most important legume crop after common beans. Cultivated on 192,000 ha primarily in arid and semi arid areas. Accounts to 16% of Kenya’s pulse production with 90% - grown in Eastern region. Mainly grown by women for household consumption.Item Pollen Harvesting, Processing, and Packaging(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Kasina, M.J.; Toroitich, D.; Mulwa, J.M.; Onyango, I.A.; Guantai, M.M.; Ndung’u, N.N.; Kinyanjui, J.M.; Nyambati, E.; Mungube, E.O.; Changwony, D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPollen are the tiny, male reproductive units that form in the anthers of flowering plants. The majority of flowering plants on the planet today require that their pollen be transferred onto the receptive stigma of flowers (pollination) by wind, water, birds, bats, butterflies, beetles and bees, the most important species. Bees collect pollen using specialized body parts for their use to feed brood. The pollen available for pollination is freely attached to bee body hairs. The characteristics of bee pollen will depend upon the plants from which it is gathered. Some bee species visit only a single species of flower in one trip meaning the pollen pellets (one on each leg) will tend to be all from the same type of plant and uniform in color and can range from white to black. While pollen provides almost all the bees proteins and nutrients, there is no single type of plant that produces bee pollen that will have all the vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins in exactly the right ratios for optimum honey bee health. As a result, a bee colony will tend to forage on a variety of pollen sources and bee pollen will tend to be a mixture of pollen from all the different species of plants that the colony’s foragers are able to visit.Item Chicken Value Chain: Gender and Social Inclusion(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 2024) Ndubi, J.M.; Alaru, P.A.O.; Nyambati, E.M.; Mungube, E.O.; Kipkemoi, D.C.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationAccess to resources such as land, credit, extension and a voice in decision making are important elements to consider for improved adoption of Agricultural Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMP) by the various gender categories for improved food and nutritional security as well as poverty reduction. Although agricultural TIMPs might lead to increased production and income, there is no guarantee that more income will address the poverty, food and nutrition security situation in the household. Who has access to what resources and who dominate what decisions at household, local and national levels in relation to the use of additional income are important when considering what degree food, nutrition security and poverty will improve. If we close this gender gap by improving power relations and access to resources by the various gender categories, yields would increase by 20–30%.Item Processing and Utilization of Black Soldier Fly Frass Manure(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Ayako, W.O.; Sambu, K.S.; Nyambati, N.M.; Kanegeni, N.N.; Mungube, E.O.; Changwony, D.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationBlack Soldier Fly (BSF) Frass casting is exoskeletons left behind after the larvae are sieved out from consumed Substrate. It resembles crumbly soil after sun drying and is used to improve soil fertility. The frass stimulates plant growth and sustainable fertility and health. It is an organic fertilizer that has higher organic matter content and nutrients.Item Storage of Chicken Feed Ingredients and Mixed Rations(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Kariuki, I.; Kariuki, I.W.; Alaru, P.A.O.; Wachira, A.M.; Ouko, V.O.; Mungube, E.O.; K’Oloo, T.O.; Ogali, N.I.; Adongo, A.O.; Ngaira, V.M.; Langat, M.K.; Nyambati, E.M.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationIt is not advisable to mix more than 100 kg for ration in order to be cost-effective. To achieve this, feed ingredients should be acquired in bulk from millers and distributors at wholesale prices and hence the need for proper storage. Furthermore, all the mixed feed may not be immediately consumed. There are important factors to consider during storage of feed ingredients and the mixed rations.Item Pruning Cashew Trees for Better Yields(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Nyabundi, K.W.; Mukundi, K.T.; Kinyua, Z.; Maina, P.; Mbugua, D.K.; Wanyama, H.N.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPruning is done to remove unwanted plant parts. It is best done immediately after harvesting the last nuts and before flowering. During this time, the tree is dormant.Item How to Produce Animal Feed Supplements from Invasive Bush Species(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - Buchuma, 2023) Syomiti, M.; Mwangi, J.Bush-to-Feed innovations is the pro-duction of animal feed supplements from adapted invasive encroacher bush plant species. Bush-to-Feed not only provides affordable supplementary feeds during emergency situation such as droughts, but also as supplementary feed throughout the year. Bush-to-Feed production contributes to bush thinning. Currently 37% of Kenya’s rangelands are encroached by invasive bush species. Bush thinning helps to restore degraded rangelands and in turn increase agricultural productivity and climate resilience.Item Development & Dissemination of Bean Technologies(KALRO-Katumani, 2022) Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)Kenya is the seventh-largest global producer of common beans. The crop is cultivated almost exclusively by approximately 1.5 million smallholder farmers across around a million hectares. Beans are grown throughout Kenya, with Eastern, Nyanza, Central, Western, and Rift Valley regions being the primary areas of cultivation.Item Selected Commercial Banana Cooking Varieties(KALRO - Horticultural Research Institute, 2024) Gathambiri, C.; Gatambia, E.; Nyaga, A.; Njuguna, J.; Nyonje, W.; Cheboswony, R.; Kirigua, V.; Wasilwa, L.Bananas are a rich source of both macronutrients and micronutrients. The cooking types have starchy fruits and are used in their mature unripe form as vegetables, and mostly cooked before consumption.They are a rich source of carbohydrates, potassium and vitamin B6, which helps fight infection and is essential for the synthesis of ‘heme’, the iron containing pigment of hemoglobin. Additionally, bananas are an excellent source of fibre. Cooking bananas can also be converted to other products such as flour, wine, beerand weaning food products. Green (un-ripened) bananas also can be sliced. Low productivity of local banana varieties and low adoption of improved varieties has led to low banana supplies that cannot meet the demand occasioned by the increasing human population driven by a more nutritionally aware consumer base. Farmers are increasingly finding adoption of improved banana varieties with market driven traits necessary in order meet the market demands. Important cooking banana cultivars available in Kenya include Uganda green, Ngombe and FHIA 17, some of which are also dual purpose varieties to make chips and crisps.Item Soil and Water Conservation for Banana(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization - Horticulture Research Institute., 2024-03) Wandera; Nyaga, A.N.; Musili, R.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationSoil and water conservation aims at maintaining or enhancing the productive capacity of the land including soil, water and vegetation in areas prone to degradation.Item Soil and Water Conservation(KALRO - Kabete, 2024) Wandera, F.M.; Nyaga, A.J.N.; Musila, R.Soil and water conservation aims to maintain or enhance the productive capacity of the land including soil, water and vegetation in areas prone to degradation through: 1) prevention or reduction of soil erosion, compaction and salinity, 2) conservation or drainage of water and 3) maintenance and improvement of soil fertility.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 Stingless Bee Apiary(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, 2024) Kasina, M.J.; Ndung’u, N.N.; Toroitich, D.; Mulwa, J.M.; Onyango, I.A.; Guantai, M.M.; Kinyanjui, J.M.; Kimani, C.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationA stingless bee apiary, also known as a meliponary, is a managed location where stingless bee hives and colonies are kept and maintained for stingless beekeeping. Such an apiary can take various forms, including a tree with multiple stingless bee hives, a tree with a single stingless bee hive, a house where hives are hung on rafters or walls, or specialized housing structures designed specifically for stingless bees.Item Stingless Bee Honey Harvesting, Processing, Packaging, and Storage(Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization., 2024) Kasina, M.J.; Ndung’u, N.N.; Toroitich, D.; Mulwa, J.M.; Onyango, I.A.; Guantai, M.M.; Kinyanjui, J.M.; Kimani, C.W.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.Stingless bees produce honey from the nectar of flowering plants. This honey is more liquid than that of honey bees due to the high water content. Additionally, each stingless bee species has specific honey characteristics including taste and colour. This specificity is brought about by the variation of plants visited by the different species. Stingless bees produce highly medicinal honey and propolis. The two products have been shown to have antioxidants and antibacterial activities and thus are of economic and medical importance. These properties have made stingless bees popular in addition to the appealing aroma and flavour. Harvesting is the art of removing stingless bee honey from the hives, and consequently from the honey pots. Stingless bee honey harvesting involves removing honey pots very carefully using a knife, placing the pots in the bowl, and then closing the hive. The pots are then squeezed or pricked using a sharp object to remove the honey. The honey is then put in a clean food grade container for further processing.Item Stingless Bee Honey Value Addition(Apiculture and Beneficial Insects Research Institute, KALRO, 2024) Kasina, M. J.; Ndung’u, N.N.; Toroitich, D.; Mulwa, J.M.; Kimani, C.W.; Onyango, I.A.; Guantai, M.M.; Kinyanjui, J.M.; Kimani, C.W.Stingless bees are types of bees that are different from the common honey bees. They belong to many different species and may be endemic in some places. They are much smaller in size compared to honey bees. However, their size is also varied across the different species. They do not sting, rather, they can bite. They usually defend themselves mainly by being a nuisance to the intruder. Stingless bee honey is also referred to as pot honey. This honey and its products are in high demand, but the supply is insufficient. This is because the stingless bees produce much smaller quantities of honey compared to the honey bees. The quality of their honey varies with the species, which helps to develop niche markets. Honey, whether of stingless bees or honey bees, is a plant product. Its quality and nutritive value therefore depends on the forages where bees collect nectar. Stingless bees collect nectar from high density of plants compared to honey bees.Item Stingless Bee Species and Their Hives(Apiculture and Beneficial Insects Research Institute, KALRO, 2024) Kasina, M.J.; Toroitich, D.; Mulwa, J.M.; Onyango, I.A.; Guantai, M.M.; Ndung’u, N.N.; Kinyanjui, J.M.There are more than 12 stingless bee species in Kenya. Those commonly kept for honey production include; Meliponula bocandei, Meliponula ferruginea-reddish, Meliponula togoensis, Meliponula lendliana, Plebeina hildebrandti and Hypotrigona gribodoi. Dactlurina schimidti, a species found in the coastal region is an important pollinator of wild and crop plants, although it has not been domesticated for honey production. Meliponula bocandei, M. togoensis, M. ferruginea nest in tree cavities, while M. lendliana and P. hildebrandti nest in underground cavities. Plebeina hildebrandti have been shown to nest near termite mounds. This means that, the stingless bee species have specific nest requirements.
