Evaluation of Mineral Fertilizer, FYM, Tithomia and Their Combination in Maize Production at Gachoka Division, Mbeere District, Kenya. - KARI-ETC-LEI INSMAP REPORT NO.KE 16 2005

Abstract

Agriculture is the principal Sources of livelihood for the majority of households having in the semi -arid areas of Eastern Province and Kenya in general. The areas Support approximately 20% of Kenya's population. However, per capita production in these areas has been on the decline and fanning households in these regions are faced with continuous food deficits, which in moist cases cannot be remedied through the short term interventions of the Costly famine relief food operations. Improving soil fertility has been identified as an essential micro-level strategy for increasing and sustaining food production in small-holder cropping systems (Sanchez et al. 1997). Further intensification and diversification of land use with high value crops is also advocated.