CEREALS JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2018 The leading journal for field crops
Maize Farming Is My Daily Ugali Safe?
January - March 2018 . Cereals Cereals . January - March 2018 January - March 2018 . Cereals TABLE OF CONTENTS Editorial
KEEP YOUR UGALI AnEmergency
We may be 30, 50, 60 harvests away from the fundamental eradication COVER STORY 4 of [soil] fertility in parts of our country. We can withstand amazing things, horrific things. Countries Enhancing can withstand wars and conflicts. But what no country Weeds : Soil Fertility can withstand is the loss of its soil and its fertility and Control therefore there is an emergency.
16 NUTRITION 22 MAIN STORY We have incentivised and encouraged a type of farming has damaged soil. If you have heavy machines churning the soil, impacting it, if you drench it in 12. Fall Armyworm chemicals, which of course were designed to ensure that yields could increase but in the process also undercut 20. Help or Hinder? the future fertility of that soil, yes you can increase yields year on year on year, but ultimately you really are cutting away the ground from underneath you. 24. Farming Under Climate Change The future of our farms, and the food on our plates, 27. Sorghum boosts incomes relies on all of us taking steps to save our soils. Restoring our soils to health should be the heart of our mission, as campaigners and farmers, for 70 years. 28. Training on Aflatoxins To turn this vision into reality, bold new measures to 30. Business or Hobby? protect and restore soil health must be at the very heart of the the current and forthcoming generation
32. Uhuru’s land policy Happy new soil healthy year
38. Billionaires, from Poor Men’s Fields’ Masila Kanyingi Editor 40. Farm safety First
Cereals EDITOR: Masila Kanyingi EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Cornelius Mueke CONTRIBUTORS: CIMMYT, Bitange Ndemo, KARLO, KEPHIS, FAO, Doris Kawira, PHOTOGRAPHER: Jairus Ndani, GRAPHICS DESIGNER: Evelyne Ndiema MARKETING: Edwin Kirwa
EDITORIAL BOARD: Thomas Kipkorir - BASF E.A Ltd, Agnes Gitonga - Sygenta E.A Ltd., Doris Kawira - Dowdupont,. Joseph Kioko - Agribase Bioscience Int. Ltd., Patrick Gachanja - Bayer East Africa, Martin Mwobobia - ETG,
ADDRESS: P.O.BOX 79396 - 00200 Nairobi. TEL: 020-2440909 • CELL 0732-558172, EMAIL: info@cereals co.ke Website: www.cereals.info.ke
2 Cereals . January - March 2018 PYRINEX QUICK ADD print.pdf 1 22/06/2017 17:17:03
INSECTICIDE Pyrinex Quick Advanced broad spectrum insecticide for pest free cereal field
C
M Unique combination
Y of two active ingredients
CM with excellent knock-down effect MY CY Good combination for CMY resistance management
K Broad spectrum (Including Armyworms in maize)
Your crop is protected for a long period due to the strong residual effect. The capsules are carried by insects and transferred to other insects in their nests
Rain Fast Controls Armyworms in Maize
Distributed by: Amiran Kenya Tel: +254 715 773 043 [email protected] www.amirankenya.com For further information please contact: Robert Wachira Tel: +254 713 463 937 [email protected] www.adama.com/east-africa
Find us on Facebook ADAMA January - March 2018East . CerealsAfrica 1 COVER STORY
For maximum yield and income, the farmer must ensure they maximise on the good practices and avoid cost cutting. Maximum recommended fertilizer, certified seeds, good land preparations and timely agricultural practices. (land prep, planting, weeding, top dressing, and Harvesting). Farmers should also ensure the storage of the produce is suitable and dried to the recommended moisture level and coated with insecticide to prevent borers from destroying the grain. This will enable them hold on to their maize until prices are suitable to dispose of their produce. Avoid selling to the middlemen and form cooperatives which can be their vehicle to bargaining. Keep Your Ugali Your Ability to Analyze a Situation is Your Biggest
4 Cereals . January - March 2018 www.agrichemafrica.com
HERBSTAR 200SL® SOLUBLE LIQUID Paraquat Dichloride 276g/L
A non-selective post-emergence fast acting contact herbicide
Control of Grasses and Broad-leaved weeds in Baby Corn for minimum cultivation
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From page 4
Maize farming and production business in Africa is a high-potential opportunity for the continent. Maize is one of the most common and important food crops across Africa. It is widely eaten in various forms and more than 900 million Africans depend on maize every year because it is often cheaper than rice and wheat, two of the other most consumed cereals.
In fact, many of the daily diets contain maize either directly or indirectly. Production of meat, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yoghurt) would be difficult without maize, which is a hugely important ingredient in animal feed.
Although our continent produces over 50 million tons of maize every year, Africa still spends over $2 billion to import maize from abroad. As Africa’s population continues to grow, the demand and consumption of maize will increase rapidly over the coming years.
This article explores the lucrative market for maize within and without Africa. You will also learn the secrets of this business including FREE manuals and materials to guide you.
Why is maize an interesting business opportunity? Maize is totally an amazing crop. By planting just one seed of maize, you get over 500 kernels in return at harvest. That’s an incredible return on investment! In fact, maize was made for developing regions like Africa. It utilises sunlight very effectively and Africa has sunlight in abundance. Maize can grow on a vast array of soils and can survive in different climatic conditions on the continent. Maize also matures really fast. From the time it is planted, maize requires only between 90 to 120 days (about 4 months) to reach harvest. This allows it to survive in areas with short periods of rainfall and irregular water supplies. One of the reasons maize is in high demand as a food crop is its high energy and nutritional value. It is rich in Vitamins A, C and E, several essential minerals, and contains up to 9 percent protein. It is also rich in dietary fibre and carbohydrates which are a good source of energy. It is no surprise that in many parts of East Africa, maize accounts for an average of one third of the daily caloric intake.
Maize remains a key food crop in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Although it is primarily used as
To page 8
6 Cereals . January - March 2018 January - March 2018 . Cereals COVER STORY
From page 6 and a valuable industrial raw potentials which triggerss their demands. human food in developing material, the production of maize regions of the world, maize is taken very seriously around the Human beings is one of the most important world. Africans directly consume about 30 percent of raw materials for animal feed all maize that is produced worldwide. Unlike in Planting dates production and biofuels in “ How to start and succeed in the developed countries where a major portion of developed countries. should be maize production business maize produced is used for animal feed, maize chosen so as According to IITA estimates, is a significant part of diets in Africa. about 800 million tons of maize Maize is also a versatile food to ensure that product for Africans. It is is produced worldwide every More maize is eaten per person in Africa than it coincides processed and prepared in year. Africa produces 6.5 percent in any other part of the world. Lesotho has the with normally various forms depending on of this volume which is still highest consumption per capita of maize in the the country and culture. favourable insufficient for local consumption. world (174kg/person). Eastern and Southern growing Africa use 85% of harvested maize as food, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest while Africa as a whole uses 95%, compared Ground maize is prepared conditions. into porridge in Eastern and producer with nearly 8 million to other world regions that use most of their Water supply Southern Africa, while maize tons produced per annum. It is maize as animal feed. Africa has one of the is important flour is prepared into porridge/ closely followed by South Africa, fastest growing populations in the world with pap in West Africa. Ground because wilting Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The an annual population growth rate of nearly 3 maize is also fried or baked of plants early United States remains the world’s per cent over the last 20 years. largest producer with 42 percent in many countries. In all parts in the morning of Africa, green (fresh) maize of all maize produced globally. With the world’s highest birth rate, its current detrimentally is boiled or roasted on its population of nearly one billion people is affects cob and served as a snack. Maize is a food crop that is in predicted to be more than double in 40 years. Popcorn is also a popular pollination. high demand across Africa. It is expected that the demand for maize as snack derived from the maize There are three major segments human food will grow in step with Africa’s crop. that make up the biggest demand population. The demand for more maize in the for maize in Africa – human coming years is certain. Whether the increased
Because of its huge strategic beings, animals and industries. volumes of maize will be produced locally or importance and versatile uses These segments posses different imported from outside the continent remains as human food, animal feed reasons and the lucrative uncertain.
Animal Feed Producers Maize is a favourite raw material for animal feed. It is cheaper than many of the other feed alternatives and provides the required nutritional content for livestock. As a result, over 60 percent of maize produced worldwide is used in feed production.
In Asia, and many of the developed countries, more maize is used in animal feed production than for human consumption. For example, the United States, the world’s largest producer of maize, uses over 80 percent of its maize harvest to produce animal feed.
The growing production and demand for meat is having a strong effect on the demand for maize. In the future, less maize may be eaten directly and more will be consumed indirectly (through poultry, meat and dairy products).
8 Cereals . January - March 2018 COVER STORY
to produce some of the famous cereal-based breakfast brands like Cornflakes.
Breweries also use maize as a major raw material for beer production. Africans consume millions of litres of beer every year and this volume is expected to rise significantly due to population growth and economic prosperity.
The more beer that is produced, the more maize that will be purchased by brewers across the continent for production. Compared to many other crops, maize is quite easy to produce.
Main Requirements Succeeding in the maize production business requires knowledge and skill. Based on research,there are some things entrepreneurs should consider and keep in mind if they plan to get involved in the maize business. Industrial consumers Yes, all of these things contain starch. Maize has quite a high starch content which Starch from maize is also heavily used to Find suitable land makes it a high-demand industrial raw produce bioethanol, a form of renewable fuel The first and most important thing you will material. used as an alternative to petrol (gasoline) need to get started with maize production is to power cars, trucks and buses. Ethanol is land. The starch obtained from maize is processed also used as a solvent in the manufacture of into several additives, agents and ingredients varnishes and perfumes; in the preparation Maize grows best in rich loamy or sandy-loam such as dextrine, sorbitol, sorbic acid and of essences and flavorings; and in many soils in a well-drained area that has a flat or lactic acid. You may not recognize these medicines and drugs. fairly flat landscape. Maize will not do well substances but they are used in many in waterlogged land. If the land is not well household items that you know and use such Some of the biggest industrial buyers of maize drained, you could make ridges or mounds to as: ink, cosmetics, paint, medicines, syrups, are food producers and breweries. International protect the crops from waterlogging. Because ice cream, shoe polish, fireworks batteries and food processing giants like Nestle and Kelloggs the maize plant loves sunlight, the land has to glue. (just to mention a few) purchase a lot of maize be in the open and free from any kind of shade (such as tall trees or man-made structures) that prevents sunlight from reaching the planted maize. The land has to be cleared and tilled before the rainy season starts and the maize should be planted immediately after the land is prepared. If this is not done, weeds may grow fast and compete with the maize for nutrients and sunlight.
Use the right varieties There are different varieties of maize in the world today and the type you choose to produce will depend on consumer preferences and market demand in your area.
In some localities, white maize is more popular than the yellow variety. In some other areas, it is vice-versa. However, the best maize
January - March 2018 . Cereals 9 COVER STORY
From page 9 varieties grow fast, are high yielding, mature earlier than the local varieties and are resistant to major pests and diseases. There are now some hybrid varieties that use much less water and can often survive in drought-prone areas.
There are also late-maturing and early- maturing varieties of maize. Late-maturing varieties mature in 110-120 days and are good for zones with a long rainy season.
Early-maturing varieties mature in 90-100 days and can be planted after a late-maturing variety in zones with two seasons of rainfall. There are also extra-early varieties which mature in 80-90 days. These can be planted in zones with very short rainy season (usually 2-3 Growth stages GS 12 GS 13 GS 15 GS 17–32 GS 51 GS 53 GS 61 GS 71–85 GS 87–89 Before Germination 1 wk 3 wks 4 wks 5 wks 6 wks 7–9 wks 10–12 wks 17–20 wks 17–20 wks months long). Silking Grain fill Maturity
When and how to plant maize borers, army worms, grasshoppers, larger contact with band-placed fertiliser even before Time was when rainfall patterns were grain borers, downy mildew, maize streak virus emergence. Too much fertiliser close to the predictable. Cllimate change is ‘changing’ and Striga among others. Fortunately, there seed may cause burning. everything nowadays. Currently there are no are several herbicides, pesticides and disease specific dates to plant maize. Depending on control methods you can apply to prevent a Growth stage 1: four leaves unfolded your region, you could follow the previous breakout on your farm. history of rains in the area. However, it’s best Some of the problems encountered during to plant after it has rained consecutively for 2 Harvest: what can you expect? this stage should not have a permanent effect to 3 times. The amount of maize that can be harvested on yield, provided the problems are rectified (per hectare) depends on the variety you promptly. Planting only when the rains have come will planted, amount of rainfall, sunshine and help the maize seeds to germinate and grow the level of weed, pest and disease control During this stage plants are very susceptible well. Some maize varieties need between management that was applied. to drift-sand damage. Hail and light frost may 450 to 600 mm of water per season to grow, damage the exposed leaves, but because the most of which it gets from moisture reserves Although Africa has some of the lowest maize growth point is still below the soil surface, in the soil. According to research, at maturity, yields in the world, it is not uncommon to damage should be negligible. Waterlogging it is estimated that each maize plant will have expect between 2,000 to 4,000 kilograms per at this stage may be harmful to the seedling, consumed about 250 litres of water. hectare. because the growth point is still below ground level. It is also very important that you pay very Production Management Guidelines close attention to the health of the maize Tilling close to the plants may harm the roots, seeds you plant. You should only buy maize Growth stage 0: from planting to emergence which will put the plants under stress and seeds for planting from dependable sources. detrimentally affect yield. For best results, avoid buying maize seeds Planting depth affects the period from planting from the local or open market near you. These to emergence, because the seedlings of Growth stage 2: eight leaves unfolded seeds could be rotten or already contaminated deeply- planted seed will take longer to by disease which will likely affect its growth emerge than shallowly-planted seed. If planted Nutrient deficiencies will restrict leaf growth. performance. too deep, the mesocotyl may open below the If necessary, this is the correct stage to apply soil surface and cause the seedling to die off. a fertiliser as side dressing. Nitrogen should, Watch out for weeds, pests and diseases! however, be applied to moist soil and roots There are several types of weeds, pests and The seedling obtains its nutrients mainly should damaged as little as possible. diseases that affect maize plants such as stem from seed reserves. Primary roots may be in
10 Cereals . January - March 2018 MAIN STORY
Growth stages GS 12 GS 13 GS 15 GS 17–32 GS 51 GS 53 GS 61 GS 71–85 GS 87–89 Before Germination 1 wk 3 wks 4 wks 5 wks 6 wks 7–9 wks 10–12 wks 17–20 wks 17–20 wks Silking Grain fill Maturity
Defoliation by hail or other factors may cause a affects pollination. Growth stage 9: Physiological maturity yield loss of 10 to 20 %. As long as the growth Monitor moisture content of grain regularly to point is still below ground level, waterlogging Growth stages 6 and 7: hard dough start harvesting as soon as possible (below 14 may cause damping off of plants. Flooding Denting of kernels begins and this is the right stage %) to reduce grain losses. at later stages, when the growth point stays to make silage. above the water, is not as detrimental.
Growth stage 3: twelve leaves unfolded
Stress as a result of water or nutrient deficiencies during this stage will affect the ultimate size and yield of ears. Plants, breaking below the growth point, will not recover.
Growth stage 4: Sixteen leaves unfolded
Hot soil surfaces may affect the development of prop roots. The tassel begins to show in the calyx. Water and nutrient deficiencies may detrimentally affect silk development and therefore the number of kernels per ear. Growth stage 5: appearance of silks and pollen shedding
Planting dates should be chosen so as to ensure that this stage coincides with normally favourable growing conditions. Water supply is important because wilting of plants (water stress) early in the morning detrimentally
January - March 2018 . Cereals 11 Fall Army worms: Enjoy Amiran’s Knowledge, Succeed in Control
Fall Armyworms (spodopterafrugiperda) is a migratory pest that occurs in large numbers and its caterpillars cause severe damage to more than 80 plant species especially cereal crops such as: maize and rice. Recently FAW has spread to Southern and Eastern Africa and has brought havoc to maize farmers. In Kenya, the fall armyworm (Spodopterafrugiperda) is becoming a nightmare to cereal farmers especially in Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, Kakamega, Kisii, UasinGishu, Nandi, Kericho, Baringo and Kilifi.
“FAW damages corn plants in nearly all stages of development but will concentrate on later plantings that have not yet silked. Offseason planting, late planted fields and later maturing hybrids are more likely to become infested. To win the war on FAW insecticides of different chemical classes need to be alternated because they mutate very fast. Good efficacy has been recorded to farmers who spray insecticides in late evenings as opposed to during daytime. This is attributed to the fact that FAW are nocturnal”, states Timothy Munywoki, Amiran’s Cereal Agronomist.
EGG
Prove Use prove Offers a fast • Has ovicidal effect knockdown and • Cause high mortality from eggs to 1st has excellent Prove ADULT instar LARVAE for the control Acts on the of larvae. It is nervous system an antifeedant. Pyrinex & Grizly Pyrinex Quick LIFE CYCLE IGR Contact and stomach OF THE FALL Radiant poison. Excellent for ARMYWORM resistance management PUPA Pyrinex & Pyrinex Quick Contact and stomach poison.
Deep ploughing - Exposes pupa to predators and Heat Cereals . January - March 2018 Crop rotation 14% Moisture. Ready for harvest 150-200ml/Ha/200L 15-20ml/20L Radiant maturity. Physiological End of mass gain. 15-20ml/20L 05 112 119 180 180 119 05 112 0.75-1L/Ha Prove cob. Grain filling. Nutrients are are Nutrients transported to to transported 1.5-2L/Ha 30-40ml/20L Pyrinex Kernel development 075-1L/Ha 15-20ml/20L Prove 5-10 Days. Pollination 1.25L/Ha 25ml/20L Pyrinex Quick Days after Emergence* after Days Brace root root Brace determined development. 12 Leaf -cob size size -cob Leaf 12 Active growth leaves and cob development. 150-200ml/Ha/200L 15-20ml/20L Radiant Cob Cob development 1L/Ha 20ml/20L Grizly FALL ARMYFALL WORM MANAGEMENT PROTOCAL surface. initiation. established Growth point 20-25 mm below Plant population 5 Leat-cob and tassel 0.75-1L/Ha 15-20ml/20L Prove 5-8cm FAW are nocturnal. For betterFAW results, apply insecticides in late evening or early mornings. Alternate different insecticides of different chemical classes to prevent resistance, i.e pyrinex, prove, radiant, grizly, pyrinex quick in that order. off-seasonAvoid maize planting, early planting and crop rotation is recommended. emergence.
Planting depth Germination and and Germination NB: 1. 2. 3. January - March 2018 . Cereals 1.5-2L/Ha 30-40ml/20L Pyrinex 0 7 21 32 38 44 49 56 63 70 77 84 91 98 1 “FAW damages corn plants in nearly all stages of development but will concentrate on later plantings that have not yet silked.
FAW moths have a capacity of flying in long distances and lay large number of eggs that enables the pest to quickly establish in a new area. Movement of infested plant materials; (green or dry stover for animals, green maize cobs) can aid in carrying the different FAW stages within the same farm or in the locality. To curb the pest, early detection and proper timing of an insecticide application are critical. Farmers need to be educated on proper IPM measures to curb the pest. To contain FAW, one has to target the four stages of the pest which include: Eggs, Larvae, Pupa and Adult.
Eggs The female lays tiny eggs in masses of 150-200 on host plant and are covered with protein sheath to protect them from attack by natural enemies and pesticides. In her lifetime, a female lays 1,500-2,000 eggs. Eggs hatch in 3 to7 days. According to Amiran’s Cereal Agronomist, Timothy Munywoki, “We front Prove on this stage. Prove has an ovicidal effect and causes high mortality from the eggs to first instar. Oil based insecticides may be used in this stage like Saf-T-side.” Timothy Munywoki, Amiran’s Cereal Agronomist. Larvae The larval stage is the most destructive phase, feeding on soft plant tissues. There are usually six instars in fall armyworm. “In The pupa is reddish brown in color, and measures 14 to 18 mm in Amiran Kenya we have a basket of solutions to curb FAW larvae. length and about 4.5 mm in width. The larva constructs a loose First we recommend Pyrinex and PyrinexQuick especially on cocoon, oval in shape and 20 to 30 mm in length by tying together initial stages of maize crop. i.e during Germination and population particles of soil with silk. If the soil is too hard, larvae may web establishment. Pyrinex has fumigant action and will not only work together leaf debris and other material to form a cocoon on the on FAW but also other stubborn soil pests like termites, chaffer soil surface. Duration of the pupal stage is between 7 - 14 days. grubs and cutworms. Pyrinex Quick has a unique combination of Timothy Munywoki, Amiran’s Cereal Agronomists states that, micro-encapsulated formulation of chlorpyrifos and a pyrethroid. “Proper control of this stage revolves around damaging the pupa The combination of the two active ingredients brings fumigant which is burrowed either in the soil or leaf debris. For instance, action and quick knock down on army worms. Secondly, we deep ploughing exposes the pupae to predators and solar heat.” recommend Prove, asuperior product which offers unmatched protection against FAW. Prove is a non- systemic insecticide with Adult the ability to penetrate leaf tissues by trans-laminar movement. The moths have a wingspan of 32 to 40 mm. In the male moth, the Prove once applied on army worms, feeding and egg laying stops forewing generally is shaded gray and brown with triangular white and death occurs after a few days. Prove has a long residual spots at the tip and near the center of the wing. The forewings of effect and no cross-resistance has been recorded due to its females are less distinctly marked, ranging from a uniform grayish unique mode of action. Thirdly we recommend Grizly. Grizly is brown to a fine mottling of gray and brown. The hind wing is a combination of benzoylureas (IGR) and neonicotinoids with iridescent silver-white with a narrow dark border in both sexes. contact, translaminar and systemic and contact activity. Grizly is Adults are nocturnal and are most active during warm humid readily taken up by the plant and further distributed acropetally nights and mates in the evening. After a pre-oviposition period through the entire crop. Grizly has both Ingestion and Contact of three to four days, the female normally deposits most of her activity on larvae of armyworms and is a growth regulator thus eggs during the first four to five days of life. The adult moth is prevents the FAW from proceeding to the next instar. Finally, we capable of flying30kms in one night drifting through air current. recommend Radiant. Radiant is an excellent product for resistance On average, duration of adult life is estimated to about 11 days to management. In addition, Radiant has unique active ingredient 14 days. Timothy Munywoki states that, “To control posts a great and has relatively low usage rates. All the said products should be challenge on the use of chemicals. Pheromone traps will work alternated to achieve full control of FAW. effectively in this stage. However, proper timing of application of the insecticide can control the adult moth. Insecticides like Prove, Pupa Pyrinex Quick and Pyrinex will have a proper control if applied at Normally, pupation takes place in the soil at a depth 2 to 7 cm. the right timing.”
Cereals . January - March 2018 WIPE OUT ARMY WORMS WITH AMIRAN’S UNMATCHED SOLUTION
Grizly Pyrinex PyrinexQuick Prove RBEJBOU Rate: NM- Rate:NM- Rate: NM- Rate: NM- Rate:NM- -U)B o-U -)B -U)B NMNM)BJO -XBUFSWPMVNF
*'PSUIFGVMMDPOUSPMPG'BMM"SNZXPSNT BMUFSOBUFUIFGJWFQSPEVDUT
Old Airport Nort Rd. - Embakasi P.O.Box 30327 - 00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 (0) 719 095 262 Email: [email protected] A member of the Balton CP Group of Companies Amiran K Ltd @amiran_kenya www.amirankenya.com
January - March 2018 . Cereals NUTRITION Maize Production: Enhancing Soil Fertility for Greater Productivity
The staple food crops in Kenya include maize, beans, rice, potatoes and sorghum. The yields of food crops Maize crop grows generally well in soils with a pH range per acre are on the decline due to adverse effects of of 5.0 to 8.0 with an optimum pH range for growth at 5.5 climate change, low adoption of quality farm inputs to 7.0. The pH outside this range usually makes certain and continuous farming without adequate soil nutrients elements more or less available, so toxicity or deficiency replenishment. This calls for better soil management practices through soil investigations that provide develops and growth rates of the crops is reduced. It farmers with soil amendment and management is very important to maintain the pH as close to the solutions that not only increases crop productivity but optimum range as possible because below a soil pH of also conserve the environment. 5.0, alluminium and manganese toxicities may occur and deficiencies of P, Mg and Ca become common. Optimal Conditions for Maize Growth Maize can be grown on a wide range of soils but performs best on well-drained, well aerated and deep temperature, pests and diseases, weed control, and soils containing adequate organic matter content soil chemical and physical conditions must be taken and well supplied with available nutrients. High into consideration. yields of maize results in heavy drain on soil nutrients and therefore requires regular replenishment with Maize crop grows generally well in soils with a pH soil nutrients to replace nutrients taken up after range of 5.0 to 8.0 with an optimum pH range for every harvest. To sustain yields at a certain level, growth at 5.5 to 7.0. The pH outside this range usually nutrients out of soil must always be almost equal makes certain elements more or less available, so to nutrients applied within a growing period taking toxicity or deficiency develops and growth rates of the into consideration nutrient losses through harvested crops is reduced. It is very important to maintain the materials, leaching, volatilization, and erosion. For pH as close to the optimum range as possible because optimum production, factors such as soil moisture, below a soil pH of 5.0, alluminium and manganese
16 Cereals . January - March 2018 NUTRITION
toxicities may occur and deficiencies of P, Mg and Ca farm inputs to vulnerable households by offering start- become common. At pH above 8.0, deficiencies of Fe, up inputs grants in the form of seeds and fertilizers for Mn, Zn and P tend to occur. For example if pH is lower one acre of maize. The targeted subsidy is intended than 6.0, P starts forming insoluble compounds with to uplift beneficiaries out of the vicious cycle of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) and if pH is higher than 7.5, poverty and enable them to participate in commercial P starts forming insoluble compounds with calcium agriculture through their own resource mobilization (Ca) making it unavailable to the plants. initiatives and the credit guarantee scheme.
Soil suitability evaluation is a useful tool to guide To maximize on inputs use, soil sampling and analysis farmers, farmer groups, extension providers, dealers was incorporated in the program to provide information in fertilizers and other stakeholders on the types on the nutrient status of soils to enable farmers and levels of fertilizer application for different areas apply the right types and quantities of fertilizers in the country. Farmers and other stakeholders to minimize problems of land degradation through are encouraged to acquire the soil test information build up of soil acidity as a result of blanket fertilizer and use the fertilizer recommendations to improve recommendations. their crop productivity and guide agro dealers in procurement of fertilizer for various regions in the A strong agricultural sector provides a sound country. Further, the long term goal is to encourage foundation for a prosperous country. From this farmers to test their soils before applying organic and recognition, the goal of the government is expressed inorganic fertilizers. in Kenya Vision 2030; that is ‘a viable and vibrant agricultural sector that is commercially oriented’ and The National Agricultural Accelerated Input Access can compete at international level with more advanced program (NAAIAP) is a pro poor program in the State world economies Department of Agriculture that offers support to resource poor farmers through fertilizer subsidy and The sector, however, faces a number of challenges an Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme. The primary which include reduced productivity, high cost of farm objective of NAAIAP is to improve the availability of inputs, inefficient utilization of inputs, poor adoption of mechanization, impacts of climate change and lack of access to agricultural credit.
The country’s fertilizer market is fully liberalized with the bulk of fertilizers imported and distributed by the private sector. However, since 2008, the government through the fertilizer subsidy program has procured 494,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer in support of the agricultural sector.
A Kenya Government report provides recommendations on the most appropriate fertilizer formulation or blend for maize. However, the farm specific results may be interpreted for other crops. A data base for soils in the sampled sub counties has been compiled and this report can be uploaded on the ministry’s website www.kilimo.go.ke. The report is an invaluable resource for use by farmers, agricultural extension providers and stakeholders as a tool for appropriate fertilizer use.
January - March 2018 . Cereals 17 RESEARCH
In Summary • The pests have so far damaged an estimated 287,000 hectares of maize in East and Southern Africa. • Researchers at Kalro and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation say if approved, the Bt maize will give farmers some protection against the armyworms. • The African armyworm is capable of destroying whole crops in a few days. By Christabel Ligami
cientists in East Africa are pushing for the approval of genetically modified maize (BT), saying it can withstand S the armyworm that has caused farmers massive losses. A survey carried out in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania found that the armyworm has infested crops in the three countries, threatening the livelihoods of farmers. The pests have so far damaged an estimated 287,000 hectares of maize in East and Southern Africa.
According to Murenga Mwimali of the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (Wema) programme at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), the findings have been forwarded to the countries’ ministries of agriculture for action. Researchers at Kalro and the African Agricultural Technology Foundation say if Call for GM Maize approved, the Bt maize will give farmers some protection against the armyworms. The scientists are particularly worried about the advance of the fall armyworm (spodoptera frugiperda), which was to Fight Armyworm first reported on the African continent in Nigeria. borer reduce insect damage and protect their yields through the use of It subsequently appeared across parts of West and Central Africa, before the Bt maize,” said Wema project manager, Sylvester Oikeh. extensively invading fields in Southern Africa in December 2016. The destructive activities of the fall armyworm have only served to add to “However, despite the submission of the report in April 2016, we the devastation caused by the native African armyworm (spodoptera are yet to get the EIA licence from NEMA. Coincidentally, the Wema exempta) and the severe drought caused by the El Nino weather confined field trials in Uganda show the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) phenomenon in 2015-2016. As farmers await the approval of the BT gene can control the fall armyworms,” said Mr Oikeh. The MON810 maize by governments in East Africa, Dr Mwimali advises them to use Bt maize entries showed resistance to the fall armyworm compared commercial formulations of with non-transgenic maize materials. This, however, needs to be Bt that are available locally. further confirmed through additional experiments.
Kenya’s National Biosafety According to Dr Mwimali, the African armyworm is capable of Authority approved the destroying whole crops in a few days. The larvae feed on all types environmental release of the of grasses, early stages of all cereal crops. The pest is migratory, BT maize in February 2016 and exists in East Africa. However, with climate change and the with conditions: Submission associated increase in temperatures, these could change from of environmental impact being a minor pest to a major pest in all kinds of grasses. assessment reports to the National Environment Scientists at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Management Authority Centre (CIMMYT) are currently researching available breeding for review and approval. resources with potential resistance to fall armyworm, and screening “This would then allow elite maize germplasm to identify possible sources of resistance. us to undertake national CIMMYT, which has its headquarters in Mexico, is a non-profit performance trials to identify research and training institution dedicated to the development of suitable varieties as required improved varieties of wheat and maize. by the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act so that farmers who are affected by stem
18 Cereals . January - March 2018 www.amirankenya.com 240 EC @amiran_kenya Amiran K Ltd CALL US! THE BEST GRASS WEED KILLER IN WHEAT THE BEST GRASS WEED KILLER IN WHEAT CLODIGAN
January - March 2018 . Cereals COMMUNICATION
Help or Hinder? How Media Portrays Farming to the Public
Studies prove that effective agricultural have a foot in both urban and rural life; who can see, without prejudice or preconception, communication and rigorous, balanced journalism the frustrations on both sides. This should fill them with determination and passion to build are not mutually exclusive. This should motivate a bridge; to challenge both the media and the farming industry to walk in each other’s shoes. farmers to engage with the media; and encourage journalists to take a constructive and open-minded The world’s media has never been more powerful – or less trusted. approach to agricultural stories. Its role in shaping the outcomes of the EU ow much coverage does agriculture a lack of curiosity about rural life. However referendum and US presidential election of receive from main stream media?. there is a growing appetite for rural affairs 2016 cannot be overestimated. The spread of H Is this somehow irrelevant? This has features and documentaries, particularly on ‘fake news’, an unfamiliar phenomenon has become far more an exploration of tone and radio and television. Farming is trending. been deemed a threat to democracy. perception, the angles journalists take, the questions they ask and how farmers respond, Some unhelpful attitudes within the farming Yet farming, with an uncertain future arguably under pressure, to scrutiny and challenge. industry are shocking.An inward-looking needs the media more than ever before. It Worryingly there are problems on both sides snobbery about the perceived cluelessness has some convincing to do – that agriculture of this divide, there is a deep disconnection of the mainstream media, a lack of is worthy of public money; that consumers between conventional agriculture and the transparency on key issues of public interest, should shun foreign labels and choose metropolitan news media. disproportionate defensiveness in the face of national instead; that the environment is safe legitimate challenge and a tendency to ‘shoot in farmers’ hands. The job of journalists is to give readers, the messenger’ instead of taking a long, hard viewers and listeners the best obtainable look at itself and the way it communicates Exploring how the mainstream media can ‘help version of the truth, balanced and impartial with the public. Farmers have played the or hinder’ that mission – and what lessons can information and to clearly signpost the victim for too long, complaining of attacks be learned from around the world – forms the difference between fact and opinion. News on their industry when they should be rising basis of this report. Farmers often complain media has been unconsciously reinforcing to the challenge, opening doors, building of a ‘disconnect’ between themselves and stereotypes and naively swallowing relationships and championing their point of urban people and blame negative or simply preconceived ideas about modern agriculture, view. non-existent media coverage. But traditional driven, by urban bias, a lack of specialism and There are too few farmers and journalists who media, in the face of shrinking resources
20 Cereals . January - March 2018 COMMUNICATION
and shortening attention spans, is fighting industry are contributing to it. While ‘rural differently. for survival in a ruthlessly competitive digital affairs’ is a growing genre, agricultural landscape. It must target audiences with specialism in the mainstream media remains • Increased openness and transparency. content that is relevant to their everyday lives. incredibly rare. Particularly around controversial subjects The vast majority of that audience – more than like intensive production. Access to farms 80% of the population are urbanised Urban bias is endemic. This can lead to is absolutely essential in order to bridge the farming and rural issues being ignored, over- urban/rural disconnect. Attempts to keep How relevant is agriculture to them? simplified or viewed purely from a metro- journalists in the dark about the realities of centric angle. Healthy journalistic scepticism modern food production are doomed to fail. Studies confirm that the ‘disconnect’ is real, can cross the line into ideological bias against Farmers must be prepared to not only defend, more so in urbanised societies, and both the conventional, intensive or large-scale farming but champion their production systems. If they industry and media have a role to play in it. systems. don’t believe in them, no one else will. Urban bias is endemic within the mainstream media. This can spill over into bias against Farmers and the industry are fuelling the A diverse network of independent farmers. intensive and large-scale farming systems, disconnect through a lack of openness and Work with the industry to develop an inclusive driven, at times, more by stereotypes and transparency, disproportionate defensiveness network of free-thinking farmers, from across ideology than informed understanding of the in the face of legitimate challenge, disunity all agricultural sectors and systems, willing to subject. There is no evidence of urban bias among farming sectors and a sense of speak openly to journalists with passion and leading to deliberate falsehoods, but it can ‘exceptionalism’ or entitlement to positive without politics. Providing personal, ‘on the influence story selection and the way in which coverage. ground’ testimony on topical issues without a story is told (i.e. the angle). pushing an industry agenda or denigrating Taken in a global context and in spite of other farming systems. There is deep-rooted suspicion of the urban bias, farming receives a fair amount mainstream media among farmers. Many of media coverage, relative to the industry’s For the Media: believe journalists attack them unfairly on size. Programmes like Country file, which Journalism with integrity. If farms and issues like the environment and animal have broadened the appeal of farming to huge agribusiness are to open their doors, they welfare, but some farmers struggle to separate audiences, are doing the industry a valuable must be able to trust the media to deliver criticism from legitimate challenge. Knee-jerk service. constructive journalism. While continuing to defensiveness and a lack of transparency are report the problems in agriculture, editors key barriers to a constructive relationship with Finally, the public narrative around agriculture and programme makers have a duty to report the media. is being dominated by farming unions and solutions too. Adopting Ulrik Haagerup’s ‘third lobbyists. Politics at an industry level is pillar of journalism’ (solutions-based stories) These challenges are not insurmountable. drowning out individuals at a farm level, would be a step forward for news culture. The case studies shared prove that effective contributing to more distrust in the mainstream agricultural communication and rigorous, media. Urban bias. Tackle urban bias by challenging balanced journalism are not mutually metro-centric stereotypes about farming exclusive. These findings should motivate This has something, a mission to set up a and rural life. Cultivate curiosity - not farmers to engage with the media; and network of independent, trusted and diverse preconceptions - about all farming systems. encourage journalists to take a constructive on-farm communicators. This is a new and Facilitate specialism in rural affairs. and open-minded approach to agricultural original concept for British farming; and Differentiate between campaigners and stories. an exciting challenge. These have been informers. structured for two key stakeholders who have This is not a quantitative study of media equal influence and a shared responsibility • Inspire passion for rural affairs. It’s time to content, but a qualitative analysis of in shaping the story of what farming is, what generate interest in agriculture and rural life perceptions and personal experience. farming does and where farming is going. among young, trainee journalists by speaking ‘Agriculture’ in this context refers mainly to urban schools, colleges and universities. to conventional production and the term For Farmers: Established and respected journalists ‘mainstream media’ to national press and • Farmers must get better at talking to would be of enormous help in this mission. news broadcasters, with some regional and journalists and the mainstream media. Journalists who have made a career out of specialist contributions. This is not a study Challenge is not criticism, questions are rural affairs specialism must share the passion of social media. The urban/rural disconnect not attacks. Fight the red mist and learn to and inspire others to follow in their footsteps. is real, more so in Western and urbanised embrace scrutiny by acknowledging, and societies, and both the media and farming responding to, the views of those who think
January - March 2018 . Cereals 21 MAIN STORY
Weed Control the location of special problem areas in the field. Additional notes on weed types and numbers can be taken at harvest to in Maize Farming complete the weed inventory.
Herbicides in the past were highly effective, cheap and easy to use. But reliance Weed Management Methods on herbicides alone has contributed to the widespread herbicide resistance Although herbicides can provide effective problems that we are seeing today. If you look at the problem simply, herbicide weed management, maize growers should resistance is nature’s way of telling us herbicides alone are not sustainable and not depend on herbicides alone. Growers introducing more diverse weed control methods is required to disrupt the should use good cultural practices so the weed’s life cycle. maize is competitive with any weeds and should integrate chemical control programs with cultivation, especially with difficult-to- control weeds or when weather conditions reduce herbicide effectiveness.
The first step in cultural weed control is the selection of a seed variety that has adapted to local growing conditions. Timely planting along with proper fitting in tilled situations or proper adjustment of no-tillage planters ensures rapid germination and a competitive advantage for the maize. Another cultural practice that favors rapid establishment of maize is proper band application of fertilizer at planting.
All primary (plowing) and secondary (fitting) tillage operations help provide a weed- free seedbed. Cultivation of row crops is an effective way to control annual weeds Weed identification is the key to an effective recording the types (such as broadleaf between maize rows. Band application maize weed management program. annuals or annual grasses) of weeds of herbicides over the row at planting, Incorrect identification can mean the present in each field. combined with one or two cultivations, difference between profit and loss. Although provides good control of annual weeds. a weed’s life cycle, including its method(s) The first observation should be made Although rotary hoes effectively destroy of reproduction, is the most important by the time maize is 3 or 4 inches tall. weed seedlings in small maize, a row identifying characteristic, it is sometimes These early-season observations reveal cultivator adjusted to minimize pruning of necessary to know the exact species before how effective preplant or preemergence maize roots should be used after maize is selecting weed management measures. herbicides used and suggest the possible 5 or 6 inches tall. Creeping perennials are need for cultivation or for postemergence not adequately controlled by one or two Maize growers should make a weed herbicide applications. A second look at cultivations. These weeds regrow from inventory to aid in the selection of weed the fields is before the maize is waist high rhizomes (underground stems) following control programs. By tailoring control and can provide information on the overall cultivation and are controlled with tillage programs to fit the problems in each field. effectiveness of weed control practices only if the operations are repeated over Growers can minimize weed control costs and provide clues on how the program long periods. Biennial and simple perennial while maximizing yields and profits. An might be adjusted in future years. This weeds do not persist in fields that are inventory can be made by scouting fields also is a good time to record the types and plowed but can be a problem in reduced two or three times during the year and numbers of weeds present and to map and zone/no-tillage fields.
22 Cereals . January - March 2018 MAIN STORY
A variety of herbicides are available the well-decayed, fine organic matter herbicides at normal use rates. However, for preplant, preemergence, and/or particles known as humus are of greatest shifts to weed populations dominated by postemergence weed control in maize. importance. Like clay particles, humus the resistant strains have occurred in many These herbicides vary in their effectiveness particles are negatively charged but exhibit locales. These resistant strains are not in controlling different weeds and in the an even greater capacity to adsorb or tie controlled with extremely high herbicides length of time they remain active in the up herbicides than clay. Consequently, use rates. In addition, there is cross- soil. Some maize herbicides can carry herbicide rates also have to be adjusted to resistance among the different herbicides over to affect triazine-sensitive rotational the soil organic matter level. used in maize. crops such as legumes, small grains, and soybeans. Knowledge of the weeds Rates for soil-applied herbicides are moatly This situation has prompted refinements in present, herbicide effectiveness, and based on for medium-textured (loam) soils the control guidelines for annual broadleaf rotational plans should be considered when with organic matter levels of 3 to 4 percent. weeds in maize. Herbicides have played, selecting herbicides. Fine-tuning the rates for other soils can and will continue to play, an important be done by consulting the herbicide label role in maize weed control programs; Cost of chemical weed control dictates for different soil textures and for varying however, effective control programs for that herbicides be applied when they will organic matter levels. these herbicide-resistant strains will involve provide maximum return. Label guidelines the use of crop rotation and cultivation for the timing of herbicide applications Soil pH can also affect the availability along with herbicide rotation and/or use are based on research and are geared for of some soil-applied herbicides. This is of herbicide combinations that include maximum weed control and minimum crop important for the triazine herbicides . These herbicides with different sites of action (how injury. herbicides are most strongly adsorbed (tied they affect weeds). These practices will also up and unavailable for uptake by weeds) delay development of weed populations Factors Affecting Soil-Applied Herbicides on clay and organic matter particles at low that are resistant to the herbicide. To be effective, soil-applied herbicides must pH levels. Although the amount of triazine be available for uptake by the roots and/ adsorption increases at all pH levels below Rotating herbicides with different sites or shoots of germinating weed seedlings. 7.0, adsorption is most dramatic at pH of action and the use of tank mixes This means that they must be dissolved levels of 6.0 and below. This is an important or sequential applications that involve or suspended in the soil solution. Soil consideration for continuous zone/no- herbicides with different sites of action properties that affect the availability and tillage fields where the surface inch of are key elements in herbicide resistance activity of soil-applied herbicides include the soil profile may have a lower pH than management plans. To do this most soil texture, organic matter level, and pH. is reflected in the results of a normal soil effectively, everyone involved in decisions All should be considered when determining sample analysis. It may be helpful to check about weed management must have site of herbicide rates. the pH in the top inch of the soil profile with action classification for herbicides readily a soil pH kit in fields that have been in zone/ available. The Weed Science Society of Soil texture is determined by the relative no-tillage for extended periods. America (WSSA) has approved a numbering percentages of sand, silt, and clay in a soil. system to classify herbicides by their Names describing texture such as loamy Soil pH also affects availability of some site of action (Mallory-Smith, C.A. and sand and clay loam are assigned to soils herbicides. These herbicides should not be Retzinger, E.J. 2003. Revised classification depending on these percentages. Clay applied to areas where soil pH is greater of herbicides by site of action for weed particles are negatively charged and have a than 7.8 as this may result in unacceptable resistance management strategies. Weed large surface area. As a result, soils high in crop injury. In addition, soil applications of Technol. 17:605-619). In this system, a clay content (heavy soils) have the capacity these herbicides should not be made to group number is given to all herbicides with to adsorb or tie up herbicides and generally soils with more than 5% organic matter if the same site of action. To further efforts require higher herbicide rates than coarse- soil pH is less than 5.9 as reduced weed in management of existing herbicide- textured or light soils. control will result. resistant weed populations and to delay or avoid development of new herbicide- Organic matter content also affects Herbicide Resistance Management resistant weed populations, these “GROUP adsorptive capacity of soils. Although Herbicide resistant biotypes are common. NUMBERS” are included in the “Chemical un-decomposed plant and animal residues Populations of these weeds were originally weed control tables” in each crop section of can influence herbicide performance, controlled with one or more of the this guide.
January - March 2018 . Cereals 23 WATER MANAGEMENT
Realizing Sustainable Land and Water Management in Farming Under Climate Change
cannot continue the same way given scarce water and land resources. De Jager called for better support and investments to ensure sustainable land and water use by farmers.
In response to Theo’s call, James Kinyangi from the African Development Bank (AFDB) highlighted how the bank was building a supporting enabling environment in Africa for agricultural transformation. “We are working on seven enablers to support agricultural growth, productivity and value addition,” he noted. These include: increase productivity; value addition; hard and soft infrastructure; agricultural finance; agribusiness environment; inclusivity sustainability and nutrition; and coordination. Also, he highlighted work on risk management, asset protection and inclusion of women and youth as being crucial in providing a supporting enabling environment. By 2050, global food production must increase by 60%. Innovations for water management are Kinyangi further highlighted various essential in achieving this, Alan Nicol from IWMI Land and water platforms and partnerships for highlighted. “For smallholder farming, managing mobilizing agricultural finance. These agricultural water availability, access and use are the absolute are: development finance institutions; is key to success,” he noted. He shared case AfDB country offices and local banks; studies, including solar energy to strengthen nexus of agriculture - co-development partners such as access to water for agriculture, increasing research institutions, policy and investor availability via rainwater harvesting, improving there is no agriculture platforms; small and large scale usage via the wetting front technology, and agribusinesses, farmer organizations and understanding scale for food security monitoring without land and food companies; investment funds; and and hazard risk mapping, as well as index-based donors, foundations and government flood insurance. water.” organizations.
When it comes to water management, “it’s In his closing remarks, Dhanush Dinesh really about blending water-smart agricultural investments to ensure sustainable land and water from CCAFS reflected on the question: techniques and approaches; but also social and use by farmers. “There are smart ways of using Is sustainable land and water management institutional environments in which they exist, water and land because of new technologies - compatible with small scale farming under into climate-smart agriculture,” he said. Theo de but they cost a lot of money,” he noted. Without climate change? “If we work on these factors Jager, president of the the WFO gave the farmer access to finances, new technologies remain appropriately, it is possible to be a yes,” he said. perspective reiterating the importance of land and evasive for smallholder farmers. Yet with climate Such factors, as highlighted by various speakers water for agriculture. He noted that unlocking the change, farmers cannot continue with the included: having investments at different scales, wealth in land and water required investments yet business as usual approach.“Many are caught in context and holistic models; leap frogging using the world’s poorest farmers in the world cannot up in a poverty trap; there’s no new technology, data, science and research; social inclusion with a access financing. nothing has evolved. Irrigation, if there is any, focus on women as well as youth who are farmers is only flood irrigation,” he added. Smallholder of the future, and building partnerships at scale De Jager called for better support and farmer productivity is quite low and future farmers very quickly.
24 Cereals . January - March 2018 Water Management Pictorial: Opening of KEPHIS Laboratory
January - March 2018 . Cereals
Floriculture . January - February 2018 35 TECHNOLOGY
Hermetic Technology Keeps Off Grain Pests for Over Two Years, Averts Losses
even with excess application of pesticides. It and rodents attacking their stored cereals. starts from the fields into the stores. Osama Grains constitute the basis for food security can ground 90kg bag of maize into ‘flour’ and for the majority of the population in Kenya and shells in a few weeks after storage. Africa at large and are a central component in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. But since the hermetic bags are air-tight as a Significant volumes are however lost through result of the polythene layer linings, any living post- harvest operations due to attack by organism on the maize suffocates to death a pests making farming an expensive venture. It few hours after packaging. The sack is tough, is reported that the region loses 25 to 30% of preventing any fresh invasion. Besides, the cereals during market storage according to the bags eliminate chemical residue on grains. Eastern African Grain Council.
By Laban Robert World Food Programme approximates that Whereas quantitative post-harvest losses post harvest loses stand at 40 per cent result into a direct loss of saleable weight, armers can keep off grain destroying globally. This includes rotting due to rotting as qualitative losses lead to a loss in market pests for two years without chemicals a result of poor drying or storage facilities and opportunity and grain nutritional value F after the USAID Kenya and the Ministry destruction by pests. The grains, for example and may pose a serious health hazard of of Agriculture launched hermetic bags, which maize, therefore, should be dried to attain a aflatoxicosis if linked to consumption of suffocate any crop storage enemies. moisture content of 12 per cent to 14 per cent. Aflatoxin-contaminated grain. Excess moisture leads to growth of aflatoxins, The official launch follows years of testing making the food unfit for consumption. According to Eliud Njoroge, a crops researcher for efficacy in taming maize, wheat, beans, at KALRO, no chemicals are required for cowpeas, among other grains destroying Hermetic Metal Silos preservation purposes if farmers adopt this organisms such as weevils and moths. Farmers can save up to 25% of their cereals method of storage. Farmers can store grains According to the USAID Kenya, more than from losses by using hermetic metal silos to for a longer period of time meaning more three million bags of maize will be saved store their grains. The silo with a capacity income in and out of season. annually if farmers adopt the use of these of five 50 kg bags is an innovation of the bags. This would translate to saving at least Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Procedure for storing grains in hermetic 270million kilogrammes of grains per year, Organization (KALRO) and is suitable for small metal silos therefore boosting food security and profits for scale farmers. • Dry and clean grain before loading into silo agripreneurs. • Put silo under a roof and on wooden platform to avoid corrosion and exposure to “Hermetic storage technology provides safe, the sun or rain cost-effective storage solutions. Hermetic • Load grains into the silo from the inlet at the bags enable farmers to keep grain year- top round, without pesticide application, for • Place a candle on top of the grain and light household consumption while providing the it. The candle will consume oxygen in the household with a marketable asset in case silo and hence make the silo unsuitable for of emergency.” “Improved grain retention pests. also generates smart income for farmers • While the candle is burning, place the lid by giving them the opportunity to sell when and seal the silo using rubber band on both market prices are more favorable,” said USAID inlet and outlet. The candle will go off after Economic Growth Chief Officer to Kenya exhausting the oxygen in 2 – 5 minutes. Michael Nicholson. Due to unreliable storage options that consist • Don’t open silo for 20 to 30 days after of using discarded sacks and basins, many sealing so that weevils and eggs can die for Innovation in the insecticide sector has farmers are forced to sell their crops at harvest lack of oxygen. not marched the mutation of storage time when prices are at their lowest, and pay • When the silo is opened, always seal the crop destroying agents. For instance the higher prices later in the year to purchase outlet after scooping the desired amount of commonest weevil nick-named “Osama” by maize grain back for food. Farmers also often grain. Kenyan farmers destroys tonnes of maize have to purchase chemicals to control pests
26 Cereals . January - March 2018 CROP PRODUCTION
Sorghum boosts incomes, illicit liquor war Economic empowerment is key in maintaining the mutually beneficial partnership, which has seen KBL pay more than Sh2 billion annually to local barley and sorghum famers. By Eric Kiniti.
Today, 80 per cent of raw materials now providing a safe, affordable beer Economic empowerment is key in used at Kenya Breweries Limited that is at the centre of the fight against maintaining the mutually beneficial (KBL) is locally sourced—a illegal brews. partnership, which has seen KBL pay milestone achieved through strategic more than Sh2 billion annually to local partnerships in the value chain. The ongoing formalisation to enable barley and sorghum famers. licensing of outlets that previously sold This has created employment for more illegal alcohol, making them exclusive Our engagement with these small- than 30,000 farmers and continuously Senator Keg outlets, will also ensure scale farmers also focuses on the generates business value by that consumers get high-quality “Jilishe Kisha Uuze” programme that supporting over 80,000 businesses. beer in hygienic conditions and at encourages them to grow sorghum affordable prices. and millet to meet their household A few years back, illicit liquor was needs then sell the surplus to increase one of the major challenges facing Alcohol manufacturers have a their income. the country with thousands of youth responsibility to create a responsible opting for drinks such as chang’aa, drinking culture. Enhanced value partnerships with which were cheap but often posed farmers to provide quality sorghum serious dangers to their health. Farmers, who are changing the will ensure the production of Senator community for the better, deserve Keg continues and that consumers The drinks, contaminated with to have a comfortable and decent have a healthy and affordable option, methanol and other concoctions, life. Through the keg, KBL supports pulling them away from the jaws of eventually caused blindness and this concept by providing a market illicit brews. resulted in death. for drought-resistant crops such as sorghum, which is diversifying the Eric Kiniti is the corporate relations This led to the introduction of Senator country’s crop base and improving director at EABL. Growing.Value. Keg in the Kenyan market, which is overall food security. [email protected]
January - March 2018 . Cereals 27 POST HARVEST
EAC Policymakers Trained on Aflatoxins and their Effective Antidote, Aflasafe
“Aflatoxin is a silent killer and a major health problem all over health, and trade. It is one of the challenges undermining the desired the world. It has no smell, taste, or color, therefore millions of levels of social and economic people in Africa including infants and children, are exposed transformation and regional to the poison without their knowledge. integration in the East Africa Community,” said Fahari Marwa, a A week-long training for policymakers Principal Agricultural Economist at from the East Africa Community the EAC Secretariat. (EAC) partner states on aflatoxins and progress on efforts to reduce “The EAC has been spearheading its contamination in food and feeds interventions aimed at addressing the in the region was done in Dar es incidences and impact of aflatoxins Salaam, Tanzania. to enhance food utilization, nutrition, and food safety. The secretariat The training was part of ongoing has developed the EAC Aflatoxin efforts by the EAC Secretariat in Prevention and Control Strategy partnership with the Africa Union which was approved at the 10th (AU), USAID, and the International Sectoral Council on Agriculture and Institute of Tropical Agriculture Food Security. (IITA), among many other partners, to prevent and control aflatoxin The training also focuses on contamination, a major threat to strategies for preventing and food security in the region, a health controlling aflatoxin contamination hazard, and which affects trade in including looking at the progress food and agricultural commodities. in developing and rolling out The training was conducted at and aflasafe—one of the technologies by IITA experts that has proven effective in reducing contamination—across the five EAC East Africa is a hotspot for countries. aflatoxins—highly poisonous chemicals produced by the mold Aflasafe was developed by IITA Aspergillus flavus which is found in collaboration with the United in soils. They affect both humans States Department of Agriculture– and animals that eat contaminated Agricultural Research Service (USDA- Aflatoxins“ are maize and groundnut are the most food and feed, and can cause liver ARS) and other local and international often looked at susceptible. Aflatoxin contamination disease (including cancer) and lower partners. Aflasafe is made up of as a postharvest also affects trade as grains that have the body’s immunity. In children, issue while in the mold of the same family as the high levels of the toxins cannot be aflatoxins impair growth leading to fact they are a type that produces aflatoxins but preharvest problem. exported and must be destroyed—at stunting. Acute exposure can lead to which do not produce the toxin and This is because a cost. instant death. can displace their toxin-producing contamination takes relatives from the soil. Aflasafe has place while the “The multi-sectoral impacts and The aflatoxin-producing molds affect crops are still in the been able to consistently reduce effects of aflatoxin constitute a many crops but the key staples of field. aflatoxin contamination in crops significant challenge to agriculture,
28 Cereals . January - March 2018 POST HARVEST
by over 80% in trials across the continent.
“Aflatoxin is a silent killer and a major health problem all over the world. It has no smell, taste, or color, therefore millions of people in Africa including infants and children, are exposed to the poison without their knowledge. Testing in the laboratories is the only sure way to know if aflatoxin is present in the food and feed but this is very expensive. Therefore, reducing the mold that produces aflatoxins is one of the effective ways to reduce the contamination,” said Dr Victor Manyong, IITA Director for Eastern Africa while also speaking at the training’s opening session.
“Aflasafe is a very cost effective and efficient technology in reducing aflatoxin The training also focuses “Good postharvest and storage contamination in food and feed. Together management of the aflatoxin-free produce with our partners we are working with many on strategies “for preventing is also important to reduce the risk of countries all over Africa to develop their and controlling aflatoxin further contamination. These include not own product using locally sourced strains contamination including spreading the produce on bare soils to dry, of the non-toxic mold. We have developed looking at the progress ensuring they are dried properly to a safe local products for over 10 countries in in developing and rolling moisture content of 12% or below, and use Africa,” he said. out aflasafe—one of the of clean and dry storage that will keep away moisture and pests,” he added. In East Africa, Kenya is at an advanced technologies that has stage as AflasafeKE has been registered in proven effective in reducing The training enabled policymakers to get the country through a partnership between contamination—across the a better understanding of the aflatoxin IITA and the Kenya Agriculture Livestock five EAC countries. problem and the biocontrol technology, Research Organization (KALRO) and the Aflasafe. The training also covered efficacy construction of a plant to manufacture it postharvest issue while in fact they are of the aflasafe technology and its benefits, locally is almost complete. a preharvest problem. This is because and how it is produced. Policymakers also contamination takes place while the crops reviewed the status and the progress made In Tanzania, the Ministry of Agriculture, are still in the field. The fungi then continue in the transfer and application of aflasafe Livestock and Fisheries and IITA have to produce aflatoxins during postharvest technology in the EAC Partner States and developed their local product AflasafeTZ handling and storage. Therefore, preharvest discuss sustainable models and identify and put together the dossier for its management is a very critical stage for strategic pathways for upscaling and out registration. In Burundi, Rwanda, and preventing and reducing contamination of scaling of aflasafe in the EAC. Uganda, the development of their local crops while in the field as this will reduce product is ongoing. contamination during storage,” said George Catherine Njuguna, IITA Eastern Africa, Mahuku, IITA plant pathologist, and one of [email protected], +255 767 361 255 “Aflatoxins are often looked at as a the trainers.
January - March 2018 . Cereals 29 MANAGEMENT Farming: Business or Hobby?
business, or a lack of focus on profit and loss due to other factors being the prime driver of an operation.
How does an agricultural business maintain its essence and become better at fulfilling its purpose? Many if not all usiness drivers are needed in some form to run a good business – and indeed many of the seemingly positive behaviours can be a negative and hold a business back if applied in the wrong manner (e.g. hyper competitiveness leading to low pricing, driving market share up Sometimes the purpose of a business is very clear, however many and profitability down). times it is below the surface, as businesses simply get on and “just do it”, but are driven by something in them that is great. Some Perhaps the key overarching factor is that these businesses affect themes come up frequently in terms of purpose – whether the what they can, take account of the factors beyond their control, businesses are outwardly successful or struggling. and get on with the job and make things happen. They are results orientated rather than problem-focused. They work hard AND smart These are a willingness to: to make their own luck. - fulfil a personal drive and ambition to do something great or to be
the best Why do people farm – what is the essence of their purpose? - provide a foundation for family well being What is better farming is very much affected by the organisations - fulfill a way of life and a genuine love of farming philosophy or the essence of the operation itself. - provide something different that is good for people and the world
- enhance financial wellbeing “Achievement is not always success, while reputed failure often is. - simply do it, because it’s what we do. It is honest endeavor, persistent effort to do the best possible under any and all circumstances.” - Orison Swett Marden It is important to note that whilst most of the operations are operationally sound, run professionally, and inspirationally led, not all The key philosophies, which have driven impressive agri-business are overwhelmingly viable businesses from a profit and loss perspective, operations to improve their performance or offering to the market. or necessarily successful farming operations. There are many reasons It is clear that they are driven by a number of factors which result in this might be the case, but common themes are vagaries of the market them becoming great at what they do. and fickle consumer behaviour affecting demand in market, distortion of markets due to government influence, bad luck playing a part in Enhancing Community Service and Keep Reputation.
30 Cereals . January - March 2018 MANAGEMENT
It is not a given that an Agri-business with present. Philosophy on sustainability is to give situations that famers have been exposed to a solid philosophical grounding will be something back to the environment. So some over their lifetime. However, they still welcome successful by all measures. This is most started planting more trees. Every tree should innovation, and organise themselves well. All obvious with organisations with no stated have a commercial value though, otherwise of them are expert in technical operation of objective of being financially successful, the business is going backwards. Without their business. such as initiatives that focus on community commercial success you can’t achieve the other outcomes. However it also is common in more holistic philosophies. Perhaps the most common theme in agribusinesses. agribusinesses which have succeeded Passion in growing their businesses beyond their Often times the necessarily long term To fulfill a way-of-life and a genuine love of natural trajectory has been that they have focus of a farm operation can make it look farming on a personal level, and to provide taken a leap at the appropriate time. They unviable – when other factors are in fact something different that is good for people have a structured strategic operation of more important than short term viability. and the world their business – but at the same time know when to take a risk and grab an opportunity. Some agri-businesses are completely A genuine love of farming and a way-of- While they have a structure, if needs-must integrated, offering food grown on farm life is a prime motivating factor for many they will over-rule their board. (both vegetable and animal), an amazing farmers. This is primarily for personal farm shop, distribution through premium satisfaction stemming from a preference One of the other most evident aspects of outlets, and accommodation. Some offer for living and having your family based organisation in good farm businesses is extensive classes in a state of the art, the in a rural environment. This can also be the involvement of other people in helping key philosophy is to do everything the best accompanied by a wish for “providing manage and run the every-day activities of way possible. The story behind the product something different to people” as a central a company. – based on old techniques, pedigree breeds motivation, in that this may involve personal and organics, is far more prominent that sentiment about how people should live a This applies to both operational and any concern for profitability. Enhancing the happier and healthier life. strategic decision-making. Business people farm’s reputation, and sustaining its future, essentially have to identify what they are is the key driver. But you Must Make Money good at and pay for the rest. The key philosophical foundations of well- Enhancing financial well-being run and aspiring agribusinesses is basic Farms also require relationships along While a day-to-day focus on financials and the supply chain. In the least, good agri- is important and may be a key factor in various traits are common in most of these businesses have productive relationships maintaining or growing an agri-business, businesses. along the value chain, with some owning this is seldom the central driving force the value chain. A willingness to do better in businesses. It is a means to an end However, one factor that need to be results in businesses integrating their – a stable financial grounding allows identified is simple because it’s what we business both horizontally and vertically to businesses to thrive and pursue the other do’ attitude. The philosophy is cited, but gain market advantage. philosophical goals that they have. While does not reflect actual practice. Often times financial well-being is a pillar of good people assume that they are farming the Essentially, successful agri-businesses are business practice, it is not the key driver. way their forefathers did – even though they not prepared to compromise on providing are using far different techniques in the field, the right product to the market. This is a While other philosophies may drive a and operating at a far different level in the combination of point of difference AND business, it is clear that every viable market. This is a purpose that allows top providing the necessary volume to have business must be run with some focus on performance – to be rooted in a philosophy presence in a market. the bottom line. that does not allow improvement which is a recipe for bad business performance. What agri-business does best is affect what How does an agricultural business maintain it can, take account of the factors beyond its essence and become better at fulfilling That said, the multi-generational aspect its control, and get on with it. its purpose? of farming remains a key strength in the However, a lot more underpins business. industry. While quality and “can do” attitude are Multigenerational knowledge is important. also guiding strategies, recognition of the Often times farming and business intuition importance of commercial drivers is also ever is well honed due to the amount of time and
January - March 2018 . Cereals 31 LAND MANAGEMENT Uhuru’s land policy proposals may be a turning point in managing resources
There are no two ways here. Change is imperative and the President got it right in his policy proposals. He now needs our support.
By Bitange Ndemo is an extract from the President’s speech: considering that in the past, planning has been an anathema. enya is among the unfortunate “We shall take steps to address idle arable sub-Saharan African (SSA) land ownership and utilization. We shall take Poor Land Use K countries that are likely to face steps to encourage and facilitate large-scale The President’s proposals come on the a food crisis in the next five to 10 years commercial agriculture to help diversify our heels of a freshly launched National unless some drastic policy interventions staples. We shall redesign subsidies to the Spatial Plan that will ensure seamless are made. sector to ensure they target improvements implementation and compliance with in food yields and production quality. We planned resource utilisation. The government seems to be aware of shall provide, together with other actors, key The NSP “establishes the National this lurking danger. President Kenyatta, enablers within the farming process that will Spatial Structure as a framework to in his speech to the nation on his second address distribution, wastage, storage and achieve integrated and sustainable spatial inauguration, made some far-reaching value-addition of agricultural commodities”. development of the country. … It shall also policy proposals with respect to agriculture, This may be the turning point to effectively be the basis for preparation of lower tier land ownership and land use. The following managing the country’s resources, development plans to achieve integrated
32 Cereals . January - March 2018 LAND MANAGEMENT
blockchain and Global Positioning System (GPS) that can be used to better manage land resources.
Blockchain (an open, distributed public ledger that records transactions between two parties in an efficient, verifiable and permanent way) is widely used to secure different types of transactions.
Its application in land management promises to do away with fraud. With the technology, it will be easy to establish land ownership and with GPS, it will be easier to monitor land use.
Land is a major factor of production that should not be left to individual decision- and sustainable land use planning and to supply chains that will create new making when millions of people languish in promote harmony and mutual cooperation employment for displaced subsistence poverty. in planning in the country.” farmers. If large-scale land owners are not utilising This is a welcome move, considering that The thinking that subsistence farmers can their land, then they should at the minimum agricultural productivity has been in decline be made productive must be discarded pay tax for non-use. due to poor land use practices. because it will never guarantee the development of an effective agribusiness It is only through technology that the Multiple sources of data (see for example, model. country can effectively manage the land the World Bank’s 2010 study Achieving resources in the most effective way. Shared Prosperity in Kenya) over several Years of subsidies to the subsistence years show that while in the 1980s farmers farmer have yielded nothing but pain. Better land resource management will could easily harvest more than 40 ninety- reduce conflict between pastoralists and kilogram bags of maize per hectare, today Post-harvest losses from subsistence game reserves. farmers can hardly harvest 20 bags from a farmers still hover around 50 percent due to similar piece of land. Excessive subdivision poor storage of grain and an undeveloped There are no two ways here. Change is of land, soil erosion and climate change supply chain. imperative and the President got it right undermine productivity and creates more in his policy proposals. He now needs our poor people. The policy proposal also comes at a time support. when new technologies to sustainably In a country where more than 80 per cent of manage land are widely available. Former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt land is either arid or semi-arid, such policy said, “A nation that destroys its soils proposals are overdue. The little arable land A 2006 World Bank study, Sustainable destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of that Kenya has must be put to use in the Land Management: Challenges, our land, purifying the air and giving fresh most productive way possible. Opportunities, and Trade-offs, noted that, strength to our people.” “these technologies will integrate the Land Consolidation management of land, water, biodiversity, Let us use this olive branch offered by To fully benefit from the new policy and other environmental resources to meet President Kenyatta to ensure that we proposals, land consolidation to create human needs while ensuring the long-term restore our water towers, purify the air we large tracts suitable for mechanised farming sustainability of ecosystem services and breathe and strengthen the people. must be encouraged. livelihoods.” We have this opportunity to correct past There will be a need for new business Emerging Technologies planning mistakes and start all over again to models especially in developing modern There are other emerging technologies like better strategies for future generations.
January - March 2018 . Cereals 33 AGRO-PROCESSING food value chains.
“The East African grain market is highly unstructured, Grain processing plant to benefit with unpredictable pricing, interference by middle men and East Africa farmers limited cross-border trading, putting local farmers at a huge disadvantage. In addition to Shalem Investments this, the sector faces very many Ltd., a grantee of external challenges including the FoodTrade East the recent drought,” explained & Southern Africa Steve Orr, FoodTrade ESA programme, launched Team Leader. “The project a grain and pulses being implemented by Shalem processing plant in Investments Ltd. is enhancing Meru at an event held the collective marketing of at the Kenya Industrial grains from smallholder farmers. Estate (K.I.E). The As we work to build farmers’ plant is part of a wider resilience to external shocks project funded by the such as the effects of climate FoodTrade East & change, it is important for us to Southern Africa (ESA) ensure the right infrastructure programme. Under the is in place to grow the local programme, Shalem processing capacity.” Investment Limited works with over 20,000 All farmers contracted by smallholder farmers to build and quantities of grains and Ltd. “The project covers Meru, Shalem Investment Ltd under their capacity as partners in pulses that will allow them to Tharaka Nithi, Embu, Nyamira, the FoodTrade ESA project agri-business. participate in regional trade. Homabay, Laikipia, Nakuru and will benefit from access to the The state of the art equipment Kitui in Kenya, and we source processing plant. Initial buyers The investment will enable includes a mobile dryer, a produce from smallholder will include project beneficiaries smallholder farmers from grain & legume cleaner, an farmers in Uganda and Tanzania and the public in the area, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania aflatoxin testing facility, as through our agents. By setting the company aiming to grow its to access primary processing well as a milling plant. Grains up the processing plant, we will market even wider. Smallholder facilities and improve the that will be processed include enable smallholder farmers to farmers in the area will also have quality and value of their maize, beans, sorghum, millet, move further up the value chain access to the equipment and produce. In a mutually soybeans and green grams. from market takers to market facilities at the plant. beneficial relationship, farmers makers.” in the county will also have “With support from the Shalem Investment Ltd has access to processed food at an FoodTrade ESA programme, FoodTrade ESA provides grants focused on incentivising affordable price for domestic we work with smallholder to projects that bridge gaps farmers and aggregators to consumption, helping to farmers to increase their in staple food value chains, to take responsibility for the strengthen food security at the ability to produce what the benefit smallholder farmers and quality of produce available for household level. market needs. We train them consumers. consumption and sale. This in climate smart agriculture, has increased their bargaining The processing plant is part of work with producer groups to Through these projects, power for better prices. By a wider project funded by the build awareness of grades and FoodTrade ESA is able to working closely with farmers, UK Government through the standards, help them aggregate promote and enhance regional the company is attracting higher FoodTrade ESA programme. their produce and give them trade, and bring smallholder rewards from buyers for the The project is aimed at building access to machinery and farmers closer to the centre of improved quality of its produce, the capacity of smallholder equipment,” said Ruth Kinoti, the production, processing and translating to better prices for farmers to produce the quality CEO of Shalem Investments marketing functions of staple farmers and aggregators.
34 Cereals . January - March 2018 PROTECTS FROM THE HARDEST BLOWS
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Is agribusiness the magic bullet for youth unemployment in Africa?
frica is facing a double employment crisis—a A lack of jobs for youth, and an increasing number of young people in need of work. While agriculture is the largest sector of employment in Africa with promising job opportunities for youth, the sector is often regarded as unattractive for and by young people.
Africa has the largest population of young people in the world, with 226 million people aged between 15 to 24 years. Every year, young graduates from schools and colleges seek to enter the continent’s workforce, often with no success. What role can the agriculture play in addressing the unemployment challenge side with agribusinesses, to link in Africa? According to a farmers with consumers in an World Bank report on “Growing We need to think of increasingly urbanized Africa. Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Agribusiness”, Africa’s new ways to create To stimulate discussions on farmers and agribusinesses developing a framework for could create a trillion-dollar new opportunities or concrete youth engagement food market by 2030 if they in agribusiness in a changing can expand their access to expand existing ones for climate, the CGIAR Research more capital, electricity, better Program on Climate Change, technology and irrigated land youth employment in Agriculture and Food Security, to grow high-value nutritious the CGIAR Research Program foods. National governments, agriculture. on Livestock, the Climate Smart however, need to work side-by- Agriculture Youth Network
36 Cereals . January - March 2018 HUMAN RESOURCES
(CSAYN), AgriProFocus and as climate justice ambassadors offset all the youth moving away engagement. Catherine Mungai ICCO Cooperation put together to raise awareness about from rural areas. But even if from CCAFS East Africa an online discussion and a climate change and created young people will stay in rural shared why it is important webinar. CSAYN Mali club, and planted areas, it does not mean they to engage with the youth in 25 trees with children in two will be involved in agriculture, terms of research and policy- I gladly applied to study schools. Mr. Kleijn said and added that making. She gave example agricultural economics in the “there is an issue of too many of CCAFS East Africa’s work university but was surprised Agriculture offers many youths with too few jobs in with the youth in the Nyando that 90% of my classmates opportunities along the value urban areas and this eventually Climate-Smart Villages (CSVs), then, did not have interest in chain. Victor Esendi from will lead, if we are not careful, to where youth are testing a the course. In fact, most of AgriProFocus emphasized that violence”. couple of CSA practices and them left the course before we need to think of new ways technologies. “There are a our graduation while few to create new opportunities or What is different between youth lot of opportunities to involve struggled to finish. Based on expand existing ones for youth today from youth from previous youth, such as in agroforestry, the question asked, agriculture employment in agriculture. generations? irrigation, fish farming, and in is not a preferred career or “We see climate-smart Climate change makes developing apps for climate choice course for young people agriculture as an opportunity agriculture more knowledge- information services, we because of wrong mindset and for African youth to innovate intensive and more difficult, and need to find a way to present poor orientation of youth and and ensure continuous supply.” even less attractive for youth. agriculture as an interesting parents about agriculture. While climate change affects There is also less land available opportunity for youth.”
Youth engagement in climate- smart agriculture While climate change affects food production, young Divine Ntiokam from CSAYN set people can think of new technologies to produce or the scene for the discussion by sharing CSAYN’s work on youth preserve food, and ensure supply to the market. engagement in Africa. The group, run on a voluntary basis, food production, young people because of population growth promotes and strengthens can think of new technologies and increased life expectancy. Way forward climate-smart agriculture to produce or preserve food, Youth are also more aware During wrap up session of the among youth. More specifically, and ensure supply to the of alternatives; “they see on webinar led by Alpha Gitau from CSAYN aims to raise awareness market. their mobile phones, they see ICCO Cooperation, participants of the contributions youth can it on the television that there emphasized that change does make in agriculture for a better Opportunities are there, but how are other lives out there, other not happen overnight; we need future, especially through the can we actually engage youth? possibilities”. to focus on youth who are application of climate-smart Wouter Kleijn from the already interested in agriculture. practices. International Livestock Knowing all of this, how can we We need to start small and Research Institute (ILRI) involve youth? grow youth-led agribusinesses CSAYN does outstanding work addressed how policies and There is no blueprint solution slowly, helping them get access in this area. In Rwanda, for programmes can facilitate youth but there are a few things to resources and encouraging example, CSAYN partnered involvement in agribusinesses to explore. For example, them to innovate. We also with SOS Children’s Village focusing on three questions: addressing the ’usual suspects’ need to support already- Rwanda in February 2017, to Should we engage more youth? such as infrastructure, existing networks such as train over 50 young students on There are legitimate arguments corruption, education CSAYN and YPARD who are how to protect the environment, expressed against focusing on supporting existing youth already addressing young particularly sensitization on youth involvement; for example, entrepreneurs and encouraging people so that they can speak the impact of climate change increasing production on big them to scale up so they might with one voice for those who on agricultural productivity. farms can address food security employ other youth. support youth engagement in In Mali, CSAYN organized without demand for more labor, There is need for practical agribusiness, including CCAFS. environmental academies such or that population growth will examples and more youth
January - March 2018 . Cereals 37 FEATURE
to open up the potential Billionaires, from of the region’s agricultural industry. This agreement was Poor Men’s Fields’ put into a document, now popularly known as the Malabo Declaration, which stipulated It is only when the average African realizes that digging dirt is an the specific commitments with clear indicators for tracking and honorable job, and develops the desire to be actively involved in measuring agricultural practice it because of the financial liberation it comes with. that needed attention.
Further, the Malabo Declaration, agreed that a new monitoring system would be set up to ensure that the Heads of State, and their respective authorities, maintained accountability to peers, and to their citizenry in delivering this agricultural transformation.
For this purpose, the Heads of State agreed to review their achievements every two years; popularly known as the biennial review. The first such review took place in the same way, the Heads of State agreed that there was an urgent need to create a scorecard that would show countries how they are faring on the different goals of sked where the Dangote, too, is now venturing their own right, and being the Malabo Declaration. next crop of African into farming, just recently billionaires, they must know A Billionaires will come investing $4.6bn in Nigerian something that the average The scorecard, the first ever from, the President of the agriculture. Dangote plans to African doesn’t. pan-African co-operation of its African Development Bank, invest $3.8bn in sugar and rice kind, is now under development Nigerian Dr Akinwumi Adesina, and $800m in milk production Yet, for years, and even with and will be ready before the without batting an eyelid, in the next three years. Already front-seat access to data January 2018 African Union declared that they will be greatly involved in agriculture, and consultant-advice from Summit of Heads of State. farmers. And he is not the only Dangote, through his Dangote real billionaires, the majority Once presented, it will provide person in his class endorsing Group conglomerate, is out to of African governments have a new and powerful tool for all agriculture as the next frontier. increase his sugar output by 50 done little to reposition their stakeholders in identifying the Technology success Strive per cent (from 100,000 tons), economies as agricultural specific areas of agricultural Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean, has rice yield by 1 million tons, and powerhouses. But things may transformation that need indicated more than once that start producing 500 million litres now be set to change. attention. if he was to start over, he would of milk a year by 2020. go into farming. In 2014, African heads of state A complementary tool for Masiyiwa and Dangote are met in Equatorial Guinea, the Biennial Review process, Africa’s richest man, Aliko successful businessmen in and vowed to work together the scorecard is powered by
38 Cereals . January - March 2018 FEATURE
data submitted by respective are complicated documents that further improvement the specific weaknesses they countries on their performance whose aim is to vilify non- in regional integration will need to overcome for further in the 43 agriculture growth performers while rewarding have been secured, with key development. The hope is that indicators agreed on in success. The leaders’ meeting successes in intra-African by easily identifying critical Malabo. The beauty of the in Malabo rightly confirmed trade and increased investment areas of failure, the Heads of new agriculture scorecard is that Africa is moving into a in agriculture and hunger State can encourage both a that it is least concerned with space where competition in reduction efforts. policy and attitude shift that how countries perform against development no longer matters, will eventually drive the desired each other and provide an and that the failure of some However, the speed at which changes. opportunity for sharing lessons. countries adversely affects the the scorecard fuels that reputation of the region as a success depends on support, Opinion leaders, such as The hope is that countries that whole. from governments and other Dangote, Adesina and are struggling to reposition their stakeholders, in pursuing its Masiyiwa, are helping fellow agricultural sectors for takeoff By the end of the second underlying objective. The active Africans to appreciate the will use it to reach out to those biennial review process, interaction of Heads of State importance of achieving who are proving successful for and with countries actively with the tool will introduce them the Malabo goals. Masiyiwa guidance, allowing the region to engaging with the agriculture to a new line of questioning has already emerged as a grow together, as a block. scorecard, it is foreseen that will allow them to identify major influencer through his interaction with the youth on This function of the agriculture social media, and his voice is scorecard, represents the intent now gradually inspiring a radical and purpose of the discussions shift in favour of agriculture. So in Malabo, as a pan-African are Adesina and Dangote, who drive, where it has become are driving a new admiration clear that success is not owed for farming through their to any country in Africa, and views voiced on television and that the only way up is by radio. More of their peers are nations becoming pillars of following suit too, but a lot support for each other. more mouthpieces are needed around the continent to drive The scorecard will also be this revolution with the speed it available online to encourage deserves. public participation in the interrogation of the information As experts note, it is only when gathered, in the knowledge the average African realizes that that by engaging with citizens, digging dirt is an honorable job, Heads of State can benefit and develops the desire to be from expert advice that may actively involved in it because not be immediately available of the financial liberation it to them. The key principle for comes with. Then the continent presenting the information will begin to achieve its publicly, however, is rooted in economic development goals. Jürgen Habermas’ articulation that public engagement can The Malabo declaration and influence decisions in ways that its biennial review process, see key national objectives met as well as the new agriculture more swiftly. scorecard, are now providing a new base to drive that change. The ultimate goal remains to dispel the myth that scorecards
January - March 2018 . Cereals 39 FIELD DAY Farm safety First Farming is one of the most dangerous industries in the world. 9.7 in every 100,000 workers employed on farms die each year. The next most dangerous industry is construction where the number of deaths is around 2.1 per 100,000 workers. Year after year the same accidents are occurring on farms but the industry isn’t learning or evolving.
n 2005 I was involved in a life pressures to deal with in farming, like time, A culture change, which will take time changing accident where I became finance and weather to name a few. As but will have a longer lasting effect on the entangled in a PTO shaft and lost farmers they are very much multi-skilled. industry, is needed. To enable a culture shift my left arm. Since then I have However, formal health and safety training strong and effective leadership is essential usedI my story to help educate others in isn’t one of the skills they possess, leading for us, both from our farming leaders and the industry. To try to bring together best to a lack of understanding around the in our own businesses. Farmers who can practices in the field of accident prevention subject. passionately promote safety should be and discover why farmers are still having identified to deliver peer-to-peer training on farm accidents in their pursuit of feeding Safety initiatives need to be led by safe work procedures, and push clear and the world. farmers for farmers. Safety also needs consistent messaging. to be practical and easy to carry out: Farmers don’t recognise risk to life in the farmers don’t have time for complex The use of independent auditors should be same way other people do. As an industry paper-based systems as the workplace to help farmers identify risks on the farm to they thrive on the risks associated with is extremely dynamic. Safe practices enable change. This could be done by farm farming and relish the challenge of working need to be embedded in the minds of assurance inspectors, insurance companies in a dangerous environment. It must also everyone involved in the business to allow or even other farmers who can bring a fresh be acknowledged that they have many autonomous safe working. set of eyes to the workplace.
40 Cereals . January - March 2018 FIELD DAY
Agricultural colleges and universities must the industry, need to put farm safety ahead peers. A core of influential farmers needs to work on developing the next generation of of what might be popular with farming be empowered to create a “safety is cool” safe farmers by integrating safety into every members. culture, and then the rest of the industry will aspect of agricultural education to enable follow, fearing exclusion by the new social the long term goal of reducing accidents Farmers sometimes find it difficult to group. permanently. recognise dangers on the farm, making it difficult to manage the problem. There This group of “safe” farmers who are Focusing my thoughts is need to encourage more training in leading the way in safety will also be Increasing regulation or penalties will not safe working procedures and then follow extremely good farmers, proving that safety have a positive effect on farm safety. The the training with continued development won’t hinder farming, but enhance the disconnect between the regulator and the to keep farmers up to date with new business. Being a safe farm is also a good farmer will only increase if more regulation techniques. This could be carried out in a indicator that the business is professional is enforced. The existing laws are adequate class room type scenario, trade shows or and profitable. The “safe” farmers will also to keep workers safe; however, a lack of even through web-based learning. help mentor others and facilitate farm visits knowledge by farmers of existing regulation to help others visualise how safety works in has rendered these laws ineffective. A Agricultural education can and should help a real life situation. mistrust of the regulator is also hindering with creating a culture shift. We need to be a working relationship with farmers which creating a generation of safe farmers who Safety needs to be practical; if it’s difficult could otherwise prove beneficial in reducing will shape the future of agriculture. Social then it won’t get done. As Dr Fogg accidents. acceptance is a huge barrier to a shift in describes, there are many barriers to culture.They can start the shift at college change, some are perceived barriers but Strong leadership is needed within the and university but they must enable that some are very real. We must keep it simple, agricultural industry to enable greater culture to continue once the student arrives low cost and with low physical effort. progress with safety initiatives. When in the workplace. We must make safety Farmers have already got a lot to think difficult decisions need to be made our “sexy”; many farmers don’t take safety about day-to-day so any extra safe working farming leaders, for the greater good of seriously for fear of ridicule by their farming practices need to be easily adopted with little cost.
This is where technology could come into effect by helping farmers recognise risk but then manage it. Providing the technology remains inexpensive and easy to use there is huge potential to aid accident prevention. Near-miss reporting is a free lesson in safety and needs to be utilised possibly with the help of technology to enable anonymous reporting.
Alternatively we must empower farm workers to report near-misses without fear of ridicule or reprimand.
January - March 2018 . Cereals 41 List of Growers CEREAL FARMERS IN KENYA
FARM NAME LOCATION CONTACT PERSON EMAIL TELEPHONE CROP MIX ROTATION CROP
Chemusian ltd Too [email protected] 0722209754 Wheat / Barley
Kikwai farm Patrick [email protected] 0731817804 Wheat / Barley - ELDORET - - - - Sergoit farm Yani/ Kruger [email protected] 0718338099 Wheat / Barley Maize Komol farm George Killi 0722732757 Wheat Maize Mohammed Kaittany 053-2062234 Wheat Maize Elfam ltd Ngetich 0721517701 Wheat Maize Mace foods Margret Komen 0722840799 Wheat Maize Kuinet Tarus Tarus 0721934176 Wheat Maize Moiben Chepkener Chepkener 0719506980 Wheat Maize Chepkorio Jelimo 0722571355 Wheat Maize Kenya ordnance Chirchir 0721851931 Wheat Maize Kandelo Kandelo 0720305041 Wheat Maize Kimoso Kimoso 0734858619 Wheat Maize Silas Tiren Tiren [email protected] 0725792463 Wheat Maize Shiv enterprises Albert Kimwatan 0722652300 Wheat Maize Timothy Busienei Busienei 0727085756 Wheat Maize Plateau Ngeria Sile 0724752143 Wheat Maize Victoria Chebet Chebet 0753466025 Wheat Maize Maji Mazuri Ziwa 0723024971 Wheat Maize Kibogy Moiben Kibet 0728706668 Wheat Maize Kapkabai Farm John [email protected] 0722724990 Wheat Maize - ATHI RIVER - - - - - Ausquest ltd Stuart Barden [email protected] 0703119444 Barley/ Wheat Sorghum
- KITALE - - - - - Bubayi Jonathan Mayer 0735488001 Wheat Maize Panocal Chris Carpenter [email protected] 0719505785 Wheat Maize Murmet Chelimo 0722571355 Wheat Maize Cheptembei farm Robin 0722817638 Wheat Maize Robert Tuitoek 0722813381 Wheat Maize Biwott Biwott 0720955748 Wheat Maize Express Farm Mbugua 0722766176 Wheat Maize Western seed company Harry 0720897860 Maize/ Wheat Kenya seed company Mwarei 0722614639 Maize/ Wheat Barley ADC Farms Edward [email protected] 0728453942 Maize Sunflower/ Pasture
- MOLO - - - - - EAML Gacheru 0722791563 Contracted Barley farmers - KISUMU - - - - - Dominion farms ltd Okoth 27494585 Rice, Maize, Sugarcane
Cereals . January - March 2018 January - March 2017 . Cereals List of Growers List of Growers CEREAL FARMERS IN KENYA CEREAL FARMERS IN KENYA
FARM NAME LOCATION CONTACT PERSON EMAIL TELEPHONE CROP MIX ROTATION CROP FARM NAME LOCATION CONTACT PERSON EMAIL TELEPHONE CROP MIX ROTATION CROP - MT. KENYA - - - - - Chemusian ltd Too [email protected] 0722209754 Wheat / Barley Oldonyo ltd Brynn [email protected] 0722817163 Wheat/ Barley Peas, Canola
Kikwai farm Patrick [email protected] 0731817804 Wheat / Barley Kisima ltd Shaun [email protected] 0729924353 Wheat/ Barley Peas, Canola - ELDORET - - - - Wangu Investment Ben [email protected] 0724545475 Wheat/ Barley Sergoit farm Yani/ Kruger [email protected] 0718338099 Wheat / Barley Maize Marania ltd Jamie [email protected] 0721573634 Wheat/ Barley Peas, Canola Komol farm George Killi 0722732757 Wheat Maize Lengetia ltd Sessions [email protected] 0722332647 Wheat/ Barley Peas, Canola Mohammed Kaittany 053-2062234 Wheat Maize Mastermind ltd Gitonga [email protected] 0722751488 Wheat Elfam ltd Ngetich 0721517701 Wheat Maize Tumili ltd David Beak [email protected] 0722823543 Wheat/ Barley Peas, Canola Mace foods Margret Komen 0722840799 Wheat Maize Thamba Ngombe Thamba [email protected] 0724927351 Wheat/ Barley Kuinet Tarus Tarus 0721934176 Wheat Maize Mt Kenya saw mill shah [email protected] 0722511691 Wheat - NAROK - - - - - Moiben Chepkener Chepkener 0719506980 Wheat Maize Chepkorio Jelimo 0722571355 Wheat Maize Simba Estate SS. Dhillon [email protected] 0722511460 Wheat Maize Kenya ordnance Chirchir 0721851931 Wheat Maize Farm Africa ltd Raghu [email protected] 0788299442 Wheat Kandelo Kandelo 0720305041 Wheat Maize Lalela ltd Neylan [email protected] 0722385329 Wheat Sorghum Kimoso Kimoso 0734858619 Wheat Maize Mann Wheat ltd Magal 0722518964 Wheat Silas Tiren Tiren [email protected] 0725792463 Wheat Maize Green Farms Wambugu 0722287337 Wheat Shiv enterprises Albert Kimwatan 0722652300 Wheat Maize South Siox Farm Guri [email protected] 0722676878 Wheat Timothy Busienei Busienei 0727085756 Wheat Maize Olerai ltd Alistair [email protected] 0728484659 Wheat Seed Maize Plateau Ngeria Sile 0724752143 Wheat Maize Talent Farm Paul [email protected] 0729846736 Wheat Victoria Chebet Chebet 0753466025 Wheat Maize Rm Farms Amit and Sanju [email protected] 0722225330 Wheat Maize Maji Mazuri Ziwa 0723024971 Wheat Maize Ndovu estate Viney 0722824793 Wheat Maize Kibogy Moiben Kibet 0728706668 Wheat Maize Country motors Singh [email protected] 0722764763 Wheat Kapkabai Farm John [email protected] 0722724990 Wheat Maize Oldonyo Nairasha Estate Karan [email protected] 0722323296 Wheat Maize - ATHI RIVER - - - - - Development Trust David 0724741718 Wheat Canola Ausquest ltd Stuart Barden [email protected] 0703119444 Barley/ Wheat Sorghum Oratili ltd Mahesh [email protected] 0722848474 Wheat Canola Upland crops Koos [email protected] 0704681651 Wheat Maize
- KITALE ------NAIVASHA - - - - - Bubayi Jonathan Mayer 0735488001 Wheat Maize Kijabe ltd David Cullen [email protected] 0729950910 Wheat/ Barley Panocal Chris Carpenter [email protected] 0719505785 Wheat Maize Soyonin ltd Benajamin Kipkulei 0733605071 Wheat Murmet Chelimo 0722571355 Wheat Maize Livewire Ltd Goddy Millar [email protected] 0722205992 Wheat / Barley - NAKURU - - - - - Cheptembei farm Robin 0722817638 Wheat Maize Robert Tuitoek 0722813381 Wheat Maize Lesiolo ltd Tundo Franco [email protected] 0724333322 Wheat / Barley Biwott Biwott 0720955748 Wheat Maize Madrugada Jonti [email protected] 0722734179 Wheat / Barley Maize, Peas, Canola, Express Farm Mbugua 0722766176 Wheat Maize Sunflower Western seed company Harry 0720897860 Maize/ Wheat Tony Hughes [email protected] 0722808058 Kenya seed company Mwarei 0722614639 Maize/ Wheat Barley Chepkonga Andrew [email protected] 0710308917 Wheat / Barley ADC Farms Edward [email protected] 0728453942 Maize Sunflower/ Pasture Siruai Rose [email protected] 0722865892 Wheat / Barley Maize Sasumua Agriculture Luke [email protected] 0722779618 Wheat / Barley Canola, Peas, - MOLO - - - - - Sunflower, Maize EAML Gacheru 0722791563 Contracted Barley Kenana Farm Oliver [email protected] 0722725002 Wheat / Barley Canola, Peas, farmers Sunflower, Maize - KISUMU - - - - - Remsons Ltd Mugambi [email protected] 0722807773 Wheat / Barley Dominion farms ltd Okoth 27494585 Rice, Maize, Molodowns Chris Foot [email protected] 0722717130 Wheat / Barley Sugarcane Gogar Farm Simon [email protected] 0722327718 Wheat Maize Kinoru Farm Barlow [email protected] 0725777479 Wheat / Barley canola, Peas, Sunflower Comply industries Sandhu [email protected] 0729870025 Wheat / Barley
January - March 2017 . Cereals Cereals . January - March 2017 January - March 2018 . Cereals BRIEFS Maize Nixtamalization Reduces Aflatoxin by 60-70%
a major public health scare to most consumers stir while cooking for 20 minutes or until of the diet. The infestation by the fungus has the grain peels easily by hand. Remove the led to a significant amount of harvested grains maize from the fire and let it cool for 3 hours. going to waste leading to importation of maize After that, wash while rubbing the grain on a in Kenya. sieve. Mill the grain when still wet to make a dough “Masa”. Use the dough to make many Nixtamalization typically refers to a process products such as tortilla, crackles, scones, Aflatoxin infested maize for the preparation of maize, or other grain, in pancake, cookies, and crisps. Alternatively Farmers who have been grappling with which the grain is soaked and cooked in an dry the pre-cooked maize, grind into flour and aflatoxin on their maize and other food alkaline solution, usually limewater, and hulled. make Ugali. crops in Kenya can reduce aflatoxin by a process called nixtamalization developed by To protect maize from aflatoxin, lime Nixtamalization reduces aflatoxin in maize by researchers at the Kenya Agricultural and precooking needs to be done using 4kg of 60-70%. The process improves bio-availability Livestock Organization (KALRO). dried maize, 6 liters of water and 100gm (2 of protein & Niacin. Niacin prevents pellagra table spoons lime). If lime is not available, use (drying cracking of the skin and mouth). It also Aflatoxin is a highly poisonous cancer-causing 1 cup of sieved maize cob or bean Stover ash increases calcium and phosphorus that give chemical produced by a fungus scientifically (soaked in water and sieved). strong teeth and bones. The procedure also known as Aspergillus flavus. With maize being diversifies ways of utilizing maize and market the staple food crop in Kenya, aflatoxin poses Boil the water and the lime. Clean maize and potential. Stress Tolerant Maize for Africa
he Stress Tolerant Maize for Africa climatic and socioeconomic conditions. Besides promoting available stress tolerant (STMA) project aims to diminish Maize, which is grown mainly under rainfed varieties developed by the Drought Tolerant T devastating constraints in maize conditions, is susceptible to increasing Maize for Africa and Improved Maize for production that occur simultaneously across intensity and frequency of drought due to African Soils Projects that concluded in many regions in sub-Saharan Africa. The effects of climate change. December 2015, STMA will develop 70 new project develops new improved varieties improved stress-tolerant varieties using and hybrids with resistance and tolerance to In addition, the majority of smallholder farmers innovative modern breeding technologies. drought, low soil fertility, heat, diseases such cannot afford the recommended amounts as Maize Lethal Necrosis and pests affecting of nitrogen fertilizers in these drought-prone Objectives a large target of maize production areas in areas where low-fertility soils are prevalent. Use innovative breeding tools and techniques the region. Targeted countries are in eastern These, in addition to other stresses increase applied for increasing the rate of genetic gain (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), southern the risk of crop failure that negatively affects in the maize breeding pipeline. (Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and income, food security and nourishment of West Africa (Benin, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria). millions of smallholder farmers and their To increase commercialization of improved families. multiple-stress-tolerant maize varieties with These countries account for nearly 72 percent gender-preferred traits by the sub-Saharan of all maize area in sub-Saharan Africa and Scientists involved with the project are African seed sector. include more than 26 million households, or developing and promoting improved stress- well over 176 million people who depend on tolerant varieties expected to increase maize To increase seed availability and farmer uptake maize-based agriculture for their food security productivity by 30 to 50 percent. of stress-tolerant maize varieties in target and economic well-being. countries. The project aims to produce estimated 54,000 Maize occupies over 35 million hectares of tons of certified seed to put into the hands Optimize investment impact through effective sub-Saharan Africa’s estimated 200 million of more than 5.4 million smallholder farmer project oversight, monitoring, evaluation and hectares of land and produced under diverse households by the end of 2019. communication.
44 Cereals . January - March 2018 Fresh Produce Africa (FPA)
International& Fresh Trade Tech Exhibition Africa for Fruits & (FTA)Vegetables Tuesday April 17 - Thursday April 19 • 2018 Oshwal Center • Nairobi • Kenya
Free floorspace & stand packages available for growers, exporters and brokers of fresh vegetables and fruits
For more information please contact Michelle Mwangi %MAIL MICHELLE HPPNL s www.freshproduceafrica.orgJanuary - March 2018 . Cereals Army Worm Leaflet_Floriculture_10th April PRESS.pdf 1 10/04/2017 11:45
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Cereals . January - March 2018