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FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

VOL. II

– Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information –

ANNEX: – Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Group of Districts –

Subpart A1 Western Province B u s i 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 Busia 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

BUSIA COUNTY 1

3.2 BUSIA - TESO GROUP OF DISTRICTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page

3.2.1 Natural Potential. 2 Introduction 2 Annual Rainfall Map 3 Table 1: Annual Rainfall 4 Table 2: Temperature 4 Seasonal Rainfall Maps 5 Table 3: Potential Evapotranspiration 7 Table 4: Climate in the Agro-Ecological Zones 7 Agro-Ecological Zones Map 8 Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones (=Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land Use Potentials and Water Availability &Requirement Diagrams 9 Soil Map 13 Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics with Legend to the Soil Map 14 3.2.2 Population and Land. see the big Vol. A1 3.2.3. Agricltural Statistics see the big Vol. A1 3.2.4. Farm Survey 19 Table 14: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones and Units 19 3.2.5 Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensification by Better Farm Management in Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones 20 Tables 17 a-h: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 21 LM 1 l^m i of the Sugarcane Zone 21 LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone 23 LM 3 m/l^(s or s/vs) of the Cotton Zone 25 LM 4 (m/s) + vu of the Marginal Cotton Zone 27 LM 1 l^m i of the Sugarcane Zone 29 LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone 31 LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Cotton Zone 33 LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Cotton Zone 35 3.2.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units 38 Map of Important Agro-Ecological Units 37 Tables 18 a-h: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations 39 LM 1 p or two, UlG 1 of the Sugarcane Zone 39 LM 1 l^m i, UlS 1 & UlSA of the Sugarcane Zone 41 LM 1 l^m i, UlD 1 of the Sugarcane Zone 43 LM 2 (m/s) i, UlGA 1 of the Marginal Sugarcane Zone 45 LM 3 m^(s or s/vs), UlIA & UlI 1 of the Cotton Zone 47 LM 2 l/m^(s/m), PnG 1of the Marginal Sugarcane and Cotton Zone 49 LM 3 m/l^(s), UmG 2 of the Marginal Sugarcane and Cotton Zone 49 LM 4 (m/s) + (vu), UlIA with SA 2 of the Marginal Cotton Zone 51 BUSIA COUNTY 2

3.2.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL

Introduction

The agro-ecological zonation of the Busia and Teso district group is typical for the districts around the eastern part of Lake Victoria. The daily heating of the land causes raising of the air. The deficit near the ground is filled by wind from the cooler lake carrying moisture inland. Rainstorms in the raising air develop during the afternoon. This lifted air in high altitude streams back to the lake and drops already near the shore. Falling air means dry air. Therefore the difference concerning rainfall between the lake shore and the interior is 900 to 1500 mm when comparing the annual averages. Regarding the 66% reliability, it is 400 to 900 mm in Budalangi and Funyula in Zone LM 4, during the first rainy season and from less than 150 to 800 mm during the second rainy season, dropping again slightly in the northern parts.

In the wetter areas it is difficult to divide the seasons (see Diagram of Butula) because there is no clear gap between them. If we write in zone LM 1 l^m this means that “a long cropping season is followed by a medium one”, it is one possibility to divide the more or less continuing growing period provided that second planting is intended to start in beginning of September. The planting may start earlier if fields are already empty, or it starts later if crops of the first rainy season continue into the second rains. In the wetter subzone of LM 1 this is usual, therefore “or two” is written to express the various possibilities of growing cycles included.

Busia is the most westerly district of Kenya but no longer remote due to the tarmac roads from Kisumu and Eldoret. There are large sugar cane zones to be developed1 and potential cotton areas. The poor soils are the main problem, often underlain by hard-pans. There is need to grow commercail tree species like Casuarina, Grevillea and Mangoes to help break the hard pans. Cassava, which is now very common, should not be the only answer to the poor soil conditions. More legumes, for instance bambarra groundnuts which grow on very poor soils and accumulate nitrogen, more cattle manure and compost are essential. For the recycling of human sewage, use of filter matter from sugarcane factories as a way must be found in future to fully utilise these alternatives.

Nematodes are a serious danger to bananas. There are important, well suited crops resistant to nematodes, i.e. roselle of the herbiscus family. Striga (witchweed) is a problem for cereals. A chance to fight it is by more ploughing in order to sow a trap crop (sorghum) and to plough it in with the ungerminated Striga plant. Research has already come up with herbicide treated Imazarytil resistant (IR) maize and KSTP 94 that are resistant to Striga. The best cereals that could be grown here without any problem are: finger millet varieties P224, U15 and Gulu-E.

The differences in the annual average rainfall and in the 66% reliability of rainfall can also be seen in the reliability of the duration of the growing periods (see Table 4): The Marginal Cotton Zone (LM 4) has a growing period of 130 days and a very uncertain one. Only 45 days are fairly sure. The wetter subzone of the Sugar Cane Zone (LM 1), however, has a growing period of 215 days or more followed by a 130 - 150 days period.

The annual average temperature is between 21.0° and 22.7°C. Humidity of the air is relatively high due to the lake. The potential evapotranspiration is 1 800 - 2 030 mm per year for both districts.

______1) LM 1 and 2 on suitable soils, see J.P.Mbuui: A preliminary evaluation on the suitability of the area of Busia District for Sugar cane development. Kenya Soil Survey P. 18, Nairobi 1975. BUSIA COUNTY 3 BUSIA COUNTY 4

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

48 59 134 191 136 48 33 48 47 68 90 44 8933026 Port Bunyala LM 4 Average 947 1250 m L. Viet. Cath. M. (m/s)+(vu) 1 66% 830 14 40 115 162 120 40 22 36 37 55 70 30

47 49 127 213 178 84 78 113 126 144 144 71 8934030 Nangina LM 3 Average 1420 1219 m Cath. Mission m^(s) 1 66% 1278 17 38 115 190 161 65 56 93 105 124 111 52

38 58 143 241 234 116 96 118 106 140 214 110 8934037 Lukoli LM 2 Average 1613 1225 m Dispensary I^m i 1 66% 1473 12 11 103 179 130 101 73 41 88 126 133 57

65 126 159 290 315 177 124 178 169 164 146 108 8934039 Butula LM 1 Average 2016 1295 m Cath. Mission p or two 1 66% 1790 34 54 115 263 241 132 82 132 120 121 116 68

62 79 141 267 236 111 68 128 151 164 173 80 8934105 Busia, Farmers LM 1-2 Average 1690 1220 m Training Centre l^m i 2 66% 1585 32 37 100 205 132 100 54 49 105 120 125 50

60 121 156 202 219 98 121 134 132 124 137 59 8934110 KolanyaBoy’s LM 2 Average 1522 1505 m Sec. School l/m^(s/m) 2 66% 1360 25 50 110 155 121 83 90 60 95 98 105 40

45 66 133 220 191 89 83 103 89 135 108 56 8934111 Angorai LM 3 Average 1354 1501m Chief’s Centre m/l^(s) 2 66% 1220 18 25 90 165 105 75 60 35 70 102 85 39

50 83 107 229 218 120 95 112 126 150 136 71 8934116 Amukura LM 2 Average 1597 1262 m Chiefs Office l^(m/s) i 2 66% 1315 20 30 75 170 120 102 70 40 95 128 105 47

56 75 156 201 208 101 85 119 96 121 132 60 8934155 Amagoro LM 3 Average 1428 1220 m District Office m/l^(s) (14y.only)

68 92 186 278 307 116 87 124 157 157 173 92 8934156 Nambale LM 1 Average 1885 1190 m Agric. Office l^m i 2 66% 1690 34 40 120 250 245 101 68 80 110 115 120 55

69 105 190 297 292 111 99 156 169 158 179 87 8934161 Alupe Cotton LM 1 Average 1901 1220 m Research Stat. l^m i 2 66% 1700 35 42 125 260 250 100 75 105 125 120 120 53

48 67 148 152 133 50 46 63 61 68 87 64 8934191 Port Victoria LM 4 Average 1027 1240 m Forest Station (m/s)+(vu) 2 66% 900 15 48 130 120 118 40 31 48 45 55 68 47 ______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. TABLE 2: TEMPERATURE DATA

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

Mean max. 30.0 30.4 30.0 28.7 27.9 27.4 27.2 27.7 27.0 29.1 28.4 29.3 28.6 Busia Alupe Mean temp. 23.0 23.1 22.9 22.6 22.1 21.6 21.4 21.6 20.9 22.6 22.2 22.6 22.2 1470 m 8934161 Cotton LM 1 LM2 1220 m Research Stn. Mean min. 15.9 15.7 15.7 16.5 16.3 15.8 15.6 15.5 14.7 16.0 15.9 15.8 15.8 (data - 1980) 1000 m Abs. min. 10.6 8.5 8.5 9.0 9.0 8.0 6.3 6.7 7.2 6.2 7.5 7.8 6.2 ______1 AEZ = Agro-ecological zone 2 The upwarming of ca. 0.5°C since 1981 is considered in rising the limits. BUSIA COUNTY 5 BUSIA COUNTY 6 BUSIA COUNTY 7

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

8934161 Alupe Cotton calc. 175 159 169 146 140 129 128 141 143 164 149 167 1811 1901 105% 1220 m Research Stn. LM 1

8934105 Busia Farm. interp. 176 158 173 149 148 128 133 143 149 160 149 165 1831 1690 92% 1220 m Training C. LM 1-2

8934037 Lukoli interp. 176 160 175 153 148 127 133 146 150 163 153 168 1853 1613 87% 1225 m Dispensary LM 2

8934030 Nangina Cath. interp. 187 170 184 159 150 135 138 151 158 174 162 176 1944 1420 73% 1219 m Mission LM 3

8934111 Angorai Chief's interp. 180 163 179 157 149 129 134 148 152 166 155 170 1883 1354 72% 1501 m C. LM 3

8933026 Port Bunyala L. interp. 197 181 195 163 151 141 142 157 165 186 171 184 2033 946 47% 1250 m Vict. Cath. M. LM 4

1 Type of equation: calculated by formula of Penman & McCulloch with albedo for green grass 0.2; interp. = interpolated from neighbouring stations, considering altitude and rainfall difference. AEZ = 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 2) legumes growing period temp. in mm 4) in °C 1st Middle 1st rainy Middle Total rainy rains season 3) rains season & 2nd & 2nd 2) r. s. r. s. in mm in mm in days in days in days LM 1 Lower p or two 1800-2000 800-900 650-800 215 or more 130-150 345-365 Midland Sugar 1200-1440 22.2-21.0 Cane Zone l^m i 1650-200 750-900 550-750 195 or more 120-130 315-325 l^(m/s)i 1550-1800 650-800 480-650 190 or more 110-120 300-310 LM 2 Marginal l/m^(m/s)i 1200-1350 22.3-21.4 1450-1650 650-700 550-580 180 or more 105-120 285-300 Sugar Cane Zone l/m^(s/m) 1420-1450 600-650 460-480 170 or more 105-115 275-285 m/l^(s) 1200-1420 500-650 400-460 155-175 85-104 240-270 LM 3 Lower Midland m^(s or s/vs) 1140-1500 22.7-21.0 1200-1450 530-650 300-550 150-170 80-90 230-260 Cotton Zone m+(vs/s) 1100-1200 480-530 200-300 1350-155 55-80 LM 4 Marginal < 400- (m/s)+(vu) 1135-1200 22.7-22.3 900-110 100-220 115-135 <55 Cotton Zone 480

1) If less than the potential, suited elevations towards the limits are lacking in the zone here. 2) Amounts surpassed normally in 10 of 15 years, falling during the agro-humid period which allows growing of most cultivated plants. 3) More if growing cycle of cultivated plants continues into the period of second rainy season. 4) Only added if rainfall continues at least for survival (>0.25 PET) of certain long term crops, and this time is included. BUSIA COUNTY 8 BUSIA COUNTY 9

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES

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 variable p or two cropping seasons.

Potential see Butere-Mumias District because main area is there.

LM 1 = Lower Midland Sugar Cane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one and l^m i intermediate rains

Very good yield potential (av. > 80%) of the optimum) 1 1st rainy season, start norm. F. but reliable end of March: Early & med. mat. sorghum; m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha, Shaba, H 893 or 894; m. mat. soya beans like Hill; sweet potatoes, yam beans

Good yield potential (av. 60 -80%) of the optimum) 1 1st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 622, 623 or 625 - 29 (60-70%)², late mat. sorghum like E 1291 (for stock fed), finger millet; rice; m. mat beans like Cuarentino, pigeon peas (March-F.); yellow yams (F.-O./N.); sweet pepper, kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, cabbage, chillies, egg plants (to 2nd rainy season), pumpkins 2nd rainy season, start undistinctly end of Aug.: Maize H 513 & 515, m. mat. sorghum; e. mat. beans, cowpeas, sweet potatoes; m .mat. soya beans, e. mat. sunflower like HS 345; kales, Chinese cabbage, spinach, onions Whole year: Sugar cane, bananas (nematodes danger)³, tea in upper places (70-80%, but medium to low quality), Robusta coffee³, avocadoes, late mat. cassava BUSIA COUNTY 10

Fair yield potential (av. 40-60% of the optimum) 1 1st rainy season: Cotton (med. quality) 2nd rainy season: Maize H 623, finger millet; late mat. groundnuts like Mwitunde (in light soils) and late mat. bambarra groundnuts (in light soils, and even in poor ones); cabbage Whole year: Mangoes4, taro, citrus 4

Pasture and forage About 0.5 ha/LU on sec. pasture where originally there has been a moist submontane forest; down to 0.1 ha/LU feeding Napier (Bana) grass, banana leaves and Siratro (start of planting middle - end of Feb.: fair yields, start beginning - end of March: good yields).

LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a (weak) medium to short one l^(m/s) i and intermediate rains

Very good yield potential 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, e. mat. cassava Whole year: Pawpaws

Good yield potential 1st rainy season: M. mat. maize H 623², late mat. sorghum like E 1291 (stock fed), finger millet; m. mat beans5 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 Rosecoco (GLP 2), green grams; onions, kales, tomatoes Whole year: Bananas (nematodes danger)³, 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 513 & 515; pigeon peas (Sep.-July), cowpeas, m. mat. groundnuts like Serere 116; sweet potatoes; simsim; cabbages; cotton (July - Feb.)6; e. mat. sunflower like HS 345 Whole year: Sugar cane (on less suitable soils 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 (Bana) grass and banana leaves. Siratro and Desmodium for soil and pasture improvement, Leucaena additionally

LM 2 = Marginal Sugar Cane Zone with a long toi medium cropping season followed by a (weak) short to l^(m/s) i medium one and intermediate rains

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 sugar cane (also on good soils) only marginal. Ratooning or late mat. sorghum from 1st to 2nd rainy season good. Stocking rates ~10% less

LM 3 = Lower Midland Cotton Zone LM 3 = Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short m/l^(s) one and intermediate rains Potential similar to the next subzone but a little bit better. BUSIA COUNTY 11

LM 3 = Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium cropping season followed by a (weak) short or short to m^(s or very short one s/vs) (See Diagram Nagina)

Good yield potential 1st rainy season, start norm. begin. of March: M. mat. maize like H 511, 513 or 515 (~60%), e. mat. Sorghum like Serena (70-80%), e. mat. millets; m. mat. beans, green grams, cowpeas, groundnuts (in light soils); simsim7; sweet potatoes; cotton, e. mat. soya beans like Hawk, m. mat. sunflower like Kenya Fedha or Shaba; chick peas (on heavy black soils), dwarf castor8; tomatoes, onions, muskmelons. 2nd rainy season, start norm. e. of Aug.: Simsim, green grams, tomatoes Whole year, best pl. time March: Cassava (~60%), sisal Near swamps with water regulation resp. add. irrigation: rice, bananas (on dams), Chinese cabbage (on ridges) and other vegetables.

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: M. mat. maize like H 623, finger millet (50-60%); pigeon peas (March-F.), tobacco (on sandy soils, higher places); yams beans 2nd rainy season: E. mat. maize like PH 1 or PH 4, early mat. proso millet (O.-N.), ratoon of sorghum, dwarf sorghum, e. mat. bulrush millet (bird rejecting awned var. best); Katheka beans, e. mat. bambarra groundnuts (in light soils, also in poor ones); sweet potatoes in swampy places; cotton (July-F., ~40%)6 Whole year: Pawpaws, mangoes, citrus, pineapples

Poor yield potential (av. 20 - 40 % of the optimum)1 2nd rainy season: Medium mat. maize BUSIA COUNTY 12

Pasture and forage 0.7-1.0 ha/LU on mixed savanna withstar grass (Cynodon dactylon); down to about 0.18 ha/ LU feeding Napier grass, Bana; Desmodium or Stylosanthes for fodder resp. soil improvement, Leucaena additionally

LM 3 = Lower Midland Cotton Zone with a medium and a (weak) very short to short cropping season m + (vs/s)

Good yield potential 1st rainy season like LM 3 m^(s/vs) except cotton, maize H 511, 513 & 515, m. mat. sorghum (60-70%) Whole year: Sisal

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: Maize H 623 (40-50%), finger millet; pigeon peas (March-F.) 2nd rainy season, start norm. Sept.: V.e. mat. foxtail millet, dwarf sorghum (~40%); green grams, simsim; sweet potatoes near water Whole year: Cassava

Pasture and forage 0.9-1.2 ha/LU, ~ 0.25 ha/LU feeding Bana grass and Stylosanthes, some Leucaena

LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zone LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zone with a (weak) medium to short cropping season and a very uncertain weak (m/s) + second rainy season (vu) Good yield potential 1st rainy season, start norm. mid March: E. mat. sorghum like Serena (~60%), e.mat. foxtail or proso millet (60-70%); e. mat. beans like Katheka (~60%), green grams, cowpeas, chick peas (on heavy black soils); e. mat. sunflower, simsim Whole year: Sisal Near swamps: like LM 3

Fair yield potential 1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like PH 1 or PH 4 (40-50%), e. mat. bulrush millet; grain amaranth; pigeon peas (~40%); e. mat. sunflower, soya beans (40-50%), e. mat. groundnuts and e. mat. bambarra groundnuts (both in light soils); tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes near water Whole year: Cassava, mangoes

Poor yield potential 1st rainy season: Cotton, m. mat. maize 2nd rainy season: Simsim

Pasture and forage 1-2 ha/LU; Leucaena, Saltbush(Atriplex nummularia) and other palatable shrubs to plant in order to improve fodder situation during dry season.

______1 All these percentages are climatical, assumed that the place has suitable soil and is well fertilized and manured. 2 Spreaded planting dates are advised in order to minimize the risk of wilting during dry spells in February and stress by early stopping of rains end of June, the time of maximum water need when early planted. Other suitable varieties see crop list. 3 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. 4 Danger of Fungus disease 5 Should be intercropped with maize because of higher yields and minimizing occasionally hail storm damage. 6 Although nearly marginal, cotton is mainly planted in 2nd rainy season because of more labour availability. It can be interplanted in maize already during July. 7 Planting towards the end of the long rainy season. 8 Good for rotation because of its resistance against Striga and nematodes BUSIA COUNTY 13 BUSIA COUNTY 14

SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS

The districts are characterized by undulating terrain with higher lands intersected by numerous valleys. The main river is the Sio which drains into Lake Victoria. Rock exposures are common between Bunyala and Sio and consist of Precambrian gneisses and granites. The majority of the soils are moderately deep (soil depth 50-80 cm to murram or parent materials) and have a low fertility.

Soils on the hills are shallow (units HG and Hl 1). They are generally rocky and/or stony. Soils of the uplands (units UmG, Ul) have a low natural fertility, in most of both districts they are moderately deep. On the uplands, soils of unit UmG 1 also occur with a little higher natural fertility than soils of the unit UmG 2. The topsoils of these units vary, but in general they are darker in the higher areas because of a higher humus content.

In the flood plains soils of unit BXC and VXC occur, complexes of agriculturally unsuitable and suitable soils. They may additionally include soils which show great differences in texture and fertility depending on depth.

Very dark cracking clay soils occur in the neighbouring plains around the Yala swamp (unit SA 2). In the swamp, soils tend to have a very high (unit AA 1) to moderately high organic matter content; sandy soils, having developed on beach ridges, occur along the Lake (ZA 1). All these soils are agriculturally difficult.

LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP OF BUSIA DISTRICTS

1 Explanation of first character physiography( )

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)

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

U Uplands 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)

P Plains Pn Non-Dissected Erosional Plains (very gently undulating to undulating; slopes between 0 and 8%; various altitudes; seasonally flooded or ponded)

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)

S Swamps (almost flat; slopes between 0 and 2%; various altitudes; permanently waterlogged if not reclaimed) BUSIA COUNTY 15

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; various altitudes)

Z Lake-side Beach Ridges (very gently undulating; slopes between 2 and 5%; altitude approximately 1200 m; along Lake Victoria)

2 Explanation of second character (lithology):

A Recent Alluvial Sediments from various sources D Mudstones and Claystones G Granites and Granodiorites B Intermediate Igneous Rocks (andesites, phonolites, syenites, etc.) S Sandstones, Grits and Arkoses X Undifferentiated or various Rocks

3 Soil descriptions

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

HI1 Somewhat excessively drained, very shallow to shallow, yellowish red to dark reddish brown, stony and rocky, gravely clay loam to sandy clay; in places moderately deep: LITHOSOLS, stony phase, with dystric REGOSOLS and CAMBISOLS, lithic, stony and rocky phases

FG 2 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown, friable sandy clay; in many places with an acidic humic topsoil, rocky and/or stony: Dystric and humic CAMBISOLS, stony and rocky phases

FI 2 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark red to dark yellowish brown, friable, gravely clay loam to clay; in places stony and rocky; in places over petroplinthite: Ferralic CAMBISOLS, lithic or petroferric phase, partly stony phase and LITHOSOLS; with Rock outcrops

UmG 1 Well drained, deep, reddish brown, friable, gravely sandy clay to clay, with an acid humic topsoil: Humic ACRISOLS, with humic CAMBISOLS

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

UmG 6 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown, friable sandy clay: Orthic ACRISOLS BUSIA COUNTY 16

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 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

UlGA 1 Association of: well drained, deep to very deep, dark yellowish brown to strong brown, friable clay loam to clay; in places with an acidic humic top soil; in places stony; on straight side slopes (50%): Orthic ACRISOLS, with humic ACRISOLS, partly stony phases and: Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark yellowish brown to brown, friable sandy clay loam; over petroplinthite; in places excessively drained and sandy; on interfluves, convex slopes and near fringes to bottomlands (50%): (Ferralo-)orthic ACRISOLS, petroferric phase, with ferralic ARENOSOLS

UlI 1 Well drained, deep, red to dark red, friable clay; in places (mainly on interfluves) shallow to moderately deep over petroplinthite: Chromic ACRISOLS, partly petroferric phase

UlIA Association of: Well drained, deep, strong brown to dark brown, friable clay; on side slopes (50%): Orthic ACRISOLS and: Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, yellowish red to dark redish brown, friable, gravely sandy clay to clay; over petroplinthite; in places stony or rocky; on interfluves (50%): Orthic ACRISOLS and dystric and ferralic CAMBISOLS, petroferric and partly stony phases; with Rock Outcrops

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

UlSA Association of: Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red, friable sandy clay loam to clay; over petroplinthite; on interfluves (60%): Orthic ACRISOLS with dystric CAMBISOLS, petroferric phases and: Imperfectly drained, moderately deep, dark yellowish brown to reddish brown, mottled, friable sandy clay; over petroplinthite; in places shallow; on slopes and fringes to bottomlands (40%): Gleyic ACRISOLS and dystric GLEYSOLS BUSIA COUNTY 17

PnG 1 Imperfectly drained, deep to very deep, dark brown to dark greyish brown, mottled, friable to firm clay: Gleyic ACRISOLS and dystric GLEYSOLS

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

AA 2 Imperfectly to poorly drained, deep, greyish brown to very dark grey, mottled, very firm, saline and sodic, cracking clay; in river backswamps: Pellic VERTISOLS and vertic GLEYSOLS, saline and sodic phases

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

SA 2 Very poorly drained, very deep, dark grey to black, half ripe clay, with an acidic humic or dystric histic topsoil; in many places peaty: Humic GLEYSOLS and dystric HISTOSOLS

SAC 1 Complex of: 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: Eutric GLEYSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS, partly saline-sodic phase and: Very poorly drained, deep, dark grey to black, half ripe clay, with a humic or histic topsoil; in many places peaty: Mollic GLEYSOLS 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 consistence and fine textures (in valley bottoms)

ZA 1 Well drained, very deep, brown to dark yellowish brown, loose, sand to loamy sand, with inclusions of imperfectly drained, greyish brown, friable to firm sandy loam to sandy clay of varying salinity and sodicity: Cambic ARENOSOLS, with gleyic SOLONCHAKS, partly sodic phase. BUSIA COUNTY 18

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.

3.2.2 POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Western Province

3.2.3 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Western Province BUSIA COUNTY 19

3.2.4 FARM SURVEY

The Farm Survey (FS 2004) was carried out in eight sites covering the AEZs (LM 1 – 4) with different Subzones (Table 14). The size of the farms included in the survey ranged between 1 ha and 9 ha. This can be compared to the overall farm size in Busia and Teso districts of 1.6 ha and 1.3 ha (Table V), respectively. The reduced proportion of pasture and fallow land (< 30%) indicates that land is increasingly becoming scarce in these districts. The first Farm Survey 1977 recorded still averages of 7.3 ha in LM 1 and 4.7 ha in LM 2 & 3 per farm.

The stocking rate of 0.8 – 5.1 LU/ha reflects the high rainfall in these districts. Only between 5-10% of the cattle are improved dairy stocks. Sheep and goats play a less important role among the grazing livestock units (Table 15). The farmers grow a variety of crops in any one given season and use comparatively minimal amounts of crop management inputs (Table 15). Maize growing dominates the farming enterprise (Table 16). It is usually intercropped with a legume (e.g. beans, cowpeas and soyabeans). The low maize yields reported in these districts, i.e. less than 1 t/ha in a season, are a reflection of insufficient usage of manure and different fertilisers to improve the nutrient-depleted soils. In 1977 the average maize yields were 3.8 t/ha in

LM 1 and 2.5 t/ha in LM 2-3 with inputs of 2 kg N/ha and 15 resp. 8 kg P2O5 /ha. In 2004 10 kg N/ha and 5 kg P2O5 /ha were given and the result is about a third only! Nitrogen is just pushing the growth, high yields need many macro- and micronutrients plus insecticides. Farmers must go into ways of recycling the nutrients, and they need small credits to buy additional fertilisers and insecticides. Only the farmers with high inputs incl. 5 t of manure/ha (Table 17) get almost the same yields as in 1977 which means sustainability. The soils of the Lower Midlands (LM) are not fertile, but by selecting suitable crops, which demand fewer nutrients like sweet potatoes, cassava, Napier grass, etc., high and reliable yields can be achieved here as well, which would go a long way to ensure food security. Infact, the growing of cassava should be encouraged as an insurance against food insecurity at the household level. There is great potential in the two districts for increased food production if farmers are correctly advised to increase the application of fertilizers on the farms.

TABLE 14: FARM SURVEY SITES IN BUSIA DISTRICTS

Agro-Ecological Unit District No. in Farm Survey Sites Kenya AEZone Subzone Soil Unit 1 LM 1 l^m i UlS 1 Busia Township Division, Mayenje Sub-location

2 LM 2 l^(m/s) i UlSA Matayos Division, Esikulu Sub-location BUSIA 3 LM 3 m^(s/vs) UlI 1 Funyula Division, Bukiri Sub-location

4 LM 4 (m/s) + (vu) SA 2 Budalangi Division, Bulemi Sub-location

5 LM 1 l^m i BXC Amukura Division, Akobwait Sub-location

6 LM 2 l^(m/s) i UlG 3 Amukura Division, Amukura Sub-location TESO 7 LM 3 m/l^(s) PnG 1 Amagoro Division, Kamolo Sub-location

8 LM 3 m/l^(s) UmG 2 Angurai Division, Katelepai Sub-location

Tables 15 a - h: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Western Province Tables 16 a - h: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Western Province BUSIA COUNTY 20

3.2.5 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 profitability in the Farm Management Guidelines of each district and in the KARI Fertiliser Use Manual.

In terms of aerial expanse, the dominant Zones are LM 1, LM 2 and LM 3 but towards the Lake Victoria the poorer Zone LM 4 has been considered too. An additional important reference material is “Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-employment”. First published in 1997 by Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC) & Marketing Support Services Ltd, Nairobi.

BUSIA DISTRICT

Subzone LM 1 l^m i of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone

This is theLower Midland Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one and intermediate rains as typified by Mayenje Sub-Location in Busia district. It is dominated by soils of lower-level uplands. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to very deep (in places shallow over petroplinthite) and of low fertility because of low content of nutrients (orthic Acrisols with orthic Ferralsols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, but it is almost always raining. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 900 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season 500 – 700 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing period during the 1st and 2nd seasons is > 200 and approximately 165 days, respectively.

The zone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the most dominant food crop, but yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil infertility related problems. Maybe sweet potatoes planted on ridges in the valley bottoms can help to avert hunger! Apart from maize, sorghum and finger millet are important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crops in order of importance include: beans, groundnuts, simsim, cowpeas and of late soybeans. It should be pointed out here that cowpeas are more susceptible to pest infestation and as such require high inputs of insecticides, which unfortunately are beyond the reach of a majority of smallholder farmers. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas, pawpaws, and to some extent oranges. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material (which take only 18 months to give 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 nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sugar cane, sunflower and cotton. The proposed Busia Sugar Factory has encouraged many smallholder farmers to grow more sugar cane at the expense of food crops which may cause a critical problem if marketing opportunities are not conducive to the farmers.

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: compost manure and the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the bio-degradation of compost. If the above listed conservation measures are well implemented, the sustainability of land and eventually the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in this Subzone will significantly improve. Attempts should be made to explore the possibility of applying treated sewage on crop fields to replenish soil fertility. The present yield increase at three levels of inputs and the yield potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown inTable 17a. BUSIA COUNTY 21

TABLE 17a: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) OF ZONE LM 1, l^m i, Ul S 1

Subzone: l^m i, Soil Unit: UlS 1 Survey Area 01 (Mayenje) AEZ: LM 1 SUGARCANE ZONE Sub-zone (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season: 200 or more; 2nd r. s.approx. 165) Crop Yields3) : l^m i and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil:UlS 1= orthic ACRISOLS with orthic FERRALSOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season : 2nd rainy season: 500 – 700 mm in 900 - 1000 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 600 2079 2340 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - 17.0 17.3

P2O5 kg/ha - - - K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 1.0 5.4 18.6 Hybrid Maize Yields3) kg/ha - ca. 3000 5727 7000 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 17.3 42.5

P2O5 kg/ha - - K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 13.6 18.6

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha * 550 1631 1671 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 4.3 5.4

P2O5 kg/ha 0 4.3 5.7 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0.5 1.4 5.8

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 1154 1277 1481 4000 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 0 27 33

P2O5 kg/ha 0 27 35 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 0.9 3.6

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 BUSIA COUNTY 22

Subzone LM 2 l^(m/s) i of the Lower Midland 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 Esikulu Sub-Location in Busia district. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. 60% of the soils are well drained, moderately deep to very deep with a low content of nutrients (orthic Acrisols); 40% are imperfectly drained (gleyic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is fairly high, and hence the reliability is low, but still not bad. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 800 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season 500 – 700 mm. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is more than 180 and 115 –140 days, respectively.

Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, followed by sorghum, finger millet and cassava. The dominant legume crop is common bean. The dominant fruit crops are: bananas and water melons. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material. 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 indigenous vegetables and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sunflower, tobacco and cotton. Due to the poor income returns from these crops, their acreage has declined. As the conditions for sugarcane are marginal and marketing strategies poor, it is not important in this Subzone.

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone includes: inorganic and organic fertilisers. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganism (EM) technology, which enhances the bio-degradation of compost. If the above listed measures are well practiced and more recycling of nutrients is attempted, the soil fertility status would be greatly enhanced.

The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this subzone is shown in Table 17b. BUSIA COUNTY 23

TABLE 17b: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 2 l^(m/s) i, UlSA 1

Subzone: l^(m/s) i, Soil Unit: UlSA 1 Survey Area 02 (Esikulu) AEZ: LM 2 MARGINAL SUGARCANE ZONE 2) st nd 3) Sub-zone: l^(m/s) i (Periods in days : 1 rainy season > 180; 2 rainy season 115-140) Crop Yields Unit with predom. Soil: UlSA 1= association of orthic ACRISOLS with dystric CAMBISOLS and gleyic and Inputs ACRISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 2nd rainy season: 500 – 700 mm in 800 - 1000 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 - 3584 - 6000 - 2190 - Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 26 8.0

P2O5 kg/ha 26 9.3 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 3.6 4.4

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 Hybrid Yields3) kg/ha - 826 1225 4000 - 424 559 maize not Fertiliser7): suited in N kg/ha 6.0 14 5.0 15 the 2nd

P2O5 kg/ha 9.0 16 7.0 17 rains here K2O kg/ha - - - - Manure t/ha 2.6 7.7 2.0 7.9

Subzone LM 3 m/l^(s or s/sv) of the Lower Midland Cotton Zone

This is the Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short to very short one as typified by Bukiri Sub-location in Busia district. It is dominated by soils on lower-level uplands. The soils are well drained to moderately well drained, deep to shallow of varying but mainly low fertility (chromic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is moderate in the first season and high in the second, and hence the reliability is low then. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of between 430 – 700 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season 200 – 350 mm. The 60% reliability of growing period during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 145 – 155 and 75 – 85 days, respectively.

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 of decreasing soil fertility. Apart from maize, sorghum, finger millet, sweet potatoes and protein deficient cassava constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crop is common beans. The dominant fruit crop is the cooking bananas type. Banana production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture banana seedling materials (which take only 18 months to bring 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 nearby market centres. More vegetables, particularly the indegenous types and fruits are possible (see crop list). The current cash crops grown in this Subzone include: sunflower, tobacco and cotton. Very little or no fertiliser is allocated to the food crop farmlands. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 17c. BUSIA COUNTY 25

TABLE 17c: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 3 m/l^(s or s/vs), UlI 1

Subzone: m/l^(s or s/vs), Soil Unit: UlI 1 Survey Area 03 (Bukiri) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE Sub-zone: m/l^(s or s/vs) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 145-155 or >; 2nd rainy season 75 - 85) Crop Yields3) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: UlI 1 = chromic ACRISOLS, partly petro-ferric phase Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 2nd rainy season: 200 - 350 mm in 430 - 700 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 - 2700 5500 - 2100 4818 5000 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 14 0 40

P2O5 kg/ha - - - K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 7.2 4.1 18.0 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 1423 1494 1733 3500 1395 1710 1733 3500 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 1 2 3 1 3 6

P2O5 kg/ha 0 0 31 0 0 16.3 K2O kg/ha ------Manure t/ha 0.2 0.5 0.6 0.1 0.6 0.9

Subzone LM 4 (m/s) + (vu) of the Lower Midland Marginal Cotton Zone

This is the Marginal Cotton Zone with a (weak) medium to short cropping season and a very uncertain (weak) second one, as typified by Bulemi Sub-Location in Busia district. The higher western parts are dominated by soils on lower middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep, but of low fertility, partly due to their salinity (ferralo-orthic Acrisols). The lower parts have mainly swampy soils (humic Gleysols) with a potential for swamp rice. The rainfall variability in this Subzone is high, and hence the reliability is low. The first rainy season can rely only on an amount of 350 – 450 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season from less than 150 to 200 mm only. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the st1 and 2nd seasons is 115-135 and less than 45 days, respectively. Nevertheless farmers are able to get an average yield not too bad in the second rainy season, although the reliability of the growing period is low, but there are many small rains before and after it under which the local maize race has adapted through many generations and local sorghum too.

This Subzone is really marginal for most of the crops. Even though maize is still the current most dominant food crop, the yields per hectare are dismally very low due to the vagaries of weather and by the mere fact that almost no fertiliser inputs are applied during planting. This can be explained simply in terms of the high poverty levels prevalent in the area. The occasional flooding in the area has also made most farmers to become dependant on food aid, thus becoming less interested in farming activities. Apart from maize, sorghum, proso millet, simsim and cassava constitute important components of the food diet. Cotton that used to be the main cash crop in this Subzone has diminished considerably due to poor market prices. There are, however, market incentives in place at the moment that could see the growing of cotton revamped.

There is an urgent need to promote soil fertility replenishment efforts in this Subzone if any meaningful crop production is to be achieved. Such efforts could concentrate on the use of organic fertilisers using locally available resources. The low nitrogen content can already be enriched by common beans legume as higher yields of intercropped maize show (Table 17d). Other severe problems responsible for low yields are nematodes and Striga. An indication of the present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the Acrisols in this Subzone is given in Table 17d. BUSIA COUNTY 27

TABLE 17d: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 4 (m/s) + vu, SA 2 & UlIA

Subzone: (m/s) + vu, Soil Unit: SA 2 & UlIA Survey Area 04(Bulemia) AEZ: LM 4 MARGINAL COTTON ZONE 2) st nd Crop Yields3) Sub-zone: (m/s) + vu (Periods in days : 1 rainy season: 115 - 135; 2 rainy season 45 or less) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: SA 2= humic GLEYSOLS and ferro-orthic ACRISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 350 - 450 mm 2nd rainy season: 150 - 200 mm in in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 Second Fertiliser7): rainy N kg/ha season inadequate P2O5 kg/ha for maize K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha here

Hybrid Maize Second Yields3) kg/ha - - - 2600 - - - rainy Fertiliser7): season N kg/ha inadequate P O kg/ha 2 5 for maize K O kg/ha 2 here Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped Second with beans rainy Yields3) kg/ha 1045 1317 1349 * - - - season Fertiliser7): inadequate N kg/ha 0 0 0 for maize P O kg/ha 0 0 0 2 5 here K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0 0 0.3

Maize hybrid intercropped Second with beans rainy Yields3) kg/ha - - - 2500 - - - season Fertiliser7): inadequate N kg/ha for maize P O kg/ha 2 5 here K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha

TESO DISTRICT

Subzone LM 1 l^m i of the Lower Midland Sugarcane Zone

This is theSugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a medium one and intermediate rains as typified by Akobwait Sub-Location in Teso district. Here it is dominated by the difficult soils on bottomlands. The soils are a complex of imperfectly drained to poorly drained ones and a few higher places (dystric Planosols; with pellic Vertisols, vertic and humic Gleysols and plinthic Acrisols).People need the bordering upland soils too. The rainfall is high and the variability in this Subzone is moderate, and hence the reliability is not a problem. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 900 – 1000 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season on 500 – 700 mm. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is more than 190 and 140 –165 days, respectively.

The zone is climatically well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize is still the most dominant food crop, but yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil fertility decline and continuing exhaustion. Together with the diminished land availability per head, there is a growing danger of shortage if the yields are not increased. Apart from maize, other important components of the food diet are cassava, sorghum and finger millets. Cassava is considered here as an important food security crop. Cassava has recently overtaken maize in importance. Infact homesteads without any cassava crop are considered to belong to the poor wealth ranked class. For oil seed, simsim is planted. The legume crops consist of beans and pigeon peas. It should be pointed out here that cowpeas are more susceptible to pest infestation and as such require high inputs of insecticides, which unfortunately are beyond the reach of a majority of smallholder farmers. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas and to small extent oranges. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material (which take only 18 months to bring first fruits). This would greatly improved the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sugarcane and tobacco. The proposed Busia Sugar Factory has encouraged many smallholder farmers to grow more sugar cane at the expense of food crops.

The dominant soil conservation structure at the higher parts is Fanya juu, which is usually fortified with Napier grass. Besides serving as an erosion control measure, it serves as fodder for animals, since many farmers do practice zero grazing in this Subzone. Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: Compost, manure and the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the bio-degradation of compost. If the above listed conservation measures are well implemented, the sustainability of land and eventually the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers in this Subzone will significantly improve. The lower parts need drainage and ridging to become an arable outlet for the pressure on cropland. Chick peas would grow on the vertisols, and sweet potatoes on the ridges. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 17e. BUSIA COUNTY 29

TABLE 17e: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 1 l^m i, BXC & UlS 1

Subzone: l^m i, Soil Unit: BXC & UlS 1 Survey Area 05 (Amukura) AEZ: LM 3 SUGARCANE ZONE

2) st nd Crop Yields3) Subzone: l^m i (Periods in days : 1 rainy season >190, 2 rainy season 140-165 days) and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: BXC = dystric PLANOSOLS & UlS 1 = bordering orthic ACRISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season: 900 - 1000 mm 2nd rainy season: 500 - 700 mm in in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 1427 1474 * - 924 1370 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 2.4 5 8.2 16

P2O5 kg/ha 3.2 5 10.8 16 K2O kg/ha - - - - Manure t/ha 1.2 1.2 3.8 4.1 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 - 3094 3414 * - - 4114 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 19 20 14

P2O5 kg/ha 17 20 16 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 2.4 2.9 12

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans - - - 4200 - - - Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha 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 BUSIA COUNTY 30

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

This is the Marginal Sugarcane Zone with a long cropping season followed by a (weak) medium to short one and intermediate rains as typified by Amukura Sub-Location in Teso district. It is dominated by soils on lowerlevel uplands. The soils are well drained, moderately deep to very deep and of low fertility (orthic Ferralsols and orthic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is fairly high, and hence the reliability is low a bit but still not bad. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 700 – 950 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season 400 – 650 mm. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is more than 180 and 115-140 days, respectively.

Maize is still the current most dominant food crop, followed by sorghum, finger millet and cassava. The dominant legume crops are common beans and pigeon peas. The dominant fruit crops are: cooking and sweet bananas. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture and grafted seedling material (which take only 18 months to bring first fruits). This would greatly improved the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. In some cases, the surplus is sold for cash in nearby market centres. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone in order of importance are: sugarcane and tobacco. Due to the poor income returns from these crops, their acreage has declined.

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone include: inorganic and organic fertilisers. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the biodegradation of compost. If the above listed conservation measures are well practiced, the soil fertility status would be greatly enhanced. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is given in Table 17f. BUSIA COUNTY 31

TABLE 17f: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 2 l^(m/s) i, UlG 3

Subzone: l^(m/s) i, Soil Unit: UlG 3 Survey Area 06 (Akobwait) AEZ: LM 2 MARGINAL SUGARCANE ZONE Subzone: l^(m/s) i (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season >180, 2nd rainy season 115-140 days) 3) Crop Yields Unit with predom. Soil: UlG 3= orthic and ferralo-orthic ACRISOLS, surrounds BXC complex of dystric and Inputs PLANOSOLS, dystric and vertic GLEYSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 700 - 950 mm 2nd rainy season: 400 - 650 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 2813 4229 6000 - - Hybrid Fertiliser7): maize not N kg/ha 25 31 suited in nd P2O5 kg/ha 25 30 the 2 K2O kg/ha - - rains here Manure t/ha 4.1 7.1 Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 1170 1224 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 25 28

P2O5 kg/ha 25 27 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 4.1 6.3

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Hybrid Yields3) kg/ha - 2145 3405 4000 - maize not Fertiliser7): suited in N kg/ha 17 19 the 2nd

P2O5 kg/ha 17 18 rains here K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 2.7 4.3

Subzone LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Lower Midland Cotton Zone, Soil Unit PnG 1

This is the Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short one as typified by Kamolo Sub-Location in Teso district. It is dominated by soils on non dissected erosional plains. The soils are a complex of imperfectly drained to poorly drained clays of low fertility (gleyic Acrisols and dystric Gleysols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is moderate in the first season and higher in the second one, and hence their reliability is lower. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 500 – 800 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season on 230 – 400 mm. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 155 - 175 and 85 - 105 days, respectively.

The Subzone is well suited for the production of a variety of crops. Maize has been the most dominant food crop, but yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil fertility related problems. Cassava has now become the most important food and cash crop. Apart from maize, finger millet, sweet potatoes and a lot of cassava constitute important components of the food diet. The dominant legume crops include common beans, cowpeas, groundnuts green grams and pigeon peas, which are usually grown on higher ground. The dominant fruit crop is the cooking banana type that is grown in valley bottoms. Banana production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture banana seedling material (which takes only 18 months to mature fruits). This would greatly improve the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Vegetable production in this Agro-Ecological Unit of the Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption but it could be more varied and increased. There is great potential for indegenous vegetables in this zone too. The current cash crops grown in this Subzone include: sunflower, tobacco and cotton. However, the returns from cotton and sunflower are very minimal because of poor marketing outlets; their area is decreasing while that of tobacco is increasing.

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone are mainly through the use of crop residues. Very little or no fertiliser is applied to the food crop fields. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the bio-degradation of compost and crop residues. If the above listed measures together with more manuring are well practiced, the soil fertility status would be greatly enhanced. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 17g. BUSIA COUNTY 33

TABLE 17g: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 3 m/l^(s), UmG 2

Subzone: m/l^(s), Soil Unit: UmG 2 Survey Area 07 (Kamolo) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE 2) st nd 3) Subzone: m/l^(s) (Periods in days : 1 rainy season 1558-175,2 rainy season 85-105 days) Crop Yields Unit with predom. Soil: UmG 2= ferralo - orthic ACRISOLS and Inputs Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 500 - 800 mm 2nd rainy season: 230 - 400 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 - - - 4300 - Hybrid Fertiliser7): maize not N kg/ha suited in nd P2O5 kg/ha the 2 K2O kg/ha rains here Manure t/ha

Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 878 1557 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 5.0 10.1

P2O5 kg/ha 10.0 14.6 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 0.8 1.1

Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Hybrid Yields3) kg/ha - 1898 2520 3200 - maize not Fertiliser7): suited in N kg/ha 39 40 the 2nd

P2O5 kg/ha 5.7 10 rains here K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 0.4 0.8

Subzone LM 3 m/l^(s) of the Lower Midland Cotton Zone, Soil Unit UmG 2

This is the Cotton Zone with a medium to long cropping season followed by a (weak) short one as typified by Katalepai Sub-Location in Teso district. It is dominated by soils on middle-level uplands. The soils are well drained, deep to very deep and of moderate to low fertility (ferralo-orthic Acrisols). The rainfall variability in this Subzone is moderate in the first rainy season and higher in the second one, and hence their reliability is lower. The first rainy season can rely on an amount of at least 500 – 800 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons; the second rainy season only on 230 – 400 mm. The 60% reliability of growing periods during the st1 and 2nd seasons is 155 – 175 and 85 – 105 days, respectively.

Although it receives less rainfall than zones 1 and 2, this Subzone is still well suited for the production of a variety of crops. The cotton area has decreased considerably due to low cash returns to the farmers, tobacco is increasing instead. Maize is the most dominant food crop, but the average yields per hectare have considerably declined due to soil exhaustion and fertility related problems from 2500 kg/ha to 1800 kg/ ha in spite of higher inputs of N and K , but other nutrients are almost finished. Apart from maize, cassava is increasingly becoming an important component of the food diet because it still gives some amount of yield on degraded soils; finger millet is still important as a staple food and sweet potatoes are becoming important. The dominant legume crops include common beans, cowpeas, groundnuts, green grams, pigeon peas and soybeans, which are usually grown on higher ground. The dominant fruit crops are citrus, mangoes and cooking banana that is grown in valley bottoms. Fruit production in this Subzone could be improved through the use of improved tissue culture seedling materials which take only 18 months to bring first fruits. This would greatly raise the quality of the produce and hence fetch more cash income for the farmers. Also the planted area of only 2% of the crop land could be increased. Vegetable production in this Subzone is limited to the growing of kales, cabbages, tomatoes and onions, mainly for home consumption. There is great potential for the cultivation of indigenous vegetables.

Soil fertility improvement measures being practiced in this Subzone are mainly through the use of crop residues. Very little or no fertiliser is applied to the food crop fields. There is need to promote the use of effective microoganisms (EM) technology, which enhances the bio-degradation of crop residues and compost. If the above listed measures and manuring are well practiced, the soil fertility status would be greatly enhanced. The present yield increase under three levels of inputs and the potential on the predominant soil of this Subzone is shown in Table 17h. BUSIA COUNTY 35

TABLE 17h: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LM 3 m/l^(s), PnG 1

Subzone: m/l^(s), Soil Unit: PnG 1 Survey Area 08 (Katalepai) AEZ: LM 3 COTTON ZONE Subzone: m/l^(s) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 155 - 175, 2nd rainy season 85-105 days) Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: PnG 1= gleyic ACRISOLS and dystric GLEYSOLS and Inputs Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season 500 - 800 mm 2nd rainy season: 230 - 400 mm in at least 10 out of 15 years 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 Hybrid Fertiliser7): maize not N kg/ha suited in nd P2O5 kg/ha the 2 K2O kg/ha rains here Manure t/ha Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 919 1453 * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 13 24

P2O5 kg/ha 25 30 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 0.1 0.2 Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Hybrid Yields3) kg/ha 1806 1808 1827 3600 maize not Fertiliser7): suited in N kg/ha 0 13 24 the 2nd

P2O5 kg/ha 0 25 30 rains here K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 0.1 0.1 0.2

3.2.6 FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNITS

The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ (1986 - 92) had two trial sites in the former Busia district, one at Alupe in Zone LM 1 and the other in Bukiri-Buburi in LM 3. For the other zones, subzones and units MURIUKI and QURESHI showed which results from other districts could be representative (see map of Fertiliser Recommendations and Farm Survey Areas) and made curves for fertiliser response1. The trial site at Alupe was placed in a hitherto uncultivated plot where the natural fertility was not yet depleted. Because of the unexhausted soil, the results after fertilizing and manuring were not significantly higher and it seemed not economic to apply it, and therefore KARI gave no quantified recommendations. But it was mentioned already that for depleted soils it might become necessary to apply fertiliser plus manure as the results of the Farm Survey 2004 showed.

Recommended rates of an AEU increase towards the wetter Subzone and decrease into a drier one if the soil unit extends there (see the small maps). We have tended to lower the rates due to the low financial base of the smallholder farmers. The optimum can be calculated from the curve formulas in MURIUKI & QURESHI Fertiliser Use Manual, KARI, Nairobi 2001. In the long run a sustained amount must be given to maintain the nutrient content of the soil. Some quantities for this can be seen in the chapter 3.1 under the General Remarks section.

Higher recommendations are given in the Smallholder Farming Handbook of the IRACC and MSS, Nairobi 1997, but the economic investment and risk is too high for the local farmers here. A rural small credit system for the inputs 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. The empty column of the Table “Other Nutrients Recommended”does not mean that there is no application necessary. It is simple because of lacking of trial results. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies and for the methods of addressing them see Muriuki, A.W. and Qureshi, J.N. (2001), Table 1&2, p. 22-23.

Finally it must be mentioned again that fertilising alone will increase the yields only for some few years. The micronutrients that are not included in the fertiliser become exhausted with time. The application of manure to required levels is a must in order to have a stable agrobiological system with continuous production2.

______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. BUSIA COUNTY 39

TABLE 18a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 1 p or two, UlG 1 of the SUGARCANE 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 20 N + 10 P2O5 900 800 kg 500 kg of Lime/ha Local maize & beans * * 300 kg Potassium

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

Cassava 20 N + 35 P2O5 ca. 5000 * - Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil Sugarcane² Superphosphate, ca. 30000 * 4t/ha at planting, ratoons 650 CAN + 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoons

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 94,97 & 106; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 18; Sugarcane: Prov. Form Man. Officer J.Imbira; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 1 Double rates on cereals will yield almost double if climate is suitable and there are no pests and diseases; 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 BUSIA COUNTY 40 BUSIA COUNTY 41

TABLE 18b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS LM 1 l^m i, UlS 1 & UlSA of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 N + 15 P2O5 1000 800 kg Lime + Mg. + Local maize & beans * * 300 kg potassium

Hybrid maize & beans 20 P2O5 800(maize) 500 kg together Second rainy season Local maize * * 4t/ha g ca. 700 kg “ Local maize & beans * * 4t/ha g ca. 700 kg “ Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil Superphosphate, 4t/ha at planting, Sugarcane² ratoons 650 CAN + ca. 30000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoons

Sources: Conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 1; Sugarcane: Prov. Form Man. Officer J.Imbira; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.- Nairobi 1997, p. 167 1 Units with soils not significantly different. Extend into LM 2, l^(m/s) i, where the rates and yields decrease ca. 20% due to lower rainfall, esp. in the 2nd rainy season; 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 BUSIA COUNTY 42 BUSIA COUNTY 43

TABLE 18c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 1 l^m i, UlD 1 of the SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 50 N + 10 P2O5 675 ca. 900 kg Lime + Mg + Hybrid maize & beans 25 790 (maize) 3t/ha g ca. 500 kg potassium

Sorghum, medium mat. 20 P2O5 845 * together Second rainy season Hybrid maize 50 N 300 * “ Hybrid maize & beans 25 N 620 (maize) 4t/ha g ca. 700 kg “

Sorghum, m. mat. 20 P2O5 510 * “ Semi-permanent 350 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil 1 Superphosphate, 4t/ha at planting, Sugarcane ratoons 650 CAN + ca. 30000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoons

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 90 & 94; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 17; Sugarcane: Prov. Form Man. Officer J. Imbira; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 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 BUSIA COUNTY 44 BUSIA COUNTY 45

TABLE 18d: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 LM 2 l^(m/s) i, UlGA 1 with BXC 1 (mbugas) of the MARGINAL SUGARCANE ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 P2O5 600 ca. 600 kg 500 kg lime/ha Local maize & beans * - 3t/ha g ca. 350 kg Lime + Mg + g Hybrid maize & beans 50 P2O5 - 4t/ha ca. 400 kg potassium Sorghum, medium mat. 25 P2O5 650 (maize) * together Second rainy season Hybrid maize 20 P O 400 4t/ha g ca. 500 kg “ 2 5 g Local maize & beans - - 2t/ha ca. 500 kg “ Hybrid maize & beans - - * “ Sorghum, m. mat. - - * “ Semi-permanent 300 CAN + 250 Lime mixed with soil 2 Superphosphate, 4t/ha at planting, Sugarcane ratoons 600 CAN + ca. 25000 * 250 kg/ha Muriate of 400 Superphosphate Potash for 3rd ratoons

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 90 & 94; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, Area 17; Sugarcane: Prov. Form Man. Officer J. Imbira; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 167 1 A complex of peneplains and broad bottomlands (valley mbugas), recommendations are for the higher places 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 BUSIA COUNTY 46 BUSIA COUNTY 47

TABLE 18e: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 LM 3 m^(s or s/vs), UlIA & UlI 1 of the COTTON ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 P2O5 700 500 kg Lime + Mg + Local maize & beans * * * potassium

Hybrid maize & beans 50 P2O5 975 (maize) 460 kg together Sorghum, medium mat. 25 P2O5 950 * „ nd Cotton (to 2 r.s.) 25 P2O5 or 150 DSP 140 900 kg „ Second rainy season

Maize KCB 1 25 P2O5 660 ca. 400 kg “ Maize KCB & beans * * ca. 300 kg “ Biseasonal (or more)

Cassava 30 P2O5 2200 * “

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 93 & 94; FURP of GTZ and KARI: Fertiliser Use Recommendations, Vol. 9, BUSIA District, Nairobi, 1995. Trial Site Bukiri-Buburi; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.- Nairobi 1997, p. 155 1 Units with soils not significantly different * No data available BUSIA COUNTY 48 BUSIA COUNTY 49

TABLE 18f: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1 LM 2 l/m^(s/m), PnG 1 of the MARGINAL SUGARCANE AND COTTON ZONE

Hybrid maize 20 N + 10 P2O5 800 500 kg Lime + Mg + Local maize * * 3t/ha g ca. 300 kg potassium Local maize & beans * * 3t/ha g ca. 350 kg together

Hybrid maize & beans 20 N, 20 P2O5 1000 (maize) 500 kg „ Cotton (to 2nd r.s.) 150 DSP * * „ Second rainy season g Local maize & beans 10 P2O5 500 (maize) 4t/ha ca. 400 kg “ Biseasonal (or more)

Cassava 30 P2O5 2200 * “

Sources: Conclusions from Farm Survey area 7 (approximate estimates); Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 155 1 Rates and yields are for LM 2; in LM 3 they are about 10% less,in the 2nd rainy season * No data available

TABLE 18g: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT LM 3 m/l^(s), UmG2 of the MARGINAL SUGARCANE AND COTTON ZONE

Hybrid maize 25 N + 10 P2O5 850 * Lime + Mg + Local maize * * * potassium Local maize & beans - - * together Cotton (to 2nd r.s.) 150 Double Superphosphate * * „ Second rainy season Manuring is in any No fertiliser is case profitable to Due to the short and recommended increase Nitrate and nd because of the the humus content weak 2 rainy season climatic and and to increase the economic risk moisture storage capacity of the soil

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 90 & 94; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 8; Inform. Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self-Employment.-Nairobi 1997, p. 155 * No data available BUSIA COUNTY 50 BUSIA COUNTY 51

TABLE 18h: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS1) LM 4 (m/s) + (vu), UlIA with SA 2 of the MARGINAL COTTON 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

Hybrid maize 25 N + 20 P2O5 410 500 kg * Local maize & beans 25 N 325 (maize) 500 kg (m.) - Sorghum, m./e. mat. 25 N 320 400 kg - Second rainy season Manuring is in any No fertiliser is case profitable to Due to the short and weak recommended increase Nitrate and nd because of the the humus content 2 rainy season climatic and and to increase the economic risk moisture storage capacity of the soil First to second rainy seas.

Cotton 100 DSP “

Sources: Muriuku, A.W. & Qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual 2001, p. 90 & 93; conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004, area 4 1) For the rates and yields at higher located soils UlIA, see Table 19e excluding the 2nd rainy season * No data available BUSIA COUNTY 52