The magazine for sustainable agriculture in Kenya Nr. 27 August 2007 Green manure is best fertilizer Mucuna or crotalaria or One of the most frequent requests we purple vetch (pictured) are receive from the farmers throughout the not just weeds. Used prop- country is to provide them with financial erly, they are the best way assistance for buying farm inputs. We to improve soil fertility. lack resources to help the farmers. As much as farmers are eager to improve The Organic Farmer their production and income, their request is a clear indication that they are unable Crop yields in sub-Sa- haran Africa have hardly to access credit in the local financial institutions. This is mainly because of the increased since the 1960s. many conditions attached to loans. The reason for this poor performance is the declin- As we have reported many times in ing soil fertility in the this column, there are many low-cost continent. On 85 percent methods farmers can use to improve their of the African farmland, production. One of these methods is to incorporate green manure legumes into the yearly loss of nutri- their cropping systems. These legumes ents is more than 30 kg contain important nutrients such as per hectare – much more nitrogen that help improve soil fertility. than on all other conti- Although many farmers already know nents. The poverty of the that legumes offer a simple and cheap African farmers is the method of improving soil productivity, main reason. Smallholder many have largely ignored this advice; farmers in the region do most of them burn bean residues after not have the means to threshing the beans. access inputs (such as Apart from the above-mentioned finan- fertilizers) and extension cial dilemma, behind this behaviour lies a services needed to raise their produc- worldwide is pinning much hope on structural problem. “Many rural house- tivity. At the same time, traditional the use of green manure legumes and holds and have neither the labour to methods of replenishing soil fertility, their addition of nitrogen to the soil devote to careful crop management nor such as fallowing or rotations, are no time to learn new techniques”, writes longer possible due to the diminish- TOF on air! Robert Tripp in an article for the British ing size of land holdings. On Thursday of every third Overseas Development Institute. Added A way out of this sad development week of the month, you can hear The to this is the fact that new technolo- is the use of green manure legumes to Organic Farmer on the Kiswahili Service of gies such as the green manure method improve soil fertility. Legumes such KBC from 8.30 pm to 8.45 pm. In the next may require some additional labour, even as lablab, desmodium and purple programme we will talk about income though it would be more than worth- vetch have many benefits, includ- generation with dairy goats, poultry and while. ing soil fertility replenishment, soil mushrooms. Tune in on Thursday 20th We would really encourage small-scale and water conservation and weed August, 2007, 8.30pm! farmers to open their minds and try new and pest control, not to forget their (the most important nutrient for crop methods that could help improve their use in human and animal nutrition. production). However, the change is yields. It is only those who are ready to Research done by the Kenya Agri- slow and is not seen for three to four adapt to new ideas that manage to survive cultural Research Institute (KARI) seasons. in the rapidly changing situation in the as well as by many other institutes agricultural sector. Instead of looking for According to KARI studies in solutions to their problems elsewhere, it the Kenyan highlands, legumes is time farmers tried to find the solution such as mucuna, lablab, crotalaria within their own farming systems and and canavalia, planted as a mono- practices. In other words, the farmers’ culture during one season, added 2 future lies in their own hands. – 15 tonnes of organic matter per Finally, we have one point to make: hectare and were contributing 35 - Many farmers’ groups are complaining 150 kg nitrogen under the same area. that they do not get our magazine from Research by scientists and farmers in their distribution institutions, or group Kisii discovered the benefit of these chairmen do not hand them out. We legumes in intercropping with maize: know that this may be a genuine problem. Before the use of green manure, the Those groups who are unable to get their The fruit fly can cause great loss to yields were 12 bags of maize per acre, monthly copies can write to us, giving farmers' mango trees. How can they and afterwards, the yield rose to 20 their full addresses so that we can send control this pest? Page 4 and 5 bags per acre. See pages 2 and 3 the magazine directly to them. Nr. 27 August 2007 OPINIONS Quote: There is, of course, a gold Mixed cropping is good practice mine or a buried treasure on every Planting different crops on the same mortgaged homestead. Whether the land has many advantages for the farmer ever digs for it or not, it is small-scale farmer. there, haunting his daydreams when the burden of debt is most unbear- The Organic Farmer able. A short while ago, farmer Zachary Quote: Life on a farm is a school of Mwarari sent us an SMS asking us to patience; you can’t hurry the crops or show the difference between inter- make an ox in two days. cropping, mixed cropping and asso- ciative cropping. There is no sharp Quote: No one hates his job so line to draw, as all three are somewhat heartily as a farmer. H.L. Mencken related, and all three methods play a major role in sustainable and organic Row intercropping Quote: Never answer a question agriculture. Since many farmers send from a farmer. Hubert H. Humphrey taller stems ensures good soil cover us questions on this issue, we feature and moisture retention. it together with the article on legumes • Leguminous crops (e.g. beans) may on page 3. be grown in association with crops Different needs or before crops which have a high magazine “Associative cropping” means the demand for nitrogen (e.g. maize). growing of two or more crops on • Perennial plants can be effectively the same field at the same time. This associated with seasonal plants. method relies on the simple fact that Benefit of associating crops different plant species, or even vari- • Due to the more efficient use of eties, have different needs for nutri- space (over and under the ground), ents, water, light, etc. Different plants and because of beneficial interactions require different amounts of nutrients between the mixed crops, this method to produce a good yield. Some plants permits more intensive production. have an especially high demand for • The yields are usually lower for each specific nutrients. While some plants crop than when the crops are planted like full sunlight, others prefer half- separately, but the total yield of the light. Plants growing in poor soils field is usually much higher when two prefer to be shaded more than plants or more crops are grown. growing under ideal soil conditions. • Diversification is important: Mixed There are two different ways to asso- cropping reduces the dependency on ciate crops: only one crop. If one crop fails, the Mixed intercropping: Two or more other one will provide food. Inter- crops are randomly sown at the same cropping spreads the economic risk time, and share the same space (row), among various crops. or can even be planted in the same • The different crops do not mature hole. at the same time. This means that Intercropping in lines: Two or more one crop will remain and provide the crops are sown at the same time in ȭȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ neighbouring lines in the same field crops are harvested. And, there is not (as Kenyan farmers do with maize and so much work in harvesting the entire beans). field at the same time. Since different plants have different • Soil quality improves when nitro- needs, the root competition should ȭ¡ȱ ȱ ǻȱ ȱ Ǽȱ ȱ be minimal, and the periods of most mixed with crops or when a green active nutrient uptake should not manure legume is planted for this coincide. A farmer has to carefully purpose (see page 3). select the plants that can be planted • Intercropping means that there is together (associated): less need for rotating crops from one • Crops with strong rooting systems season to the next. should be associated or alternated • A variety of crops reduce pest and with plants with a weak root growth. disease attack compared to single • Planting distances should be such cropping systems. The deterring or that nutrient competition between attracting effects of some plants helps plants can be minimized. to prevent pest attack on other crops. • Deep-rooted crops are best grown Planting garlic or onions next to other together with shallow-rooted plants to plants, for example, helps to repel maximize efficient use of space. pests such as nematodes; their smell Ȋȱ ¡ȱ ȱ ȱ ȭȱ makes it difficult for the insect to plants or creepers with plants with detect its target crop. Nr. 27 August 2007 Legumes are a cheap source of nitrogen When it comes to fertilizing the soil, nutrients quickly. This is different green manure legumes are best.Small- from crop residues, which decompose scale farmers rarely use this method, at a slower rate and will therefore however. contribute more to the build-up of soil organic matter than to fertilizing Philomena Nyagilo the crop. Instead of spending money on com- Increased yields for the farmer mercial nitrogen fertilizers, farmers can use green manure legumes to Green manures penetrate the soil with improve soil quality and get a better their roots, bind nutrients and support harvest. However, using up space in the infiltration of water into the soil. a small shamba for plants that cannot The contribution of organic matter to be eaten is a very strange idea to the soil from a green manure crop is many farmers. comparable to the addition of 9 to 13 The green manure method is a pillar tonnes per acre (0.4 ha) of farmyard of organic and sustainable farming. manure. Green manures are plants grown to Leguminous plants fix nitrogen accumulate nutrients for the main from the air into the soil. This nitro- crop. When they have built up the gen enriches the soil and feeds all maximum biomass, they are cut and plants in the area. The portion of Legumes: nitrogen factories incorporated into the soil. This fresh green manure-nitrogen available to All plants need nitrogen to grow well. plant material will decompose within a crop planted later is usually about In theory, there is no lack of nitrogen. a short period of time and release 40 to 60 percent of the total amount Air consists mainly of nitrogen (78 of nitrogen contained in the legume. percent), but most plants are not able How to For example, a purple vetch crop that to take nitrogen directly from the air; accumulated 90 kg of nitrogen per they need it in modified form. Some use green manures acre prior to plowing down will con- plants, especially from the legume • If you grow green manures in crop tribute approximately 45 kg of nitro- family, are capable of fixing nitrogen rotation, the time of sowing must be gen per acre to the succeeding grain directly from the air with their roots, chosen such that the green manures or vegetable crop. Lesser amounts are and changing it into a soluble form can be cut down and worked into the available for the second or third crop as nutrients. Some of this nitrogen soil before the next crop is sown. following a legume, but increased is spread in the soil and can be used • Green manures need water for ger- yields are apparent for two to three by neighbouring plants. That is why mination and growth! growing seasons. Other advantages of intercropping is important (see page • If legumes and green manure are green manure are as follows: 2). The effect is even better when grown in a field for the first time, • Some green manures can be used as legumes are dug into the soil. They inoculation of the seeds with the fodder plants, or even to provide food enrich the soil with nitrogen, and specific rhizobia (soil bacteria) may for human consumption (e.g. beans plants growing next on the same field be necessary to benefit from nitrogen and peas). benefit from this readily available fixation by the legume; you can find • By decomposing, green manures nitrogen. the inoculation material in Kenya release all kinds of nutrients, includ- Legumes: Lablab (above), mucuna (below). Seed Company stores and shops. ing phosphorus, potassium, calcium, (Photos courtesy of Top Tropicals) • In the undersown method, the magnesium, sulphur, and others. green manure is sown at the same They are accumulated by cover crops time as the main crop or a little bit during a growing season. When the later, if the green manure grows green manure is incorporated or laid faster than the main crop. down as mulch, these plant-essen- • The time gap between digging in tial nutrients become available during the green manure into the soil and decomposition. planting the next crop should not - Green manures suppress weeds and be longer than 2 to 3 weeks, so as to protect the soil from erosion by wind prevent nutrient losses from decom- and water and direct sunlight. Soil posing green manure. cover reduces soil crusting and surface with the main crops they compete • Green manures are worked in easily water runoff during rainy periods. for nutrients, water and light, but when the plants are still young; if the benefit of having a source of high they are taller or too bulky, it is pref- Important points to consider protein food (e.g. beans) may out- erabe to chop the plants. The best Green manuring is an inexpensive weigh this. time to dig in green manures is just way to improve soil fertility and the • If there is not enough food available before flowering. nutrition of the main crops grown. in a farmer’s family and little space • Green manures should be incor- There are some aspects which must on the shamba, it may be more appro- porated near the surface of the soil, be considered: priate to grow a food crop rather not too deep: In heavy soils, dig in • Green manuring requires some than a green manure and recycle the 5 to 15 cm; in light soils, 10 cm to a additional labour. crop residues, or to intercrop a green maximum of 20 cm! • If green manures are intercropped manure crop with the main crop. Nr. 27 August 2007 Protect your mangoes against fruit flies Fruit flies cause great losses to mango eggs under the skin of the mango farmers. Here are some methods to fruit. The eggs hatch into whitish control these pests. maggots that feed in the decaying flesh of the fruit. Infested fruit quickly Sunday Ekesi (ICIPE)* rot, causing considerable losses in Mango production is continually production. gaining recognition for its potential as In the past, yield loss on mangoes a major source of income, especially in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due for smallholder farms. The total area to the indigenous fruit flies range under mango production in Kenya between 30 to 70 percent, depending alone is estimated at 16,000 ha. Mango on the locality, season and variety. This problem became aggravated by exports from Africa were estimated at Fruit flies: Ceratitis capitata mating 35-40 thousand tonnes annually and the fairly recent introduction of Bac- worth around KSh 3 billion (US$ 42 trocera invadens, and damage has now million). The EU remains the largest increased to between 40 to 80 percent, Con destination market for export from especially in lowland areas where it is Africa. now the dominant fruit fly pest. Three types of pests Control methods In each region where mango is grown, There are several methods of control- it is attacked by fruit flies of different ling fruit flies. The approach that is types. being promoted by ICIPE is to adopt a • One of the major pests of the fruit fly combination of methods by applying family is Bactrocera invadens. In addi- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tion to mango (which is the primary techniques. host), the insect also attacks other cul- Baiting technique: The traditional Bactrocera invadens male enlarged 800 tivated fruits such as oranges, tomato, method of fruit fly control is based times (Photos courtesy: Robert Copeland) banana, guava, custard apple and on use of food baits. The bait attracts and can be applied using the on-label avocado. the fruit flies from a distance to the information on the container. • Another fruit fly is Ceratitis cosyra. spot of application, where the flies Major problems in the use of baits In addition to mango, it also attacks feed on the bait, ingest the pesticide in Africa is that they are expensive guava, custard apple and marula. and die. The bait is normally applied and inaccessible to a large number of The insect gradually has been pushed to a 1 square meter (1 m²)spot on the fruit growers. Research at ICIPE has away by other fruit fly species from canopy of each tree in the orchard on shown that a protein bait from brew- the lowland areas, but they remain a weekly basis, starting from when er’s yeast obtained as an industrial a threat to mango production in the the fruits are about 1 cm in size by-product provides good control highlands. and continues till the very end of of mango infesting fruit flies when • Third in terms of economic impor- the harvest. Several commercial baits applied in low volumes as spot spray tance on mango are Ceratitis rosa and are available in the market, such as to 1 m² of mango canopy or to the its close relative, Ceratitis fasciventris. NuLure, Buminal and Solbait, that mango trunk. Research is continuing Apart from mango, they also attack can be mixed with pesticide such to formulate the bait to enhance its a broad range of cultivated and wild as Spinosad and applied as above. attractiveness to fruit flies. The new fruits. Another commercial product is GF- bait should be available as an alterna- Fruit flies cause direct losses to 120 (Success). This bait is already tive to imported products in the very mango when the female fly lays her pre-mixed with pesticide (Spinosad) near future. Soil inoculation: During develop- ment, mature maggots of fruit flies drop from the fruits to the ground, burrow into the soil and form a resting stage called the puparia. An important part of fruit fly suppression research at ICIPE includes soil treat- ment with a fungal pathogen to kill the mature maggot and puparia. The active ingredient in the granules is a fungus called Metarhizium anisopliae, a naturally occurring fungus that is used worldwide as a biological pesti- cide for controlling different kinds of insect pests. The fungus is formulated as granules and can be manually dis- tributed by hand and then raked into the soil under the mango canopy. Healthy Tommy mangoes (L). Infested mango fruit full of maggots(R). (TOF / R. Copeland) Application is usually done once in continued on page 5 Nr. 27 August 2007 Common mango varieties grown in Kenya A mango orchard should be kept 2006 and as we report here again. clean to prevent pests and diseases. ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȭ Good care can improve productivity shaped trees within the first four years and income for farmers. and do not require pruning unless The Organic Farmer there are excessive branches or unless they acquire an unusual shape. The Like other farmers, Linner Sigei from orchard should always be kept clean Bomet is interested in mango produc- to prevent pests and spread of fungal tion. She has 50 grafted mango trees diseases. The most common diseases which are about four years old now, are powdery mildew and anthrac- and wants to know if she can grow nose. Powdery mildew is a serious them organically. Yes, she can, as we ȱ ȱ ȱ ȭ ȱ ȱ in Kenya. Infections can lead to com- have shown already in TOF January Ngowe Variety: Ngowe is the most plete crop loss. Anthracnose is also a easily recognised of the local mango common disease limiting production, ntrolling the fruit fly... varieties. Ngowe mango trees are especially in areas with high humid- Continued from page 4 comparatively small and round in ity. Farmers growing mangoes con- shape. The fruit is good for commer- the season at the onset of fruiting; the ventionally could use chemicals such cial production and export, however fungus can persist in the soil for over as Benomil or sulphur mixed with a the tree is susceptible to powdery one year. Additional research is still sticker. For those growing mangoes mildew. being conducted on the appropriate organically, copper oxychloride may formulation and the product should be used to control these diseases. Haden variety: be available in the near future for Because of its good application by farmers to control the Fertilizer application quality, seeds from pests. For farmers who prefer growing the Haden variety ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȭȱ are used as parent Additional control methods compost can be applied every one or for several other Orchard sanitation: Poorly managed two months around the tree following varieties of mangoes. It produces or abandoned orchards and a variety the drip line (where the tree’s absorp- medium to large-sized fruit and is of wild hosts can result in a build- tion roots are located). Farmers must very juicy with a pleasant aroma. up of fruit fly populations. Orchard be careful not to apply too much The Haden variety has an attractive sanitation, which entails the collec- compost, as this tends to promote appearance and is suitable for com- tion and destruction of all unwanted rapid tree growth at the expense mercial production. fruits containing fruit fly maggots of flowering and fruiting. For the on the tree and on the ground, can mangoes to be certified as organic, significantly to reduce damaging fruit the orchard has to be inspected to fly populations in the orchard. This ensure all certification requirements is a very laborious exercise, but can are met. It is recommended that soil be quite effective if the fruits are col- and leaf samples are taken for analy- lected regularly and destroyed twice sis before any fertilizer application a week for the entire season. The col- is done in order to know the plant’s lected fruits should be destroyed by nutrient requirements. either burning, burying (at least 50 cm deep), or putting them in tied plastic Tommy Atkins variety: The Tommy bags and exposing them to the heat of Atkins variety has become an impor- the sun for a few days until the fruit is tant commercial variety. It has a firm, rotten and all the maggots in the bags ȭ¢ ȱǰȱȱǰȱȱ are dead. moderate fibre and pleasant aroma. It Mechanical fruit protection: Wrap- is good for export because of its longer ping or bagging of individual fruits shelf life. It can also resist anthrac- with newspaper or plastic bags to nose and powdery mildew. prevent adult fruit flies from laying Apple Variety: eggs on the fruits is also a practice This variety orig- for producing fruits that are free from inated from the fruit flies. To be effective, the fruits Kenyan coast. It must be wrapped or bagged well has a rich yellow/ before fruit fly attack, at least one Kent variety: The Kent variety has a orange colour when month before harvest. Although labo- ȱȭ¢ ȱȱ ȱȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȭ rious, it is an effective method for or crimson blush on the shoulder. Its to large fruits that are expensive fruit species produced for flesh is juicy, melting deep yellow and round in shape and export or fruits produced in backyard fibreless, with a rich flavour. The Kent smooth in texture and gardens for family use. tree is large and vigorous with a dense that do not have fibres. *Dr. Sunday Ekesi is a Senior Scientist at ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȭȱ The tree is susceptible to anthracnose ICIPE and leads the fruit fly programme. and is suitable for export. and powdery mildew. Nr. 27 August 2007 Control bean flies with sodom apple What ratio of sodom apple fruit or If your field is seriously affected, lift leaves should I use to control the bean and burn the beans. Bean flies are less fly? prevalent during the rainy season, Peter Okello, Sondu Tel 0729 518 628. therefore plan your planting of beans Sodom apple solution is made using accordingly. 1 kg of fruit and leaves to 3 litres of If a field or area has a high level water. Be sure to earth up the beans of infestation with bean flies, rotate stems that are already affected by the with another crop. Bean fly maggots pest, to allow the beans to send down can persist in the soil for an entire Compost kitchen secondary roots. season. waste well before use Sukumawiki is a nutritional powerhouse Can I use kitchen waste directly on bananas? Or which is the best way? P. Do you love kales – or sukumawiki Gachanja, Ruai Tel. 0722 304 469. (“push through the week” vegetable), as we say in Kenya? I really do. It is Yes, you can use kitchen waste directly an amazing plant. It is one of the most on bananas, although it would be potent health-promoting vegetables better to first compost this waste. By known. Sukumawiki is a nutritional directly applying the fresh waste, the powerhouse and is seriously under- nutrients will not be evenly distrib- rated by being considered as a poor uted to the banana roots. However man’s food. Sukumawiki, a member by composting, and then feeding the of the brassica family of vegetables, plants, you will have a better result. contains all the important miner- If you must feed the bananas directly, als and vitamins for human life and try to disperse the different kinds of boosts the immune system. But Tiluk waste evenly around the plants, and Samwel has some doubts: “Using then be sure to cover the roots with sukumawiki as a vegetable causes in four of us suffers from heartburn. grass, hay or banana leaves. These heartburn and speeds up blood pres- Heartburn is an irritating condition will act as a mulch, thereby reduc- sure more than local vegetables”, he called acid reflux; it is very uncomfort- ing the likelihood of nutrients escap- writes to us. “What could be the able, causing a burning pain behind ing through evaporation, soaking or cause?” the breastbone and a taste of acid in rodent damage. Beware of rats and Sasa, Samwel! Sukumawiki does not the back of the throat or mouth. It other rodents, and even dogs, that speed up blood pressure, on the con- occurs when acid is forced out of the may be attracted to the direct fresh trary! Sukumawiki is rich in potas- stomach via the valve that connects waste. sium. Potassium is a mineral used by the stomach to the gullet (oesopha- Not all kitchen waste is suitable. the body to eliminate blood impuri- gus). The inclusion of meat and bone waste ties and improve overall circulation. Most of the frequent causes of will atttract rodents and will give Therefore, potassium is important heartburn (or acid reflex) are related off an offensive smell. Biodegradable in the reduction of blood pressure. to your lifestyle. There are a number vegetable waste is fine. Old newspa- However, potassium is partly lost in of factors that can contribute to the pers and cardboard are also suitable. the cooking process, so it would be symptoms of heartburn, including It is also worth noting that given better to steam sukumawiki rather smoking, eating too quickly, wearing the fact that banana roots will be than boiling it. Alcohol and caffeine your clothes too tight around your beneath the added waste material, also block the potassium. midriff, and consuming the wrong these need to be watered regularly for Eat Garlic! kinds of food and drinks (alcohol). optimum absorption. Many banana In this context, sukumawiki can cause growers plant bananas in deep holes Two foods that are especially rich heartburn; however, this is very rarely and add composted waste into the in potassium and magnesium and the case and only happens if you have holes, which gradually fill up as more are easily added to meals and can a very, very sensitive stomach. compost is added. Watering a system also be eaten raw are parsley and Heartburn can be avoided by good like this is more effective, as the water garlic. Researchers have found that eating habits. You should avoid and nutrients it carries are retained in people who eat one clove of raw • meals containing fatty or spicy the area around the banana roots. garlic a day have lower blood pres- ingredients; sure, because it helps improve car- • sweet foods; diovascular health and prevents the • eating quickly large portions and arteries hardening. If you don’t fancy not chewing enough, which will force smelling of garlic, take a supplement. the stomach to produce more acid to Other commonly available foods rich digest the contents; in potassium include bananas, avo- • beverages such as coffee, acidic fruit cados, leeks, spinach, peas, beans, juices, carbonated drinks and alcohol; chickpeas, lentils and nuts. instead, you should drink at least 2 Heartburn? Change your lifestyle! litres of water a day; Samwel has another question: Can • eating a big meal immediately before sukumawiki cause heartburn? One sleeping. Philomena Nyagilo Nr. 27 July 2007
The E.A. Organic Mark is a step forward Good tips for seed selection We would be grateful if you include The concern of Su Kahumbu (TOF, could gang up and refuse to inspect us in your mailing list. We have been July 2007) is justified, but with some and certify on the E.A Organic Stan- reading The Organic Farmer maga- reservations of what might tran- dard would be a scenario which could zine through others and it has been spire on consultative forums before impel us to consider encouraging the very useful to us. The February 2007 the implementation stage. It is my formation of more certification bodies issue really updated us in selecting view,that it could be too early to in the E.A region. Allowing the for- the right seeds for the season. Johari worry on the outcome of the launch mation of more certification bodies enterprise is composed of 10 peasant of the E.A. Organic Mark. It is impor- would create a competitive service farmers and businessmen. We grow tant to note that the final draft of E.A. providers situation. cereals, vegetables and fruits. Organic Standard has not yet been Involve the ceritification bodies Lawrence J Opondo, Johari group, perused, debated and ratified by the P.O Box 242, Sondu East African legislative assembly. It is possible that Tancert, Ugocert and Encert participated in the formulation Certification requirements of E.A Organic Standard; their own Students need magazine The three certification bodies such as standards should by now be revised On behalf of Young Farmers' Club Encert-Kenya, Ugocert-Uganda and to incorporate the requirements of the in Netima High School, I would like Tancert- Tanzania, mentioned by Su E.A. Organic Standard. It is encourag- to request you to send us a copy Kahumbu are presumed to be recog- ing on our part to note from Mr. Musa of the above magazine to help our nized and acceptable by their respec- Njoka, the CEO of Encert, that their club, which is involved in horticul- tive countries. They would automati- organic standard is already revised to tural projects in our school. We badly cally qualify to oversee the certifica- accommodate the requirements of the need access to information on organic tion process based on the E.A. Organic E.A Organic Standard. It is assumed farming. Standard. I do not foresee any objec- that Tancert and Ugocert have also Mr. Nyongesa Wanyonyi, P.O Box 24, tion on the use of the certifying body’s updated their standards. Malakisi symbol and that of the E.A. Organic Co-operation needed Mark on products certified in accor- dance with E.A. Organic Standard. To have an Organic Standard and Send me magazine Kindly do send me a copy of The The future E.A. Organic Accreditation its Mark for the region is a major Organic Farmer magazine. I am an Committee should be able to ascertain step forward towards uplifting the enthusiastic farmer and an ardent a reasonable and affordable charge economic base of our communities. listener to your radio bulletin on KBC payable by the certification bodies for This could also create the necessary every week on Thursdays between the use of the Mark. The cost of the and important international recogni- 8.30-8.45. Congratulations! Mark would most likely be passed by tion of our capacity to initiate and the certifying body to the producer manage a well-organized and signifi- Kennedy Messo, P.O Box 142-50241, who in turn could raise the selling cant organic industry. It is therefore Kipkaren River price to the consumer. The cost impli- important that all organic stakehold- cation of the E.A Organic Mark is ers should support that initiative. Magazine informs us therefore crucial. J.T Muriithi Simba, SOHGRO P.O Box 12 I am an organic farmer practising sus- The insinuation by Su Kahumbu 10230 Sagana 0726 593 818 tainable agriculture with my family that the three certification bodies [email protected] members. So I request for monthly copies of your magazine. I will appre- Mushroom-story helped us GoodGood trainingtraining materialmaterial ciate most because it will keep us on We hereby kindly request to be put on Mutuambay Self Help Group is our toes and be alert with regard to the your mailing list in order to receive undertaking farmingfarming activities iinn benefits of organic farming, sustain- monthly copies of The Organic Farmer Meru NorthNorth District. Our activities araree able agriculture, as well as sustainable £ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȭȱ spreadspread in two sub-locations MoregMoregaa development in our community. based organic group by the name andand Anjuki. The group has startestartedd Rila Wamukota Natwati, P.O Box Makerecha Organic Group. We came projectsprojects which are on-going and araree 1996, Kitale across a copy of your magazine from doingdoing well. We collaborate with aagri-gri- a friend of a member in the group. It culturalcultural extensiextensionon stastaff.ff. We alsalsoo intenintendd happened to be the April 2007 issue toto start beekeeping projects. on mushrooms and you can never We have decided to get informa-informa- imagine how much it has assisted tiontion ffromrom yyourour institution on organiorganicc us because that is what we are cur- farmingfarming technology, now that ouourr rently dealing with. We are 15 active group has become a source ofof informa-informa- members in the group who are inter- tiontion for the members and our neigh-neigh- ested in becoming more knowledge- boursbours who highly rely on chemicalchemicalss able on organic farming. Your consid- inin their ffarmsarms and hhomes.omes. We shall bbee eration will be highly appreciated. readyready fforor whatever ffeedback.eedback. James Gacheru, RebeccaRebecca TThairora,hairora, P.O Box 182 660607,0607, P.O Box 521-00902 Kikuyu MikinduriMikinduri Tuma maoni yako! Asante. Nr. 27 August 2007
Spider mites are tricky to control Training: Baraka Agricultural Train- ing College offers a wide range of Spider mites are the most important short courses for farmers, develop- non-insect pest of tomatos. The pest is ment workers and rural business spreading rapidly into the drier areas people: Sustainable agriculture July of Kenya. The eggs, which are white/ 29-August 4, Participatory project pink and tiny, are usually laid on the planning August 5-18, Introduction to under-surface of leaves. The reddish beekeeping August 12-18, Bee equip- adults (0.25 mm long) have eight legs, ment-making August 19-25, ICT for and produce a fine silk webbing on rural development September 16-23, leaves which tends to protect them Processing of bee products August from predators. 14-20, Sustainable Development Transmission: In warm dry weather, October 28 – November 24, Microsav- mites can multiply and spread very ing and Credit Scheme November quickly; heavy rains or irrigation can 4-11, Animal health November 18-24, reduce the population. They can be Community Development November dispersed by the wind – or even on 25-December 1. Charges vary between the farmers’ trousers! Ksh 6000 and Ksh 8000 covering Damage: Spider mites prefer the tuition, food accommodation and underside of leaves, but in severe training. Participants must apply at infestations will occur on both leaf least three weeks in advance to book surfaces as well as on the stems. a place. The college also offers a 16 Heavily damaged plants are weak- month Certificate in Sustainable Agri- ened, produce smaller and lighter culture and Rural Development. The fruits, or can even be killed as result deadline for applications is August 8, of feeding by large numbers of spider 2007 for the 2007/2008 academic year. mites. Tomato plant and fruit infested by spider mite (Photo courtesy ICIPE) Applicantion for a 16-month Diploma Control: Patrol the field regularly to in Sustainable Agriculture and Rural ticides (botanical or synthetic) only determine the level of infestation. Development course that caters for when it is really necessary. If you • Cultural practices help control mites. students in East Africa will close on want to use neem, look for a product Keep the field clean and keep it free of August 8, 2007. weeds. Old crops or weeds infested that contains a high proportion of with spider mites are ideal breeding neem oil, as it is more effective. Organic Produce: David Gakere, a grounds for these pests – remove • Intercropping with garlic, basil and Kenyan resident in Johannnesburg them or burn them immediately after onion can give some protection due to is keen to contact local exporters or harvest. Sticks for holding tomato their strong smell. farmers growing organic produce. plants should be scrubbed with water • Tomato spray: Boil moderately 1 He would like to buy only certified and soap before using them again. kg of fresh tomato leaves in 2 liters organic produce. Those with these • Natural enemies such as ladybird water; cool and use as a spray. products can contact him. beetles, lacewings or predatory mites • Castor oil plant (Ricinus) spray: Write to: [email protected] can control the spider mites.There- Soak green seeds and leaves in water fore avoid broad-spectrum pesticides, for 24 hours, filter and spray. Caution: Land for sale: 25 acres in Passenga especially those based on pyrethrum, Castor bean seeds are poisonous, so scheme, well-drained fertile soils on since they kill the predatory mites, do not allow people or animals to a gentle slope, currently under potato causing spider mite numbers to flare drink the spray or eat tomatoes with and oats; clean freehold title. Electric- up. You should therefore use pes- spray on them. ity and piped water available. Contact Waiyaki Mungai Tel. 0723-787171. Farmers like growing tomato variet- contaminated soil does not come into ies which do not require stakes for contact with the leaves or the stem, Amaranthus Seeds: Ronald M support. But these varieties are prone thus reducing the chances of spread- Nyabuya has about 300 kg of Amaran- to tomato blight, especially during ing the diseases. thus seeds. Any farmer interested in the wet season as they are near the buying them can contact him. Write to ground. The varieties pick up contam- Ronald Nyabuya P.O.Box 995, 30200, inated water on the ground leading to Kitale, Tel.0721 562 678. rapid infection of the tomato plant by Charcoal Stoves: Aruba Farmers both early and late blight. Farmers are Group are making charcoal stoves for advised to plant these varieties only chicken rearing. Any farmer who is during the dry season when there is less water on the ground. They interested can contact the group coor- could also reduce the blight problem dinator, Mr. Kibiwot Cheruiyot, at the by going for varieties that require following address: William Kibiwot support with stakes, but care should Tomato varieties not supported by sticks are Cheruiyot P.O. Box 596, Kitale 30200 be taken when irrigating to ensure prone to blight. (Photo TOF) Tel. 0728 342 166.