Kakamega & Vihiga County

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 K a k a m e g a & V i h i g a County 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)

Farm Management Handbook of Kenya

VOL. I Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation

VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information

Part II/A WEST KENYA Subpart A1 Western Province Subpart A2 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 EAST KENYA Subpart C1 Eastern Province, Middle and Southern Part Subpart C2 Coast Province

VOL. III 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

VOL. IV Production Techniques and Economics of Smallholder Livestock Production Systems

VOL. V Horticultural Production Guidelines

Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, in Cooperation with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) VOL. II is supplemented by CD-ROMs with the information and maps in a Geographical Information System. Additionally there will be wall maps of the Agro-Ecological 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. FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA VOL. II

Annex: - Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Group of Districts in Western Province -

Subpart A1 Kakamega & Vihiga 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 1st 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 crop-water 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 2nd Edition by: Dr. J. Ahenda & P. M. Maluku, KEPHIS; G. Awinyo (GIZ) – as- sisting 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. 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 CD-size 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 pdf-files 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 Agri-Business Dep., for his engaged support of our inquiries in the districts 2009 and 2010.

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 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 Manage- ment 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

KAKAMEGA COUNTY 1

3.4 KAKAMEGA GROUP OF DISTRICTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page

3.4.1 Natural Potential. 3 Introduction 3 Annual Rainfall Map 4 Table 1: Annual Rainfall 5 Table 2: Temperature 6 Seasonal Rainfall Maps 7 Table 3: Potential Evapotranspiration 9 Table 4: Climate in the Agro-Ecological Zones 9 Agro-Ecological Zones Map 10 Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones (=Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land Use Potentials and Water Availability &Requirement Diagrams 11 Soil Map 16 Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics with Legend to the Soil Map 17 3.4.2 Population and Land. see the big Vol. A1 3.4.3. Agricltural Statistics see the big Vol. A1 3.4.4. Farm Survey 24 Table 22: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones and Units 24 3.4.5 Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensification by Better Farm Management in Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones 25 Tables 25 a-k: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 26 LM 1 p or two of the Sugarcane Zone 26 LM 1 l^m i of the Sugarcane Zone 28 LM 1 l^m i of the Sugarcane Zone 30 UM 1 p or two of the Coffee - Tea Zone 32 LM 1 p or two of the Sugarcane Zone 34 UM 1 p or two of the Coffee - Tea Zone 36 LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone 38 UM 4 l/vl or two of the Maize - Sunflower Zone 40 UM 1 p or two of the Tea - Coffee Zone 43 UM 1 p or two of the Tea - Coffee Zone 44 UM 1 p or two of the Tea - Coffee Zone 45 3.4.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units 47 Map of Important Agro-Ecological Units 47 Tables 26 a-m: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations 49 LM 1 p or two & l^m i, UlG 1 - 3 of the Sugarcane Zone 49 LM 1 l^m i, UlS 1 of the Sugarcane Zone 49 LM 1 l^m i, LM 2 l/m^(s/m) & l^(m/s) i, UmG 3 of the Sugarcane Zone 51 LM 1 p or two, UmD 2 & 3 of the Sugarcane Zone 53 UM 1 p or two, UhI 2 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 55 UM 1 p or two, UhGA 1 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 55 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued - District Page

UM 1 p or two, UhV 1 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 56 UM 1 p or two, UhD 1 & 2 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 56 UM 1 p or two, UhG 2 of the Tea - Coffee Zone 57 LM 1 p or two, l^m i & LM 2 l^(m/s) i, UmG 5 of the Sugarcane Zone 58 UM 2-4 l/vl or two, UmG 2 & 3 of the Coffee & Maize - Sunflower Zone 61 UM 3-4 l/vl or two, LIA 1 & 2 of the Coffee & Maize - Sunflower Zone 61 UM 4 l/vl i or two, UmG 1 & 2 of the Coffee & Maize - Sunflower Zone 62 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 3

3.4.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL

Introduction

1000 people live on the agricultural output of 1 km2. This figure, as well as a high annual rainfall averaging between 1200 and 2200 mm, suggests a high potential area. However, there are some limitations. For example, in the centre of the Kakamega district, rainfall is too high leading to leaching of the soils and providing a favourable environment for fungal diseases to attack crops. Therefore, this area is classified as UM 0 and is thus taken out of agricultural planning as a forest zone (of course some cropping is possible together with planting of young trees). In large parts of the district the soils are the main problem. They are heavily leached because of unsustainable farming practices.

In the northeastern areas the generally humid climate is interrupted by four semi-arid months (November- February) restricting cultivation of important perennial plants like bananas. Therefore it is classified as Zone 3-4 although the average rainfall covers more than 60% of the potential evapotranspiration.

In view of the increasing population, the development of the full land use potential of a mixed farming ecosystem is very necessary, incorporating legumes, indigenous vegetables, fruits and forage. In this district group, cultivation is possible throughout the year, although the time from December to February is drier (see Diagram Kakamega). Nevertheless, three harvests of vegetables and other short maturing crops are possible per year in many places. The growing periods shown in the Subzones can be varied because there is no real dry spell between the rainfall peaks during the year.

The rainfall expectation is high, at least 500 - 1100 mm during the st1 rainy season and 450 –850 mm during the 2nd rainy season in 10 out of 15 years. It starts at the end of July. Here in the Western Kenya, there is only a slight increase in rainfall during this month, and a severe decrease in November (see Diagram Mumias). The 60% reliability of the length of the growing periods ranges from 365 days in UM 1 to about 230 days in UM 4 (see Table 4). In the eastern part of the district (in UM 0, 1, 2 and UM 3-4), the annual mean temperature is about 18° - 21°C; in the rest of the district group it is higher than 21°C (LM 1-3). Due to the wet climate evapotranspiration is not high, 1600 –1800 mm per year for the whole district group. Only in the very lowest parts, the annual average evapotranspiration is higher than 1800 mm. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 4 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 5

TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS HAVING AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF RECORDS

Monthly rainfall in mm No. and Agro-Ecol. Kind of Annual altitude Name of station Zone and records rainfall Subzone mm J F M A M J J A S O N D

59 64 120 220 236 138 117 131 137 130 110 76 8934001 KakamegaDistr. UM 1 p or Average 1929 1554 m Office (rec.- 83) two 1 66% 1730 31 95 55 165 200 125 100 115 108 105 80 25

54 92 161 258 247 158 132 187 161 130 126 94 8934002 Bukura Farmers LM 1 p or Av. 1800 1463 m Tr. C. two 1 66% 1620 28 54 120 218 218 130 115 157 130 115 85 60

55 94 159 251 261 166 134 156 151 138 118 86 8934013 Mumias, Girl's Av. 1829 LM 1 l^m i 1340 m Sec. School 1 66% 1660 33 58 110 235 242 145 120 130 141 125 75 53

42 64 99 177 191 166 170 212 141 81 75 53 8934016 Lugari UM 3 Av. 1371 1546 m Forest Stn. l/vl i or two 2 66% 1220 8 40 85 150 160 130 140 170 90 60 30 22

82 108 176 284 279 200 186 218 183 147 131 84 8934028 Kakamega Forest Av. 2100 UM 0 1676 m Station 1 66% 1930 55 100 162 268 223 190 174 205 150 131 113 66

68 95 152 262 260 132 106 155 148 131 136 104 8934031 Yala, St. Mary's Av. 1858 LM 1 l^m i 1463 m Sch., (Siaya D.) 1 66% 1635 37 80 136 254 244 124 97 140 132 120 118 78

63 100 176 293 266 138 123 179 169 144 139 102 8934040 Butere LM 1 p or Av. 1882 1433 m Health Centre two 1 66% 1685 20 43 129 265 230 120 88 141 140 115 90 50

87 125 250 402 346 194 195 242 241 188 188 108 8934041 Mwihila Sec. LM 1 p or Av. 2379³ 1448 m School, Yala two 1 66% 1950 45 65 180 280 260 150 135 185 190 150 130 65

56 73 147 255 272 213 214 267 206 154 113 83 8934061 UM 1 p or Av. 2043 Malava Agric. Stn. 1595 m two 1 66% 1840 24 30 83 212 245 160 159 185 145 140 63 33

39 42 78 157 166 142 155 225 134 82 59 52 8934071 Mantana, Stanley UM 3-4 l/vl Av. 1331 1905 m Estate or two 2 66% 1190 18 20 55 120 130 125 130 190 105 56 20 19

84 102 170 304 252 244 173 220 191 160 140 89 8934072 UM 1 p or Av. 2146 Kaimosi Tea Estate 1745 m two 2 66% 1940 56 90 155 270 205 220 160 205 156 140 120 68

73 89 153 281 292 187 184 235 197 160 122 96 8934078 Esirwa, Kaimosi UM 1 p or Av. 2091 1707 m Farmers Tr. C. two/three 2 66% 1900 48 78 140 248 250 170 168 210 160 140 103 74

75 88 161 253 234 143 137 183 157 135 128 71 8934084 Shikusa Borstal UM 2 l Av. 1735 1652 m Inst. ^(m/s)i 2 66% 1540 40 50 120 215 205 120 118 160 130 120 90 45

74 110 166 312 250 155 155 224 178 161 144 85 8934096 Kakamega Agric. UM 1 p or Av. 2019 1585 m Exp. Stn two 2 66% 1820 38 65 120 275 220 130 125 190 150 140 100 55

124 122 208 370 354 216 148 144 193 181 147 87 8934097 Mumias Sec. LM 1 p or Av. 2232 1312 m School two 2 66% 1940 70 75 140 275 270 180 130 127 170 160 98 54

80 89 143 263 214 119 105 138 146 126 144 105 8934103 UM 1 p or Av. 1808 Vihiga, Maragoli 1585 m two 2 66% 1600 45 70 130 250 198 105 96 120 130 100 120 53

96 123 184 190 264 175 184 215 167 159 148 81 8934108 Sigalagala Tech. UM 1 p or Av. 2002 1502 m School two 2 66% 1800 50 80 140 150 230 148 160 185 138 130 105 55 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 6

TABLE 1: CONTINUED Agro-Ecol. Annual Monthly rainfall in mm No. and Name of station Zone and Kind of rainfall altitude Subzone records mm J F M A M J J A S O N D

78 118 153 259 229 150 126 174 132 126 122 75 8934109 Eregi, St. UM 1 p or Av. 1847 1500 m Augustins T.T.C. two 2 66% 1650 40 70 114 220 202 125 110 145 105 110 84 50

99 82 100 210 253 198 200 267 200 162 107 57 8934130 Forest Malava UM 1 Av. 1936 1685 m Guard Post p or two 2 66% 1735 45 40 60 170 230 150 149 185 140 138 60 30

89 114 123 232 242 198 130 215 179 125 113 75 8934131 Kakamega UM 1 Av. 1832 1545 m Fuel Area p or two 66% 1635 45 70 85 208 215 165 105 185 150 110 75 50

70 112 164 280 297 179 129 182 160 172 151 86 8934133 Mumias LM 1 Av. 2010 1302 m Sugar Factory p or two 2 66% 1830 50 66 115 250 260 148 115 150 145 155 100 53

36 43 75 151 153 141 184 229 112 60 53 21 8935015 Turbo, Forest UM 4 Av. 1258 1829 m Lands Est. (cl.77) l/vl or two 66%

30 32 67 154 174 132 168 191 100 58 51 36 8935042 Lahre Farm UM 4 Av. 1194 1844 m (closed ca. 80) l/vl or two 66%

UM 4 40 50 88 132 200 136 159 198 131 70 49 20 8935171 Lugari Farmers Av. 1287 l/vl or two 1742 m Training Centre 2 66% 1150 20 22 60 100 155 120 120 165 110 50 15 10 ______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. ³ Figure probably 10% too high due to record errors.

TABLE 2: TEMPERATURE DATA

No. Temperature in °C Name of 1 Kind of Belt limits and station AEZ records altitude J F M A M J J A S O N D Year

Mean max. 28.4 29 29.1 27.1 26.3 25.8 25.5 26 26.9 26.9 26.7 27.4 27.1 2000 m Kakamega Mean temp. 21.1 21.6 22 21.2 20.6 19.9 19.5 19.7 20.1 20.5 20.5 20.7 20.5 8934096 UM Agric. Exp. 1585 m UM 1 1500 Stn. Mean min. 13.7 14.2 14.9 15.3 14.8 13.9 13.4 13.3 13.3 14 14.3 13.9 14.1 m

Abs. min. 5.2 4.5 5.1 9.2 8.2 8.3 8.1 5.3 5.2 8.2 8 6.3 4.5

Mean max. 31.6 31.8 32.2 29.9 28.8 28.5 28.3 28.7 29.6 29.8 29.8 30.3 30.2 1500 m Mumias Mean temp. 22.3 22.7 23.4 22.6 22 21.4 20.9 21.4 21.6 21.9 21.8 21.8 22.1 8934133 LM Sugar 1302 m LM 1 1000 Factory Mean min. 12.9 13.6 14.5 15.2 15.1 14.2 13.5 13.7 13.5 14 13.7 13.3 13.9 m

Abs. min. 8 7.2 7.1 11.2 11.5 10.8 9.2 10.1 10.1 9.5 8.2 9.8 7.1 ______1 AEZ = Agro-ecological zone KAKAMEGA COUNTY 7 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 8 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 9

TABLE 3: AVERAGE POTENTIAL EVAPOTRANSPIRATION

Average Potential Evapotranspiration PET in mm Av. Rainfall No. and Name of Type1) altitude station AEZ Year % of J F M A M J J A S O N D Year in mm PET

Mumias 8934133 calc. Sugar 185 169 192 151 141 131 134 146 157 165 155 174 1900 2010 106% 1302 m LM 1 Factory

Mumias 8934013 interp. Girl´s 183 171 194 153 143 133 135 148 157 167 158 176 1918 1829 95% 1340 m LM 1 Sec. School

Kakamega 8934096 interp. Agr. Exp. 167 154 174 138 132 126 133 146 156 163 141 162 1793 2019 113% 1585 m UM 1 Stn.

8934103 Vihiga interp. 166 155 176 140 134 129 134 146 157 162 141 163 1805 1808 100% 1585 m Agric. Stn. UM 1

1 Type of equation: calculated by formula of Penman & McCulloch (1965) with albedo for green grass 0.2; interp. = interpolated from neighbouring stations, considering altitude and rainfall difference. AEZ = Agro-Ecollogical Zone, explaining table see general part.

TABLE 4: CLIMATE IN THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Agro-Ecological Subzone Altitude 1 Annual Annual av. 66% reliability 60% reliability of cereal and Zone in m mean rainfall of rainfall 1) legumes growing period temp. in mm st 3) in °C 1st Middle 1 rainy Middle Total rainy rains season 2) rains & in days season & 2nd in days 2nd r. s. in mm r. s. in days in mm p or two/ 1800 - 800 - 700-800 150 or more 210-215 365 UM 1 three >2000 1000 1500-1900 21.0-18.5 Coffee-Tea Zone 1600 - 700 - p or two 650-800 150 or more 210-215 365 >2000 1000 UM 2 Very small, see Bungoma (soils not very suited for coffee) Main Coffee Zone UM 3 Maize and Marginal Coffee Very small, see Bungoma (soils not very suited for coffee) Zone UM 4 Maize- 115 or l/vl or two 1500-1900 21.0-18.9 1000-1600 500-700 450-600 115 or more ~230 Sunflower Zone less LM 1 Lower p or two 1800-2000 800-900 580-750 170 or more 180-190 350-360 Midland Sugarcane 1300-1500 22.2-21.0 Zone vl i or l^m i 1650-1850 750-850 550-730 195 or more 135-145 330-340 LM 2 Marginal l^m(m/s) i 1300-1500 22.2-21.0 1500-1850 700-900 550-700 195 or more 115-135 310-330 Sugar Cane Zone

1) Amounts surpassed normally in 10 of 15 years, falling during the agro-humid period which allows growing of most cultivated plants. 2) More if growing cycle of cultivated plants continues into the period of second rainy season. Reliability of 60% only due to the subzone system (see Table II). 3) Agrohumid conditions continue from 1st to 2nd rainy season in the whole district. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 10 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 11

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES

UM = UPPER MIDLAND ZONES UM 0 = Forest Zone Too wet for good yields of most crops. Forest best land use

UM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zone UM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in a medium p or two/ to long cropping season followed by a medium to short one and i. r. (see diagram Kimilili) three Very good yield potential (av. > 80% of the optimum)1 1st rainy season, start norm. end of Feb. to mid March: Late mat. maize H 6210 & 6213, cabbages, kales 2nd rainys season, start indistinctly end of July: E. mat. sunflower like Hybrid S 345 Whole year: Tea (~80%, medium quality), passion fruit, guavas

Good yield potential (av. 60 - 80% of the optimum)1 1st rainy season(to 2nd rainy season): Late mat. maize like H 614, 625-29 (March – Sep./Oct.), med. mat. like H 623 (up to 1700m), PAN 67, 99 & 5243, finger millet; m.mat. beans like Cuarentino (except on Acrisols); m. mat. potatoes like Desirée (higher places above 1600m), sweet potatoes; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba, m. mat. soya beans like Hill; spinach, broccoli, onions, carrots (above 1600 m) 2nd rainy season: E. mat. beans like Rose coco (on light and medium soils), green grams (July- Oct.), sweet potatoes; e. mat. soya beans like Magoye (Aug.-Oct.) or Black Hawk (July-Oct.); kales, onions, broccoli, tomatoes Whole year: Bananas, yams, taro, mountain pawpaws, winged beans², loquats, avocadoes,

Fair yield potential(av. 40 - 60% of optimum)1 1st rainy season: High altitude sorghum; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino on Acrisols 3; tomatoes 2nd rainy season: M. mat. maize like H 513 or H 622, even H 623 (July-Dec.), high altitude sorghum (Aug.-Feb.), finger millet; Rose coco beans (July-Sep., on heavy and Acrisols), Cuarentino beans (July-Nov.); potatoes (higher places), cabbages Whole year: Arabica coffee, citrus

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 and fodder legumes (Desmodium uncinatumm Stylosanthes guyanensis, Siratro = Macroptilium atropurpureum)

UM 1 = Coffee - Tea Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two variable cropping seasons p or two (see Diagram Kakamega)

Like UM 1 p or two/three, but no reliable third crop in Oct.-Feb. Stocking rates about 10% less.

UM 2 = Main Coffee Zone

Very small and transitional, potential see Bungoma District, but lower yields because of less suitable soils and sometimes excessive rains

UM 3 = Marginal Coffee Zone

Very small and transitional, potential see Bungoma District, but lower yields because of less suitable soils and sometimes excessive rains KAKAMEGA COUNTY 12

UM 4 = Maize - Sunflower Zone UM 4 = Maize-Sunflower Zone with a long to very long cropping seson dividable in two variable cropping l/vl or two seasons

Good yield potential 1st rainy season, start norm. around end of Feb./March (most crops continue to 2nd rainy season): Late mat. maize like H 612 - 614 (and other high yielding varieties; see crop list); m. mat. or late planted e. mat. beans (~60%)3 , m. mat. potatoes (above 1600 m), sweet potatoes (-60%); m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba, late mat. sunflower like Kenya White in higher places; e. or med. mat. soya beans; cabbages, kales, spinach 2nd rainy season, start indistinctly mid July: E. mat. sunflower like HS 345 (poor in dry years) Whole year: Sisal, castor

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: Finger millet, high alt. sorghum (50-60%); tomatoes, e. mat. onions (on light soils) 2nd rainy season: Very early mat. beans like Katheka (poor in dry years); sweet potatoes, e. mat. potatoes like Annet (higher places); late mat. onions (on light soils) Whole year: Avocadoes 4, citrus 4, pineapples

Pasture and forage Around 1.2 ha/LU on nat. pasture of Hyparrhenia savanna; about 0.6 ha/LU on artificial pasture of Rhodes grass; down to 0.2 ha/LU feeding Napier resp. Bana grass, Desmodium and Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum); suitable for grade cattle and dairy cows (silage or hay for dry season profitable) KAKAMEGA COUNTY 13

LM = LOWER MIDLAND ZONES LM 1 = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone LM 1 = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two cropping p or two seasons

Very good yield potential 1st rainy season, start norm, end of Feb. to end of March: Late mat. sorghum; e. mat. sunflower like HS 345, late mat. soya beans; sweet potatoes, e. mat. cassava, yam beans Whole year: Pawpaws, guavas

Good yield potential 1st rainy season: Med. mat. maize like H 515 and 623 5, finger millet; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino 3 (on medium soils); sweet pepper, kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, cabbage, chillies, yellow yams (e. of Feb.-beg. of Nov.), egg plants (to 2nd rainy season), pumpkins 2nd rainy season, start indistinctly around mid July: Maize H 622 and 623 (end of June - Nov./ Dec.), H 515 (end of July - Dec.), finger millet, m. mat. sorghum; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino (fair on heavy soils), e. mat. beans like Rose coco (Sep. - Dec. on med. & light soils), very e. mat. like Katheka (Oct.-Dec., on med. & light soils); sweet potatoes; e. and m. mat. soya beans like Magoye (Sep.-Nov.) and Hill (Aug.-Nov.), m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba; cabbage, kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, onions Whole year: Sugar cane, bananas (nematodes danger) 7, tea (upper places, nearly 80% but medium to low quality), Robusta coffee (~60%)7, late mat. cassava (on sandy soils), pigeon peas, avocadoes

Fair yield potential (av. 40-60% of the optimum) 1 2nd rainy season:Katheka & Rosecoco beans (GLP 2) on heavy soils, late mat. groundnuts and late mat. bambarra groundnuts (both in light soils, bambarra groundnuts. even in poor ones), cowpeas Whole year: Mangoes6, taro, citrus6

Pasture and forage Around 0.5 ha/LU on sec. pasture where originally there has been a moist submontane forest; down to <0.1 ha/LU feeding Napier resp. Bana grass, banana leaves and others (see LM 1 vl i); Siratro (start beg. - end of March: good yields, start mid - end of Feb.: fair yields).

LM 1 = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, vl/l or dividable in a long cropping season followed by a medium one and intermediate rains l^m i

Very good yield potential 1st rainy season, sstart norm. end of Feb. to end of March: E. and med. mat. sorghum; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha, Shaba, H 893 or 894, m. mat. soya beans like Hill; sweet potatoes, e. mat. cassava, yam beans Whole year, best planting time begin of March: Pawpaws, guavas

Good yield potential 1st rainy season: Med. mat. maize like H 515 and 623 (60-70%), late mat. sorghum (70-80%), finger millet; m. mat. beans like Cuarentino3 ; pigeon peas (March-Feb.); sweet pepper, kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, cabbage, chillies, yellow yams (Feb.-Oct./Nov.), egg plants (to 2nd rainy season), pumpkins 2nd rainy season, start indistinctly end of Aug.: Maize H 513, 515, m. mat. sorghum; beans (-60%), cowpeas; sweet potatoes; m. mat. soya beans, m. mat. sunflower like H S 345; kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, onions Whole year: Sugar cane, bananas (nematodes danger) 7, late mat. cassava, tea (upper places, 70-80%, but medium to low quality), Robusta coffee (~60%)7, avocadoes KAKAMEGA COUNTY 14

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: Cotton (medium quality) 2nd rainy season:Maize H 623 (July- Nov.), finger millet; late mat. groundnuts like Mwitunde (in light soils) and late mat. bambarra groundnuts (in light soils, even in poor ones), cabbage Whole year: Mangoes6, taro, citrus6

Pasture and forage Around 0.6 ha/LU on sec. pasture where originally there has been a moist submontane forest; down to 0.13 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass, banana leaves and stems, maize stalks, sweet potato vines and fodder legumes.

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 1st 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 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 15

Good yield potential 1st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 515 or H 6235, late mat. sorghum like E 1291 (stock fed), finger millet; m. mat beans8 like Cuarentino, pigeon peas (March-F.); late mat. rosette resistant groundnuts like Mwitunde (in light soils); cotton (med. quality); sweet pepper, tomatoes, cabbages, kales roselle 2nd rainy season, start Aug.: Bulrush millet, m. mat. sorghum, ratoon sorghum (S.-Aug.); e. mat. beans like Rose coco (GLP 2), green grams; onions, kales, tomatoes Whole year: Bananas (nematodes danger)7, pineapples, sisal

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: Rice, bambarra nuts (in light soils, even in poor ones), cowpeas; tobacco 2nd 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.)9; 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 0.5-0.7 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 2nd rainy season and bananas only fair, maize H 513 & 515 in 2nd rainy season and sugarcane (also on good soils) only marginal. Ratooning sorghum 1st to 2nd rainy season good. Stocking rates ~10% less

______1 All these percentages are climatical, assumed that the place has suitable soil and is well fertilized and manured. 2 Edible pods, vines and tubers. Fixes a lot of nitrogen (see Nat. Ac. of Science: The Winged Bean: A High Protein Crop for the Tropics. Washington 1975). Needs very high rainfall. 3 Sometimes rotting because of too wet conditions 4 With add. irrigation (Dec.-Feb.) well growing 5 Staggered planting dates are advised in order to minimize the risk of yield decrease or failures; early planting risky due to the danger of dry spells in late Feb. and early March, best planting time mid to end of March. 6 Danger of Fungus disease 7 Windbreaks against the daily winds from the lake, light shade and mulching or compost are necessary to re-establish the former forest eco-system, otherwise bananas and coffee grow poorly. Hardpan soils should be avoided. 8 Should be intercropped with maize because of higher yields and minimizing occasionally hail stone damage. 9 Although climatically less suitable, cotton is mainly planted in 2nd rainy season because of more labour availability. It can be interplanted in maize already during July. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 16 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 17

SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS

The major part of the district shows a rather uniform undulating topography, but its eastern boundary is formed by the Nandi Escarpment, a prominent topographical feature. West of Soy, in the northeastern area of the district, there is a plateau with moderately deep soils (units LI3, LIA1 and LIA2).The dominant soils of the district are found on upper middle-level uplands (units Uh, Um and Ul. They are poor in plant nutrients.

On plateaus and higher-level structural plains, soil unit L of low natural fertility is found. On hills and minor scarps soils of units HGC, HIC, HU1 and HUC1 occur. Their fertility is variable.Valley bottom soils with waterlogging can be seen in some places in the northern, western and northeastern part of the district.

LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP OF DISTRICTS IN KAKAMEGA & VIHIGA COUNTY

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)

L Plateaus (very gently undulating to undulating; slopes less than 8%; altitudes between 1200 and 1600 m – Maseno/Kisumu/Muhoroni/Sondu – and between 2000 and 2500 m – Uasin Gishu and Siria Plateaus)

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/Tinderet Mountains/ Mau Forest)

F Footslopes (at the foot of Hills and Mountains; gently undulating to rolling; slopes between 2 and 16%; various altitudes)

U Uplands Uh Upper Middle-Level Uplands (undulating to rolling; slopes between 5 and 16%; altitudes between 1650 and 2650 m, here 2200 m) Um Lower Middle-Level Uplands (gently undulating to undulating; slopes between 2 and 8%; altitudes between 1200 and 2200 m) Ul Lower-Level 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 Bottomlands (flat to gently undulating; slopes between 0 and 5%; various altitudes; seasonally ponded)

V Minor Valleys (V or U-shaped valleys; slopes mainly up to 16%, exceptionally up to 30%; width mainly 250-500 m, up to about 1000 m; depth up to about 100 m; various altitudes 2 Explanation of second character (lithology): KAKAMEGA COUNTY 18

A Recent Alluvial Sediments from various sources B Basic Igneous Rocks (basalts, nepheline phonolites; older basic tuffs included D Mudstones and Claystones F Gneisses rich in Ferromagnesian Minerals and Hornblende Gneisses G Granites and Granodiorites I Intermediate Igneous Rocks (andesites, phonolites, syenites, etc.) R Quartz-Feldspar Gneisses S Sandstones, Grits and Arkoses U Undifferentiated Basement System Rocks (predominantly Gneisses) V Undifferentiated or Various Igneous Rocks X Undifferentiated or various Rocks Y Acid Igneous Rocks (Syenites, etc.)

3 Soil descriptions

MU 2 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.

HGC 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

HIC Complex of: Well drained, shallow to deep, dark red to strong brown, friable, gravely sandy clay; over petroplinthite or rock; in many places very shallow, stony and rocky: ferralo-chromic CAMBISOLS and orthic and rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly lithic, stony and rocky phases, with LITHOSOLS

HU 1 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark reddish brown, friable sandy clay loam to clay, with an acid humic topsoil: humic CAMBISOLS

HUC 1 Complex of: Excessively to well drained, shallow, dark red to brown, sandy clay loam to clay; in many places stony, bouldery and rocky; in places with an acid humic topsoil and/or moderately deep to deep: dystric REGOSOLS, with humic and (ferralo)-chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic, bouldery and rocky phases, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops

LI 3 Well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to dark red, friable clay: nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

LIA 1 Association of: well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark red, very friable clay; over petroplanthite; on relatively higher parts (60%): rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phase and KAKAMEGA COUNTY 19

well to imperfectly drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark red to brown, friable clay; over petroplinthite or rock; in many places mottled, in places very shallow and/or rocky; near depressions and valley sides (20%): ferralic and gleyic CAMBISOLS, petroferric and lithic phases, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops and poorly drained, moderately deep to deep, dark grey to grey, mottled, firm clay, with a humic topsoil; in many places over petroplinthite; in depressions (20%): mollic GLEYSOLS, partly petroferric phase

LIA 2 Association as in unit LIA1 but with: 30%: rhodic Ferralsols, partly petroferric 50%: ferralic and gleyic CAMBISOLS, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops 20%: mollic GLEYSOLS, partly petroferric phase

FUC 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

UhB 3 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark red, friable clay; over pisoferric material: ferralo-chromic CAMBISOLS and rhodic FERRALSOLS, pisoferric phase

UhB 5 Well drained, deep to extremely deep, dark red, friable clay; in places moderately deep over pisoferric material: rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly pisoferric phase

UhD 1 Well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red, friable clay: ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS

UhD 2 Well drained, extremely deep, dusky red to dark red, vary friable clay: nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

UhDC Complex of: Soils of unit UhD1: ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS and Unit UhD2: nito-rhodic FERRALSOLS

UhG 2 Well drained, deep to very deep, yellowish red to dark reddish brown, friable to firm sandy clay, with an acid or thick acid humic topsoil: humic and ferralo-humic ACRISOLS

UhG 5 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, strong brown, friable to firm, bouldery and fairly rocky sandy clay, with an acid humic topsoil: humic ACRISOLS, bouldery phase KAKAMEGA COUNTY 20

UhG 6 Well drained, deep to extremely deep, dark red, very friable clay; in many places bouldery and rocky: rhodic FERRALSOLS, bouldery and rocky phase

UhGA 1 Association of: Well drained, moderately deep to deep, brown, friable to firm, fairly bouldery and fairly rocky, gravely coarse sandy clay; on moderate slopes (60%): dystric CAMBISOLS and somewhat excessively drained, very shallow to shallow, brown, friable, bouldery and extremely rocky, gravely coarse sandy clay loam; in places with an acid humic topsoil; on steep slopes (40%): LITHOSOLS and RANKERS, rocky and bouldery phase

UhI 2 Well drained, deep to very deep, strong brown to dark reddish brown, friable clay, with a humic to acid humic topsoil; in places shallow to moderately deep: luvic PHAEOZEMS, partly lithic phase

UhV 1 Well drained, extremely deep, dark red, friable clay, in places with a humic topsoil: dystric NITISOLS, with dystro-mollic NITISOLS

UmB 1 Well drained, extremely deep, dark red, friable clay: dystric NITISOLS

UmD 1 Well drained, very deep, red to dark red, friable clay: dystric NITISOLS

UmD 2 Well drained, deep to very deep, reddish brown to strong brown, friable clay: orthic FERRALSOLS

UmD 3 Well drained, extremely deep, dark red, very friable clay: rhodic FERRALSOLS

UmF 1 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown, friable, gravely clay; in many places with a humic topsoil, in places shallow: eutric CAMBISOLS and haplic PHAEOZEMS, partly lithic phases

UmG 2 Well drained, deep, dark yellowish brown to dark brown, friable sandy clay to loam ; in places gravely in deeper subsoil: Ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS

UmG 3 Well drained, deep to very deep, red to dark brown, friable sandy clay to clay: ferralo-orthic/chromic ACRISOLS

UmG 5 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown to dark reddish brown, friable, gravely sandy clay to clay, with an acid humic topsoil: humic ACRISOLS KAKAMEGA COUNTY 21

UmG 7 Somewhat excessively drained, shallow, very dark grey to strong brown, friable, fairly rocky, fairly bouldery, coarse sandy loam with an acid humic topsoil; in places moderately deep to deep, coarse sandy loam: RANKERS and humic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase

UmR 1 Well drained, deep to very deep, dark red to brownish yellow, friable clay; in places moderately deep: orthic FERRALSOLS and ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS

UmU 1 Well drained, very deep, red to dark red, very friable clay: rhodic FERRALSOLS

UmU 2 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, strong brown to red, friable sandy clay loam to clay; in many places over petroplinthite; in places rocky: orthic and rhodic FERRALSOLS, with ferralic CAMBISOLS, partly petroferric phases; with Rock Outcrops

UmV 1 Well drained, very deep to extremely deep, dark red, friable clay, in places deep: eutric NITISOLS, with chromic LUVISOLS

UmV 2 Well drained, deep to very deep, yellowish red to strong brown, friable to firm clay; in places shallow to moderately deep over petroplinthite; in places rocky or stony: chromic and orthic ACRISOLS, partly petroferric and stony phase; with Rock Outcrops

UlD 1 Well drained, moderately deep to very deep, dark red to strong brown, friable clay; in many places shallow over petroplinthite: chromic and orthic ACRISOLS and rhodic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phases, and dystric phases, with dystric NITISOLS

UlG 1 Well drained, deep to very deep, yellowish red to strong brown, friable clay; in places moderately deep, over petroplinthite or rock; in places rocky: orthic ACRISOLS; with Rock Outcrops

UlG 2 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark reddish brown to red, friable; stony, gravely sandy clay to clay; over petroplinthite or rock; in places shallow or rocky: orthic ACRISOLS; with orthic FERRALSOLS, stony and partly petroferric phases; with Rock Outcrops

UlG 3 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 ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS, petroferric and partly stony phase, with LITHOSOLS and Rock Outcrops

UlG 5 Poorly drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark brown, mottled, firm clay, abruptly underlying a topsoil of loose to friable sand to sandy loam; partly over rotten rock: dystric PLANOSOLS, partly lithic and paralithic phase KAKAMEGA COUNTY 22

UlGC 1 Complex of: Well drained, moderately deep to very deep, reddish brown to yellowish brown, friable clay; over petroplinthite (70%): orthic FERRALSOLS, with orthic ACRISOLS, partly petroferric phases and moderately well drained, shallow, brown to dark brown, sandy clay loam; over petroplinthite (30%): ferralic CAMBISOLS, petroferric phase

UlRA 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

UlS 1 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark reddish brown to strong brown, friable sandy clay loam to clay, over petroplinthite; in places shallow: orthic ACRISOLS, with orthic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric phase

UlU 1 Well drained, very deep, red to darl red, very friable clay: rhodic FERRALSOLS

UlX 1 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

UlY 1 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, yellowish red to strong brown, friable clay; over petroplinthite or rock; in places shallow over petroplinthite or bouldery: orthic FERRALSOLS, partly petroferric or bouldery phase

AA 1 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

BI 1 Poorly drained, moderately deep to deep, grey to dark grey, mottled, firm clay, with a humic topsoil; in places over petroplinthite; Uasin Gishu plateau: mollic GLEYSOLS, partly petroferric phase

BX 2 Imperfectly to poorly drained, deep to very deep, greyish brown to very dark grey and black, mottled, firm to very firm clay to cracking clay; in places with a saline and sodic subsoil; slightly elevated parts of bottomlands: eutric GLEYSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS, partly saline-sodic phases KAKAMEGA COUNTY 23

BXC 1 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 saline-sodic phases

BXC 2 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

VXC 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

NOTES for definitions (of underlined words) 1 mollic Nitisols and chromo-luvic Phaeozems: soils are equally important 2 mollic Nitisols, with chromo-luvic Phaeozems: Nitisols are prevalent 3 in places: in <30% of the area 4 in many places: in 30-50% of the area 5 predominantly: in >50% of the area 6 deeper subsoil: below 80 cm.

3.4.2 POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Western Province 3.4.3 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Western Province KAKAMEGA COUNTY 24

3.4.4 FARM SURVEY

The Farm Survey (FS) was carried out during the year 2004 in nine sites covering the AEZs (UM 1 and 4; LM 1 and 2), with different Subzones (Table 22). Farm holdings in Kakamega Group of districts are small. Many households have farm sizes of between 0.4 ha and 1.2 ha. Virtually all the farm holdings were formally registered as private individual holdings in the name of a man. There were a few exceptions, where widows were found. Due to the reduced land size per household, some amount of land is put under forage for zero-grazing. Sheep and goats are also important components of the livestock in the district with numbers almost the same as cattle. The stocking rate tends to be too high. This is an indication of the important role livestock plays in these districts (Table 23). Farmers grow more than one crop in any one given season (Table 24), but use comparatively low amounts of fertiliser (Table 25). Maize crop still dominates the farming landscape in these districts (Table 24). It is usually intercropped with a legume (e.g. beans, cowpeas, soybeans). The low maize yields reported in these districts (Table 25) are a reflection of low usage of fertilisers and manure to improve the nutrient depleted soils. According to the Farm Survey of 1977 the yields were more than 50% higher than those reported during the Farm Survey 2004!

The graphs in Table 21 indicate that most farmers plant and cultivate their maize crop at the recommended time of the year. In Agroecological Units, where soil fertility has diminished, selection of suitable crops, which demand fewer nutrients like sweet potatoes, cassava, Napier grass, etc., high and reliable yields can be achieved here as well to ensure food security.

The poor road infrastructure in these districts is one of the major constraints explaining why its agricultural potential has not yet been fully realised. The production of maize, milk, beef and horticultural products, cash crops could be increased substantially if the all weather roads were improved. To achieve this goal, labour productivity must be increased as far as possible, road infrastructure development, access to credit facilities and market information are improved. TABLE 22: FARM SURVEY SITES IN KAKAMEGA DISTRICTS

Agro-Ecological Unit District No. in Farm Survey Sites Kenya AEZone Subzone Soil Unit 17 LM 1 p or two UlG 1 Mumias Division, East Wanga Location, BUTERE - Lushenya Sub-location MUMIAS Matungu Division, Koyonzo Location, 18 LM 1 l^m i UlS 1 Munami Sub-location 19 LM 1 l^m i UmG 3 Lurambi Division, North Botsotso Location

20 UM 1 p or two UhI 2 Shinyalu Division, Khayega Location

21 LM 1 p or two UmG 3 Lurambi Division, Butsotso South Location KAKAMEGA 22 LM 2 l/m^(s/m) UmG 5 Kabras Division, Kabras Central Location

22a UM 1 p or two UhG 2 Kabras Division, Kabras East Location

Kabras Division, Kabras Central Location, 23 LM 2 l^(m/s) i UmG 5 Magui Sub-location

LUGARI 24 UM 4 l/vl or two UmG 3 Lugari Division, Lugari Location

Hamisi Division, Tambua Location, Jepkoyai 25 UM 1 p or two UhGA 1 Sub-location

VIHIGA Vihiga Division, Muigai and Muhandi 26 UM 1 p or two UhV 1 Sublocations Sabatia Division, Chavakali Location, Igunga 27 UM 1 p or two UhD 1 Sub-location KAKAMEGA COUNTY 25

Tables 23 a - k: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Western Province Tables 24 a - k: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Western Province

3.4.5 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 rentability in the Farm Management Guidelines of each district and in the KARI Fertilizer Use Manual. Intensification by fertilising and manuring see Tables 26 a - k in the final chapter.

In terms of aerial expanse, the dominant Zones are LM 1, UM 1, UM 4 and LM 2.

Subzone LM 1 p or two of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone, on Friable Clay

This is the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two variable cropping seasons as typified by Buchenya Sub-Location in Butere-Mumias district. It is dominated by soils on lower-level uplands. The soils are well drained deep to very deep (orthic Acrisols, with rock outcrops). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low but this is only a problem from January to March. Therefore it is better to plant early than late to lower the risk of wilted seedlings. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between 750 – 850 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 550 – 730 mm.

The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and cassava are important staple food crops. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and of recent soybeans. The dominant fruit crops are the cooking and sweet bananas types. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture banana and grafted seedling material, which take about 18 months to produce the first fruits. 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 kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in the nearby market centres. The current cash crop grown in this Subzone is sugar cane. Most farmers have put their land under this crop at the expense of food crops production. As such, most households rely mostly on food purchases. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone is mainly through the use of inorganic fertilisers on the sugar cane farms. The Mumias Sugar Company supplies these fertilisers. Very little or no fertiliser is allocated to the food crop farms.

Livestock-keeping is an important sector among the people residing in this Subzone. Meat, milk and eggs provided by livestock serve as important sources of high quality protein to complement diets that are based on starchy crops like maize, bananas, millet and cassava. Cattle are important in a few homes for traction and in many households for manure. The main type of cattle kept by farmers is of the Zebu type. In the past, when the availability of land was not a problem because there were communal grazing lands and many other uncultivated pieces of land, households had many animals and many different types (cattle, sheep, goats, poultry). The present land tenure system combined with population pressure creates problems when it comes to grazing. The emphasis presently is on keeping fewer but higher yielding grade cattle or improved cattle (cross-breed) where it is financially possible. Zero-grazing is now emphasised as a strategy or commercial farming. This employs a minimal amount of land, is intensive, high yielding, generates high income and minimises the spread of cattle diseases Napier grass gives relatively high yields (ca. 8000 kg/ha, which doubles easily by fertilising and manuring). Table 25a gives an indication of the maize yield production undet three farm management levels and the actual potential of the same for the Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 26

TABLE 25a: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) OF ZONE LM 1, p or two, UlG 1

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UlG 1 Survey Area 17 (Lushenya) AEZ: LM 1 SUGARCANE ZONE Sub-zone: p or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 195 or more; 2nd rainy season:135 - 145) Crop Yields3) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil:UlG 1= orthic ACRISOLS

2nd rainy season: 550 - 730 mm in Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season : 750 - 850 mm at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha * P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid Maize Yields3) kg/ha - - - 4500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 2884 3156 4600 - 980 1414 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 25 30 80 88

P2O5 kg/ha 25 30 80 90 K2O kg/ha - - - - Manure t/ha 1.3 1.8 4.3 5.3

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 Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management * Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results KAKAMEGA COUNTY 27

Subzone LM 1 l^m i of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone, on Sandy Clay Loam over Petroplinthite

This is theLower Midland Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one and intermediate rains as typified by Munami Sub-Location in Butere-Mumias district. It is dominated by soils on lower-level uplands. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to very deep (orthic Acrisols, with orthic Ferralsols, partly petroferric phases). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low. The first rainy season can rely at an amount of between 750 – 850 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 550 – 730 mm.

This Subzone is well suited for the production of various crops. Maize is the most dominant food crop, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and cassava constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and of lately soybeans, through non-governmental (NGO) initiatives. The dominant fruit crops are the cooking and sweet bananas types. The farmers could improve the quality of these bananas by planting tissue culture seed material, which is disease free. 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 kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres.

Livestock-keeping has a long tradition among the people residing here. The emphasis presently is on keeping fewer but higher yielding grade cattle or improved cattle (cross-breed) where it is financially possible. Zero- grazing is now emphasised as a strategy for commercial farming. This employs a minimal amount of land, is intensive, high yielding, generates high income and minimises the spread of cattle diseases. Napier grass gives high yields (ca. 7500 kg/ha and it must be fertilised and manured to increase yield at least on the petroplinthite soils). Table 25b shows the maize yield increase under three farm management levels for this Sub-zone and the actual potential. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 28

TABLE 25b: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 1 l^m i, UlS 1

Subzone: l^m i, Soil Unit: UlS 1 Survey Area 18 (Munami) AEZ: LM 1 SUGARCANE ZONE Sub-zone: l^m i (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 195 or more; 2nd rainy season: 135-145) Crop Yields3) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UlS 1= orthic ACRISOLS, with orthic FERRALSOLS, partly petro-ferric phases 2nd rainy season: 550 – 730 mm in Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 750 - 850 mm at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha ------* Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Hybrid Maize Yields3) kg/ha - - - 4300 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 1157 2349 2742 4200 - 1316 1395 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 3.8 23.1 30.8 70.8 80.0

P2O5 kg/ha 21.9 29.2 30.8 - 80.0 K2O kg/ha - - - - - Manure t/ha 0 0.8 2.4 2.0 7.2

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 Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management *Potential for local maize not known; no experimental results KAKAMEGA COUNTY 29

Subzone LM 1 l^m i of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone, on Sandy Friable Clay

This is the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one and intermediate rains as typified by North Butsotso Location in Kakamega district. It is dominated by soils on lower middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained deep to very deep (ferralo-orthic/chromic Acrisols). 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 900 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 500 – 700 mm.

The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. Apart from maize, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and cassava constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas , groundnuts and of late soybeans which are intercropped with young sugarcane. The dominant fruit crops are the cooking and sweet bananas types. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture banana seedling material, which produce the first fruits only after 18 months. 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 kales, tomatoes, indigenous vegetables and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres.

The current cash crop grown in this Subzone is sugar cane. Most farmers have put their land under this crop at the expense of food production. As such, most households heavily rely on food purchases. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone is mainly through the use of inorganic fertilisers on the sugar cane farms and application of farm yard manure. The Mumias Sugar Company supplies these fertilisers. Very little or no fertiliser is allocated to the food crop farms. However, the Ministry of Agriculture has put in place the following soil fertility measures: conservation agriculture, soil fertility improvement trees and farm fallow systems and soil conservation

The main type of cattle kept by farmers is of the Zebu type. The present land tenure system combined with population pressure creates problems when it comes to grazing. The emphasis presently is on keeping fewer but higher yielding grade cattle or improved cattle (cross-breed) where it is financially possible. Zero- grazing is now emphasised as a strategy for commercial farming. This employs a minimal amount of land, is intensive, high yielding, generates high income and minimises the spread of cattle diseases. Napier grass does a bit better here than in the previous Agro-Ecological Unit of subzone LM 1 l^m i due to the slighlty more fertile soils. Table 25c shows the increase in maize yield production under three farm management levels and the potential for the Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 30

TABLE 25c: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 1, l^m i, UmG 3

Subzone: l^m i, Soil Unit: UmG 3 Survey Area 19 (North Butsotso) AEZ: LM 1 SUGARCANE ZONE Sub-zone: l^m i (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 190 or more; 2nd rainy season 140 - 165) Crop Yields3) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UmG 3 = ferralo-orthic/ chromic ACRISOLS 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm in Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 900 - 1000 mm at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid Maize Yields3) kg/ha - - - 4600 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha ------

P2O5 kg/ha ------K2O kg/ha ------Manure t/ha ------Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - - - 750 1300 - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - -

P2O5 kg/ha - - K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 0.1 0.3

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 1310 1927 2378 4600 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 16 17

P2O5 kg/ha 0 14 17 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 1.4 1.7

Subzone UM 1 p or two of the Coffee-Tea Zone, on Friable Clay

This is the Coffee-Tea Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two cropping seasons as typified by Khayega Location in Kakamega district. It is dominated by soils of upper middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained deep to very deep (luvic Phaeozems or dystric/mollic Nitisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low but rarely critical. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between 850 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season 500 – 700 mm.

The zone is well suited for the production of various crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. FURP experiments showed a yield decrease of less than half in 5 years if the field is not fertilised and manured. Apart from maize, sweet potatoes constitute an important component of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and of late soybeans. 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: bananas, pawpaws, avocados and to a small extent oranges. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material, which produce the first fruits after 18 months. 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 kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. Cabbages would give a high yield; the outer leaves can be used as fodder.

The dominant cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are tea and coffee. Due to the poor returns from coffee, most farmers have pruned back the coffee trees and planted maize and legume crops in between. All former coffee processing factories in this Subzone are closed, as farmers are no longer farming coffee. Most farmers are now concentrating their efforts in tea farming. With the construction of Mudete Tea Factory in the Subzone, many new smallholder farmers have allocated more of their land to the tea crop.

Farmers have now taken up zero-grazing as a strategy for commercial farming in this Subzone. This employs a minimal amount of land, is intensive, high yielding, generates high income and minimises the spread of cattle diseases. Napier grass has very good yield prospects on the fertile soils in this zone (see Table 26 g).

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: compost and farm yard manure. A key problem still remains the correct application rates by the smallholder farmers. There is an urgent need for the extension staff needs to provide timely and correct fertiliser application advice to the smallholder farmers. Table 25d shows the increase in maize yield production under three farm management levels and the potential for the same in this Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 32

TABLE 25d: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 1, p or two, UhI 2

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UhI 2 Survey Area 20 (Khayega) AEZ: UM 1 COFFEE - TEA ZONE 2) st nd Crop Yields3) Sub-zone: p or two (Periods in days : 1 rainy season: 215 or more; 2 rainy season: approx. 150) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UhI 2 = luvic PHAEOZEMS 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm in Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 850 - 1000 mm at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low med.4) high5) Pot.6) pure stand Yields3) kg/ha - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Hybrid Maize Yields3) kg/ha - - - 4500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - - - 680 1200 - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - -

P2O5 kg/ha - - K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha - 0.2

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 814 2960 3280 4500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 1.1 6.5

P2O5 kg/ha 0 14.6 16.7 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0.1 0.2 0.2

Subzone LM 1 p or two of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone, on Sandy Friable Clay

This is the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two variable cropping seasons as typified by Butsotso South Location in Kakamega district. It is dominated by soils of the lower middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained and deep to very deep (ferralo-orthic/chromic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high from January to March, and hence the reliability is low in these months. Planting at different times lowers the risk of wilted seedlings. After this time there is enough rainfall. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between 900 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 500 – 700 mm.

The cash crop grown in this Subzone is sugar cane. Most farmers have put their land under this crop at the expense of food production. As such, most households heavily rely on food purchases. Chewing cane is an important enterprise but planting is limited to wetlands; its propagation is challenged by the commercial sugar whose production is also encroaching the wetlands. The soil fertility improvement measure being practiced in this Subzone is mainly the use of inorganic fertilisers on the sugar cane farms. Very little or no fertiliser is allocated to the food crop farms. This explains, for example, the low maize yields attained in this Subzone. Table 25e gives an indication of the maize yield increase under three farm management levels and the potential for the Subzone. Some efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture on soil conservation include: terracing (grass strips, unploughed strips, etc.) and improved fallow systems. Dairy goat is a potential enterprise in this zone as the expansion of sugarcane production covers large potions of the land. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 34

TABLE 25e: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 1, p or two, UmD 3

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UmD 3 Survey Area 21 (Butsotso South) AEZ: LM 1 SUGARCANE ZONE

2) st nd Crop Yields3) Subzone: p or two (Periods in days : 1 rainy season 200 or more, 2 rainy season approx. 165) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UmD 3 = rhodic FERRALSOLS 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm in Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 900 - 1000 mm at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stands med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha - - 4500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - - - * - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans - 3198 3900 4500 - - - Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): 6 16 24 N kg/ha 6 16 24 P O kg/ha 2 5 - - - K O kg/ha 2 0 7.5 9.3 Manure t/ha

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 Agro-Ecological 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 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 35

Subzone UM 1 p or two of the Tea - Coffee Zone, on Friable to Firm Sandy Clay

This is the Tea-Coffee Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two cropping seasons as typified by Kabras East Location in Kakamega district. It is dominated by soils of upper middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained deep to very deep humic Acrisols. 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 700 – 900 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season 550 – 700 mm.

The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, even though yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil exhaustion related problems. Apart from maize, sweet potatoes constitute an important component of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and most recently soybeans. 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. This crop is not well suited here and therefore not recommended.

The dominant fruit crops are: bananas, pawpaws, avocados and to a small extent oranges. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material, which produce the first fruits after only 18 months. 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 kales, cabbages, tomatoes and onions, mainly for the market and home consumption. Farmers in this Subzone have almost abandoned coffee production. Tea is not yet an important cash crop in this Subzone. This has been due to low cash returns to the farmers. Infact, a majority of farmers have pruned back the coffee trees and planted maize and legumes instead. Almost all former coffee processing factories in this Subzone are closed since farmers are no longer farming coffee. Most smallholder farmers are now concentrating their efforts on growing tea. With the construction of Mudete Tea Factory in the Subzone, many smallholder farmers have allocated more of their land to tea growing at the expense of food crops. Most homesteads now rely mainly on food purchases from nearby markets. In the transitional strip to LM 1, there is a tendency to sugarcane. Napier grass and Siratro are well suited for this Subzone.

The dominant soil conservation structure, particularly in tea farms, are grass strips. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: Inorganic fertilisers applied mainly on the existing few tea enterprises; compost and farm yard manure, which are applied on maize fields. The only problem is that most farmers do not apply the correct rates of these inorganic fertilisers and manures. There is need for the extension to give proper and timely advice to farmers in as far as soil replenishment techniques are concerned (see Table 26 i). Table 25f gives an indication of the increase in maize yield production under three levels of management and the potential for the same in this Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 36

TABLE 25f: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 1, p or two, UmG 5

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UmG 5 Survey Area 22a (Kabras East) AEZ: UM 1 TEA - COFFEE ZONE Subzone: p or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 195 or more, 2nd rainy season: 115 - 135) Crop Yields3) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UmG 3 = humic ACRISOLS 2nd rainy season: 550 - 700 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 700 - 900 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha - - - * - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize 6000 Yields3) kg/ha ------(PAN 99 & Fertiliser7): 5243: 8000) N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 1141 1900 2453 4600 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 11.4 25.0 - - -

P2O5 kg/ha 12.5 25.0 30.5 - - - K2O kg/ha ------Manure t/ha 0 0.5 0.5 - - -

Subzone LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone

This is theMarginal Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a (weak) medium to short one and intermediate rains as typified by Mugai Sub-Location in Kakamega district. It is dominated by soils on lower middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to deep (humic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is higher than in Zone 1, and hence the reliability is lower. But the first rainy season can still rely on an amount of between 600 – 700 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 450 – 600 mm.

Though marginal to sugar cane growing, farmers still plant it as a cash crop at the expense of food crop production. As such, most households heavily rely on food purchases. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone is mainly through the use of inorganic fertilisers on the sugar cane farms. Very little or no fertiliser is allocated to the food crop farms. The data in Table 25g shows the yield increase of maize undet three different farm management levels and the potential for this Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 38

TABLE 25g: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 2, l^(m/s) i, UmG 5

Subzone: l^(m/s) i, Soil Unit: UmG 5 Survey Area 23 (Mugai) AEZ: LM 2 MARGINAL SUGARCANE ZONE Subzone: l^(m/s) i (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 180 or more,2nd rainy season 110-120 days) 3) Crop Yields Unit with predom. Soil: UmG 5 = humic ACRISOLS and Inputs 2nd rainy season: 450 - 600 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 600 - 700 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low pure stand med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha - - - * - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha - - 6000 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 681 1649 2171 4500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 19 28

P2O5 kg/ha 4.8 29 50 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 0.4 0.75

Subzone UM 4 l/vl or two of the Maize - Sunflower Zone

This is the Maize-Sunflower Zone with a long to very long cropping season, dividable in two variable cropping seasons as typified by Lugari Location in Lugari district. It is dominated by soils on lower middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep and very deep (humic Acrisols). 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 600 – 700 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season 450 – 600 mm. October to March prevail semi-arid conditions. Therefore it is better for the maize production to combine both rainy seasons and plant a late maturing high yielding variety instead of two much lower yielding earlier ones.

Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, followed by sorghum and finger millet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and groundnuts. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking bananas, pawpaws, and more recently passion fruits, due to increased demand. Pineapples are emerging in importance in this zone. Fruit production in this Subzone could be greatly improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material, which take only 18 months to produce the first fruits. This would improve the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the smallholder farmers. 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 cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sunflower, sugarcane and very little coffee. Due to the poor returns from coffee to most farmers have abandoned the crop. Infact, a majority of farmers have pruned back the coffee trees and planted maize and legumes instead which give higher returns. All former coffee processing factories in this Subzone are closed, since farmers are no longer farming coffee.

Livestock-keeping has a long tradition among the people residing here. The main type of cattle kept by farmers is of the Zebu type. In the past, when the availability of land was not a problem because there were communal grazing lands and many other uncultivated pieces of land, households had many animals and many different types (cattle, sheep, goats, poultry). The emphasis presently is on keeping fewer but higher yielding grade cattle or improved cattle (cross-breed) where it is financially possible. Zero-grazing has become important in this zone

The dominant visible soil conservation structures include Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Here it grows better because additional run-off water is stopped and concentrated here. This grass is well known as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice zero grazing in this Subzone. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include the use of both inorganic and organic fertilisers. Majority of farmers use a combination of these on their maize fields. This explains why maize yields of 5 tons per hectare have been recorded in this Subzone. There is however a need for extension staff to educate farmers on the correct application rates of these fertilisers (see Table 26 k). Table 25h shows the maize yield increase under three different farm management levels and the potential for this Subzone. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 40

TABLE 25h: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 4, l/vl or two, UmG 3

Subzone: l/vl or two, Soil Unit: UmG 3 Survey Area 24 (Lugari) AEZ: UM 4 MAIZE - SUNFLOWER ZONE Subzone: l/vl or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 130 or more, 2nd rainy season: 75 - 115) Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UmG 3 = humic ACRISOLS and Inputs 2nd rainy season: 450 - 600 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 600 - 700 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha - - - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 2261 3579 4675 7500 - - - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 25 31 32

P2O5 kg/ha 31 34 36 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0.2 0.8 0.9

Subzone UM 1 p or two of the Tea - Coffee Zone, on Different Soils

This is theTea-Coffee Zone with permanent cropping possibilities, dividable in two cropping seasons as typified by three Farm Survey sites in Vihiga district, namely: Jepkoyai, Muhandi and Igunga Sub Locations. Different soil types of upper middle-level uplands dominate the sites. These soils are well drained, moderately deep to deep, respectively (association of dystric Cambisols and Lithosols and Rankers, rock and bouldery phase; dystric Nitisols, with dystro-mollic Nitisols; ferralo-orthic Acrisols and nito-rhodic Ferralsols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low but seldom a problem. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 600 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season on 500 – 800 mm.

In this Subzone, the farms are made up of different farming sub-systems, namely the food crop, cash crop, livestock and tree production. Practically all the farm-households include these four farm sub-systems in their production. Many farms are no more than narrow pieces of land that extend from a road or divide (the summit of an interfluvial ridge) down to a river stream. Tea, coffee and French beans are the income generating crops and the main food crops are maize, beans and bananas: little grazing land is for livestock. Trees are found in the lower lying areas mainly along the banks of streams.

Maize is still the dominant food crop in this Subzone, even though yields per hectare are considerably low. The reasons for the low production yields of maize appear to be related to: small farm sizes, wrong selection of certified hybrid seeds, poor crop husbandry practices, incorrect fertiliser application rates, lack of credit and general poverty and green plucking.

Bananas are the second most important food crop grown in this Subzone. There are several cultivars available providing sweet bananas, and varieties for cooking and for other uses. Bananas are important both as a source of carbohydrate and as a fruit. Because they fruit throughout the year, they are especially valuable not only as a family food but also in income generation. Their leaves are a good source of food for livestock and also provide wrapping, thatching and mulching material. Pests, diseases and poor husbandry practices affect banana production in this Subzone. Some of the pests include the banana weevil and nematodes. For a long time the weevil and nematodes were controlled by use of agro-chemicals. This has proved ineffective because the pests have developed resistance; pesticides were used non-selectively and were harmful to the environment and the user, besides they are too expensive for most smallholder farmers.

Apart from maize and bananas, sweet potatoes constitute an important component of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, cowpeas and of late soybeans. It should be pointed out here that beans and cowpeas production in this Subzone is hampered by pest and disease infestations, which require high inputs to manage. These management costs are unfortunately beyond the reach of a majority of smallholder farmers, and cowpeas are not growing so well because these AEUs are at the upper limit of their thermal range. Finger millet and sorghum were the main food crops before the introduction of maize. Finger millet was liked because it could be stored without the use of insecticides for longer period than any other cereal. However, both finger millet and sorghum have lower yield capacity than maize and require more labour at all stages of cultivation.

The main cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: tea, French beans and Arabica coffee. Most farmers are concentrating their efforts on tea farming. With the construction of Mudete Tea Factory in the Subzone, many new smallholder farmers have allocated more of their land to tea crop. Due to the poor returns from coffee, the crop is no longer valued in this Subzone. Infact, a majority of farmers have pruned back the coffee trees and planted maize and legumes instead. Nearly all former coffee processing factories in this Subzone are closed, as farmers are no longer farming coffee. Many farmers are of the opinion that coffee is occupying space, which could otherwise be utilised for another more remunerative activity, especially because of the scarcity and the high value of the land in this area.

Cattle are important in a few homes for traction and in many households for manure. The main type of cattle kept by farmers is of the Zebu type. However, more emphasis is now on keeping fewer but higher yielding grade cattle or improved cattle (cross-breed) where it is financially feasible. Zero-grazing is now emphasised as a strategy for increasing household income.

The dominant soil conservation structure, particularly in tea areas 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.It must be fertilised or manured for sustainable growth and should be supplemented with Siratro to give more protein to the animals. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include the use of farm yard and compost manures and inorganic fertilisers. If the above listed measures are well implemented, the sustainability of land and eventually the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in this Subzone will significantly improve. Tables 25i, j & k show the maize yield increase under three farm management levels and the agro-ecological potential for the same in the respective Subzones. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 43

TABLE 25i: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 1, p or two, UhGA 1

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UhGA 1 Survey Area 25 (Jepkoyai) AEZ: UM 1 TEA - COFFEE ZONE Subzone: p or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 215 or more, 2nd rainy season: approx. 150 ) Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UhGA 1 = association of dystric CAMBISOLS and LITHOSOLS and RANKERS, and Inputs rocky and bouldery 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 850 - 1000 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha ------Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 133 559 686 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 8.3 39.2 50.0

P2O5 kg/ha 9.1 32.8 50.0 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 1.1 2.9 Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 541 2036 2385 4500 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 7.3 22.2 22.6

P2O5 kg/ha 8.0 19.0 22.2 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 0.5 1.7

TABLE 25j: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 1, p or two, UhV 1

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UhV 1 Survey Area 26 (Muhandi) AEZ: UM 1 TEA - COFFEE ZONE Subzone: p or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 215 or more, 2nd rainy season: approx. 150) Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UhV 1 = dystric NITISOLS, with dystro - mollic NITISOLS and Inputs 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 850 - 1000 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 690 907 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 9.3 10.7

P2O5 kg/ha 10.6 16.4 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 1.9 2.4 Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 1681 1755 4200 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 9.3 9.5

P2O5 kg/ha 10.6 14.6 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 1.7 2.4

TABLE 25k: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 1, p or two, UhD 1

Subzone: p or two, Soil Unit: UhD 1 Survey Area 27 (Igunga) AEZ: UM 1 TEA - COFFEE ZONE Subzone: p or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 200 or more, 2nd rainy season 120 - 130) Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UhD 1 = ferralo - orthic ACRISOLS and Inputs 2nd rainy season: 600 - 800 mm Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 750 - 950 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level

4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU Maize local I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low 4) 5) 6) pure stand med. high Pot. Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 462 486 496 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 3.0 5.3 10.2

P2O5 kg/ha 1.0 6.3 13.0 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 2.8 8.3 9.6 Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 1023 1271 1325 4300 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 3.0 5.3 8.9

P2O5 kg/ha 1.0 6.3 11.4 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 2.8 7.2 9.6

3.4.6 FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNITS

These are mainly the Agro-Ecological Units represented by the Farm Survey Areas which were selected for this purpose. They are in order from LM 1 and LM 2 to UM 1-4.The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ (1986 - 92) had four trial sites in the former Kakamega district, one west of Mumias in Zone LM 1, the other three in the Kakamega Western Agricultural Research Center, Vihiga-Maragoli and in Mwihila near Vihiga in zone UM 1. 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 constructed curves for fertiliser response1.

Recommended rates of an AEU increase towards the wetter subzone and decrease into the dry one if the soil unit extends here (see the small maps).Generally, we have tended to lower the rates due to the low financial base of the smallholder farmers. If a system could be put in place to give the starter fertiliser on credit, repayable with part of the money obtained from harvest, then higher rates would be achieved by the farmers. The optimum can be calculated from the yield functions in Muriuki & Qureshi Fertiliser Use Manual. In the long run the optimal amount must be given to maintain the nutrient content. Some quantities for this can be seen in chapter 3.1 under the ‘General Remarks’ section.

Higher application rate 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. A rural small credit system for the inputs could help a lot. Where scientific sources for quantifying the rates are lacking, some conclusions can be drawn from the difference of inputs and yields between the low and high production levels of the Farm Survey 2004. An empty column in the recommendation tables denoted as “Other Nutrients Recommended” does not mean that there is nothing to be done but it is because of lack of trial data. Symptoms of deficiencies and methods of addressing these can be found in Muriuki, A.W. and Qureshi, J.N. (2001), Table 1&2, p.22-23.

Finally it must be emphasized once more that fertilising alone will only increase the yields only for some few years. The micronutrients that are not included in the fertiliser become exhausted very fast. Manuring almost up to the full return of the extracted nutrients is a must in order to have a stable agrobiological system for continuous sustainable production2. This advice is important for the upland soils which due to their senility have a low nutrient content. This statement is also valid for the young volcanic nitisols, which still have a higher nutrient content. For example, the yields of the control plot during the 5 years FURP cultivation at the Kakamega Research Station decreased to less than half despite the fertile nitisols.

______1 Muriuki, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual. Nairobi kari . 2 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. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 48

TABLE 26a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1 LM 1 p or two & l^m i, UlG 1-3 & UlGC 1 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 N + 25 P2O5 700 400 kg 500 kg of Lime/ha Hybrid maize & beans - - 390 kg Potassium + Mg.

Sorghum 20 P2O5 680 400 kg 500 kg lime/ha Second rainy season

Hybrid maize & beans 25 P2O5 500 (maize) 300 kg * Biseasonal

Cassava, local 20 N + 35 P2O5 5000 * - Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil ³ Superphosphate, 4t/ha at planting, Sugarcane ratoons 650 CAN + 30000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoons

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 97 & 98; KARI & FURP: Fertiliser Use Recommendations Vol. 2, Nairobi 1994; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 17; For Cassava FMHB IIA, 1982, p. 306; For Sugarcane: Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 and PFMO J. Imbira 1 Climate and soil are insignificantly different in respect to fertiliser and manure rates. ² Double rates do not double the yield increase, they give only about 80% more, for sugar cane less than that. ³ 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 * data not available TABLE 26b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS LM 1 l^m i, UlS 1 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 N + 15 P2O5 1100 800 kg * Hybrid maize & beans 20 P2O5 800 (maize) 800 kg * Second rainy season Local maize * * 4t/ha g ca. 600 kg * Local maize & beans * * 4t/ha g ca. 600 kg * (maize) Biseasonal (or more)

Cassava 25 N + 40 P2O5 6000 * * Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil Superphosphate, Sugarcane 1 30000 * 4t/ha at planting, ratoons 650 CAN + 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoon

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 94 & 99; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 18; FMHB IIA, 1982, p. 306 for cassava; For Sugarcane: IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 and PFMO J. Imbira; 1 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 * No data available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 49 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 50

TABLE 26c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 1 l^m i, LM 2 l/ m^(s/m) & l^(m/s) i, UmG 3 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 20 N + 10 P2O5 900 ca. 800 kg 500 kg lime/ha Local maize & beans - - 3t/ha g ca. 300 kg Potassium + Mg.

Hybrid maize & beans 20 P2O5 800 (maize) ca. 500 kg Potassium + Mg. Sorghum, medium mat. 20 P2O5 750 * Lime Second rainy season Hybrid maize 20 P O 450 3t/ha g ca. 400 kg Lime 2 5 g Local maize & beans - - 2t/ha ca. 200 kg Potassium Biseasonal

Cassava 20 N + 35 P2O5 ca. 5000 * - Semi-permanent crops 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil Superphosphate, 4 t/ha at planting, Sugarcane ² ratoons 650 CAN + 30000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphos. Potash for 3rd ratoon

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 106; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 19; FMHB IIA, 1982, p. 306 for cassava; For Sugarcane: IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 and PFMO J. Imbira 1 Rates for and yields of maize and sugarcane in LM 2 are ca. 20% less. ² 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 * No data available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 51 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 52

TABLE 26d: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 LM 1 p or two, UmD 2 & 3 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize & beans 20 N + 25 P2O5 650 (maize) ca. 500 kg lime + Mg. Finger millet 25 P2O5 500 * “ Second rainy season Hybrid maize -² 500 3t/ha g ca. 400 kg * Cabbages 50 P2O5 8000 * * Biseasonal

Cassava 20 N + 35 P2O5 ca. 5000 * - Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil Superphosphate, 4 t/ha at planting, Sugarcane ³ ratoons 650 CAN + 30000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoon Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 97 & 99; KARI & FURP: Fertiliser Use Recommendation Vol. 2, Nairobi 1995; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 19; FMHB 1982, IIA, p. 306 for cassava; For sugarcane: IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self Employment, Nairobi 1997, p. 167 and PFMO J. Imbira 1The soil unit UmD 2 has less clay content than D 3. Therefore water storage capacity is lower. Similar higher fertiliser rates. ² No significant economic response to N and P in FURP experiments 1987-92. In the meanwhile these fertilisers become necessary due to ongoing soil exhaustion; ³ 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 * No data available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 53 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 54

TABLE 26e: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 1 p or two, UhI 2 of the TEA - COFFEE ZONE

1) Hybrid maize (H 625) 20 P2O5 1025 600 kg Lime + potassium Hybrid maize (H 625)& 20 P2O5 1100 (maize) 600 kg + Mg. beans Second rainy season Local maize & beans * * 2t/ha g ca. 300 kg “ Potatoes (higher places) 40 P2O5 4000 * * Permanent crops

Tea 150 N + 30 P2O5 4500 * *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 81 & 99; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 20; for tea FMHB IIA, 1982, p. 392 and IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997 1 Medium mat. maize may not reach this increase but after it a second crop is possible in the 2nd rainy season ² IRACC recommends one year after planting 20 gm of NPK 25:5:5 per bush, after two years 30 gm, after three years 50 gm * No data available

TABLE 26f: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 1 p or two, UhGA 1 of the TEA - COFFEE ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Crop varieties and Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Increase if Other Nutrients Season Rate is Applied1 5t/ha Manure are Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * Applied First rainy season 1) Hybrid maize (H 625) 20 N + 10 P2O5 800 ca. 640 kg 500 kg lime/ha + Local maize & beans - - 3t/ha g ca. 240 kg Potassium + Mg.

Hybrid maize & beans 20 P2O5 640 (maize) ca. 400 kg Potassium Sorghum, medium mat. 20 P2O5 600 * Lime Second rainy season g Hybrid maize (H 511 a.o.) 20 P2O5 400 3t/ha ca. 320 kg Lime Local maize & beans - - 2t/ha g ca. 160 kg Potassium Cabbages 50 P2O5 ca. 10000 * * Potatoes (Annet) 30 P2O5 ca. 3000 * * Permanent crops

Tea 150 N + 30 P2O5 4050 * *

Source: conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 26; similarities to other AEU´s; FMHB IIA, 1982, p. 395-397; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, MAy 16th, 2005; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997 1) H 625 requires growing into the 2nd rainy season; 2) IRACC recommends one year after planting 20 gm of NPK 25:5:5 per bush, after two years 30 gm, after three years 50 gm * data not available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 55

TABLE 26g: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 1 p or two, UhV 1 of the TEA - COFFEE ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Increase if Crop varieties and Season Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Other Nutrients Rate is Applied1 5t/ha Manure are Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * Applied First rainy season 1) Hybrid maize (H 625) 25 P2O5 800 1000 kg 25 kg/ha Potassium Hybrid maize (H 625) & 50 P2O5 2000 (maize) * 25 kg/ha Potassium beans Second rainy season 2) Hybrid maize (H 511 a.o.) 25 P2O5 250 200 kg 25 kg/ha Potassium Hybrid maize (H 511) & 25 P2O5 550 (maize) * 25 kg/ha Potassium beans (GLP 2) Permanent crops & perennial fodder

Tea 150 N + 40 P2O5 5000 * * 4) Napier grass 75 N + 50 P2O5 5200 * but necessary * Annually, Coffee uneconomic with present prices Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 97 & 99; KARI & GTZ: Fertiliser Use Recommendations Vol. 2, Nairobi 1995; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005 1 After some years of cropping N becomes necessary. Harvest is in the 2nd rainy season 2 Uneconomic, better to plant maize intercropped with beans. * No data available ³ IRACC recommends one year after planting 20 gm of NPK 25:5:5 per bush, after two years 30 gm, after three years 50 gm 4 Yield without fertiliser in this fertile AEU is already 11000 kg/ha but it drops to a third after five years if no inputs are given, as the FURP experiments in Kakamega WARS have shown. TABLE 26h: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 1 p or two, UhD 1 & 2 of the TEA - COFFEE ZONE

Hybrid maize (H 625) 1) -² - 300 kg Little potassium +

Hybrid maize & beans 25 N + 25 P2O5 650 (maize) 300 kg lime + Mg. Finger millet 25 P2O5 500 * “ Second rainy season Hybrid maize -² - - -

Cabbages 50 P2O5 8000 - - Potatoes (Annet) -² - * Potassium Perennial crops ) Tea 150 N + 30 P2O5 ³ 4100 - * Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 97 & 99;KARI & GTZ: Fertiliser Use Recommendations Vol. 2, Nairobi 1995; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004 area 27; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005 1 Harvest is in the 2nd rainy season; * No data available ² No significant economic response to N and P in FURP experiments 1987-92. In the meanwhile these fertilisers become necessary due to ongoing soil exhaustion. ³ IRACC recommends one year after planting 20 gm of NPK 25:5:5 per bush, after two years 30 gm, after three years 50 gm KAKAMEGA COUNTY 56

TABLE 26i: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 1 p or two, UhG 2 of the TEA - COFFEE ZONE

1) Hybrid maize (H 625) 25 N + 20 P2O5 1400 800 kg Potassium + Hybrid maize & beans 25 N 630 (maize) * lime + Mg.

Cabbages 10 P2O5 11000 * * Second rainy season Hybrid maize & beans Fertil. not economic 500 kg *

Beans 20 N + 10 P2O5 150 * * Potatoes (Annet) -²) - * Potassium ²) Permanent crops

Tea 150 N + 30 P2O5 3900 - * Perennial fodder

Napier grass 75 N + 50 P2O5 5000 * *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 100; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 22; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005; IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997; 1 Harvest is in the 2nd rainy season

² After some years of cropping potatoes need N, P2O5 and K (= potassium) ³ IRACC recommends one year after planting 20 gm of NPK 25:5:5 per bush, after two years 30 gm, after three years 50 gm * No data available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 57 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 58

TABLE 26j: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS LM 1 p or two, l^m i, LM 2 l^(m/s) i, UmG 5 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Crop varieties and Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Increase if Other Nutrients Season Rate is Applied 5t/ha Manure are Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * Applied First rainy season

Hybrid maize 25 N + 20 P2O5 1000 600 kg Potassium + Hybrid maize & beans 25 N + 10 P2O5 ca. 500 (maize) * lime + Mg. Cabbages 10 P2O5 9000 * * Second rainy season

Hybrid maize & beans Fertil. not economic. * - Perennial fodder

Napier grass 75 N + 50 P2O5 4500 * *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 106; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 23; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 59 KAKAMEGA COUNTY 60

TABLE 26k: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 UM 2-4 l/vl or two, UmG 2 & 3 of the COFFEE & MAIZE - SUNFLOWER ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Crop varieties and Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Increase if Other Nutrients Season Rate is Applied1 5t/ha Manure are Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * Applied First rainy season Hybrid maize ) (H 625 or 626) ² 50 N + 10 P2O5 1700 700 kg Lime + potassium + Maize (H 625) & beans - 100 (maize) * Mg.

Cabbages Copenhagen 50 P2O5 ca. 7000 600 kg - Second rainy season Beans, early mat. - (enough nutrients - - * from 1st r.s.) Potatoes (Annet) - - 2000 kg - Permanent crops Coffee not economic at present prices Perennial fodder

Napier grass 50 N + 10 P2O5 ca. 6000 * *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 106; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 24; FMHB 1982 IIA for cabbages and Napier grass; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005 1 Th e moisture regime depends at local water storage capacity of the soil. It was important for coff ee planting, today this is uninteresting. ² Harvest is in the 2nd rainy season; * No data available ³ Because of the semi-arid conditions from October to February, coff ee is only possible at very deep soils with good water storage capacity.

TABLE 26 l: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 UM 3-4 l/vl or two, LIA 1 & 2 of the COFFEE & MAIZE - SUNFLOWER ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Crop varieties and Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Increase if Other Nutrients Season Rate is Applied1 5t/ha Manure Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * are Applied First rainy season ) Hybrid maize (H 626) ² 50 N + 10 P2O5 900 700 kg Hybrid maize (H 612) 25 N + 10 P O ca. 500 (maize) * * 2 5 Lime + potassium + Mg. & beans - Cabbages 10 N + 20 P2O5 9000 * Second rainy season Beans, early mat. - - * Lime + potassium + Mg.

Potatoes (Annet) 50 P2O5 1050 * - Permanent Coffee3) not economic at present prices Perennial fodder

Napier grass 50 N + 10 P2O5 ca. 6000 * *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 106; FMHB 1982, IIA, for Napier grass; S.M. Kanyanjua et al.: Effects of Potassium Use... E.A. Competitor, May 16th, 2005 1 LIA 1&2 are similar association of Ferrasols, Cambisols and Gleysols at a plateau of igneous rocks but with different percentages of coverage. Recommendations are for the Ferrasols ² Harvest is in the 2nd rainy season; * No data available ³ Because of the semi-arid conditions from October to February, coffee is only possible at very deep soils with good water storage capacity. KAKAMEGA COUNTY 61

TABLE 26m: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS UM 4 l/vl i or two, UmG 1 & 2 of the COFFEE & MAIZE - SUNFLOWER ZONE

Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Crop varieties and Fertiliser Rates Increase if this Increase if Other Nutrients Season Rate is Applied1 5t/ha Manure are Recom-mended 2 kg/ha kg/ha * Applied First rainy season Hybrid maize (H 612 or - - 600 kg 2) * 1) 613) 1) Hybrid maize (H 612) 25 N 650 (maize) 500 kg 2) * 1) & beans Second rainy season Not enough growing period after late mat. maize Perennial fodder Napier grass 50 N 6300 * 2) *

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 99 & 105 (Kitale NARC). 1 nd Harvest is in the 2 rainy season. After some years N, P2O5, K2O and Magnesium is needed. ² Manuring is not so important for increasing the yields but to maintain them; * No data available KAKAMEGA COUNTY 62