Factors Influencing Selection and production of Common Bean Cultivars in medium Potential Agro Ecological Zone of Imenti South Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Varietal selection is a key aspect in common bean production in Kenya since different varieties are bred for specific agro ecological conditions. In Kenya, many common bean varieties are found growing under medium agro ecological zones, however, some farmers have been found to grow some bean varieties not suited to preferred ecological zones. The current study was thus carried out to assess the factors that affect varietal selection and production of common beans in medium potential agro ecological zones of Imenti South Sub County, Meru County. The target population was 300 common bean farmers. A sample size of 75 farmers derived from Gaatia, Kathanthatu, Kiambogo and Kiigene villages using Nassiuma Formula. A structured questionnaire was administered to collected data on socioeconomic factors, common bean production systems and agronomic practices. The collected data weresubjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS version 9.4 and Significant means separated using least significant difference at p< 0.05. The findings on socio-economic factors revealed that farmers with higher levels of education produced more beans per unit area. Approximately 10.52 % of the 22.37 % of the farmers with tertiary college education had a production of 1.4 – 1.9 tonnes/ha. Majority (88.16 %) of the farmers applied DAP planting fertilizer,while none of the farmersapplied rock phosphate. Moreover, the highest percentage (34.9 %) of farmers who applied DAP had attained tertiary level education. Most (18.42 %) middle aged farmers did not apply rhizobium inoculant during planting. The most popular production system was mixed cropping (46.7 %) and the least was intercropping (6.59 %). Mixed cropping was highest in farmers who planted GLP 585 (13.33 %) and least in KAT B1 (10.23 %). Sole cropping was highest in Mwitemania (12.0 %) and least in Rose coco (6.58 %). Crop rotation was highest in Rose coco (5.26 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 (2.63 %). Intercropping was highest in Rose coco (2.63 %) and least in GLP 585, Mwitemania and KAT B1 varieties at (1.32 %).Bean variety KAT B1 despite being bred for semi-arid agro ecological zones, performed fairly well in medium potential agro ecological zones. Bean variety KAT B1 can be recommended for production in medium potential agro ecological zones to enhance common bean production and food security in Kenya.