No. 167, May 2019 Ksh 20/- Dear farmer, Climate is changing every year, making it very difficult for farmers to plan and Photo: TOF even predict rain patterns as they did before. The delayed rains this year have confounded farmers across the country. Rains were expected in Mid- March but it did not rain until end of April 2019. Although we had advised farmers on how to choose seed and the different varieties required for each region, the rains received so far are inadequate and this may even affect the late maturing varieties that require at least 6 months of consistent rain to mature. The depressed rains will have far reaching consequences for food security in the entire East African region. mainly relies on maize imports from Uganda and Tanzania to balance its maize deficit. However, the two countries have also been affected by inadequate rains, which places the country in a precarious food security situation that may force it to use a huge chunk of its budget to import Farmers learn how to scout and destroy (FAW) eggs in a maize field in Timbitoke village in Rwanda. Fall maize. armyworm damage is expected to increase this season due to erratic rains and high temperatures in most of the maize growing areas in Kenya. The erratic rains also come with high temperatures that are conducive to proliferation of pests especially the ICIPE discovers ‘’ which control fall armyworm devastating Fall Armyworm (FAW). Already, farmers in all maize growing destructive stage to crops. This that indiscriminate use of these Berita Mutune | Scientists at areas have reported sighting of the ICIPE have identified two local way they parasitize the . pesticides also kill other non- pest in their germinating maize. The species of wasps, Trichogramma target beneficial organisms The two wasps mentioned destruction by the pest is expected sp. and Telenomous remus, which such as bees, birds, fish, natural above act as natural enemies to force farmers to spend more on can control fall armyworm. The which are divided into three enemies and many others in the wasps lay their eggs on the Fall ecosystem. chemicals in their desperate attempt main groups: predators, parasites to protect their crops and reduce Armyworm (FAW) eggs thus and pathogens (bacteria, fungi Using the natural method, damage by the pest. killing them before they reach and viruses) which help in the ICIPE does not introduce foreign the larval stage which is the most biological control of pests. A The use of chemicals is expected In this issue predator lives by attacking and to increase the production cost. As Water safety 5 feeding and eventually killing most farmers have discovered, most other living organisms. The fall of the chemicals have very little effect armyworm attacks and destroys on the Fall Armyworm. In Kenya as many crops, not just maize. in many other countries, the use of In the last few years, control chemicals is one of the most misused has been through use of synthetic methods of pest control. Apart from pesticides. However, the method killing other beneficial in the Deworming in livstock 6 is proving ineffective as during Telenomous wasps lay their eggs on environment, chemicals also kill very fall armyworm eggs. More about chickens 7 the day, the young larvae is useful predators of the fall armyworm. relatively inactive as it hides in insects but instead goes to In the past two years, scientists in TOF on the web the funnel shielding from sprays the farms, collects the insects East Africa have discovered many theorganicfarmer.org and predators and only emerges which are locally available and predators of the fall armyworm; these mkulimambunifu.org at night to feed on the leaves. multiplies them in the laboratory predators need protection by farmers The adult moths are able to travel then releases them back to the and the only way they can do this is to facebook.com/theorganicfarmer long distances at night assisted by farm at no cost. stop the use of harmful pesticides to twitter.com/TOFMagazine wind. control the pest in their farms. Way Forward TOF partners on the web Natural enemies (farmer’s In this TOF issue, we have revisited biovision.ch friends) ICIPE in partnership with KALRO the many natural and environmentally infonet-biovision.org Excessive and repetitive use of and University of Nairobi, are friendly methods that are cheap to icipe.org the synthetic pesticides makes the working on the mass production use in the control of this devastating pest to develop resistance to the protocol which can be used for pest that poses the biggest threat to chemicals which then make this the rearing of the wasps. maize production in Kenya and the KBC Thursday 7.30 pm control method ineffective. Later on, these wasps will be entire African continent. See pages 2, Mbaitu FM Friday 8.30 pm Farmers need to understand readily available for the farmers. 3 and 4. TOF P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Tel. +254 719 052 186, SMS: 0715 422 460, email: [email protected] 2 The Organic Farmer Use natural methods to control fall armyworm Farmers are encouraged Scouting helps to use, environmentally Understand the biology of

friendly methods to Photo: IN the organisms in the field and control the fall armyworm their interactions (ecology) in as they seem to work a better way. This information better than the use of increases our knowledge and chemicals which are leads to better decision-making, harmful to predators, resulting in higher production, people, and fewer wasted resources and more beneficial insects such sustainability. as bees. Help farmers learn the variability of their fields, more so Beritah Mutune |The Fall for smallholders, e.g. low-lying Armyworm (FAW) is a very spots are more humid, the soil difficult pest to control. To start done at this stage in order to kill While doing this, farmers condition, the presence of weeds, with, it lays eggs inside the maize the larvae. Early intervention should observe the general health and so on. or other host plants at night helps the farmer to decide the of the plants. If the plants have a making it difficult for farmers Cultural methods best way to handle the pest in dark green colour, it shows they to target it. Spraying chemicals order to control it. Below are have proper nutrition. Check if Plant early and ensure you plant when the pest is in its third stage various environmentally friendly they are moisture-stressed and if when the other farmers are of development does not work. methods farmers can use to there is any damage from FAW. planting (pest populations are The eggs hatch into larvae in contain the pest. low at this time so the damage few days. The newly hatched Scout for the pest daily to your maize will be minimal). larvae moult into the third stage Early warning and Farmers are advised to visit Avoid planting late when other of development (third instar) monitoring: their fields frequently at least farmers have already planted. which is very difficult to control; Farmers can remain alert in order twice a week. To control the pest For farmers who plough land by the third stage, farmers can to take action immediately the effectively, farmers need to scout before planting, this exposes do very little to control it, hence first signs of the pest are noticed. their maize crop daily to be able the fall armyworm pupae to it continues to feed on the plants. Pheromone traps are used for to detect it early. Farmers using birds and other predators, hence Any kind of intervention monitoring the pest population organic or biological methods against the fall armyworm can in the farm. Pheromones are of control should spray their reducing the fall armyworm only work when the pest is in natural compounds that are maize crop only when the fall population. its larvae stage (second instar). emitted by female FAW moths to armyworm is at its second stage Inter cropping Spraying should therefore be attract male moths for mating. (larvae or second instar). Plant a legume crop e.g. beans around the edges of your maize field 14 to 21 days before you How to make plant extracts for pest control plant maize. The pest will A cheap way to control pests, Preparation: Mix molasses 100ml knapsack sprayer. attack the beans first and fail to recognize the maize. Plant including the fall armyworm is to and EM1 20ml (many agrovet • Dilute the solution at the ratio diversity also increases the make plant extracts at home. Also shops have EM1). Add 5 litres of 1 litre of the extract to 100 populations of farmers’ friends called Fermented Plant Extracts water. litres of water. (FPE). Although some labour (predators) and keeps them close • Dissolve a bar soap into the Spraying: Organic plant extracts is needed in their preparation, to your maize, so that they can solution. do not work the same way as extracts are environmental find and kill the FAW. • Chop up the plants into small chemicals. So ensure you spray friendly and also keeping your pieces and put into a bucket. up to three times every week. Do crop safe for consumption as Mechanical method not wait until you see the pests in they do not have any chemical • Fill the bucket with water to This involves hand picking of the your crops to spray. Spray at all residues. Here is a simple method the brim and close it tight to larvae of FAW and also crushing times whether there are pests or to make plant extracts: stop the air from escaping. of eggs and larvae once you not; this way you will prevent all • Let the mixture remain closed find them in the underside of -Get 4 kg of different types of pests and at the same time keep for 14 days. leaves and in the funnel or whorl plants that have insecticidal the plants well fertilized since or nutritional benefits such as • Filter the solution after 14 plants such as stinging nettle and (funnel) of the maize plant. stinging nettle, neem, African days using a piece of clean tithonia are full of nutrients and marigold, sodoms apple, clothing to ensure there are no other properties that protect your For more information on Natural pest tithonia, garlic, chilli, pyrethrum particles in the solution that crop from diseases. control methods https://www.infonet- or Lantana camara. can block the nozzles of your biovision.org/natural_pest_control

The Organic Farmer is an independent Licence: This work is licensed under Editorial Advisory Board Dr. Sunday Ekesi (icipe), magazine produced monthly for the a Creative Commons Attribution- Henry Neondo (ASNS), Dr Jane Njuguna (KEFRI), Dr. East African farming community. It ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License Joseph Mureithi (KALRO), Dr. Henry Kiara (ILRI), Dr. David Amudavi (BvAT), George Nyamu (KENAFF), John Njoroge promotes organic farming and supports International Centre of Physiology and Publisher: (KIOF), William Makechi (farmer, Kakamega), Regina discussions on all aspects of sustainable Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, 00100 Nairobi, KENYA, Muthama (farmer, Machakos) and Rt Snr Chief Josiah development. +254 20 863 20 00; icipe@icipe. org; www.icipe.org Arende (farmer, Rongo). The articles in the The Organic Farmer Editor Peter Kamau Sponsor Biovision, a Swiss-based do not necessarily reflect the views Layout The Regal Press Kenya Limited foundation for the promotion of ecological of icipe nor Biovision Foundation or development, based in Zürich, Switzerland. Biovision Africa Trust (BvAT). Administrator Lucy W. Macharia, +254 719 052 186 www.biovision.ch No. 167, May 2019 The Organic Farmer 3 Fall armyworm control too expensive for small-scale farmers Thousands of farmers among thousands of farmers face the threat of fall in the Kenya’s maize belt that armyworm invasion in includes Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Trans-Nzoia, West Pokot all maize growing areas Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia Photo: IN of the country due to whose farms have been invaded erratic rains and a rise in by the fall armyworm this season. temperatures. We do not know how the situation will be this season Beritah Mutune| Sheila because the pest has started Keino is a farmer in Moiben, attacking maize that is barely Uasin Gishu County. She planted three weeks old. Already I have her maize in Mid-March 2019, to replant 247 acres, due to lack but she had to wait until the last of germination and the fall week of April when rains started armyworm,” he adds. for her maize to germinate. But The two farmers are now then she had another enemy to among thousands of farmers contend with, the fall armyworm. who stare at huge losses this No sooner had the maize started year especially due to poor rains germinating than she noticed and high temperatures which damage on the leaves. The sight favour the proliferation of pests rekindled memories of a similar especially the Fall armyworm. invasion in 2017 when she lost Dr. Subramanian Sevgan, the almost her entire 2 acres of maize principal scientist in charge of the destroyed by the pest. “If this fall armyworm project in ICIPE situation persists, then we have says temperatures between 25°C A maize plant destroyed by the fall armyworm. no maize again this year,” she to 30°C may increase infestation says. by the fall armyworm. Farmers can use the following Costly chemicals Scientists at ICIPE are biopesticides to control the pest. studying fall armyworm control With more than 1400 acres methods used in other countries of maize, Mr Paul Marus is a Botanicals such as South America and the prominent large-scale farmer Nimbecidine®: Nimbecidine is US, where the pest originated who owns farms in Moiben in a neem-based biopesticide that with a view to introducing the kills pests on contact. It also Uasin Gishu and Kachibora in same fall armyworm control Trans-Nzoia County. He says makes the insect unable to feed. measures in Kenya and other Neem-based biopesticides reduce with the fall armyworm invasion, African countries. Farmers can maize production cost per acre the reproduction and longevity also employ other ways that (lifespan) of the insect pest while has risen from Ksh 30,000 to Ksh help reduce the fall armyworm 40,000 per acre due to the high interfering with the development damage in their maize crops if of the larvae. The biopesticide is Biopesticides cost of chemical pesticides which they can practise the following less toxic to other insects such as Bacillus thuringiensis: This is in most cases do not seem to control methods which are bees and even parasitic insects a biopesticide obtained from work. harmless to people, animals and such as wasps. a fungus found in the soil and The above two farmers are the environment. in several insects, which is very effective in the control of The Push-Pull method reduces fall armywarm damage many pests including the fall armyworm. Bacillus thurigiensis In this technology, desmodium desmodium produces a smell that effect). It then moves away from (Bt) is harmless to non-target is planted between maize rows stemborer moths do not like. The the maize and is attracted by the insects such as bees. and Napier grass or brachiaria stemborer therefore is repelled Napier grass (Pull-effect). Once Metarhizhium anisopliae: This is around the maize crop field. The away from the maize (the push the moth is inside the Napier a fungus that infects insects when grass, it lays eggs that hatch into they come into contact with it. Napier Grass Maize Desmondium larvae. However, the Napier Once the fungus attaches itself to grass produces a sticky substance the insect pest, it germinates and like glue, which traps the larvae begin to grow. Eventually the and they die leaving the maize fungus manages to enter into the safe; this technology is now pest’s body, growing inside until called the “Push-Pull.” the insect dies. Insects that come Studies have shown that fall into contact with infected insect armyworm larva can reduce by also die. 82.7 per cent in push-pull plots Place wood ash at the funnel or and 86.7 per cent less in plant whorl of the maize to reduce pest damage. Similarly, maize grain population. Sand soil can also be yields in Push pull plots is 2.7 used. times higher than plot where Some farmers use sugar water the technology is not used. to attract and feed the wasps that Farmers rated the technology can eat or parasitize FAW significantly superior in reducing fall armyworm infestation and For more information on Natural plant damage rates than any pest control https://www.infonet- other control method. biovision.org/natural_pest_control 4 The Organic Farmer Scientists map ways to contain fall armyworm threat in Africa The pest is costing Africa maize production per hectare is more than US$ 1.1 – 4.7 expected to go down drastically in Africa leading to food insecurity billion dollars every year especially among the rural in damage to maize and

population that relies heavily on Photo: TOF other crops that farmers the staple for food and income. rely on for food and Urgent measures needed income. to control pest Peter Kamau | “The fall Urgent measures therefore need army worm is perhaps one of to be taken to reduce damage the most devastating pests to to maize and food shortages. invade Africa in the 21st Century,” However, such measures need to a scientist remarked during an be economically viable, effective inception workshop organised and amenable for smallholder by ICIPE early this month to maize producers in the continent. chart the way forward to combat Agro-ecological conditions and the pest. Research institutions, maize production systems in governments and stakeholders Africa are markedly different need to put in place long term from those in Americas. This measures to control damage to means that research institutions crops especially maize, which is have an enormous task to the major host to the pest and the undertake studies to understand main source of food for millions the ecology of the pest in African Maize destroyed by the fall armyworm is unsuitable for human of people in Sub-Saharan Africa. conditions in order to come with and consumption as it is contaminated by mycotoxins that Damage to maize in Africa due to management protocols that work include aflatoxins. the pest is estimated at between in our context. 1.1 to 4.7 billion dollars per year. Natural methods more cropping system has the potential Pest develops resistance effective to decrease the need for pesticide Regional approach to chemicals On a positive note, some early application and also conserve The European Union together With the invasion of fall natural enemies that can further with ICIPE and national partners research efforts led by ICIPE armyworm, a marked increase and partners have indicated reduce FAW population. are supporting the strategy to in the use of pesticides by maize the effectiveness of habitat Adopt safe control methods: counter the threat of the fall growers and promotion of the armyworm in Eastern African management strategies such as The scientists agreed that the same by governments through “Push-pull technology”, maize- countries of Kenya, Uganda, subsidies have been observed. best way to contain the pest Tanzania, Rwanda and legume intercropping systems, During the workshop, one issue was the adoption of safe and at a cost of 7 million Euros. More use of botanical and microbial that came out clearly is that the environmentally friendly than 50 Scientists, government pesticides which have shown use of chemicals does not seem some promising results against options such as conservation representatives and other and augmentation of indigenous stakeholders met recently in to work as would be expected. FAW. Field surveys have also and exotic natural enemies, Nairobi to develop a coordinated Although some chemicals show indicated the presence of effective approach to combat the pest. some degree of efficacy against of FAW already in use of botanical pesticides and the fall armyworm, the pest later Africa, such as, icipe, biopesticides. The fall armyworm has been develops resistance against them. Telenomous remus, Trichogramma Strengthen Research: Sharing of present in North America for sp. and others (see page 1). more than 300 years. But research For example, according to Dr research findings was identified institutions, working with Peter Chinwada of IITA Zambia, Efforts to strengthen the as one of the most important steps government have managed to studies conducted in Benin surveillance of FAW through in understanding the in-depth keep it in check due to application showed moderate resistance to community-based fall armyworm biology and ecology of the pest of various scientific and cultural Lambda Cyhalothrin, a chemical monitoring networks have especially in the African context pesticide. In Cameroon studies highlighted the potential for methods including huge support where the climatic conditions in to farmers from the government showed that although a establishing area-wide FAW combination of Emamectictin monitoring networks. Based on Africa are different from North in form of inputs, surveillance American countries where it and early warning systems. A benzoate, Imdacloprid and Lambda these early results, the conference originated. huge capital outlay is invested in cyhahalothrin chemicals killed fall agreed on various measures research on ways to control the armyworm larvae, damage to that would help contain the pest An in-depth understanding of pest, which has stabilised and maize and the yield remained the to reduce damage to crops in the biology and ecology of the even reduced damage to maize in same. East Africa, and beyond. These pest, mechanisms of efficacy of these countries. include: crop and cropping system-based Chemicals kill predators Strengthen early warning and Good management resistance, integration of natural Another combination of Lambda monitoring: Surveillance and enemies and biopesticides are The average yield for maize in cyhalothrin and indoxacarb; early warning are very important critical in further strengthening North and South America is 4.5 – deltamethrin and Primiphos methyl in fall armyworm control. They the Integrated Pest Management 9.4 tonnes per hectare compared and chlorantraniliprole and ensure that the pest is identified to Africa’s 1.5 – 3.0 tonnes per Lambda cyhalothrin showed some before it causes much damage to (IPM) strategies implemented. hectare. The huge difference is level of efficacy but poisonous crops and provides time for fast Awareness creation: Continous due to the intensive management residue remained in maize, soils response and management of the education of farmers and practices, use of irrigation and in the fields sprayed, making pest. extension officers is another adoption of high yielding varieties it poisonous for people and Promote diversified maize important step that needs to in US and other countries while animals. Chemicals are known cropping systems: in Africa: be taken to ensure they adopt in Africa, farmers mainly rely on to kill non-target organisms like Diversified maize-cropping (eg. sustainable methods of fall rainfed, low intensive system of bees and natural enemies of FAW Push pull and maize-legume armyworm control that help production. that could disrupt establishment intercropping) has shown to reduce damage and stabilize It is clear that without adequate of prey-predator balance that reduce FAW incidence by 30 – pest population to point where it is very essential in the natural and quick interventions, the 75% as compared to monocrops. no longer poses a threat to food invasion of the fall armyworm, control of FAW. Promotion of diversified maize production in the continent. No. 167, May 2019 The Organic Farmer 5 Clean water plays a critical role in human health According to the United Nations, more than 80 per cent of diseases and deaths in developing Photo: IN countries are caused by consumption of unclean water. Clean water is needed to avoid these diseases. Mary Mutisya | Water is a fundamental human need. Basically, people require clean safe water for running day to day activities such as drinking, cooking and maintenance of personal hygiene. On average, each person requires between 20- 50 litres of clean, safe water a day for general use such as washing, hygiene and drinking. For this reason, therefore, the United Nations considers universal Water can be disinfected by placing it in plastic bottles and putting it out in the sun for more than 6 access to clean water a basic hours. The Solar Disinfection (SODIS) method is suitable for most people in rural areas and urban human right and a very important informal settlements. step towards improving people’s living standards. such as calcium and magnesium. Physical removal of solid applied in the following forms Human activities such as Antioxidant: Safe drinking materials • In the form of elemental farming in sloppy land, cutting water should have a negative This aims at the removal of large, chlorine which is mostly down forests in catchment areas oxidation reduction potential. undesirable materials such as available as a gas. and use of chemicals for crop This is an indicator that the water organic particulate matter, stones • In the form of hypochlorite protection have contaminated has concentrated molecular and debris. The commonly used solution/bleach. hydrogen molecules. water sources causing many method involves the use of 3 • As dry calcium hypochlorite. diseases to people especially Contaminant-free: Unhealthy pots labelled as 1, 2 and 3. After those in rural communities. toxins such as synthetic the water has been collected from In rural areas, chlorine is usually sold in small bottles Every year, about 1.8 million chemicals, toxic metals, bacteria the stream, lake or river, store it and viruses as well as radioactive in the pot labelled 3. Leave the branded differently. The most people die from diarrhoeal common brands are PuR® and diseases such as cholera while substances should be filtered water to settle for at least 2 days before the water can be released before slowly pouring it into the WaterGuard®. The appropriate other tens of millions are sickened amounts are 1 cupful of the water by a host of water related ailments for human consumption. pot labelled 2. After another 2 days, the water will have settled guard lid for a 20 litre- jerrican if which are easily preventable. Good taste: Good tasting water the water is clear and 2 cupfuls for People need to know that is key as it motivates one to take and is can transferred into the pot labelled 1. After this, the water 20 litres if the water is not clear. polluted water is not just dirty- the recommended amount for After this, the water should be it is deadly, and lack of proper optimum body functioning. should be further strained using a clean piece of cloth. well stirred using clean utensils sanitized water not only breeds In most developing and then left for at least thirty diseases but robs people off their countries such as Kenya, Step 2: Boiling minutes before consumption. human dignity and holds many water infrastructures are well After physically sieving the things at stake. developed in urban regions but Advantages of water water, transfer the water into a chlorination For instance, when sick not in the rural areas where clean container and then bring children miss school, their people mostly depend on rivers, it to a bubbling boiling state • Chlorine is effective against a education suffers. Also, many streams, dams, lakes and ponds. for about ten minutes. Most wide array of pathogens. economic opportunities are lost to These communities are prone pathogenic micro-organisms • Residue chlorine helps the impacts of frequent illnesses to devastating effects of water die at temperatures of about 75 prevent water sources against and the time-consuming process borne diseases and their possible degrees and therefore boiling the recontamination and reduces of acquiring water where it is not complications. water helps in killing most of the regrowth of biofilm. readily available. For this reason, therefore, pathogens. It is good to note that • Chlorine is also easy to apply, According to the World methods of water purification although boiling water affects the control and monitor. It is also Health Organization (WHO), for for households use should be taste as it drives out dissolved cost effective. drinking water to be considered encouraged vigorously and gases more so carbon dioxide, safe, it has to meet several quality sustained. Although water shaking the water vigorously Disadvantages standards in terms of its acceptable treatment equipment and after cooling will help improve • Formation of by-products microbiological, chemical and methods are not 100% effective, the taste by trying to incorporate which may have health radiological characteristics and they help reduce contamination to lost gases back. implications. should therefore be consumed in acceptable levels. The following is any desired quantity without any a simple 3 step guide in regard to Step 3: Chemical • It is ineffective against adverse effects on one’s health. water treatment that can be used disinfection of water parasites or cysts, that is why it is advisable to always boil The following key factors also by rural people. Chemical disinfection aims at water before consumption as affect the quality of water and controlling potential pathogens • Physical removal of solid it is the safest way to ensure all should be put into consideration. either by killing them or by materials pathogens are eliminated. inactivating them. The most Water pH: Safe drinking water • Boiling should have a pH of between commonly used method Fore more information on water • Chemical disinfection (for 7.0 and 9.5. This usually acts as of chemical disinfection is treatment https://www.infonet- inactivation and killing of chlorination which involves the an indicator that the water has micro-organisms) biovision.org/EnvironmentalHealth/ healthy levels of alkaline minerals use of chlorine. Chlorine can be Water-domestic-use 6 The Organic Farmer How to control intestinal worms in livestock Farmers should always normally selected based on ease deworm their animals at of application, whether broad spectrum, milk withdrawal the beginning and end of Photo: IN periods and cost-effectiveness. the rains or every three The de-wormers are grouped into months to ensure animals either, remain free of the internal • Avermectins/ milbemycins eg parasites. Ivermectin, Caren Kemunto | Your • Benzimidazoles eg Albendazole, livestock may look healthy but Avermectins/ milbemycins suffer from internal parasites curb both external and internal infestation such as worms. parasites, as well as offer Common parasites include persistent protection for days to roundworms, tapeworms and weeks after treatment. flukes. ascaris worms emerging from the bile duct NOTE: Before application, If not treated, worms compete always read and follow the and drain the animal of crucial instructions and prescriptions. nutrients resulting to poor • Restlessness. as animals continue to graze on Under-dosing can reduce the health, slow growth rate, low • Hair loss, mineral imbalances. pasture, internal parasites will level of control and make the productivity, poor conception always raid them. parasites become resistant to rates and unhealthy young ones • Diarrhoea leading to The amount of parasites will de-wormers. Overdosing, on being born. Animals reared for dehydration. vary with pasture, season and the other hand, can poison the meat will have parts of their • They also have difficulties management. Good pasture animals and lengthen withdrawal carcasses condemned at slaughter consuming and digesting feeds management practices will periods for products. because of worms. thereby giving loose, foul- smelling stool. Such animals save the animals the burden of In a herd of dairy cows, Symptoms of intestinal will also cough and have parasites. deworming at early lactation worm infestation in distended abdomens. The management includes: consistently increases milk yields livestock more than any other time of • In extreme cases, the animal • Grazing younger animals on treatment. A regular deworming schedule may die. safe pastures that have not alongside good overall herd been grazed on for almost 12 Another option is to deworm Young animals are typically all the cows in the herd at once management should be practiced more susceptible to internal months as well as feeding them to control significant parasitic on small grain feeds. then again after about three parasites than older ones. The months depending on the drug infections that affect livestock. older cattle have developed • Always deworm animals used. Where regular deworming is immunity having been frequently before placing them on safe not practiced, recognizing the exposed previously to the pastures. The less susceptible Use only antihelminths symptoms of worm infestation parasites. mature animals can be left to approved for use in lactating helps. The older animals, however, graze on the other pastures. dairy cattle and consider milk withdrawal period. Infected animals show the experience the harmful side of • Do not overgraze pastures. following symptoms: internal parasites as they near Animals graze closer to the Some dewormers are not • Drop in milk production giving birth because immunity is ground hence pick up more recommended for treating because worms deny them the suppressed. Bulls are also more larvae. pregnant animals, if used they can full benefits of nutrients. susceptible to internal parasites cause miscarriage; therefore, be than cows because they start Dewormers should be used on sure of the choice of de-wormer. • They display poor physical grazing early. time to reduce infection before appearance such that the ribs symptoms occur. Generally, it is advisable to reduce the animals’ access to become conspicuous and coats Control of worms Treatment should also aim at dull and rough. feeds, especially fresh pasture An animal must first be interrupting the life cycle of the but not water 24 hours before • Under heavy infestation, dewormed at intervals of three internal parasite in an effort to administration. affected animals may become months. Several methods can be minimize pasture contamination. anaemic and develop oedema. used to defeat worms. As long Dewormers for treatment are This will slow down the exit flow of the rumen and increases the time that the dewormers remains there and get absorbed. Natural dewormers reduce worm infestation For the same reason, do not feed the animals for about six hours Natural dewormers reduce worm always after milking. after drenching. infestation • Neem cake, seeds oil or bark For successful deworming, There are natural dewormers mixed with feed. Photo: IN ensure the drenching gun is which help farmers to reduce • Artemisia spp. That is well calibrated. Shake the liquid infestation of worms in livestock. wormwood should use suspension thoroughly before However, this natural or herbal extracts administration and draw into the dewormers do not act fast compared to synthetics ones. They • Pumpkin seeds or seed gun the recommended dosage help reduce worms in livestock extract. as per body weight. Drench and if given to them regularly, over • Mince 500g of wild ginger ensure that the animal swallows a long period of time. The most roots and feed it to cattle, the whole dose. commonly used include: sheep and goats. Always change the dewormers • Mix Pyrethrum extract • Soak 500g of chopped bark to prevent the parasites from ‘’pymac’’ with animal feed at of Albinzia anthelmintica- developing resistance to the drug. all time. mwawa or kyalundathi in kikamba in 3 litres of water • Minced 250g of garlic in Liverfluke damage in animal For more information on worms overnight, sieve and drench. 4 litres of water per day, liver https://www.infonet-biovision.org/ AnimalHealth/Worms No. 167, May 2019 The Organic Farmer 7 Methods that help determine sex in young chicks How can I tell a male or female chick after hatching?

Many farmers would like to know Photo: TOF if their chicks are males or female after hatching. A lot of methods have been used to determine the sex of chicks but many of them have proved inaccurate. One of the most accurate methods is to check the vent (the cloaca or anal passage of the chick). If you check the lower part of anal passage, male chicks have a small bump or pimple while the female bump appears somehow flat. Many experts use the vent method to determine the sex of the chicks, which has brought a success rate of between 90 per cent 95 per cent of the chicks tested using this method. The method however requires experienced people trained for this particular Farmers can use various methods to determine the sex of their chicks. purpose. Down colour method shavings have been found to be Carbohydrates: These are broken is properly mixed and in the most suitable material for this down into sugars, starch and fibre. right proportion. Agricultural Farmers can also use the colour purpose. Starch and sugars are sources of laboratories in research of down feathers (the small soft energy for animals. Sugars, for institutions or companies with feather that chicks feathers) to tell Studies have established that composting chicken manure with example molasses, provide an feed analysis equipment can be if the chicks are male or female immediate source of energy to the able to do this. (this mainly applies to certain saw dust and or wood produces high quality compost as long as animals. This energy is important The Kenya Agricultural & breeds such as Black-Breasted for all activities e.g. movement, Red, Light Brown, among others). the compost pile is well aerated Livestock Research Organization by turning it regularly to allow breathing, reproduction etc. (KALRO) laboratories in The males have a clean head with Starches i.e. maize, cassava, only two colours which end at the for air circulation which enhances Naivasha and Thika can do feed microbial organisms present in sorghum, wheat and barley analysis and advise farmers. All a crown (top of the head). Females has to be broken down during have three colours of the dorsal the pile to break down the lignin farmer needs to do is to mix the (tough organic substance that digestion into simple sugars. The feeds as advised for each category (at the back) stripes- a black or sugars are then absorbed into dark brown added outside the forms wood in combination with of animal and then take a 1 kg cellulose). So you can use wood the animal’s body to provide sample and send it to KALRO by other two; the stripes run all the energy. Fibre from grass is more way to the crown. shavings combined with chicken courier services. The laboratories manure to make poultry manure. digestible compared to fibre can analyse the samples and give In some cross-bred chickens, from crop remains e.g. straw; it results in 24 hours. It costs Ksh the females and males have Where can we have also contains a small percentage 1000 to analyse a sample. Farmers distinct colours such as the KARI animal feeds analysed? of proteins important in animal who require feed analysis can Improved Breed-in this breed, the Feed analysis is very important growth. get in touch with KALRO on Tel: female chicks have a black colour for farmers who make their Minerals and Vitamins: 0722565 819, Thika. while the males have black and own feeds. It helps the farmer compared to proteins and white spots or speckled colours. Provide enough space for to know if they have used the carbohydrates, minerals and chicken Can wood shavings used right ingredients. It also helps the vitamins are ingested in smaller as chicken beddings farmer to know if the feeds have quantities. Minerals e.g. calcium Proper housing is an important produce good poultry the correct ratios or percentages is important in the formation aspect in poultry production. of various nutrients that help of bones. Most salts e.g. Cobalt If not done well it causes stress manure? balance the feeds to make sure the contain minerals, they can be and restlessness leading to Wood shavings and saw dust animals get each of the nutrients added to feeds or given as a lick. cannibalism and pecking among are regularly used as bedding in the right proportions. Animals Vitamins can also be added to the flocks. Proper housing means, for chickens. However for young require feeds with the following feeds or injected. the house has good lighting, chicks, sawdust has been found to enough space for chicken to move nutrients: During feed formulation be unsuitable as bedding material around during the day, bask and Proteins: They are needed for different proportions of proteins, as young chicks tend to feed on rest. Chicken houses should be growth and regeneration of body carbohydrates, minerals and it leading to complications with constructed facing east-west to tissues. They are also essential vitamins are mixed to ensure their digestive system. Wood reduce wind. for production and they are in balanced according to maintenance of the requirements of each animal One side of the house should the animals. The eg dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs be made darker so that hens can main common and chickens (chicks, layers and hide when laying eggs. It also sources of protein broilers). should protect the chicken from predators. Proper hygiene is include soybean Additives: These include (soya), fishmeal, also necessary; the house should amino acids, toxin binders and be cleaned regularly. The house sunflower and stabilizers that prevent the feeds cottonseed cake. should be kept warm and dry by from caking or forming hard spreading wood chippings on the The lack of enough clods. proteins in an floor and not saw dust because animal’s diet leads For farmers who make their the chicken may end up eating to slower growth own feeds at home, it is important the saw dust. rate. that the feed is analysed in a laboratory to make sure the feed Answers by Elkanah Isaboke 8 The Organic Farmer No. 167, May 2019 answers your questions TOFRadio is broadcast on KBC on Thursday at 7:30pm and Mbaitu FM on Friday at 8.30pm. Tune in and listen to farmer experiences and expert advice on agribusiness and eco-friendly farming methods. On this page, we respond to some of the issues raised by farmers in their correspondence to the radio program. Send your questions and comments via SMS 0715 422 460, email: [email protected] There are many causes of infertility in chicken eggs

Musdalafa Lyaga | A Farmer house can help reduce the Hannington Okwemba from Siaya bacteria present in the poultry County says some of his chickens house affecting their health. A are not laying fertile eggs. He asks sick chicken is an unproductive TOF Radio to inform farmers on Photo: TOF chicken that will cost you a lot of what could be the cause and possible money on treatment. solutions for this challenge. Prevent diseases Poultry products are an Decontaminating your poultry important source of income for house regularly will help many small-scale farmers in you prevent diseases such as Kenya. respiratory viruses, mites, and Many people like to eat poultry other poultry health problems meat and eggs because of their especially in laying hens. Some of delicious taste and nutritional the pests brought about by dirty value thus providing the much living conditions can colonize a needed markets for rural farmers. chicken’s intestinal tract without However, farmers like necessarily causing obvious Hannington Okwemba continue disease in the chickens itself. to suffer great losses feeding This may lead to the organism chicken that are denying them the invading other tissues and much needed income from the eventually finding its way into eggs. the reproductive tract and ovary, contaminating the egg itself. Poultry farming is one the best agribusiness for small- If proper care of poultry is taken, farmers can make more scale farmers as it requires little money from their eggs and capital to start, small space, it is their customers will enjoy better not labour intensive and there quality poultry products. is a ready market for poultry products. For more information on chicken As the farmer increases the welfare and rearing https://www. number of birds, the income infonet-biovision.org/AnimalHealth/ also increases while the cost of Chicken#simple-table-of-contents-3 production goes down. Increase Radio Taifa frequencies for our in the number of birds comes with All eggs should be checked to ensure only fertile ones are incubated TOFRadio programmes many challenges. Poultry farmers MW (MEDIUM have been reaching out to TOF Cull unproductive hens can be a flaw in its nature that a FM FRE- TOWN WAVE FRE- chicken may lay eggs that are not QUENCIES Radio for possible solutions to It is also important to choose QUENCIES) this problem. fertile. In such a case the farmer, high-quality eggs to put in an should sell such chickens for meat Nairobi 92.9 MHZ There are several factors that incubator or give the chickens to to reduce the cost of using large Mombasa 100.8 MHZ Kisumu 104.5 MHZ can cause the eggs not to hatch. sit on for 21 days. Natural causes amounts of money on feed. can also cause this condition. It Kakamega 104.5 MHZ Ratio of hens to cocks Feed birds well Bungoma 104.5 MHZ If the number of cocks serving the Lack or inadequate essential Eldoret 88.6 MHZ Nakuru 104.1 MHZ hen is less than the recommended nutrients can also be a major Meru 90.4 MHZ one, then the farmer is likely to be cause of eggs’ infertility. The Nyeri 87.6 MHZ denied good flock for the future. farmer should always ensure that The farmer should make sure that Kisii 103.3 MHZ his chickens get enough nutrients Malindi 90.1 MHZ there are a maximum of eight such as omena (fish meal), soybeans female chickens for one cock. Kapenguria 93.3 MHZ and legume family plants; energy Kitale 9 3.3 MHZ Age of cock giving food such as maize, Voi/Kibwezi 96.9 MHZ cassava, millet, sorghum, sweet If the number of female chickens Namanga 89.9 MHZ potato; vitamin and mineral from Lodwar 88.6 MHZ exceeds eight then the cock will vegetables like kales, cabbage and Lokichoggio 89.3 MHZ not be able to serve them well, grass. Garsen 93.1 MHZ which affects the fertility of some Free roaming chicken Kajiado 92.9 MHZ spend a lot of time and energy Kitui 92.9 MHZ eggs that fail to hatch. The age of seeking food which hinders Lamu 96.3 MHZ the cock may also affect fertility. fast maturity. Make sure your Maralal 1107 KHZ A cock that is two years old A candling box can help indigenous poultry roaming diet Wajir 1152 KHZ needs to be culled because the farmers check if eggs are is supplemented. Marsabit 675 KHZ quality of its semen deteriorates. fertilized or not Garissa 567 KHZ Regularly cleaning the birds