Maize Production In Kenya Research Articles

Determinants of Maize Production and Its Supply Response in Kenya

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an essential crop in Kenya and its production has a direct implication on food and economic security. However, in Kenya, there is a gap between what is being produced and what is being consumed. This gap is growing and, hence, remains a policy concern. Under this backdrop, this study aimed to estimate thecombined contribution of maize area harvested, expenditure on fertilizers,number of tractors used, and maize seed quantity to national maize productionin Kenya using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) and Nerlove Model. The findings indicate that maize production in Kenya is negatively associated with maize area harvested, expenditure on fertilizers, and the number of tractors used. However, there is a positive relationship between maize production and maize seed quantity. The response of maize production depicted that the price of maize in the previous period determined the production levels in the current period positively; however, as we move further away, the price level in the fourth period depicted a negative relationship. This study recommended that the government provide an adequate quantity of maize seeds to boost maize production. It also recommended that farmers be educated on the proper use of fertilizers and the optimum use of tractors and land. Furthermore, the government needs to ensure a favorable and stable price for farmers to contribute to increased maize production.

A suite of agronomic factors can offset the effects of climate variability on rainfed maize production in Kenya

Achieving food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a multidimensional challenge. SSA reliance on food imports is expected to grow in the coming decades to meet the population's demand, projected to double to over 2 billion people by 2050. In addition, climate change is already affecting food production and supply chains across the region. Addressing these multiple food security challenges will necessitate rapid enhancements in agricultural productivity, which is influenced by a host of demographic, agronomic, and climatic factors. We use statistical approaches to examine rainfed maize in Kenya, where maize cultivation and consumption are widespread and central to livelihoods and national food security. We find that improving a suite of agronomic factors, such as applying fertilizer, planting certified seeds, and extension services, will have a greater effect on rainfed maize productivity than demographics and can offset the effects of climate change. These findings could also offer insights into similar challenges for other crops in Kenya and other SSA countries.

Do changes in maize prices and input prices affect smallholder farmers’ soil fertility management decisions? panel survey evidence from Kenya

ABSTRACT Soil fertility management (SFM) practices such as maize-legume intercropping and organic fertiliser, particularly when used jointly with inorganic fertiliser, have the potential to increase yields and yield response to inorganic fertiliser, improve soil health, and contribute to sustainable intensification (SI). However, relatively little is known about the drivers of adoption of these practices, especially for joint use. Moreover, it has been suggested that African farmers will respond to an increase in the maize price they expect to receive at the next harvest by increasing investment in their soils or altering use of SFM practices in response to input price changes. Yet previous studies largely ignore the role of prices. Using nationwide household panel survey data from Kenya, we estimate the effects of changes in crop and input prices on household use of individual SFM practices and combinations thereof. We find that Kenyan smallholders’ SFM adoption decisions are largely insensitive to changes in expected maize prices. However, when inorganic fertiliser prices rise, farmers are more likely to use organic fertiliser and use less inorganic fertiliser per acre. These results suggest that price policies alone are unlikely to be effective ways to promote SI of maize production in Kenya.

Water Pricing Option for Efficient Irrigated Maize Production in Kenya

Water Pricing Option for Efficient Irrigated Maize Production in Kenya

Status of maize lethal necrosis disease in seed production system in Kenya

Maize production in Kenya is now under threat from the devastating maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease in the field. This study was conducted to assess status of MLN in maize seed production fields...

Evolution of Fertiliser Use and its Impact on Maize Productivity in Kenya: Evidence from Multiple Surveys

During the 1990s, the Kenyan agricultural sector became increasingly liberalised. For many years, both government- and non-government organisations have advised farmers on fertiliser doses, and therefore, an increase in fertiliser adoption resulting in higher yields has been expected. We analyse the evolution of fertiliser use and its impact on maize productivity and household incomes in Kenya, using four household surveys conducted between 1992 and 2013. Each survey represented all six maize-producing zones of Kenya. The results show that the percentage of fertiliser users among maize farmers has increased slightly over the years (from 62% in 1992 to 65% in 2013), and the quantity of fertiliser applied per ha has increased (from 82 kg/ha in 1992 to 100 kg/ha in 2013) but remains far below recommended levels. Therefore, maize yields have remained stagnant, or even decreased slightly (from 1360 kg/ha in 1992 to 1116 kg/ha in 2013). We also observe that the following factors affect fertiliser use and maize yields: education of the household head; area under maize cultivation; agroecological zone; uneven access to extension services; and food insecurity. We also find that fertiliser use has a positive impact on both maize yields and household income. We conclude that the liberalisation of fertiliser markets in Kenya did not have the desired effect of increasing fertiliser use and consequently maize yields, except in the high potential maize-growing areas. Possible explanations include both market factors, e.g. high prices, and non-market factors, e.g. access to information. We make two policy recommendations based on these findings – firstly, the targeted outreach of extension services should be considered, to increase fertiliser use and yields in less-productive regions, and secondly, policies should be considered that incorporate provisions for weather shocks.

Evolution of Fertiliser Use and its Impact on Maize Productivity in Kenya: Evidence from Multiple Surveys

Evolution of Fertiliser Use and its Impact on Maize Productivity in Kenya: Evidence from Multiple Surveys

Nitrogen fertilizer rate increases plant uptake and soil availability of essential nutrients in continuous maize production in Kenya and Zimbabwe

Low fertilizer application rates for several decades have depleted soil nutrients in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and contributed to relatively stagnant maize (Zea mays L.) yields. As maize is a staple crop, nutrient depletion has resulted in major food insecurity. While one potential solution is to apply more nitrogen (N) fertilizer, previous studies in SSA have found maize yield responses to be variable, likely because N is often not the only limiting nutrient. This study aimed to determine the impact of consecutive N fertilizer applications on plant uptake and available soil reserves of non-N nutrients. Maize was grown continuously in 3 sites that were representative of the ecosystem variability found in East/Southern Africa (Embu, Kenya; Kiboko, Kenya; Harare, Zimbabwe) at 4 different N fertilizer rates (0–160 kg N ha−1) from 2010 to 2015. Following the final season, grain, stover, and soil (sampled at different depths to 0.9 m) samples were analyzed for essential plant nutrients. Nitrogen fertilizer increased plant uptake of P, S, Cu, and Zn by up to 280%, 320%, 420%, and 210%, respectively, showing potential for mitigating non-N nutrient deficiencies in 2 of the 3 sites. Cumulatively, however, there was a net negative effect of higher N rates on the P, K, and S soil-plant balances in all sites and on the Mn and Cu soil-plant balance in Kiboko, indicating that applying N fertilizer depletes non-N soil nutrients. While N fertilizer enhances the uptake of non-N nutrients, a balanced application of multiple essential nutrients is needed to sustainably increase yields in SSA.

An application of artificial neural network classifier to analyze the behavioral traits of smallholder farmers in Kenya

This paper develops and employs a novel artificial neural network (ANN) model to study farmers’ behavior towards decision making on maize production in Kenya. The paper has compared the accuracy level of ANN based models and the statistical model. The results show that the ANN models has achieved higher accuracy and efficiency. The findings from the study reveal that the farmers are mostly influenced by their demographic characteristics and food security conditions in their decision making. Further to examine the relative importance of different demographic and food security characteristics, an ANOVA test is undertaken. The results found that education and food security indices are instrumental in influencing farmers’ decision making.

English

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the staple food in Kenya, and mapping the qualitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to maize stem borer pest is important towards marker assisted breeding for this quantitative trait. The objective of this study was to identify any QTL associated with resistance to Chilo partellus and Busseola fusca, the two important stem borer pests in maize production in Kenya. A total of 203 F2:3 individuals from a cross between CML442, a stem borer susceptible maize inbred line and CKSBL10026, a stem borer resistant maize inbred line; and 152 SNPs were used for mapping the QTL. Data were collected on leaf damage, stem borer exit holes and stem tunneling length as putative stem borer damage traits. A likelihood odds ratio (LOD) scores of 3.0 and maximum recombination frequency of 0.50 were used to declare linkage. LOD scores between 2.5 and 2.9 were considered strong indications of a QTL. Resistance QTL for the three putative traits were detected on chromosomes 1-7 and 9 for both individual locations and stem borer species analysis. In B. fusca sites, one QTL for reduced stem tunnelling was revealed on chromosome 4 while in the C. partellus sites, one QTL for reduced stem tunnelling was identified on chromosome 4 and another for reduced stem borer exit holes was identified on chromosome 5. Phenotypic variances explained ranged from 6 to 10%, suggesting a need to validate these QTL using a larger population and in different environments. Key words: Busseola fusca, Chilo partellus, mapping, quantitative trait loci (QTL), resistance, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), stem borer.

Evaluating the effect of plant population densities and nitrogen application on the leaf area index of maize in a reclaimed wetland in Kenya

Abstract Maize is the main staple food in Kenya with over 90% of Kenyans relying on it. While the annual national consumption is increasing, the production of this crop has been on the decline in the last two decades. Maize production in Kenya fell by 33.4% in 2013 with Nyeri among the counties said to be grappling with the production of this crop. Land pressure is one of the major causes of decreased availability of food as well as soil depletion and encroachment upon fragile ecosystems such as wetlands. Nitrogen is a key nutrient in the production of maize, and its deficiency is a major factor limiting its production. This study investigated the effect of N application at 120 kg N/ha and maize density on the Leaf Area Index in reclaimed wetland soils in an experimental set-up comprising a randomized complete block design with three replications. The research was carried out in Nyeri County, Kenya. Leaf Area Index (LAI) was determined using the given SunScan formula. Measurements were done continuously until crop physiological maturity. Results indicated that the leaf area index increased with nitrogen application and reduced with spacing for most treatments. There were no significant differences between the two methods (Copy Method and SunScan). Leaf Area Index (LAI) was high in treatments containing nitrogen and high plant density. It was concluded that high plant density gives high LAI. 50 cm * 12.5 cm (-N) and 50 cm * 12.5 cm (+N) are the recommended plant densities for the site.

Modeling the Effects of Input Market Reforms on Fertiliser Demand and Maize Production: A Case Study from Kenya

AbstractKenya is one of the few countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa to experience an impressive rise in fertiliser use following a series of input market reforms in the early 1990s. Two major consequences of these reforms were declining fertiliser marketing margins and distances between farmers and fertiliser dealers. We quantify the effects of these changes on commercial fertiliser use and maize production in Kenya by estimating fertiliser demand and maize supply response functions using nationwide household survey data. Our results indicate that between 1997 and 2010, the estimated 27% reduction in real fertiliser prices that can be attributed to falling marketing margins associated with market reforms led to a 36% increase in nitrogen use on maize fields and a 9% increase in maize production resulting from both yield and acreage effects. On the other hand, decreasing distances to fertiliser retailers from the perspective of a given household did not appear to raise fertiliser use or maize supply, although a comparison across households using average distances over the panel indicate that those closer to retailers do apply more fertiliser on their maize fields.

English

Low purchasing power of inorganic fertilizers by farmers among other factors has led to a decrease in maize production in Kenya. Growing trees on-farm can improve the situation. A study was carried out at three sites in Western Kenya to investigate the effects of selected tree species on total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, pH, growth and yield of maize. Top soil (0 to 15cm) and maize plants were sampled for measurements under the canopies of selected tree species at (2, 7 and 12 m) from trees. A complete randomized block design with four tree species, three levels of distance and three stages of growth was used. Soils under Grevillea robusta had a significantly higher pH (p=0.02) at Ulafu. Soil CEC under G. robusta and Leuceana leucocephalla were significantly lower (p< 0.001) compared to Markhamia lutea and Mangifera indica at Ulafu. Maize under G. robusta at Bumula had the highest yield (3.91 t ha-1). A significantly lower (p=0.001) maize yield was revealed under M indica in both Ulafu and Ndere. The study suggests some positive influences from all the trees by increasing total organic carbon in soils. Therefore, increasing the number of trees on farms may improve soil fertility and maize production. Key words: Soil pH, total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, tree species, maize growth and yield.

Micro-Dosing of Lime, Phosphorus and Nitrogen Fertilizers Effect on Maize Performance on an Acid Soil in Kenya

&lt;p&gt;High cost of inorganic fertilizers and lime has precluded their use by smallholder farmers to remedy the problem of soil acidity and infertility in Kenya. To address the problem, we tested a precision technique referred to as micro-dosing, which involves application of small, affordable quantities of inorganic inputs on an acid soil in Busia County, Kenya. Experimental treatments were N-fertilizer (0 and 37.5 kg N ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;), P-fertilizer (0 and 13 kg P ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;) and lime (0, 0.77 and 1.55 tons lime ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;). 37.5 kg N and 13 kg P ha&lt;sup&gt;-1 &lt;/sup&gt;are 50% of the recommended fertilizer rates for maize production in Kenya while 0.77 and 1.55 tons lime ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; are 25 and 50% of the actual requirement. Soil chemical changes, maize grain yield and nutrient recovery were determined. Lime and P-fertilizer significantly affected only the top-soil pH, Ca, Mg and available P, while the effects of N-fertilizer were evident on both top- and sub-soil N likely due to its faster mobility than P and lime. Grain P-fertilizer recovery efficiencies were 14 and 16-27% due to 13 kg P and 13 kg P + 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. N-fertilizer recovery efficiencies were 37 and 42-45% due to 37.5 kg N and 37.5 kg N + 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. Fertilizers applied to supply 37.5 kg N, 13 kg P and 0.77-1.55 tons lime ha&lt;sup&gt;-1 &lt;/sup&gt;increased grain yield above the control by 134, 39 and 12-22%, respectively, therefore micro-dosing of these inputs can increase maize production on Kenyan acid soils.&lt;/p&gt;

Farmers’ Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Utilization on Maize Cropping Systems in Kisii County, Kenya

Decline in soil fertility has been identified as a major factor hindering maize productivity globally; the majority of these soils are deficient in nitrogen, phosphorous and organic matters. Low maize productivity in Kenya is attributed to decline in soil fertility. Improving soil fertility is necessary to achieve sustainable maize productivity among small - scaled farmers. However, farmers’ response toward the application of fertilize rs is not enough. This study sought to determine farmers’ response towards the usage of organic and inorganic fertilizer in maize cropping systems among the maize producers. A simple random sampling technique was employed to achieve a sample size of 246 re spondents from accessible household population of 10,800 maize farmers. A structured

IMMEDIATE AND RESIDUAL EFFECTS OF LIME AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER ON SOIL ACIDITY AND MAIZE PRODUCTION IN WESTERN KENYA

SUMMARYSoil acidity and phosphorus (P) deficiency are some of the major causes of low maize yields in Kenya. This study determined the immediate and residual effects of lime and P fertilizer on soil pH, exchangeable aluminium (Al), available P, maize grain yield, agronomic P use and P fertilizer recovery efficiencies on a western Kenya acid soil. The treatments were: P fertilizer (0, 26 and 52 kg P ha−1as triple super phosphate) and lime (0, 2, 4 and 6 tons lime ha−1) applied once at the beginning of the study. A burnt liming material with 92.5% calcium carbonate equivalent was used. Soil samples were analysed prior to and after treatment application. The site had low soil pH–H2O (4.9), available P (2.3 mg kg−1), total N (0.17%), high Al (2.0 cmol kg−1exchangeable Al and 29% Al saturation). Lime reduced soil pH and exchangeable Al, leading to increased soil available P. Lime at 2, 4 and 6 tons ha−1maintained soil pH ≥ 5.5 for 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. The study observed that the recommended P fertilizer rate (26 kg P ha−1) for maize production in Kenya was inadequate to raise soil available P to the critical level (≥10 mg P kg−1soil bicarbonate extractable P) required for healthy maize growth. To maintain soil available P at the critical level where 52 kg P ha−1and combined 52 kg P ha−1+ 4 tons lime ha−1were applied, it would be necessary to reapply the same P fertilizer rate after every one and two cropping seasons, respectively. The 4-year mean grain yield increments were 0.17, 0.34, 0.50, 0.58 and 1.17 tons ha−1due to 2, 4, 6 tons lime ha−1, 26 kg P and 52 kg P ha−1, respectively. Both agronomic P use and P fertilizer recovery efficiencies increased with increasing rates of lime and decreased with increasing rates of P fertilizer. Therefore, combined applications of both lime and P fertilizer are important for enhancing maize production on P-deficient acid soils in western Kenya.

Determinants of improved maize seed and fertilizer adoption in Kenya

The study quantifies factors affecting adoption of improved maize varieties and fertilizer by households in maize growing zones of Kenya. It uses Heckman two-stage model to analyze data collected from 1850 households in 2002. Credit was important in explaining the adoption of improved maize seed and fertilizer. Likewise the ability to access hired labour was positively associated with adoption of improved maize varieties and fertilizer. Education of household head and number of extension contacts played a role in the adoption of improved maize varieties. Distance to market was negatively associated with adoption of fertilizer. Use of fertilizer affected the adoption of improved maize varieties and the converse was true. The area planted to improved maize varieties was positively affected by household characteristics (education and age of household head), institutional factors (number of extension contacts) and other variables such as ability to hire labour. Use of fertilizer was strongly and positively associated with the intensity of use of improved maize. These findings suggest that provision of credit and strengthening of research/extension farmers linkages are likely to play a significant role in enhancing the use of improved maize seed and fertilizer and therefore increasing maize productivity in Kenya. Key words: Adoption, fertilizer, households, Heckman, Kenya, maize, seed.

Identification of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Isolates to Reduce Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize in Kenya.

Aspergillus flavus has two morphotypes, the S strain and the L strain, that differ in aflatoxin-producing ability and other characteristics. Fungal communities on maize dominated by the S strain of A. flavus have repeatedly been associated with acute aflatoxin poisonings in Kenya, where management tools to reduce aflatoxin levels in maize are needed urgently. A. flavus isolates (n = 290) originating from maize produced in Kenya and belonging to the L strain morphotype were tested for aflatoxin-producing potential. A total of 96 atoxigenic isolates was identified from four provinces sampled. The 96 atoxigenic isolates were placed into 53 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) through complementation of nitrate non-utilizing mutants. Isolates from each of 11 VCGs were obtained from more than one maize sample, isolates from 10 of the VCGs were detected in multiple districts, and isolates of four VCGs were found in multiple provinces. Atoxigenic isolates were tested for potential to reduce aflatoxin concentrations in viable maize kernels that were co-inoculated with highly toxigenic S strain isolates. The 12 most effective isolates reduced aflatoxin levels by >80%. Reductions in aflatoxin levels caused by the most effective Kenyan isolates were comparable with those achieved with a United States isolate (NRRL-21882) used commercially for aflatoxin management. This study identified atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus with potential value for biological control within highly toxic Aspergillus communities associated with maize production in Kenya. These atoxigenic isolates have potential value in mitigating aflatoxin outbreaks in Kenya, and should be evaluated under field conditions.

Model selection in stochastic frontier analysis with an application to maize production in Kenya

This paper shows how to compute the standard errors for partial effects of exogenous firm characteristics influencing firm inefficiency under a range of popular stochastic frontier model specifications. We also develop an R2-type measure to summarize the overall explanatory power of the exogenous factors on firm inefficiency. The paper also applies a recently developed model selection procedure to choose among alternative stochastic frontier specifications using data from household maize production in Kenya. The magnitude of estimated partial effects of exogenous household characteristics on inefficiency turns out to be very sensitive to model specification, and the model selection procedure leads to an unambiguous choice of best model. We propose a bootstrapping procedure to evaluate the size and power of the model selection procedure. The empirical application also provides further evidence on how household characteristics influence technical inefficiency in maize production in developing countries.

Structural analysis of small-scale maize production in the Nakuru District: challenges faced in achieving stable and high maize productivity in Kenya.

Structural analysis of small-scale maize production in the Nakuru District: challenges faced in achieving stable and high maize productivity in Kenya.