Semi-arid Regions Of Kenya Research Articles

A comprehensive review of climate information systems in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya for enhanced decision-making process

The reality of climate change has had far-reaching effects on climate and weather patterns globally. High carbon emissions have resulted in wildfires causing migration and death from natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and strong winds. Climate change has also led to reduced crop and livestock farming yields, and worsening incidences of hunger and famine. The use of climate information systems (CIS) in the Arid and Semi-Arid regions of Kenya has not been extensively reviewed. This study reviews the use of CIS in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) to improve decision-making and adapt to climate change. We reviewed past and present research on Kenya's ASAL counties’ smallholder farmers’ CIS use. National and international attempts to develop early warning systems through CIS to help stakeholders and end users make farm-level decisions were reviewed. Kenya leads Eastern African countries in emphasizing CIS to reduce climate change's effects on sustainable agriculture. In ASAL countries, the gap between CIS information and its applicability for smallholder farmers’ farm-level decisions, low finance, weak infrastructure, and limited capability are major issues. Limited indigenous knowledge integration and the absence of regular updates and end-user co-development were also noted. Despite these obstacles, CIS can improve decision-making, catastrophe risk management, and socioeconomic growth in these places. Tailored CIS solutions are essential to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers in ASAL regions. Improved coordination and leveraging newer technologies are crucial for effective CIS implementation.

Leveraging the complex interplay between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, seasonal dynamics, and genotypic diversity to optimize maize productivity in semi-arid agroecosystems

Maize production under low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas of Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges, primarily stemming from the synergistic impacts of climate variability and suboptimal agronomic practices. Harnessing soil microbiota, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), represents a pivotal strategy for bolstering low-input systems. However, their functional utility is contingent upon their compatibility with the prevailing environmental conditions and biotic interactions. This study examines the influence of two distinct AMF inoculants on the growth and yield attributes of diverse maize genotypes across varying seasons within semi-arid regions of Kenya. We hypothesized that AMF inoculants exhibit differential adaptability to varying environmental sites and seasons, and their interaction will enhance the provision of key ecosystem services important for maize production. Field experiments were conducted in three semi-arid Counties (Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, and Kitui) during the 2019/2020 cropping seasons. A randomized complete block design with three replications and three treatments was adopted. Treatments consisted of Rhizatech (a commercial AMF inoculant), a consortium of AMF isolates (Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis mosseae), and a non-inoculated control. In season one, notable interaction effects were observed for both site × maize genotype (p = 0.0007) and site × AMF inoculation (p < 0.0001), whereby Duma 43 genotype had the highest yield in Embu (11.93 t ha−1) and Kitui (11.76 t ha−1) counties, and Rhizatech and consortium inoculation consistently led to elevated grain yields across all three genotypes in Kitui, surpassing non-inoculated controls. AMF inoculation notably augmented phosphorus (P) uptake, with Rhizatech demonstrating a 79.7 % increase and consortium showing a 38.7 % increase in shoot P content compared to control plants in season 1. These findings highlight the complex interplay between AMF effectiveness, seasonal variations, and maize diversity. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these seasonal shifts, allowing for optimized AMF inoculation strategies for improved maize performance under diverse conditions.

Determinants of Fertility in Arid Regions of Kenya: A Case of Westpokot County

The world's population has continued to increase and is expected to reach 10.8 billion by 2025. Population growth has negative consequences, including unemployment, food insecurity, and poor quality of life. The Kenyan government has implemented programs over the years aimed at reducing fertility, leading to a reduction in total fertility from 8.2 in the 1970s to 3.9 in 2014. However, counties in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya have recorded instances of a rise in fertility, derailing the government's efforts to reduce population and improve quality of life. This study, therefore, investigated the determinants of fertility in West Pokot County and the sociodemographic drivers of fertility. The study used a Poisson regression to analyze the estimates and found that a woman's education had a significant impact on the fertility rate in West Pokot. Women with secondary and tertiary education were more likely to have fewer children than women with no formal education. These findings corroborate previous studies, such as those by Kwame (2002) [35] and Longwe et al. (2012) [37], which also observed that women with higher levels of education tend to have fewer children. The study's recommendations emphasize the continued advocacy for girl-child education as a means of reducing the fertility rate in Kenya. Investing in girls' education, particularly at the secondary and tertiary levels, can empower women, delay marriage and childbearing, and ultimately contribute to the government's efforts to manage population growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. By addressing the educational disparities and promoting access to higher education for women in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya, policymakers can leverage this key determinant of fertility to achieve more sustainable population dynamics and development outcomes.

Effect of Shade Intensities on Growth, Biomass and Grain Yield of Green Grams (Vigna radiata) and Maize (Zea mays) in Kitui County

Maize and green grams are important food security crops grown and consumed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. High temperatures and low soil moisture lead to yield reduction. A two-season study was conducted to investigate the effect of different shade intensities (0 %, 50 % and 70 %) on green gram and maize growth, biomass and grain yield in Kitui County (1.4° S, 37.9° E). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) farm. Results showed that maize had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher plant height, Ear height, cob weight, total biomass and grain yield per hectare in 50%, followed by 70% and lowest in 0%. Green gram plants had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher number of pods, seeds per pod, total above-ground biomass and grain yield per hectare 50 % (1759 kg/Ha), 70 % (1553 kg/Ha) and lowest in 0% (478 kg/Ha). The plants grown under 50% shade intensity had higher grain and biomass yield for both green grams and maize compared to those under 70% and 0% shade intensity, which may be attributed to adequate moisture due to reduced evapotranspiration. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity on green grams farming system yield and break-even price was best at 50% shade intensity. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity in maize farming systems is not significant. To improve grain and biomass yield of both green grams and maize for food and nutrition security, study recommends the use of 50% intensity in growing green grams in ASALs due to benefits including soil moisture conservation, improved plant growth, yield, economic efficiency and cost-benefit ratios

Harnessing Knowledge Management to Improve Healthcare Delivery in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities

Harnessing Knowledge Management to Improve Healthcare Delivery in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities

Guild Vertical Stratification and Drivers of Bat Foraging in a Semi-Arid Tropical Region, Kenya.

Africa faces significant challenges in reconciling economic and social development while preserving its natural resources. Little is known about the diverse bat community on the continent, particularly in drier ecosystems. A better understanding of the bat community will help improve and inform the management of these ecosystems. Our study aimed to provide detailed information on the main drivers of bat richness and activity at three different heights above the ground in a semi-arid region of Kenya. We assessed how bat activity varied with space and height using acoustic sampling and complementary methods. We sampled 48 sites at ground level and two sites on meteorological masts at 20 m and 35 m above the ground. We recorded more than 20 bat species, including one species of concern for conservation. Our models showed that the use of space varies with bat guild, creating trade-offs in the variables that affect their activity. Low-flying bat species are mostly associated with habitat variables, whereas high-flying species are more dependent on weather conditions. Our study highlights the richness of bat assemblages in semi-arid environments and emphasizes the need for management measures to protect bat diversity in the face of habitat degradation caused by climate change, land management, and development projects.

Evaluating Implementation Status of the National Guidelines for Covid-19 Hygiene and Sanitation in Primary Schools of Marsabit County, Kenya

Globally, erupting in late 2019 in China, COVID-19 pandemic became a monumental public health policy problem and threat to humanity of our time. As of June 13, 2021, the pandemic affected close to 176 million people and caused over 3.8 million deaths and disrupted global economies leading to loss of jobs and livelihoods. From a public health perspective, African countries like Kenya, need greater investments in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions as the first line of defence to effectively mitigate against the pandemic. The objective of this study was to identify and assess the level and status of hygiene and sanitation implementation of COVID-19 national guidelines in four schools in three sub counties of Marsabit County in northern Kenya. COVID-19The study adopted a cross sectional design and mixed method in data collection. In addition, review of secondary literature both quantitative and qualitative data were collected during October to December 2022. Data was collected through administering questionnaires targeting 284 respondents, key informant interviews and focused group discussions with selected opinion leaders. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS ver25 and univariate and bivariate statistical techniques were applied. Descriptive analysis using thematic technique was used to analyse qualitative data. The study findings observed that the current school based intervention for COVID-19 prevention included wearing of face masks (86%), practicing social distance (65%), hand washing with water (52%), and using alcohol based hand sanitizers (64%). It also revealed key factors influencing covid19 interventions: barriers to uptake included: lack of enforcement (84.2%), shortage of WASH facilities (78.9%), lack of funds (76.8%), lack of trained staff (70.4%), inadequate facilities (88.7%), lack of awareness (50.0%), poor attitude and ignorance (76.4%), accessibility (37.3%), cultural and religious factors (70.1%).This study concludes that while knowledge of transmission and prevention were found to be high; access to many of the essential support systems and WASH facilities remain a major challenge in the schools in Marsabit. These challenges were also identified from the findings of qualitative study. The study advances key recommendations notably: promotion of school-based training and sensitization of teachers and workers; increased financial support for provision of hygiene and sanitation facilities and preventive support supplies; expansion of community sensitization using radio, television, mass media and school drama clubs; and finally, enhanced financial and budgetary support from national and county governments, donors, and non-governmental organizations to implement robust WASH interventions especially in schools in the Arid and Semi-Arid regions of Kenya.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency and yield of selected sorghum genotypes in semi-arid regions of Kenya

Sorghum production in semi-arid lands is constrained by inadequate soil moisture and low nitrogen. Research was carried out between 2018-2020 to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer on nitrogen use efficiency, yield on selected sorghum genotypes and genotypes suitable for low soil fertility in semi-arid lands. The experiment was a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with 11 sorghum genotypes in the main plot and nitrogen (0, 6.5 and 32.5 kgha-1) as the sub-plots in three replicates. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and its indices agronomic efficiency (AE), nitrogen internal utilization (IE), physiological efficiency (PE), nitrogen recovery efficiency, nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and partial factor productivity (PFP) were obtained from sorghum yield data and nitrogen uptake. The results showed that nitrogen application at 6.5 kgha-1 and 32.5 kgha-1 significantly increased grain yield, stover weight and total dry matter (TDM) by 43% and 116%, 39% and 85% and 42% and 57% respectively. Sorghum genotypes TTKKIAMA6, KTIRASTAMMA4, SNYAKTOSA5, and MKNKKIRWMA2 had significantly higher grain yield and low N uptake implying they are N-efficient. NUE of sorghum decreased with increasing N application. Nitrogen internal utilization efficiency (IE) was significantly higher at zero N application rate implying better N assimilation by sorghum genotypes at low N. AE, PE, RE and PFP were all significantly higher at 6.5 kg N ha-1. All tested genotypes had significantly high NUE (90 to 1148 kgkg-1, RE (27 to 94 kgkg-1), AE (41 to 139 kgkg-1), PE (27 to 84 kgkg-1) and IE (41 to 139 kgkg-1) than the check (Gadam). It was concluded that sorghum genotypes yield parameters were increased by nitrogen application, NUE was highest at low N levels and its indices were significantly higher at 6.5 kg Nha-1. Four genotypes were found to be highly N-efficient and are recommended for sorghum improvement.

A Review on Challenges and Opportunities in Management of Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya

Arid and semi-arid lands occupy currently 88% of arable land mass in Kenya, a region with significant diversity of production systems and economic opportunities. However, these areas are characterised by low and erratic rainfall, hence challenges to agriculture and socioeconomic development in the wake of an increasing population and the impacts of climate change. This review seeks to identify key challenges and opportunities associated with the management of agricultural soils in these arid and semi-arid communities. Arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya are dominated by 10 soil types; Solanchaks, Solonetz, Cambisols, Arenosols, Leptosols, Vertisols, Fluvisols, Phoezems, Calcisols, and Gypsisols. Among the main soil fertility challenges in these soils are moisture stress, high erodibility, and low organic matter content, salinity, and sodium toxicity, the deficiencies of mainly N, P, Zn, and Fe, hence the vulnerability of over 14 million inhabitants to the shocks of low crop and pasture production. Moreover, the adoption of soil conservation practices remains low as existing soil fertility management technologies have been criticized for being too abstract and not providing context and site-specific solutions. Improving soil fertility and moisture levels enhances soil ecosystem functions and food and pasture production in these regions. Encouraging farmers to join soil and water conservation groups, while providing economic incentives, could potentially accelerate the adoption of soil and water practices at the farm level through pulling resources together. Future research to validate a site and context-specific integrated soil fertility improvement technologies for these soils is evitable to enhance soil functions, agricultural production and livelihood at house hold level.

Nematode diversity and its association with soil properties in monocrop pigeon pea

Pigeon pea is a versatile pulse crop grown in semi-arid regions of Kenya; however, its production is affected by plant-parasitic nematodes. The current study was undertaken to investigate the diversity of nematodes and the influence of soil properties on their diversity in monocrop pigeon pea fields in Mbeere North, Embu County, Kenya. Soil samples were collected from Gatunguru B, Gwakaithi, Itururi, Kambungu, Kanyueri, Karigiri, Mbangua and Njarange regions. From each field, soil samples were collected from a depth of 25 cm using W-shaped sampling pattern. The nematodes were identified to the genus level using morphological features. In total, 46 nematode genera assigned to five trophic levels were identified across the eight regions. Abundance of Meloidogyne , Rotylenchulus , Longidorus, Acrobeloides , Cervidellus , Panagrolaimus , Prismatolaimus and Wilsonema varied markedly among the eight regions. Bacterivores belonging to colonizer-persister group 2 were the most prevalent group. There were no differences in Pielou's evenness, genus richness, Shannon and Simpson diversity indices across the regions. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated significant correlations between certain nematode genera and soil attributes with the first two axes accounting for 56.65% of the variance. Acrobeloides correlated positively with Mg, C, Mn and N, and negatively with Fe. The occurrence of Hoplolaimus and Mesorhabditis was associated negatively with soil pH, clay and Ca, and positively with sand. The present work reveals a high abundance of economically important PPN in monocrop pigeon pea which necessitates that appropriate nematode management programs are implemented. Nematode photos provided by Hannah Karuri • Bacterivores in colonizer-persister group 2 were most prevalent. • There were no differences in diversity indices across the regions. • Acrobeloides was positively correlated with Mg, C, Mn and N.

Plasmodium falciparum importation does not sustain malaria transmission in a semi-arid region of Kenya.

Human movement impacts the spread and transmission of infectious diseases. Recently, a large reservoir of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was identified in a semi-arid region of northwestern Kenya historically considered unsuitable for malaria transmission. Understanding the sources and patterns of transmission attributable to human movement would aid in designing and targeting interventions to decrease the unexpectedly high malaria burden in the region. Toward this goal, polymorphic parasite genes (ama1, csp) in residents and passengers traveling to Central Turkana were genotyped by amplicon deep sequencing. Genotyping and epidemiological data were combined to assess parasite importation. The contribution of travel to malaria transmission was estimated by modelling case reproductive numbers inclusive and exclusive of travelers. P. falciparum was detected in 6.7% (127/1891) of inbound passengers, including new haplotypes which were later detected in locally-transmitted infections. Case reproductive numbers approximated 1 and did not change when travelers were removed from transmission networks, suggesting that transmission is not fueled by travel to the region but locally endemic. Thus, malaria is not only prevalent in Central Turkana but also sustained by local transmission. As such, interrupting importation is unlikely to be an effective malaria control strategy on its own, but targeting interventions locally has the potential to drive down transmission.

Relationship Between Households’ Characteristics and Perception of Effect of Rainfall Variability on Farming Practices in Kisii Central Sub County, Kenya

Agricultural productivity in Kenya, as in many developing countries, is significantly affected by rainfall variability. The reliability of the rain for agricultural purposes has reduced in the recent years due to climate variability. In the study area, there is a continued trend of more frequent and intense climate related disasters which is expected to have significant impacts on the livelihood activities. Most studies on the impact of climate variability on farming practices and the response strategies have mainly focused on arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya and have mainly used community level data. Information on actual dynamics of rainfall variability at household in high potential areas like Kisii is scanty. This study therefore aimed at determining the relationship between households’ characteristics and perception of effect of rainfall variability on farming practices among the households in Kisii Central Sub County. Structured questionnaires were administered to a proportionate random sample of 120 households from the four administrative divisions of the Sub County. Data from questionnaires were also complemented by oral interviews with key informants from Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) (currently Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Ministry of Agriculture, FGDs and secondary data. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics technique have been used to analyze data with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). Inferential statistics technique employed the use of Chi-square (χ2) test to analyze data. To make reliable inferences from the data, all statistical tests were subjected to a test of significance at coefficient alpha (α-level) equal to 0.05. There existed a statistically significant relationship between the mixed farming, mulching/shade and technology adoption (e.g. greenhouses) adaptation strategies with gender. Most of the households practicing crop diversification (growing of more than one type of food/cash crop), mulching/shading of crops and modern technology such as green houses were middle aged (between 31-40 years). Irrigation practice was most associated with household heads with secondary and tertiary level of education while use of chemicals/ herbicides was mainly associated with household heads with tertiary level of education. This study recommends that the government (County and national) as well as development partners who have a stake in climate change and adaptations should endeavour to strengthen the adaptive capacity of vulnerable populations and of the agriculture sector as a whole in the study area. There is also need to support households through policies that help them get better access to hybrid seeds that are bred to match with the prevailing rainfall variability.

Plasmodium falciparum importation does not sustain malaria transmission in a semi-arid region of Kenya

Plasmodium falciparum importation does not sustain malaria transmission in a semi-arid region of Kenya

Provision of Quality Education in Public Early Childhood Education Centres in West Pokot County, Kenya

There is a global emphasis on the importance of providing quality early childhood education and care to all children. The issue of provision of quality early childhood education for arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya has received less attention as it contributes to the status of literacy of the whole population. This paper looks at the provision of quality education in public early childhood education centres also known as pre-primary schools in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study methodology incorporated qualitative and quantitative methods of research. This study took pragmatism as its philosophical paradigm. The study used a descriptive survey research design. The target population for the research involved 365 headteachers and 682 teachers. The sample size for the study was arrived at by taking 10-30% of the target population to act as the sample size that is 10% for headteachers and 30% for ECDE teachers. The research instruments used were; questionnaires and interview guides. The data collected was analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Statistical Package for Social Science (Version 20.0) helped in coding, entry and analysis. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis method. The study found out that provision of quality education was at average level (M=2.87, SD=1.13) in public pre-primary schools in West Pokot County. This means that half of the pupils in public pre-primary schools in the county are not receiving quality education and hence affecting their development in schools. Therefore, the paper recommends that adequate measures need to be put in place by the County Government of West Pokot County to ensure that public ECDE centres provide quality education through building more ECDE classrooms, employment of teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, provision of adequate instructional materials and meals programmes for remote schools to increase learners retention

Visual soil examination and evaluation in the sub-humid and semi-arid regions of Kenya

Soil quality is indicated by the interaction of physical, chemical and biological soil properties. The importance of physical properties, for example soil structure, lies in the fact that they enhance chemical and biological soil functions. Consequently, periodic assessment of structural quality is an important aspect of soil quality management. Quantitative soil properties can be used as indirect indicator parameters for soil structural changes. However, measuring these properties is not applicable, especially for smallholder farmers who cannot afford to pay for laboratory tests. This study contributes to the validation of visual field assessments by comparing the performance of such methods on ‘tropical’ soils. The study was conducted across two regions with contrasting soil types and land use, in the sub-humid with clay Nitiosl and semi-arid with sandy loam Cambisol locations of Kenya. At both locations, visual methods were tested on soils under cropland and under natural forests (NF). Under the cropland, evaluation sites were selected from researcher and farmer managed sites. Visual scores from visual soil assessment (VSA), visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) and visual evaluation of soil structure using the core (coreVESS) were correlated with soil physical and chemical properties measured in the laboratory. Under the clay Nitisol, absolute values of Pearson r between VSA scores and laboratory measured soil properties ranged from 0.84 to 0.54, for VESS, they varied between 0.75 and 0.37 while for coreVESS, they ranged from 0.84 to 0.60. For the sandy loam Cambisol, absolute Pearson r values between laboratory measured soil properties and VSA scores ranged from 0.83 to 0.29, the r values were between 0.88 and 0.45 for VESS and between 0.81 and 0.40 for coreVESS. From the obtained correlations, we concluded that the visual methods tested are capable of distinguishing structural quality due to different land use and are therefore suitable for assessing soil structural quality of tropical soils in Africa. Management thresholds were determined using bulk density (BD). The target value for good soil quality (Sq<2) for the Kibugu Nitisol was BD = 0.0012*SOC+0.6476 (r = 0.71; SOC is soil organic carbon), while the trigger and remediation values were 0.93 Mg m−3 (Sq = 2) and 0.99 Mg m−3 (Sq = 3), respectively. In the absence of SOC data, the target mean BD for Sq<2 is 0.79 Mg m−3. For Machang’a Cambisol, the target, trigger and remediation values were 1.48 Mg m−3 (Sq = 2), 1.56 Mg m−3 (Sq = 3) and 1.64 Mg m−3 (Sq = 4), respectively.

Edaphic and Climatic Factors Affecting Phenology of Naturally Growing Calotropis procera in Semi-arid Regions of Kenya

Edaphic and Climatic Factors Affecting Phenology of Naturally Growing Calotropis procera in Semi-arid Regions of Kenya

Phenotypic Diversity of Doum Palm (Hyphaene compressa), a Semi-Domesticated Palm in the Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya.

Hyphaene compressa is an economically important palm in Africa. Despite its significant role in the livelihoods of rural communities, the diversity of doum palm is poorly documented and studied. In addition, it has no model descriptor that can aid such studies. Ninety H. compressa accessions collected from Northern, Eastern, and Coastal regions of Kenya were examined to determine the morphological variability of the vegetative and fruit traits of H. compressa and to identify its morphotypes for improvement. A total of 19 morphological characters including seven quantitative and 12 qualitative traits of fruit and vegetative traits were selected. Linear mixed-effects models, principal component analysis, and linear discriminant analyses were used to assess the variation in the morphological traits of doum palm based on the regions. Hierarchical clustering was performed to identify the morphotypes of H. compressa. There was variability in H. compressa morphological traits, particularly at the Kenyan Coast. All seven quantitative traits were able to effectively discriminate doum palm phenotypically (p ≤ 0.001). The 90 accessions clustered into five morphotypes designated as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Morphotype 4 was specific only to the Coastal region. Morphotype 5 had the tallest trees with the biggest fruits and included palms from Eastern and Coastal regions making it the best morphotype for fruit traits. This study will inform the domestication, improvement, and conservation of H. compressa by selecting elite accessions.

Potential of Native Rhizobia to Improve Cowpea Growth and Production in Semiarid Regions of Kenya

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is an important crop for smallholder farmers in the marginal areas of sub-Saharan Africa. However, the crop growth and production are affected by low soil fertility due to poor soil management practices. Here, we assessed the effect of native and commercially available rhizobia inoculants on cowpea nodulation, growth, and yields on three local cowpea genotypes (K-80, M-66, and KVU 27-1) in the semiarid areas of Kenya. Field experiments were set in smallholder farms during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Native rhizobia were isolated from root nodules of cowpea plants used as trap cultures. The isolates were further assessed for symbiotic efficiency (SE) in the greenhouse and field experiments carried out during the short and long rain seasons. Field experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of the commercial inoculant (Biofix), native isolates, native + Biofix (consortium), and an uninoculated control. In the greenhouse, the native isolates significantly increased nodule number and dry weight (DW), shoot DW, and root DW when compared to the uninoculated control. Additionally, 50% of the isolates recorded SE of &amp;gt;80%, while 35.7 and 14.3% of the isolates had SE of 51–80 and &amp;lt;50%, respectively. In the field, rhizobia inoculation significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) increased nodulation and shoot DW compared to the uninoculated controls. Remarkably, rhizobia inoculation significantly increased yields where inoculation with native isolates recorded 22.7% increase in yield when compared to uninoculated control in the first season and 28.6% increase in yield in the second season. However, the rhizobia inoculants did not show a preference for any of the cowpea genotypes, and their performance was influenced by season and the study location. Our results demonstrate the existence of superior native isolates with potential to be developed to low-cost biofertilizer for sustainable cowpea production.

Evaluation of popular cassava varieties for yield and cyanide content underASAL conditions in Kenya

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food crop grown by smallholder farmers in the marginal regions of western, coastal and eastern Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate popular cassava varieties for yield and cyanide content in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. The study was carried out at five sites located in three sub-counties of Nakuru county in Kenya. Treatments included a collection of 27 sweet cassava varieties obtained from Western Kenya. Results revealed significant variations among varieties in all sites, for all parameters measured. The highest yields were obtained at Subukia, with the variety MM99/0067 yielding up to 200 t ha-1. Cyanide content varied significant among the varieties and sites; and was high in most of the cultivars, with highest levels recorded in variety Rao Onyoni (17.3 mg100 g-1) grown at the Lare site. The highest dry matter content was recorded in variety Selele rabuor (60.5%), at the Solai III site. Participating farmers ranked the materials based on yield, taste and order of general preference as follows: Subukia site (MM96/0067, NyaTanga, Adhiambo Lera, KME-1 and MH95/0183); Lare site (Nyar AICAD, Nyar Maseno, NyaTanga, and MM96/2480); and Solai site (KME-1, Nyar AICAD, Adhiambo Lera, Karembo, and Obaro dak).

Evaluation of popular cassava varieties for yield and cyanide content under ASAL conditions in Kenya

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food crop grown by smallholder farmers in the marginal regions of western, coastal and eastern Kenya. The objective of this study was to evaluate popular cassava varieties for yield and cyanide content in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. The study was carried out at five sites located in three sub-counties of Nakuru county in Kenya. Treatments included a collection of 27 sweet cassava varieties obtained from Western Kenya. Results revealed significant variations among varieties in all sites, for all parameters measured. The highest yields were obtained at Subukia, with the variety MM99/0067 yielding up to 200 t ha-1. Cyanide content varied significant among the varieties and sites; and was high in most of the cultivars, with highest levels recorded in variety Rao Onyoni (17.3 mg100 g-1) grown at the Lare site. The highest dry matter content was recorded in variety Selele rabuor (60.5%), at the Solai III site. Participating farmers ranked the materials based on yield, taste and order of general preference as follows: Subukia site (MM96/0067, NyaTanga, Adhiambo Lera, KME-1 and MH95/0183); Lare site (Nyar AICAD, Nyar Maseno, NyaTanga, and MM96/2480); and Solai site (KME-1, Nyar AICAD, Adhiambo Lera, Karembo, and Obaro dak).