B u n g o m a County

Transcription

1 FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information ANNEX: Atlas of Agro Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Group of Districts Subpart A1 Western Province B u n g o m a County

2 This project was supported by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), since 2011 it is GIZ = Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society of International Cooperation)

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4 Farm Management Handbook of Kenya VOL. I VOL. II Part II/A Subpart A1 Subpart A2 Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information WEST KENYA Western Province Nyanza Province Part II/B CENTRAL KENYA Subpart B l a/b Rift Valley Province, Northern (except Turkana) and Southern Part Subpart B2 Central Province Part II /C Subpart C1 Subpart C2 VOL. III VOL. IV VOL. V EAST KENYA Eastern Province, Middle and Southern Part Coast Province Farm Management Information Annual Publications were planned. The idea changed to Farm Managament Guidelines, produced by the District Agricultural Offices annually and delivered to the Ministry in April Production Techniques and Economics of Smallholder Livestock Production Systems Horticultural Production Guidelines Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, in Cooperation with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) VOL. II is supplemented by CDROMs with the information and maps in a Geographical Information System. Additionally there will be wall maps of the AgroEcological Zones per district group (= the former large districts) for offices and schools. Vol. II/B Printed by Brookpak Printing & Supplies, Nairobi 2010 Layout by Ruben Kempf, Trier, Germany.

5 FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA VOL. II Annex: Atlas of Agro Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Groups of Districts in Western Province Subpart A1 Bungoma County by Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. emeritus of Geography, University of Trier / Germany Helmut Schmidt Former Farm Management Research Officer from the former German Agricultural Team of the GTZ in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi Dr. Berthold Hornetz Prof. of Agricultural Geography, University of Trier / Germany Dr. Chris Shisanya Prof. of Agroclimatology, Dept. of Geography Kenyatta University, Nairobi Contributions to the 1 st Edition by: C.M. Kang e & J.G.M. Muasya assessment of farm management data; Dr. Mechthild Kronen soil requirements list; Prof. Dr. H. Kutsch computing of cropwater relations for yield probabilities; F.N. Muchena, B.J.A. van der Pouw, W. Siderius and W.G. Sombroek basic soil maps; H. Ritz district climate tables; R. Swoboda execution of Small Farm Survey; C.G. Wenner & S.N. Njoroge soil conservation; W. Zettelmeyer computing farm data. Additional Contributions to the 2 nd Edition by: Dr. J. Ahenda & P. M. Maluku, KEPHIS; G. Awinyo (GIZ) assisting R. J. & digitizing of soil maps into GIS; Th. Buettel support by analyzing remote sensing data; M. Fiebiger rainfall data analysis, probability calculations, yield probabilities by simulation programs; B. Girkens final computerized drawing of maps in GIS and other maps; Heike Hoeffler project coordination in GIZ Nairobi; Ph. Karuri assistance in the Farm Survey; Ruben Kempf typing and layout; Elizabeth Kimenyi & Anne Njoroge coordination of farm survey; Z. Mairura, Senior Ass. Dir. of Farm Business Subdivision; S. N. Maobe (KARI); N. M. Maweu (KARI); Susanne Meissner water availability & requirement diagrams, typing; M. Mueller calculation and diagrams of growing periods, ENSO influence; Dr. Anne W. Muriuki & J.N. Qureshi soil and fertiliser recommendation maps and information; Francis Muthami (GIZ); Dr. Dorothy Mutisya and Dr. J Ochieng crops and fodder list; Birgit Schmidt basics for maintaining and regaining soil fertility; Joshua Shivachi & Ch. R. Wambongo analysing the Farm Survey data using SPSS software; M. Teucher final computerized drawing of soil and fertilizer maps; Dr. Lusike Wasilwa horticult. part of the crop list; J. Wieczorek computerization of maps in GIS; tables and diagrams.

6 PREFACE TO THE ATLAS The internet and CD versions of the handbook have technically a reduction of details: The most important information, the maps, are due to reduction of the 24 MB to the CDsize of 6 MB, not well readable (esp. formulas of the AEZ Subzones and of the soils). Therefore we prepared additional Atlas CDs for each group of districts, containing the maps of Rainfall, Agro Ecol. Zones and Subzones, Soils, anhd Fertilizer Recommendations together with the legends. These maps are produced as pdffiles and can be zoomed for easy reading. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for the Support to the First Edition In compiling this Handbook, we have relied on the support of many officers from a variety of institutions too numerous to mention, who made available their data and experience. We would like to thank them for their invaluable assistance. I would also like to thank my colleagues, the Research Officers, the District Land and Farm management Officers, for their cooperation, and a special thank you to those who typed the draft edition. Our particular thanks go to Prof. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold, University of Trier, for his selfless support in compiling this handbook and for his assessment of the natural conditions including land and population. His deep understanding of the needs of agricultural extension officers and farmers was a great asset. Our thanks also to Dr. H. Kutsch, University of Trier, who computerized a large and complex amount of information involved in establishing the AEZs. Many thanks also to the staff of the Geographical Department of the University of Trier, Germany, for their major effort in drawing up maps of outstanding quality, the centrepiece of the work. Helmut Schmidt Farm Management Research Officer Nairobi, May 1982 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for the Support to the Second Edition In revising this Handbook, various personalities and institutions were relied upon to provide the necessary data required to update the previous data sets. In this regard, we would like to sincerely thank them for their invaluable input in the exercise. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Agriculture staff who undertook the Farm Surveys to elucidate on the fundamental changes that have taken place in farming at the household level. We are indeed very grateful to the people of Germany, who despite their limited financial resources, have continued to support Kenya. Of importance here is the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the German scientists who have been working for Kenya over the years. Last but not least, thanks to Mr. Reimund Hoffmann, the PSDA Coordinator, Nairobi, whose office ably managed the Handbook revision project. Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya Elizabeth Kimenyi Professor of Agroclimatology Assistant Director of Agriculture Dept. of Geography FMD, MOA Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya Nairobi, January 2009 Nairobi, January 2009 We want to thank very much also Mr. Zachariah Mairura, Deputy Dir. of AgriBusiness Dep., for his engaged support of our inquiries in the districts 2009 and Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. Dr. Berthold Hornetz Retired Professor of Geography Professor of Agricultural Geography University of Trier, October 2010 University of Trier, October 2010

7 PREFACE to the Second Edition Institutional memory is of paramount importance for planning and development. For any research or agricultural extension to be successful, information on the natural farming potential is equally important. In an effort to consolidate research extension work of many years, the first edition of the Farm Management Handbook (FMHB) of Kenya Vol II (Natural conditions and farm management information), which described the conditions of the Kenyan farming community at that time, was produced in 1982/83. The handbook was in three parts i.e.: A for Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza provinces) B for Central Kenya (Central and Rift Valley provinces). C for Eastern Kenya (Eastern and Coast provinces) For more than two decades, the handbook has proved very valuable to researchers, planners, extensionists, developers etc. This is a document that has been sought for enormously and hence the need to revise it in order to accommodate the changes that have taken place in our country since the production of the first edition. Some of these include: changes in the administrative boundaries, opening up of new farming areas due to population pressure, etc. This second edition has been produced on the basis of Provincial administrative boundaries for the six Provinces i.e. Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Coast. The information will be availed in hard copies and in CD ROMS to facilitate updating any future changes. It is not possible to acknowledge the contribution of all the individuals who made this edition a reality but I need to mention the following individuals: Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture officers, especially the Farm Management Division officers at the headquarters (Mrs. E.W. Kimenyi, Mr. F.N. Nderitu, Mrs. H.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A. W. Wanyama, Mr. P.T. Karuri and most engaged Mr. Z. Mairura), and the District staff, for their selfless contribution; Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya, leader of the revision team, for his tireless efforts and guidance; Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold for his enormous knowledge on the definition of the agroecological zones and his great contribution to their mapping; George Awinyo (German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) Private Sector Development in Agriculture (PSDA)) for his expertise and contribution in the area of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). I also wish to thank the GTZ who have facilitated the production of this edition both financially and by the use of their personnel, specifically the late Prof. Werner van der Ohe who supported the idea of the revision, and Mr. Reimund Hoffmann (GTZ Team Leader Private Sector Development in Agriculture PSDA), for supporting and taking up the task to completion. Dr. Wilson Songa, OGW AGRICULTURAL SECRETARY Nairobi, May 2009

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9 BUNGOMA COUNTY BUNGOMA MT. ELGON GROUP OF DISTRICTS TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page Natural Potential. 2 Introduction 2 Annual Rainfall Map 3 Table 1: Annual Rainfall 4 Table 2: Temperature 4 Seasonal Rainfall Maps 5 Table 3: Potential Evapotranspiration 7 Table 4: Climate in the AgroEcological Zones 8 AgroEcological Zones Map 9 AgroEcological Zones and Subzones (=Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land Use Potentials and Water Availability &Requirement Diagrams 10 Soil Map 16 Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics with Legend to the Soil Map Population and Land. see the big Vol. A Agricltural Statistics see the big Vol. A Farm Survey 22 Table 14: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the Dominating AgroEcological Subzones and Units Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensification by Better Farm Management in Dominating AgroEcological Subzones 23 Tables 18 ai: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 24 LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone 24 LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Cotton Zone 26 LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Cotton Zone 28 UM 1 m/l^m/s i of the Coffee Tea Zone 30 UM 2 m/l^s i of the Main Coffee Zone 32 UM 3 4 l/vl i or m^s i of the Marginal CoffeeMaizeSunflower Zone 34 UM 4 l/vl or two of the Marginal MaizeSunflower Zone 36 LH 1 l/m^m of the TeaDairy Zone 38 LH 2 vl i or two of the Cotton Zone Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important AgroEcological Units 42 Map of Important AgroEcological Units 41 Tables 19 ae: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations 43 LM 2 l^(m/s) i & l^(s) i, UlGA 1 & UlG 3 of the Sugarcane & Cotton Zone 43 LM 3 m/l^(s), UlGA 1 & BXC 1 of the Sugarcane & Cotton Zone 43 UM 1 m/l^m/s i, UM 2 m/l^s/m & s i, UM 3 4 l/vl i, UlN 1 & UlN 3 of the Main & Marginal Coffee Zone 45 UM 3 4 l/vl i or m^s i & UM 4 l/vl or two, UlRA & UlGA 1 of the Marginal Coffee & Maize Sunflower Zone 47 LH 1 l/m^m & LH 2 vl i or two, RB 2 of the Tea and Coffee & WheatPyrethrum Zone 49

10 BUNGOMA COUNTY NATURAL POTENTIAL Introduction The Bungoma and Mt. Elgon districts are mainly situated on the slopes and foothills of Mt. Elgon, and its natural potential is partly related to the natural potential of the districts in Central or East Kenya also situated on the slopes of a volcanic mountain: forest, tea and coffee zones, fertile volcanic soils, enough water. However, the climate shows differences. Here, the foot plains featuring welldistributed annual average rainfall of mm, are generally wetter due to local rains caused by winds from Lake Victoria. This allows sugar cane cultivation (except in western areas); for the same reason, differentiation in rainy seasons during the years is much less. It is very difficult to say what the second rains are because of more or less continuous rainfall. Therefore, the growing periods given in the Subzones are only one possibility of dividing the normally very long period. The symbol for the second cropping season indicates here the remaining time for cultivation after the first maize crop is harvested. Of course the second period may be longer if plantings starts earlier, but then the first one is shortened (Table 4). The average annual rainfall in the districts ranges from to mm; the seasonal distribution is mm during 1 st rains and mm during 2 nd rains in 10 out of 15 years (66% reliability). The AgroEcological Zones stretch from Tropical Alpine Zones to Lower Midland Zones with tea, wheat/maizepyrethrum, coffee, maizesunflower, sugar cane and cotton zones. The potential for tea is not yet really developed. Annual crops may be late maturing ones. The total amount for the 60% reliability of growing periods ranges from more than 360 days (LH 1) to about 230 days (LM 3 or UM 3/UM 4). On the other hand it means we have in zone UM 34 a dry period of about 135 days with a very low rainfall reliability, lasting from October to February. This is insufficient for coffee. In spite of the relatively high annual rainfall, the climate is very marginal regarding coffee cultivation, therefore the zone is named three to four. It means that for coffee growing, there must be a deep soil with very good moisture storage conditions which occurs locally only. In the southern part of the district (especially in LM 3) the annual mean temperature is about 2122 C in the northern part, however, because of the altitude, 5 10 C (in TA I and TA II). Evapotranspiration is relatively low in the agricultural zones and increases from less than mm (in LH 1) to mm (in UM 1/UM 2). In the southern part of the district only, potential evapotranspiration may reach more than mm per year.

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12 BUNGOMA COUNTY 4 TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS HAVING AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF RECORDS No. and altitude Name of station AgroEcol. Zone and Subzone Kind of records Annual rainfall mm Monthly rainfall in mm J F M A M J J A S O N D m Sangalo Inst. of Science & Tec. LM2 l^(m/s) i Average % m Kimilili Agric. Dept. UM 21 m/l^ s/m Av % m Bungoma Agric. Dept. LM2 l^ (m/s) i Av % m Kimilili Forest Stn. LH 1 p or l/m ^m Av % m Kapsakwony Chief s Office UM 1 p or l/m ^ m Av % m Sirisia Chief s Camp UM 2 vl i or m/l ^s Av % m Webuye Health Centre LM 21 l/m ^(s/m) Av % m Chwele Health Centre UM 2 m/l ^ s i Av % m Bungoma Water Supply LM 2 l/m ^ (s/m) 1 These figures of rainfall reliability should be exceeded normally in 10 out of 15 years. 2 Estimate of this reliability by correlation, no detailed data availbable for enough years. Av % TABLE 2: TEMPERATURE DATA No. and altitude Name of station AEZ 1 Kind of records Temperature in C J F M A M J J A S O N D Year Belt limits m Kamusinga Sec. School (196167, ann. mean. temp. ca. 0.6 C higher now) UM 1 1 AEZ = Agroecological zone Mean max Mean temp Mean min Abs. min m UM 1500 m

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15 BUNGOMA COUNTY 7 TABLE 3: AVERAGE POTENTIAL EVAPOTRANSPIRATION Average Potential Evapotranspiration PET in mm No. and Name of Type 1) altitude station AEZ J F M A M J J A S O N D Year Av. Rainfall Year in mm % of PET m Kimilili Agric. Dep. interp. UM % m Bungoma Agric. Dep. interp. LM % m Kapsakwony Chief's Office interp. UM % m Sirisia Chief s Camp interp. UM % m Webuye Health Centre interp. LM % 1 Type of equation: calculated by formula of Penman & McCulloch with albedo for green grass 0.2; interp. = interpolated from neighbouring stations, considering altitude and rainfall difference. AEZ = AgroEcollogical Zone, explaining table see general part.

16 BUNGOMA COUNTY 8 TABLE 4: CLIMATE IN THE AGROECOLOGICAL ZONES AgroEcological Zone TA 1 Tropical Alpine Cattle and Sheep Zone TA 2 Tropical Alpine Sheep Zone Subzone Altitude 1 in m Annual mean temp. in C Annual av. rainfall in mm % reliability of rainfall 2) 1st rainy season 2) in mm Middle rains & 2nd r. s. in mm 60% reliability of cereal and legumes growing period 1st rainy season 3) in days Middle rains & 2nd r. s. in days Total 4) in days Unimportant, because little crop possibilities only near UH Relatively small, hence unimportant UH 01 Forest Zone and Sheep and Dairy Zone LH 1 TeaDairy zone p or l/m^m LH 2 Wheat/Maize Pyyrethrum Zone UM 1 CoffeeTea Zone UM 2 Main Coffee Zone UM 3 Maize and Marginal Coffee Zone UM 4 Maize Sunflower Zone LM 1 Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone LM 2 Marginal Sugar Cane Zone LM 3 Lower Midland Cotton Zone Here all Forest Reserve (steep slopes and valuable timber) 190 or more² > 360 vl i or two or more vl i or m/ l^m/s i or more m/l^s/m or more vl i or m/l^s i or more l/vl i or m^s i or more l/vl or two or more l/m or more l^m(m/s) i or more l/m^(s/m) or more m/l^s/m m/l^(s) ) Amounts surpassed normally in 10 of 15 years, falling during the agrohumid period which allows growing of most cultivated plants. 2) More if growing cycle of cultivated plants continues into the period of second rainy season. 3) Agrohumid conditions continue from 1 st to 2 nd rainy season in the whole district.

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18 BUNGOMA COUNTY 10 AGROECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES TA TA I TA II UH UH 0 UH 1 = TROPICAL ALPINE ZONES = TropicalAlpinie Cattle and Sheep Zone Grazing for sheep and cattle. Cabbages, potatoes and pyrethrum marginal (cultivatable near forest only) = TropicalAlpine Sheep Zone Grazng for sheep = UPPER HIGHLAND ZONES = Forest Zone = Sheep and Dairy Zone Here Forest Reserve because of steep slopes and valuable timber production LH = LOWER HIGHLAND ZONES LH 1 = TeaDairy Zone LH 1 p = TeaDairy Zone with permanent cropping possibilities dividable in a long to medium cropping or l/m^m season, followed by a medium one. Most of it is Forest Reserve because of steep slopes, water retention and valuable timber production Very good yield potential (av. > 80% of the optimum) 1 1 st rainy season, start norm. end of F.:Peas; cabbages, lettuce, spinach 2 nd rainys season, start norm. end of July: Peas Good yield potential (av. 6080% of the optimum) 1 st rainy season: Maize H 614, ², H 6210 or 6213 (>2100 m), PAN 99 and others, see crop list, med. mat. potatoes like Desirée (~60%)³; late mat. rape seed like Nilla; cauliflower, carrots, leek, kales, endive 2 nd rainy season: Early mat. potatoes like Annet; carrots, kales, cabbages, beetroot, spnach, celery Whole year, best planting time end of F.: Tea (high quality on deeply weathered soils) Fair yield potential (av. 4060% of the optimum) 1 st rainy season: Finger millet; onions and sweet potatoes (lower places) 2 nd rainy season: Leek, lettuce Whole year: Pyrethrum (higher places), plums, passion fruit (lower places) Pasture and forage About 0.6 ha/lu on secondary pasture of Kikuyu grass, well suitable for grade dairy cows LH 2 = Wheat/MaizePyrethrum Zone LH 2 vl = Wheat/MaizePyrethrum one with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in i or two two variable cropping seasons and intermediate rains Good yield potential (av. 6080% of the optimum) 1 st rainy season (to 2 nd r.s.), start norm. March: Late mat. wheat like Kenya Bongo (Apr.O.), late mat. triticale, late mat. maize like H 611D (higher places), H 614, , H 6210 or 6213, PAN 99 (e. of F./Apr.S./O., ~80% on deep volcanic soils in lower places); peas, horse beans, med. mat. potatoes³ (Apr.Aug.); late mat. sunflower like Kenya White (lower places best), linseed, rapeseed; cabbages, kales, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot, spinach, celery, lettuce 2 nd rainy season, start indistinctly around Jul: M. mat. barley like K. Research (JuneO.), m. mat. wheat like K. Tembo (JuneO.); linseed; kales, carrots, beetroot, spinach, tomatoes (lower places), celery Whole year: Black Whattle, Pyrethrum New Zealand Flax (higher places)

19 BUNGOMA COUNTY 11 Fair yield potential (av. 4060% of the optimum) 1 st rainy season: Finger millet, med. mat. beans ike Cuarentino (5060%, lower places); tomatoes, onions 2 nd rainy season: Peas, beans (below 2100m); e. mat. potatoes like Annet (S.D.); cabbages, cauliflower, onions, lettuce Whole year: Apples, pears and plums above 2100 m; strwaberries, passion fruit (below 2100m) Pasture and forage About 1.0 ha/lu on highland savanna of Kikuyu, Red oats and tufted grass 4 between Cedar forest relicts; ~0.6ha/LU on artificial pasture of Nandi Setaria >2000m or Rhodes grass <2000m; with add. feeding of Giant Setaria and lucerne or clover down to 0.3 ha/lu; suitable for grade dairy cows UM = UPPER MIDLAND ZONES UM 1 = Coffee Tea Zone UM 1 = Coffee Tea Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in a medium vl i or to long cropping season followed by a medium to short one and i. r. (see diagram Kimilili) m/l^m/s i Very good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. beginning of March: Cabbages, kales 2 nd rainys season, start indistinctly beg. of August: E. mat. sunflower like HS 345 Whole year: Tea (~80%, medium quality), passion fruit, guavas Good yield potential 1 st rainy season: Maize H 614, H , H6210 or H 6213 (MarchSep.), other varieties see crop list), PAN 67, 99 & 5243 (lower places up to 1700m), finger millet; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino 5 ; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya White, Fedha or Shaba, m. mat. soya beans like Hill; spinach, onions, carrot (above 1600m), brocoli 2 nd rainy season: E. mat. beans like Rose coco, sweet potatoes (lower places); kales, onions, tomatoes Whole year: Arabica coffee, bananas, yams, taro (in valleys), mountain pawpaws, avocadoes, loquats Fair yield potential 1 st rainy season: High altitude sorghum; tomatoes 2 nd rainy season: M. mat. maize H 623, PAN 67, 99 & 5243, high altitude sorghum (Aug.F.), finger millet; e. mat. potatoes like Annet; cabbages Whole year: Citrus, taro (on slopes) Pasture and forage About 0.6 ha/lu on artificial or secondary pasture of star grass; down to 0.12 ha/lu feeding Napier resp. Bana grass, banana leaves and stems, maize stalks, sweet potatoes vines and other forage like Silver leaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) UM 1 = Coffee Tea Zone m/l^s/m with a medium to long cropping season followed by a short to medium one The same as above, but tea only good instead of very good; stocking rates about 10% less. UM 2 = Main Coffee Zone UM 2 = Main Coffee Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in a medium vl i or to long cropping season followed by a short one and i.r. m/l^s i Very good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. beg. of March: Maize H 614 (higher places, MarchOct.); cabbages, kales Whole year, best planting time March:Castor

20 BUNGOMA COUNTY 12 Good yield potential 1 st rainy season: Maize H 623 (lower places, MarchAug.), H 625, 629, 6210, 6213 (March Sep.), PAN 67, 99 & 5243, finger millet; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino 5 ; sweet potatoes; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba (MayOct.), m. mat. soya beans like Black Hawk; spinach, onions, tomatoes 2 nd rainy season, start indistinctly b. of Aug.: E. mat. beans like Katheka, onions (on light soils) Whole year: Arabica coffee (~60%, on good deep volcanic soils), Macadamia nuts, bananas (in valleys), passion fruits, mountain pawpaws, avocadoes, guavas Fair yield potential 1 st rainy season: M. mat. wheat and barley (only northeastern higher places, MaySep.); m. mat. potatoes like Desirée (higher places), pigeon peas (lower places) 2 nd rainy season: M. to e. mat. maize H 513 or 515 (Aug.Nov.), 623 (JulyNov.); e. mat. potatoes like Annet (end of JulyOct.), sweet potatoes; tomatoes Whole year: Arabica coffee (on less suitable soils), bananas (outside valleys), citrus, taro ( in valleys), yams, pineapples (lower places) Pasture and forage 0.6 ha/lu on secondary pasture, around 0.5 ha/lu on artificial pasture of Rhode grass; down to 0.15 ha/lu feeding Napier or Bana grass and others; Silver leaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum) best fodder legume (for rotation and dairy cows)

21 BUNGOMA COUNTY 13 UM 3 = Marginal Coffee Zone (here CoffeeMaize Zone) UM 3 = Marginal Coffee Zone with a long to very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in l/vl i or a medium cropping season followed by a short one and i.r. m^s i Good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. beg. of March: Maize H 614, , H 6210, 6213 (higher northeastern places), PAN 67, 99 & 5243 (lower places), finger millet, high altitude sorghum; m. mat. beans (lower places) 5 ; sweet potatoes; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba (MayOct.), e. mat. soya beans like Black Hawk (lower places), m. mat. like Hill (higher places); cabbages, kales, onions (on light soils), spinach, tomatoes 2 nd rainy season, start indistinctly b. of Aug.: Very early mat. beans like Katheka (poor in dry yers); onions (on light soils) Whole year: Mountain pawpaws Macadamia nuts, castor Fair yield potential 1 st rainy season: M. mat. wheat and barley (only northeastern higher places); m. mat. potatoes like Desirée (higher places) 2 nd rainy season: E. mat. potatoes like Annet (higher places), sweet potatoes; tomatoes Whole year: Arabica coffee (with mulching on good deep soils, otherwise poor resp. marginal), bananas (like coffee), avocadoes, citrus 6, pineapples Pasture and forage ha/lu on natural savanna pasture, 0.6 ha/lu on artificial pasture of Rhode grass; down to 0.18 ha/lu feeding Napier or Bana grass and others; Desmodium uncinatum best fodder legume

22 BUNGOMA COUNTY 14 UM 4 = Maize Sunflower Zone UM 4 = MaizeSunflower Zone with a long to very long cropping seson dividable in two variable cropping l/vl or two seasons (See Kakamega District) LM LM 1 LM 1 l^m = LOWER MIDLAND ZONES = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one Very good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. F. but reliable end of March: Early & med. mat. sorghum; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha, Shaba, H 893 or 894; m. mat. soya beans like Hill; sweet potatoes, yam beans Whole year, best panting time March: Pawpaws, guavas Good yield potential 1 st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 623, late mat. sorghum like E 1291 (for stock fed), finger millet; rice; m. mat beans like Cuarentino, pigeon peas (MarchF.); yellow yams (F.O./N.); sweet pepper, kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, cabbage, chillies, egg plants (to 2 nd rainy season), pumpkins 2 nd rainy season, start indistinctly end of Aug.: Maize H 511, 513 or 515, m. mat. sorghum; e. mat. beans, cowpeas, sweet potatoes; m.mat. soya beans, e. mat. sunflower like HS 345; kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, onions Whole year: Sugar cane, bananas (nematodes danger), tea in upper places (7080%, but medium to low quality), Robusta coffee, avocadoes, late mat. cassava Fair yield potential (av. 4060% of the optimum) 1 1 st rainy season: Cotton (med. quality) 2 nd rainy season: Maize H 623, finger millet; late mat. groundnuts like Mwitunde and late mat. bambarra groundnuts (both in light soils); cabbage Whole year: Mangoes, taro, citrus 4 Pasture and forage About 0.5 ha/lu on sec. pasture where originally there has been a moist submontane forest; down to 0.13 ha/lu feeding Napier resp. Bana grass, banana leaves and Siratro (start middle end of Feb.: fair yields, start beginning end of March: good yields). LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a (weak) medium to short one l^(m/s) i and intermediate rains Very good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. F. to b. of March: Early mat. sorghum like Serena (March June); m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha, Shaba, H 893 or 894; e. mat. soya beans like Black Hawk; sweet potatoes, onions, yam beans Whole year: E. mat. cassava, pawpaws Good yield potential 1 st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 623, late mat. sorghum like E 1291 (stock fed), finger millet; m. mat beans like Cuarentino, pigeon peas (MarchF.); late mat. rosette resistant groundnuts like Mwitunde (in light soils); cotton (med. quality); sweet pepper, tomatoes, cabbages, kales roselle 2 nd rainy season, start Aug.: Bulrush millet, m. mat. sorghum, ratoon sorghum (S.Aug.); e. mat. beans like Rose coco (GL), green grams; onions, kales, tomatoes Whole year: Bananas (nematodes danger), pineapples, sisal

23 BUNGOMA COUNTY 15 Fair yield potential 1 st rainy season: Rice, bambarra nuts (in light soils, even in poor ones), cowpeas; tobacco 2 nd rainy season: Maize H 512, 513 & 515; pigeon peas (Sep.July), cowpeas, m. mat. groundnuts like Serere 116; sweet potatoes; simsim; cabbages; cotton (July Feb.); e. mat. sunflower like HS 345 Whole year: Sugar cane (on less suitable soils and near LM 3 marginal), Robusta coffee,citrus, mangoes Pasture and forage About ha/lu on high grass savanna with Hyparrhenia and Panicum dominating; down to about 0.15 ha/lu feeding Napier resp. Bana grass and banana leaves. Siratro and Desmodium for soil and pasture improvement, Leucaena additionally LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone with a long to medium cropping season followed by a (weak) short to l/m^(s/m) medium one Small and transitional. Crop potential like LM 2 l^(m/s) i but m. mat. sorghum in 2 nd rainy season and bananas only fair, maize H 513 & 515 in 2 nd rainy season and sugarcane (also on good soils) only marginal. Ratooning sorghum 1 st to 2 nd rainy season good. Stocking rates ~10% less LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone with medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short to m/l^(s/m) medium one Small, crop potential like LM 2 l^(m/s) i but earlier mat. varieties in 1 st rainy season (see crop list). No Robusta coffee. Stocking rates ~15% less. LM 3 LM 3 m/l^(s) = Lower Midland Cotton Zone = Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short one and intermediate rains Good yield potential 1 st rainy season, start norm. beg. of March: M. mat. maize like H 511, 513 or 515, m. mat. Sorghum like KARI Mtama, ratooning sorghum 1 st to 2 nd rainy season, e. mat. millets; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino, green grams, cowpeas, groundnuts like Mwitunde (in light soils); simsim; sweet potatoes; cotton (lower places), m. mat. soya beans like Hill, tobacco (higher places), sunflower; tomatoes, onions, muskmelons; chick peas (esp. on heavy black soils); yam beans. 2 nd rainy season, start indistinctly end of Aug.: Simsim, green grams, tomatoes Whole year, best pl. time March: Cassava, sisal; Near swamps with water regulation resp. add. irrigation: Rice (lower places, bottomlands), bananas (on dams), Chinese cabbage (on ridges) and other vegetables. Fair yield potential 1 st rainy season: Maize H 623, finger millet (5060%); pigeon peas (MarchF.), cotton (higher places) 2 nd rainy season: E. mat. proso millet (Oct.Nov.), dwarf sorghum, e. mat. bulrush millet (bird rejecting awned var. best); e. mat. beans like Katheka, e. mat. bambarra groundnuts (in light soils, even in poor ones); sweet potatoes (in swampy places) Whole year: Pawpaws, mangoes, citrus, pineapples Pasture and forage Around ha/lu on mixed savanna; to about 0.18 ha/lu feeding Napier resp. Bana grass and others; Desmodium or Stylosanthes and others for pasture improvement, Leucaena 1 All these percentages are climatical, assumed that the place has suitable soil and is well fertilized and manured. 2 Needs 8 month to ripe (end of Feb.Oct) 3 Spraying against fungus diseases important 4 The bad tufted grass Eleusine jaegeri and Pennisetum schimperi are expanding if the areas are overgrazed. They may be controlled by fire 5 Sometimes rotting because of too wet condtions 6 With additional irrigation (D.F.) well grwoing

24 BUNGOMA COUNTY 16

25 BUNGOMA COUNTY 17 SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS The topography of the districts ranges from the heights of the Mt. Elgon region to the low areas of the Nzioa river which drains the major part of the area. In the central part around Bungoma the landscape is characterized by a succession of valleys and higher areas. Apart from the Mt. Elgon region, the area is underlain by granites from the Basement system. On the highest part of the extinct Mt. Elgon volcano, soils rich in organic matter are found (MV 1). Downhill, the depth of the horizon rich in organic matter becomes less thick (MV 2). On the volcanic footridges, which make up the lower part of the mountain, fertile soils with a topsoil darkened by organic matter occur (units RB 1 and RB 2). Soil unit FB 1 having a moderate to high fertility, and FG 1 with a low to very low fertility occupy the footslopes. On the undulating plains upland soils of units Uh, Um and Ul are dominant. Generally speaking, they have good physical properties, but their nutrient level is low. In the southeastern part of the district they are associated with soil unit UmG 2 which has developed on granites and includes an association of soils with a low fertility. LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP OF BUNGOMA DISTRICTS 1 Explanation of first character (physiography) M Mountains and Major Scarps (steep; slopes predominantly over 30%; relief intensity more than 300m (Mountains) or more than 100 m (Major Scarps); altitudes up to 4250 m) H Hills and Minor Scarps (hilly to steep; slopes predominantly over 16%; relief intensity up to 100 (Minor Scarps) to 300 m (Hills) altitudes difference per km) R Volcanic Footridges (dissected lower slopes of major older volcanoes and older lava flows, undulating to hilly; slopes between 5 and 30%; altitudes between 2000 and 3000 m; Mount Elgon F Footslopes (at the foot of Hills and Mountains; gently undulating to rolling; slopes between 2 and 16%; various altitudes) U Uplands Uh Upper MiddleLevel Uplands (undulating to rolling; slopes between 5 and 16%; altitudes between 1650 and 2650 m, here 2200 m) Um Lower MiddleLevel Uplands (gently undulating to undulating; slopes between 2 and 8%; altitudes between 1200 and 2200 m) Ul LowerLevel Uplands (very undulating to undulating; slopes between 2 and 8%; altitudes between 1200 and 2100 m) A Floodplains and River Terraces (almost flat to gently undulating; slopes between 0 and 5%; various altitudes; seasonally flooded or ponded) B V Bottomlands (flat to gently undulating; slopes between 0 and 5%; various altitudes; seasonally ponded) Minor Valleys (V or Ushaped valleys; slopes mainly up to 16%, exceptionally up to 30%; width mainly m, up to about 1000 m; depth up to about 100 m; various altitudes

26 BUNGOMA COUNTY 18 2 Explanation of second character (lithology): A B D G N R S U V X Recent Alluvial Sediments from various sources Basic Igneous Rocks (basalts, nepheline phonolites; older basic tuffs included Mudstones and Claystones Granites and Granodiorites Biotite Gneisses QuartzFeldspar Gneisses Sandstones, Grits and Arkoses Undifferentiated Basement System Rocks (predominantly Gneisses) Undifferentiated or Various Igneous Rocks Undifferentiated or various Rocks 3 Soil descriptions MB 1 MU 2 MV 1 MV 2 HGC RB 1 RB 2 FB 1 Well drained, very shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown, friable and slightly smeary, gravely clay; in places with humic topsoil, deep and/or rocky: andoeutric CAMBISOLS, with andohaplic PHAEOZEMS, predominantly lithic phases, and with LITHOSOLS, and Rock Outcrops Well drained, very shallow to shallow, brown to reddish brown, stony and rocky, gravely to very gravely sandy loam to sandy clay loam: LITHOSOLS and dystric REGOSOLS, rocky and stony phases. Imperfectly drained, shallow to moderately deep, greyish brown, friable loam to clay loam, with an acid humic to peaty topsoil; in places very shallow or rocky: dystric HISTOSOLS, predominantly lithic phase; with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown, friable, stony clay loam, with an acid humic top soil; in places very shallow and rocky: humic CAMBISOLS, stony and partly lithic phase; with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrop Complex of: Somewhat excessively drained, shallow, stony and rocky soils of varying colour, consistency and texture: Dystric REGOSOLS and RANKERS, with ferralic and humic CAMBISOLS, lithic,rocky and stony phases, LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops Well drained, deep to extremely deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, friable and slightly smeary clay, with an acid humic topsoil; in places shallow and rocky: andohumic NITISOLS and humic ANDOSOLS, partly lithic phases; with Rock Outcrops Well drained, extremely deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, very friable clay, with an acid humic topsoil: humic NITISOLS Well drained, deep to very deep, dark reddish brown, friable clay, with humic topsoil; in places shallow to moderately deep and rocky: chromoluvic PHAEOZEMS, partly lithic and rocky phase, with mollic NITISOLS

27 BUNGOMA COUNTY 19 FG 1 FUC UhB 1 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown to reddish brown, friable, stony, sandy clay loam to gravely sandy clay; in places with an acid humic topsoil or very shallow and rocky: ferralic, dystric and humic CAMBISOLS and orthic ACRISOLS, stony and partly lithic and rocky phases; with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops Complex of: Well drained, deep, dark reddish brown to dark yellowish brown soils of varying consistency and texture; in places moderately deep, gravely and/or stony: orthic FERRALSOLS, orthic ACRISOLS and ferralic ARENOSOLS partly stony phases Well drained, very deep to extremely deep, dark red to dark reddish brown, friable clay, with a humic topsoil: mollic NITISOLS UhN 1 Well drained, very deep, reddish brown, friable, gravely sandy clay to clay, with an acidic humic topsoil: humic ACRISOLS, with humic CAMBISOLS UmG 2 Well drained, deep, dark yellowish brown to dark brown, friable sandy clay to loam ; in places gravely in deeper subsoil: Ferraloorthic ACRISOLS UmG 3 Well drained, deep to very deep, red to dark brown, friable sandy clay to clay: ferraloorthic/chromic ACRISOLS UmG 6 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown, friable sandy clay: Orthic ACRISOLS UlG 3 UlG 4 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown to strong brown, friable sandy clay; over petroplinthite; or rock; in places very shallow, stony or rocky: Orthic and ferraloorthic ACRISOLS, petroferric and partly stony phase, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops Well drained, deep,strong brown to yellowish brown, friable sandy clay loam to sandy clay; in places shallow to moderately deep over petroplinthite: orthic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phase UlGA 1 Association of: well drained, deep to very deep, dark yellowish brown to strong brown, friable clay loam to clay; in places with an acidic humic top soil; in places stony; on straight side slopes (50%): Orthic ACRISOLS, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony phases and: Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown to brown, friable sandy clay loam; over petroplinthite; in places excessively drained and sandy; on interfluves, convex slopes and near fringes to bottomlands (50%): (Ferralo)orthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic ARENOSOLS

28 BUNGOMA COUNTY 20 UlN 1 UlN 3 UlRA UlX 1 UlX 2 AA 1 BXC 1 BXC 2 XC Well drained, deep to very deep, dark red to dark reddish brown, very friable sandy clay loam to clay; in places moderately deep over petroplinthite: rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phase Well drained, deep to very deep, dark red to dark reddish brown, very friable sandy clay loam to clay: rhodic FERRALSOLS Association of: Well drained, deep, strong brown to yellowish red and dark red, friable sandy clay loam to sandy clay; in places shallow to moderately deep over petroplinthite; on interfluves (70%): orthic FERRALSOLS with rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phases and: well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown to brown, friable sandy clay loam to clay, with an acid humic topsoil; in places shallow; on steeper valley sides (30%): humic CAMBISOLS; partly lithic phase Well drained, deep to very deep, dark red strong brown, friable clay; in many places shallow or moderately shallow or moderately deep petroplinthite: orthic to rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phase Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to strong brown, friable clay; over petroplinthite; in places deep: orthic FERRALSOLS, petroferric phase Well to moderately well drained, deep, dark greyish brown to yellowish brown, friable, stratified, sandy clay loam to clay; in places mottled, firm clay; in places slightly saline or sodic; on river levees: eutric FLUVISOLS, with vertic FLUVISOLS and vertic and eutric GLEYSOLS, partly saline sodic phases Complex of: Imperfectly to poorly drained, deep to deep, very dark grey to brown, mottled, firm to very firm, sandy clay to cracking clay, in many places abruptly underlying a topsoil of friable sandy loam to sandy loam; in places saline and sodic: Dystric PLANOSOLS, dystric and vertic GLEYSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS; partly salinesodic phases Complex of: Imperfectly to poorly drained, deep to deep, very dark grey to dark greyish brown, mottled, firm clay; in many places abruptly underlying a topsoil of friable to firm sandy loam to sandy clay loam; in many places peaty or with an acid humic or histic topsoil: dystric and humic GLEYSOLS, dystric PLANOSOLS and dystric HISTOSOLS Complex of: Well drained, shallow to deep soils of varying colour, consistency and texture (on valley sides): CAMBISOLS, ACRISOLS and FERRALSOLS, partly lithic phases, with Rock Outcrops and: imperfectly to poorly drained, deep, mottled soils with predominantly greyish colours, firm consistency and fine textures (in valley bottoms): GLEYSOLS, with VERTISOLS and HISTOSOLS

29 BUNGOMA COUNTY 21 NOTES for definitions (of underlined words) 1 mollic Nitisols and chromoluvic Phaeozems: soils are equally important 2 mollic Nitisols, with chromoluvic Phaeozems: Nitisols are prevalent 3 in places: in <30% of the area 4 in many places: in 3050% of the area 5 predominantly: in >50% of the area 6 deeper subsoil: below 80 cm POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Western Province AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Western Province

30 BUNGOMA COUNTY FARM SURVEY The Farm Survey (FS) was carried out during the year 2004 in nine sites covering the AEZs (LH 12, UM 14 and LM 23), with different Subzones (Table 15). The size of the farms included in the survey ranged between 0.5 ha and 10 ha. This can be compared to the overall farm size in Bungoma and Mt. Elgon districts of 0.9 ha and 1.02 ha per household, respectively. Despite the reduced land size per household, some amount of land is still put under grazing. Only between 5 14% of the cattle are improved dairy stocks. Sheep and goats are also important components of the livestock in the district, by numbers almost the same as cattle. The stocking rate of LU/ha is an indication of the important role livestock plays in these districts (Table 16). However, the minimal percentage of land under fallow is an indication of land scarcity in these districts (Table 17). Most farmers grow more than one crop in any one given season (Table 17), but use comparatively inadequate amounts of fertiliser (Table 18). Maize crop still dominates the farming landscape in these districts (Table 17). It is usually intercropped with a legume (e.g. beans, cowpeas, soybeans). The low maize yields reported in Bungoma district (Table 18) are a reflection of low usage of fertilisers and manure to improve their nutrient depleted soils. In 1977, the year of the first Farm Survey, maize yields were more than 50% higher with less inputs! The graphs in Table 14 indicate that most farmers plant and cultivate their maize crop at the recommended time of the year, but sunflower and beans receive less attention. The soils of the Lower Midlands (LM) are not fertile, but by selecting suitable crops, which demand fewer nutrients like sweet potatoes, cassava, Napier grass, etc., high and reliable yields can be achieved here as well, which would go a long way to ensure food security. The hectarage of the medium and large farms is multifold higher than the average. This implies a tendency towards commercialisation of local agriculture but also on the other hand it could be seen as an indicator of increasing landless people. The poor road network in these districts is one of the major reasons that its agricultural potential has not yet been fully tapped. The production of maize, milk, beef and horticultural products could be increased substantially if the all weather roads were improved. To achieve this goal, labour productivity must be increased through mechanisation of farm work as far as possible, and road infrastructure development, access to credit facilities and market information have to be improved. TABLE 15: FARM SURVEY SITES IN BUSIA DISTRICTS District BUNGOMA MT. ELGON No. in Kenya AgroEcological Unit AEZone Subzone Soil Unit 9 LM 2 l^(m/s) i UlGA 1 10a LM 3 m/l^(s) BXC 1 10b LM 3 m/l^(s) UlGA 1 11 UM 1 m/l^m/s i UlN 1 12 UM 2 m/l^s i UlN 1 13 UM 34 l/vl i or m^s i UlRA 14 UM 4 l/vl or two UlGA 1 15 LH 1 l/m^m RB 2 16 LH 2 vl i or two RB 2 Farm Survey Sites Kanduyi Division, Musikoma Location, Namasanda Sublocation Bumula Division, Bumula Location, North Myanga Sublocation Nambale Division, Bumula Location, Lunao Sublocation Kimilili Division, Kimilili Location, Kibingei Sublocation Kimilili Division, Maeni Location, Sikhendu Sublocation Tongaren Division, Naitiri Location, Naitiri Sublocation Tongaren Division, Mbakalo Location, Mbakalo Sublocation Kapsakwony Division, Elgon Location, Kibuk Sublocation Kapsakwony Division, Kapsakwony Location, Chemweisus Sublocation

31 BUNGOMA COUNTY 23 Tables 16 a i: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Western Province Tables 17 a i: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Western Province INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTUAL LAND USE SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL INTENSIFICATION BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN DOMINATING AGRO ECOLOGICAL SUBZONES More detailed information can be found together with calculations of profitability in the Farm Management Guidelines of each district and in the KARI Fertiliser Use Manual. In terms of aerial coverage, the dominant Zones are LM 2, LM 3, UM 1, UM 2, UM 3 and UM 4. BUNGOMA DISTRICT Subzone LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Lower Midland Marginal Sugarcane Zone This is the Lower Midland Marginal Marginal Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a (weak) medium to short one and intermediate rains as typified by Namasanda Sublocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep (association of orthic Acrisols, with humic Acrisols, partly stoney phases and ferraloorthic Acrisols, petroferric phase, with ferralic Arenosols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low but sufficient. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season mm. Maize is still the dominant food crop, followed by sorghum, finger millet and cassava. The dominant legume crops are common beans, pigeon peas and cowpeas, though the latter is very susceptible to pests and diseases. The dominant fruit crop is banana. Fruit production potential in this Subzone is likely to be improved through the current use of improved tissue culture banana seedling material. These seedlings are disease resistant and take only about 18 months to produce the first fruit. This will greatly improve the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. The cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sugar cane and sunflower. The proximity to Nzoia Sugar Factory has led to the intensification of sugar cane growing. However, the yield of sugar cane per hectare is rather low due to a decline in soil fertility. It has been reported that some of the farmers do sell the fertiliser meant for application on sugar cane fields. The issue of soil fertility replenishment needs to be seriously addressed in this Subzone if the returns to land are to be improved. This can be done especially through application of organic and inorganic fertilisers. There is also need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. If the above listed conservation measures are well practiced, the soil fertility status would be greatly enhanced. The dominant visible soil conservation structures include Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Besides serving as an erosion control measure, it serves as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice zero grazing in this Subzone. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 18a.

32 BUNGOMA COUNTY 24 TABLE 18a: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) OF ZONE LM 2, l^(m/s) i, Ul GA 1 Subzone: l^(m/s) i, Soil Unit: Ul GA 1 Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Survey Area 09 (Namasanda) AEZ: LM 2 MARGINAL SUGARCANE ZONE Subzone: l^(m/s) i (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season: > 180; 2 nd r. s ) Unit with predom. Soil:UlGA 1= Association of orthic/humic acrisols, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony hases and ferraloorthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic ARENOSOLS) 2 Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season : mm nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) Hybrid Maize O 6000 Maize local intercropped with beans O Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004) 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figrues 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management

33 BUNGOMA COUNTY 25 Subzone LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Lower Midland Cotton Zone (Valley bottomlands) This is the Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short one as typified by North Myanga Sublocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on bottomlands. The soils are a complex of imperfectly drained to poorly drained, deep to deep (dystric Planosols, dystric and vertic Gleysols and pellic Vertisols; partly salinesodic phases). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season only mm. The valley bottom areas in this Subzone are well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop grown on higher ground as well as the valley bottoms. Apart from maize, sweet potatoes and yams grown in these valley bottoms constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant fruit crop is the cooking banana type that is grown near the homesteads on higher ground as well as in these valley bottoms. Farmers are yet to take advantage of the new technology of planting improved tissue culture banana seedlings. This could be due to the unavailability of the technology and basically lack of information about it. This calls for concerted efforts on the part of extension officers to provide farmers with the necessary relevant information. Vegetable production in the wetlands of this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, cabbages, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. Soil conservation measures being practiced in the wetlands of this Subzone are mainly cutoff drainage canals and raised embankments. Very little or no fertiliser is applied to the food crop fields. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. Without caring to improve soil fertility through additional external inputs in the form of manures, the hunger problem cannot simply be wished away. One cannot expect to produce enough food from an exhausted soil! The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is presented in Table 18b.

34 BUNGOMA COUNTY 26 TABLE 18b: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) LM 3 m/l^(s), Bottomlands BXC 1 Subzone: m/l^(s), Soil Unit: BXC 1 Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Survey Area 10a (North Myanga) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE Subzone: m/l^(s) (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season ; 2 nd rainy season 85100) Unit with predom. Soil: BXC 1= complex of dystric PLANOSOLS, dystric and vertic GLEYSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS; partly salinesodic phases 2 Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season: mm nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low Farmers in Prod. Level II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) Hybrid Maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004) 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figrues 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management

35 BUNGOMA COUNTY 27 Subzone of the Lower Midland Cotton Zone (Undulating peneplains) This is the Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short one as typified by Lunao Sublocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on undulated peneplains. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to very deep, partly stony or petroferric (association of orthic and humic Acrisols with ferralic Arenosols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low. The first rainy season can still rely on an amount of between mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season on mm. The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop on the uplands, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes, cassava (grown on the higher ground) constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crops include: common beans, cowpeas, green grams and pigeon, which are usually grown on higher ground. The dominant fruit crop is the cooking banana type that is grown near the homesteads on higher ground as well as in these valley bottoms. Farmers are yet to take advantage of the new technology of planting improved tissue culture banana seedlings. This could be due to the unavailability of the technology and basically lack of information about it. This calls for concerted efforts on the part of extension officers to provide farmers with the necessary relevant information. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone include: sunflower, tobacco, cotton and coffee. However, the returns from these cash crops are very minimal because of poor marketing outlets and road infrastructure. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone is mainly through the use of crop residues. Very little or no fertiliser is applied to the food crop fields. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. If the above listed soil fertility improvement measures are well practiced, food production would be greatly enhanced. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 18c.

36 BUNGOMA COUNTY 28 TABLE 18c: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) LM 3 m/l^(s), Undulating peneplains Ul GA 1 Subzone: m/l^(s), Soil Unit: Ul GA 1 Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Hybrid Maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Survey Area 10b (Lunao) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE Subzone: m/l^(s) (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season ; 2 nd rainy season 80 95) Unit with predom. Soil: Ul GA 1 = association of orthic/humic acrisols, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony phases and ferraloorthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic ARENOSOLS 2 Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season: mm nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004) 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figrues 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management

37 BUNGOMA COUNTY 29 Subzone UM 1 m/l^m/s i of the CoffeeTea Zone This is the CoffeeTea Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a medium to short one and intermediate rains as typified by Kibingei SubLocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep (rhodic and orthic Ferralsols, partly petroferric phase). The first rainy season can rely only on an amount of between mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season mm. The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still most dominant food crop, even though generally, yields per hectare are low due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sorghum, sweet potatoes, and finger millets are important components of the food diet. The legume crops consist of mainly beans and small amounts of cowpea. It should be pointed out here that cowpea is more susceptible to pest infestation and as such requires high inputs of insecticides, which unfortunately are beyond the reach of a majority of smallholder farmers. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas, passion fruits and guavas. The dominant fruit crop is the cooking banana type that is grown near the homesteads on higher ground as well as in these valley bottoms. Farmers are yet to take advantage of the new technology of planting improved tissue culture banana seedlings. This could be due to the unavailability of the technology and basically lack of information about it. This calls for concerted efforts on the part of extension officers to provide farmers with the necessary relevant information. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and onions and carrots, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: tea, sunflower and arabica coffee. Despite this being a coffee zone, most smallholder farmers concentrated their efforts on tea because of the poor returns from coffee. Most of the coffee bushes have been cut back to give room for the growing of legumes and maize. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: inorganic fertiliser application on tea farms, compost manure and use of crop residues. A combination of inorganic and organic fertiliser is applied on maize fields at planting, though not at the recommended rates. The use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost, is yet to reach farmers in this Subzone. Efforts need to be intensifies by the extension staff to make the farmers understand the importance of fertilising their farms. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 18d.

38 BUNGOMA COUNTY 30 TABLE 18d: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) UM 1 m/l^m/s i, UlN 1 Subzone: m/l^m/s i, Soil Unit: UlN 1 Survey Area 11(Kibingei) AEZ: UM 1 COFFEE TEA ZONE Subzone: m/l^m/s i (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season: 200 or >; 2 nd rainy season ) Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Unit with predom. Soil: UlN 1= rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS 2 Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season: mm nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= III= I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low med. 4) high 5) * AEU Pot. 6) Hybrid Maize O 7000 Maize local intercropped with beans O * Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Small Farm Survey (2004) 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figrues 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertilizer, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

39 BUNGOMA COUNTY 31 Subzone UM 2 m/l^s i of the Main Coffee Zone This is the Main Coffee Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a short one and intermediate rains as typified by Sikhendu SubLocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on middlelevel uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep but partly petroferric (rhodic and orthic Ferralsols). The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on mm. The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still most dominant food crop, even though generally, yields per hectare are low due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sweet potatoes and finger millet are important components of the food diet. The legume crops consist of mainly beans and more recently soyabeans. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas, passion fruits, mountain pawpaws, guavas and avocados. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material, which take a much shorter period to mature. This would greatly improve the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and onions and carrots, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: tea, sunflower, macadamia nuts and arabica coffee. Despite this being a main coffee zone, most smallholder farmers concentrated their efforts on the other cash crops like tea because of the poor returns from coffee. The dominant soil conservation structure, particularly on tea and coffee farms is Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Besides serving as an erosion control measure, it serves as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice zero grazing in this Subzone. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: inorganic fertiliser application on tea and coffee farms, compost manure and use of crop residues. A combination of inorganic and organic fertiliser is applied on maize fields at planting, though not at the recommended rates. The use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost, is yet to reach farmers in this Subzone. The present yield increase by three levels of inputs, and the potential on the predominating soil of this subzone see Table 18e.

40 BUNGOMA COUNTY 32 TABLE 18e: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO ECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) UM 2 m/l^s i, UlN 1 Subzone: m/l^s i, Soil Unit: UlN 1 Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stands O Hybrid maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Survey Area 12 (Sikhendu) AEZ: UM 2 MAIN COFFEE ZONE Subzone: m/l^s i (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season >160, 2 nd rainy season days) Unit with predom. Soil: UlN 1 = rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season: mm 2 nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low II= III= med. 4) high 5) 7000 * AEU Pot. 6) Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7) Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

41 BUNGOMA COUNTY 33 Subzone UM 34 l/vl i or m^s i of the Marginal Coffee Zone (CoffeeMaize Zone) This is the Marginal Coffee Zone (here CoffeeMaize Zone) with a long to very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in a medium cropping season followed by a short one and intermediate rains. Naitiri SubLocation in Bungoma district typifies this. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. The soils are well drained, deep (association of orthic Ferralsols with rhodic Ferralsols, partly petroferric phases and humic Cambisols; partly lithic phase). The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season which follows immediately the first one (already in mid July) on mm. The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still most dominant food crop in this zone, with relatively good yields due to the application of organic and inorganic fertilisers. Apart from maize, sweet potatoes and finger millet are important components of the food diet. The legume crops consist of mainly beans and more recently soybeans are gaining prominence. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas, mountain pawpaws, guavas, pineapples and avocados. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material, which take a much shorter period to mature. This would greatly improved the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and onions and carrots, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sunflower, macadamia nuts and arabica coffee. Most smallholder farmers are concentrating their efforts on cash crops like macadamia nuts and sunflower, whose cash returns are more promising than coffee. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: inorganic fertiliser application on maize, sunflower and macadamia nuts fields as well as compost manure and use of crop residues. The use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost, is yet to reach farmers in this Subzone. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is given in Table 18f.

42 BUNGOMA COUNTY 34 TABLE 18f: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) UM 3 4 l/vl i or m^s i, Ul RA Subzone: l/vl i or m^s i, Soil Unit: Ul RA Survey Area 13 (Naitiri) AEZ: UM 3 4 MARGINAL COFFEESUNFLOWERMAIZE ZONE Subzone: l/vl i or m^s i (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season 135 or more, 2 nd rainy season days) Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Hybrid maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Unit with predom. Soil: Ul RA = rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season mm 2 nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low II= III= med. 4) high 5) AEU Pot. 6) * * Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7) Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

43 BUNGOMA COUNTY 35 Subzone UM 4 l/vl or two of the MaizeSunflower Zone This is the MaizeSunflower Zone with a long to very long cropping season, dividable in two variable cropping seasons as typified by Mbakalo SubLocation in Bungoma district. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. The soils are well drained and deep (association of orthic ACRISOLS, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony phases and ferraloorthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic ARENOSOLS). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low. But the first rainy season can still rely on an amount of at least mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the immediately following second rainy season on mm. Maize is still the current most important food crop. Other important dietary staple food crops include: sorghum, sweet potatoes, cassava and finger millet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, soybeans and groundnuts. Important fruit crops include: cooking bananas, pawpaws, passion, mangoes and to a small extent citrus. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved grafted seedling materials, which take a very short period to bear first fruits. This would greatly improved the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: surplus maize, sunflower, macadamia nuts and coffee. Due to the poor returns from coffee to the farmers, the crop is no longer valued by farmers. A majority of them have pruned back the coffee trees and planted maize and legumes instead. All former coffee processing factories in this Subzone have closed since farmers are no longer farming coffee. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: inorganic and organic fertilisers application and use of compost and crop residues. There is, however, need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. If urgent measures to improve soil fertility are not taken, the problem of food insecurity, especially of the small farmers, cannot be solved. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 18g.

44 BUNGOMA COUNTY 36 TABLE 18g: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) UM 4 l/vl or two, Ul GA 1 Subzone: l/vl or two, Soil Unit: Ul GA 1 Survey Area 14 (Mbakalo) AEZ: UM 4 MARGINAL SUNFLOWERMAIZE ZONE Subzone: l/vl or two (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season 130 or more,2 nd rainy season days) Unit with predom. Soil: Ul GA 1 = association of orthic/humic acrisols, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony phases and ferraloorthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Hybrid maize O ARENOSOLS Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season mm 2 nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low II= III= med. 4) high 5) AEU Pot. 6) * Maize local intercropped with beans O * Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O NOTES: 1) Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7) Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

45 BUNGOMA COUNTY 37 MT. ELGON DISTRICT Subzone LH 1 l/m^m of the TeaDairy Zone This is the TeaDairy Zone with a long to medium cropping season followed by a medium one as typified by Kibuk SubLocation in Mt. Elgon district. It is dominated by soils on volcanic foot ridges. The soils are well drained and extremely deep (humic Nitisols). The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on mm. Maize is still the current most important food crop. However, some of the varieties are susceptible to rotting while still in the field, e.g. H628, H627 and H626. The dominant legume crop here is field peas. Important fruit crops include: passion and plums. These fruits are fetching good income for the local farmers since the demand is assured. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and carrots, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: tea and pyrethrum. Lack of marketing channels and road infrastructure are major drawbacks in realising the full potential of these cash crops in this zone. Due to the poor returns from coffee to the farmers, the crop has been pruned back and is no longer productive on many farms. The livestock sector plays a very crucial role as an income earner to majority of households in this zone. Most animals are crosses of local and dairy breeds, with a few pure dairy breeds. A few farmers keep crosses of bulls to service neighbours cows at a fee. There is good potential for keeping dairy goats in this Subzone. Already, some farmers are commercialising the local goat for meat. These local goats could be improved for milk production too. The keeping of indigenous poultry is also a good income earner for most households. The dominant visible soil conservation structures include Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Besides serving as an erosion control measure, it serves as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice semizero grazing as well as free range in this Subzone. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: organic fertilisers application and use of compost and crop residues. Majority of farmers, however, do apply inadequate fertilisers on their fields using wrong application rates. There is, however, need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is given in Table 18h.

46 BUNGOMA COUNTY 38 TABLE 18h: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) LH 1 l/m^m, RB 2 Subzone: l/m^m, Soil Unit: RB 2 Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Hybrid maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O Survey Area 15 (Kibuk) AEZ: LH 1 TEADAIRY ZONE Subzone: l/m^m (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season 190 or more, 2 nd rainy season approx. 150 days) Unit with predom. Soil: RB 2= humic NITISOLS 2 Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season mm nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) 8500 * * NOTES: 1) Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7) Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results

47 BUNGOMA COUNTY 39 Subzone LH 2 vl i of the Wheat/MaizePyrethrum Zone This is the Wheat/MaizePyrethrum Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains as typified by Chemweisus SubLocation in Mt. Elgon district. Due to the small farms, wheat production is insignificant. The Subzone is dominated by soils on volcanic foot ridges. The soils are well drained and extremely deep (humic Nitisols). The first rainy season can rely only on an amount of at least mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on mm. Maize is still the current most important food crop. However, some of the varieties are susceptible to rotting while still in the field, e.g. H629, H628, H627 and H626. Farmers are also growing finger millet as an additional food crop. The dominant legume crops here are field peas and common beans. Important fruit crops include: passion fruits, strawberries, apples, pears and plums, which have a ready market, both in Kenya and neighbouring Uganda. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of cabbages, kales, tomatoes and carrots, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: wheat, and pyrethrum. Many problems are however limiting the expansion of wheat growing in this zone. These include: lack of local stockists to supply seed, lack of harvesting mechanised equipment like combine harvester, lack of husbandry knowledge about the crop, inadequate use of suitable fertilisers and poor road network. If these problems are addressed, then wheat growing will rapidly expand in this zone since the cash returns from wheat are better than those of maize. The livestock sector plays a very crucial role as an income earner to majority of households in this zone. Most animals are crosses local breeds, with a few pure dairy breeds. A few farmers keep crosses of bulls to service neighbours cows at a fee. The keeping of indigenous poultry is also a good income earner for most households. The dominant visible soil conservation structures include Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Besides serving as an erosion control measure, it serves as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice semizero grazing as well as free range in this Subzone. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: organic fertilisers application and use of compost and crop residues. Majority of farmers, however, do apply inadequate fertilisers on their fields using wrong rates. There is, however, need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 18i.

48 BUNGOMA COUNTY 40 TABLE 18i: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT 1) LH 2 vl i or two, RB 2 Subzone: vl i or two, Soil Unit: RB 2 Survey Area 16 (Chemweisus) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE Subzone: vl i or two (Periods in days 2) : 1 st rainy season 200 or more, 2 nd rainy season days) Crop Yields 3) and Inputs Maize local pure stand O Hybrid maize O Maize local intercropped with beans O Maize hybrid intercropped with beans O Unit with predom. Soil: RB 2 = humic NITISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1 st rainy season mm 2 nd rainy season: mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level I= low II= med. 4) III= high 5) AEU Pot. 6) I= low II= III= med. 4) high 5) * * NOTES: 1) Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2) Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3) Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4) Farmers with medium inputs 5) Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6) Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this AgroEcological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7) Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results AEU Pot. 6)

49 BUNGOMA COUNTY 41

50 BUNGOMA COUNTY FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT AGRO ECOLOGICAL UNITS These are mainly the AgroEcological Units represented by the Farm Survey Areas which were selected for this purpose. The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ ( ) had two trial sites in the former Bungoma district, i.e. one at Kamakoiwa in Zone UM 2 and the other in Tongaren in UM 4. For the other zones, subzones and units, Muriuki and Qureshi have showed which results from other districts could be representative (see map of Fertiliser Recommendations and Farm Survey Areas), and have constructed curves for fertiliser response 1. Recommended rates of an AEU increase towards a wetter subzone and decrease as one approaches a drier one, if the soil unit extends here (see the small maps). In our recommendations, we have tended to lower the application rates due to the low financial base of the smallholder farmers. The optimum can be calculated from the curve formulas in Muriuki & Qureshi Fertiliser Use Manual, KARI, Nairobi In the long run, the appropriate amount must be given to maintain the nutrient content. Some quantities for this can be seen in the chapter 3.1 of the General Remarks section. Higher recommendations are given in the Smallholder Farming Handbook of the IRACC and MSS, Nairobi 1997, but the economic investment and risk is too high for the local farmers here. A rural small credit system for the inputs would help alot. Where scientific sources for quantifying the rates are lacking, some conclusions could be drawn from the difference in inputs and yields between the low and high production levels of the Farm Survey An empty column in the tables denoted by Other Nutrients Recommended, does not mean that there is nothing to be applied, but it is because of lack of trial results. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and methods of addressing it can be obtained from Muriuki, A.W. and Qureshi, J.N. (2001), Tables 1&2, p Finally, it must be emphasized here once again that fertilising alone will increase the yields only in the short term. The micronutrients that are not included in the fertiliser become exhausted very fast. Application of manure to recover the extracted nutrients is a must in order to have a stable agrobiological system with continuous crop production 2. This advice is urgent for the upland soils which, due to their senility, have a low nutrient content. In the long run it is necessary for the young volcanic soils RB 2 with their higher nutrient content to be maintained through continuous application of fertilizers. 1 Muriuki, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual. Nairobi kari Southern China has parts with similar soils to Kenya and stabilized productivity there for hundreds of years by returning to the fields as much as possible, even kitchen waste, excrements and urea. The hygenical and the energy problem could be reduced by biogas production first with the organic material.

51 BUNGOMA COUNTY 43 TABLE 19a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 2 l^(m/s) i & l^(s) i, Ul GA 1 & UlG 3 2 of the SUGARCANE & COTTON ZONE Crop varieties and Season First rainy season Hybrid maize Hybrid maize & beans Sorghum, medium mat. Second rainy season Recommended Fertiliser Rates Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied 1 * 10 N ³ Average Yield Increase if 5t/ha Manure are Applied 2 ca. 600 kg ca. 400 kg ca. 500 kg Other Nutrients Recommended 500 kg of Lime/ha + Mg + Potassium 500 kg lime/ha Hybrid maize 4 Local maize & beans ca. 300 kg * Biseasonal (or more) Cassava, local 20 N * Semipermanent Sugarcane CAN Superphosphate, ratoons 600 CAN Superphosphate ca * Lime mixed with soil 4t/ha at planting, 250 Muriate of Potash for 3 rd ratoons Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 96 & 97; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 9; 1 Double rates on cereals will yield almost double if climate is suitable and there are no pests and diseases; 2 The soil units extend into zone LM 1. There the rates and yields increase are 10 20% higher, esp. in 2 nd season. ³ Higher rates become uneconomic: 20 kg N & 30 kg /ha give 800 kg. * No data available 4 In the drier subzone l^(s) i an early mat. Maize variety is climatically better suited. 5 The Prov. Farm. Man. Officer J. Imbira recommends (for practical reasons) lower amounts than the IRACC: 4 bags/ha DAP or 9 bags/ha SSP and 2 bags/ha potash at planting time, 7 bags/ha CAN or 4 bags/ha urea as topdressing; 9 bags/ha CAN or 5 bags/ha urea for the ratoon TABLE 19b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGROECOLOGICAL UNITS LM 3 m/l^(s), Ul GA 1 & BXC 1 of the SUGARCANE & COTTON ZONE Crop varieties and Season First rainy season Hybrid maize Local maize & beans Hybrid maize & beans Sorghum, med. mat. Cotton, unim. var., long staple Second rainy season Local maize & beans Sorghum, early mat. Biseasonal (or more) Recommended Fertiliser Rates Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied 1 * 20 N CAN 10 N * (maize) (maize) 500 Average Yield Increase if 5t/ha Manure are Applied kg 4t/ha g ca. 400 kg 500 kg * * 4t/ha g ca. 400 kg * Other Nutrients Recommended 500 kg lime/ha + Mg. + Potassium together Lime Lime Potassium + Mg Lime Cassava 25 N * Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 96 & 106; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 10a & b; cotton: Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for SelfEmployment.Nairobi 1997, p Maize and beans are difficult in the waterlogged soils of the bottomlands BXC 1, farmers try to plant suitable crops on the adjoining higher places; * No data available

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53 BUNGOMA COUNTY 45 TABLE 19c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGROECOLOGICAL UNIT UM 1 m/l^m/s i, UM 2 m/l^s/m & s i, UM 3 4 l/vl i, UlN 1² & UlN 3 of the MAIN & MARGINAL COFFEE ZONE Crop varieties and Season First rainy season Hybrid maize Hybrid maize & beans Local maize & beans Potatoes (Annet higher places) Cabbages (Copenhagen) Second rainy season Recommended Fertiliser Rates Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied 1 * 75 N N N (maize) 1000 (maize) Average Yield Increase if 5t/ha Manure are Applied kg * 600 kg 2000 kg kg Other Nutrients Recommended Lime + Mg + potassium together Potassium Beans (GL) * Permanent crops Tea in UM N green tea * Copper Coffee in UM 1, 2, 3 (uneconomic with present prices) Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 95 & 96; KARI & GTZ: Fertiliser Use Recommendation Vol. 11, Bungoma District, Nairobi 1995; and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 11; for tea FMHB 1982 and Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for SelfEmployment.Nairobi 1997, p Th e climatic diff erence does not aff ect signifi cantly the food crops listed, except potatoes which do not do well in lower places of UM. The soil UlN 1 tends to lower yields because of its partly petroferric phase; ² Th e soil unit UlN 1 appears also in some parts of LM 1 & 2. Maize there should be H 626 instead of 625, sweet potatoes instead of potatoes. ³ IRACC recoomends one year after planting 20 gm of NP5:5:5 per bush, after 2 years 30 gm, after 3 years 50 gm. * No data available

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55 BUNGOMA COUNTY 47 TABLE 19d: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGROECOLOGICAL UNITS 1 UM 34 l/vl i or m^s i & UM 4 l/vl or two, UlRA & UlGA 1 of the MARGINAL COFFEE & MAIZESUNFLOWER ZONE Crop varieties and Season First rainy season Hybrid maize Hybrid maize & beans (GL) Potatoes (Annet) Cabbages (Copenhagen) Recommended Fertiliser Rates Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied 1 * 10 N ² (maize) ³ Average Yield Increase if 5t/ha Manure are Applied kg * 4200 kg Other Nutrients Recommended Lime + Mg + potassium together Second rainy season Beans (GL) Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 95 & 96; KARI & GTZ: Fertiliser Use Recommendation Vol. 11, Bungoma District, Nairobi 1995; and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 14 1 In UM 4 during dry years there is no response to N, therefore it is recommended for UM 34 only, in UM 4 with 15 kg P2O5 only it is 400. ² In UM 4 competition for water can cause lower yields than monocropped maize. 3 Without yield is almost zero because of very low natural P content in the soil * No data available

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57 BUNGOMA COUNTY 49 TABLE 19e: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGROECOLOGICAL UNITS 1 LH 1 l/m^m & LH 2 vl i or two, RB 2 of the TEA and COFFEE & WHEAT PYRETHRUM ZONE Crop varieties and Season First rainy season Maize (H 625) Maize (H 625) & beans Potatoes Cabbages Second rainy season Recommended Fertiliser Rates Average Yield Increase if this Rate is Applied 1 * ca Beans ³ Cabbages Permanent or semipermanent crops Tea in LH 1 5 Pyrethrum in LH N + 35 ca green tea 20 N Average Yield Increase if 5t/ha Manure are Applied kg 750 kg (maize) 3t/ha g ca kg * Other Nutrients Recommended 25 Potassium 25 Potassium * Potassium * * * * Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 96 & 102;KARI & GTZ: Fertiliser Use Recommendations, Kericho District, Nairobi, 1995; and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004; for tea and pyrethrum FMHB 1982 and Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for SelfEmployment.Nairobi 1997; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16 th, Th e moisture diff erence between LH 1 and 2 does not aff ect signifi cantly the food crops listed here, herefore the rates and yields are almost the same, during the 2nd season a bit lower in LH 2; ² Maize yields are generally still high at these fertile volcanic soils, 4300 at an average. In future fertiliser will become more necessary. ³ Uneconomic, better to put beans after potatoes to get remaining phosphate and to give just potassium. 4 Other medium mat. food crops may be grown too. 5 IRACC recoomends one year after planting 20 gm of 25:5:5 per bush, after 2 years 30 gm, after years 50 gm. * No data available

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