FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

VOL. II

– Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information –

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

Subpart B1b Northern Rift Valley Province B a r i n g o County This project was supported by the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), since 2011 it is GIZ = Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Society of International Cooperation)

Farm Management Handbook of Kenya

VOL. I Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation

VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information

Part II/A WEST KENYA Subpart A1 Western Province Subpart A2 Nyanza Province

Part II/B CENTRAL KENYA Subpart B l a/b Rift Valley Province, Northern (except Turkana) and Southern Part Subpart B2 Central Province

Part II /C EAST KENYA Subpart C1 Eastern Province, Middle and Southern Part Subpart C2 Coast Province

VOL. III Farm Management Information - Annual Publications were planned. The idea changed to Farm Managament Guidelines, produced by the District Agricultural Offices annually and delivered to the Ministry in April

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

VOL. V Horticultural Production Guidelines

Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, in Cooperation with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) VOL. II is supplemented by CD-ROMs with the information and maps in a Geographical Information System. Additionally there will be wall maps of the Agro-Ecological Zones per district group (= the former large districts) for offices and schools.

Vol. II/B Printed by Brookpak Printing & Supplies, Nairobi 2010 Layout by Ruben Kempf, Trier, Germany. FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA VOL. II

Annex: - Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising by Group of Districts in Northern Rift Valley -

Subpart B1b Baringo County

by Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. emeritus of Geography, University of Trier / Germany

Helmut Schmidt Former Farm Management Research Officer from the former German Agricultural Team of the GTZ in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi

Dr. Berthold Hornetz Prof. of Agricultural Geography, University of Trier / Germany Dr. Chris Shisanya Prof. of Agroclimatology, Dept. of Geography Kenyatta University, Nairobi Contributions to the 1st Edition by: C.M. Kang´e & J.G.M. Muasya – assessment of farm management data; Dr. Mechthild Kronen – soil requirements list; Prof. Dr. H. Kutsch – computing of crop-water relations for yield prob- abilities; F.N. Muchena, B.J.A. van der Pouw, W. Siderius and W.G. Sombroek – basic soil maps; H. Ritz – district climate tables; R. Swoboda – execution of Small Farm Survey; C.G. Wenner & S.N. Njoroge – soil conservation; W. Zettelmeyer – computing farm data. Additional Contributions to the 2nd Edition by: Dr. J. Ahenda & P. M. Maluku, KEPHIS; G. Awinyo (GIZ) – as- sisting R. J. & digitizing of soil maps into GIS; Th. Buettel – support by analyzing remote sensing data; M. Fiebiger – rainfall data analysis, probability calculations, yield probabilities by simulation programs; B. Girkens - final comput- erized drawing of maps in GIS and other maps; Heike Hoeffler – project coordination in GIZ Nairobi; Ph. Karuri – as- sistance in the Farm Survey; Ruben Kempf – typing and layout; Elizabeth Kimenyi & Anne Njoroge – coordination of farm survey; Z. Mairura, Senior Ass. Dir. of Farm Business Subdivision; S. N. Maobe (KARI); N. M. Maweu (KARI); Susanne Meissner - water availability & requirement diagrams, typing; M. Mueller – calculation and diagrams of grow- ing periods, ENSO influence; Dr. Anne W. Muriuki & J.N. Qureshi – soil and fertiliser recommendation maps and information; Francis Muthami (GIZ); Dr. Dorothy Mutisya and Dr. J Ochieng – crops and fodder list; Birgit Schmidt – basics for maintaining and regaining soil fertility; Joshua Shivachi & Ch. R. Wambongo– analysing the Farm Survey data using SPSS software; M. Teucher - final computerized drawing of soil and fertilizer maps; Dr. Lusike Wasilwa – horticult. part of the crop list; J. Wieczorek – computerization of maps in GIS; tables and diagrams. PREFACE TO THE ATLAS The internet and CD versions of the handbook have technically a reduction of details: The most important information, the maps, are due to reduction of the 24 MB to the CD-size of 6 MB, not well readable (esp. formulas of the AEZ Subzones and of the soils). Therefore we prepared additional Atlas- CDs for each group of districts, containing the maps of Rainfall, Agro - Ecol. Zones and Subzones, Soils, anhd Fertilizer Recommendations together with the legends. These maps are produced as pdf-files and can be zoomed for easy reading.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for the Support to the First Edition In compiling this Handbook, we have relied on the support of many officers from a variety of institutions too numerous to mention, who made available their data and experience. We would like to thank them for their invaluable assistance. I would also like to thank my colleagues, the Research Officers, the District Land and Farm management Officers, for their cooperation, and a special thank you to those who typed the draft edition. Our particular thanks go to Prof. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold, University of Trier, for his selfless support in compil- ing this handbook and for his assessment of the natural conditions including land and population. His deep understanding of the needs of agricultural extension officers and farmers was a great asset. Our thanks also to Dr. H. Kutsch, University of Trier, who computerized a large and complex amount of information involved in establishing the AEZs. Many thanks also to the staff of the Geographical Department of the University of Trier, Germany, for their major effort in drawing up maps of outstanding quality, the centrepiece of the work.

Helmut Schmidt Farm Management Research Officer Nairobi, May 1982

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT for the Support to the Second Edition In revising this Handbook, various personalities and institutions were relied upon to provide the necessary data required to update the previous data sets. In this regard, we would like to sincerely thank them for their invaluable input in the exercise. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Agriculture staff who undertook the Farm Surveys to elucidate on the fundamental changes that have taken place in farming at the household level. We are indeed very grateful to the people of Germany, who despite their limited financial resources, have continued to support Kenya. Of importance here is the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the German scientists who have been working for Kenya over the years. Last but not least, thanks to Mr. Reimund Hoffmann, the PSDA Coordinator, Nairobi, whose office ably managed the Handbook revision project.

Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya Elizabeth Kimenyi Professor of Agroclimatology Assistant Director of Agriculture Dept. of Geography FMD, MOA Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya Nairobi, January 2009 Nairobi, January 2009

We want to thank very much also Mr. Zachariah Mairura, Deputy Dir. of Agri-Business Dep., for his en- gaged support of our inquiries in the districts 2009 and 2010.

Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. Dr. Berthold Hornetz Retired Professor of Geography Professor of Agricultural Geography University of Trier, October 2010 University of Trier, October 2010 PREFACE to the Second Edition

Institutional memory is of paramount importance for planning and development. For any research or agri- cultural extension to be successful, information on the natural farming potential is equally important.

In an effort to consolidate research - extension work of many years, the first edition of the Farm Manage- ment Handbook (FMHB) of Kenya Vol II (Natural conditions and farm management information), which described the conditions of the Kenyan farming community at that time, was produced in 1982/83. The handbook was in three parts i.e.:

A – for Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza provinces) B – for Central Kenya (Central and Rift Valley provinces). C – for Eastern Kenya (Eastern and Coast provinces)

For more than two decades, the handbook has proved very valuable to researchers, planners, extensionists, developers etc. This is a document that has been sought for enormously and hence the need to revise it in order to accommodate the changes that have taken place in our country since the production of the first edition. Some of these include: changes in the administrative boundaries, opening up of new farming areas due to population pressure, etc.

This second edition has been produced on the basis of Provincial administrative boundaries for the six Provinces i.e. Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Coast. The information will be availed in hard copies and in CD – ROMS to facilitate updating any future changes.

It is not possible to acknowledge the contribution of all the individuals who made this edition a reality but I need to mention the following individuals:

Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture officers, especially the Farm Management Division officers at the headquarters (Mrs. E.W. Kimenyi, Mr. F.N. Nderitu, Mrs. H.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A. W. Wanyama, Mr. P.T. Karuri and most engaged Mr. Z. Mairura), and the District staff, for their selfless contribution; Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya, leader of the revision team, for his tireless efforts and guidance; Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold for his enormous knowledge on the definition of the agroecological zones and his great contribution to their mapping; George Awinyo (German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) – Private Sector Development in Agriculture (PSDA)) for his expertise and contribution in the area of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

I also wish to thank the GTZ who have facilitated the production of this edition both financially and by the use of their personnel, specifically the late Prof. Werner van der Ohe who supported the idea of the revision, and Mr. Reimund Hoffmann (GTZ – Team Leader Private Sector Development in Agriculture PSDA), for supporting and taking up the task to completion.

Dr. Wilson Songa, OGW AGRICULTURAL SECRETARY Nairobi, January 2009

BARINGO GROUP 1

4.5 BARINGO GROUP OF DISTRICTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page

4.5.1 Natural Potential (R. Jaetzold et al.) 3 Introduction (R. J.) 3 Annual Rainfall Map (R. J.) 4 Table 1: Rainfall Figures 5 Seasonal Rainfall Maps (R. J.) 7 Table 2: Climate in the Agro-Ecological-Zones 9 Agro-Humid Periods Map (R.J.) 10 Agro-Ecological Zones Map (R. J.) 11 Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones - Introduction (R. J.) 12 Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones (= Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land Use Potentials and Water Availability & Requirement Diagrams (R. J. & B. Hornetz) 13 Soil Map (R. Jaetzold & KSS) 22 Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics (B. Hornetz & W. Siderius) 23 Legend to the Soil Map (R. Jaetzold & KSS) 23

4.5.2 Population and Land (C. A. Shisanya, R. Jaetzold & Central Bureau of Statistics) see the big Vol. B1b

4.5.3 Agricultural Statistics (R. Jaetzold & Min. of Agriculture.) see the big Vol. B1b

4.5.4 Farm Survey (Min. of Agriculture & Chr. Shisanya) 27 Table 24: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones and Units 28 Farm Survey Areas Map (R. Jaetzold) 29

4.5.5 Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensification by Better Farm Management in Dominating Agro-Ecological Subzones (Min. of Agriculture, C. A. Shisanya & R. Jaetzold.) 30 Baringo District UM 3 (vl/l) i or two of the Maize-Coffee Zone 30 Table 27: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 31 UM 4 (m/l) i of the Maize-Sunflower Zone 32 Table 28: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 33 Marigat District LM 5 i (vs) i to IL 6 ur i of the Irrigation Scheme 34 Table 29: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 35 Koibatek District LH 3 (vl) i or two of the Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone 36 Table 30: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 37 UM 4 f (l) i of the Maize-Sunflower Zone 38 BARINGO GROUP 2

Table 31: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 39

4.5.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units Map of Important Agro-Ecological Units and Fertil. Recommendations (R. Jaetzold) 40 Introduction (B. Hornetz) 41 Tables 32 a-c: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations (B. Hornetz) 42 Map of Fertiliser Recommendations 43

4.5.7 Final Statements (R. Jaetzold) 48 BARINGO GROUP 3

4.5.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL

Introduction The Baringo Group of Districts with 9 885 km2, is exceptionally large, about double most of the other Kenyan districts. For this reason, the scale of the district maps could only be half of most others. The problem of this district group is the fact that 45% of its land is too steep or too dry for agriculture (Inner Lowland and Lower Midland Ranching Zones IL 6 and LM 6, except on alluvial valley soils with ground water, with water concentration and runoff-catching agriculture or with additional irrigation).

Although the annual average rainfall in the zones IL 6 and LM 6 seems adequate with 500-700mm, distribution during the year is scattered into three seasons making each one too weak and short (see Diagram Nginyang). The 66% reliability of rainfall for the agro-humid period of the first rains (April-May) is only about 50-100mm compared to the average of the total first rains which is 170-300mm (March-June)1). For the more reliable middle or second rains, the figures are 80-150mm compared to 125-250mm (July- September). In 6 out of 10 years the third peak in November is too weak to create at least one decade with agro-humid conditions. On the other hand, the evaporative demand is very high there, 2 100-2 300mm per year, due to a low relative humidity (35% average at 1 500), and the mean temperature is nearly 2° higher than normal at this altitude; the upper limit of the Lowland Zones is at about 1 000mm (in East Kenya at 700mm).

35% of the district group are semi-arid and still very risky and marginal for usual agriculture, especially for maize cultivation, and is therefore classified as Livestock-Sorghum and Livestock-Millet Zones (UM 5 and LM 5). Here, the methods of water concentrated and runoff-catching agriculture (Fig.1, distr. p.19) are even more effective than in LM 6 or IL 6 and allow many crops to grow.

15% of the district is still sub-arid (UM 4 and LM 4) with a weak performance in the agro-humid season, so that the name „Maize-Sunflower Zone“ in the Upper Midlands UM 4 does not indicate the same potential as the Kitale area. This is expressed in the different symbols of the subzones (see the AEZ maps Baringo and Trans Nzoia). In the Lower Midlands there is a potential for cotton. Although climatically it is only a Marginal Cotton Zone (LM 4), on alluvial fans (with groundwater) on the border of the Kerio Valley good cotton yields are also possible.

Nevertheless, these areas need more agriculture and better livestock management, and also improvement of the fodder situation because with present methods, the land is absolutely overexploited: soil erosion is tremendous, decreasing the potential for an increasing population. Valuable investigative work has been done 2) and practical testing continues at the New Research Station for marginal and semi-arid areas in Marigat, the Agric. Stn. in Chebloch as well as the Catholic Mission in Kositei, and in many experimental plots of those stations.

The contrast areas to these marginal and semi-arid lands are the Tugen Hills, an uplift inside the Rift Valley. Here the natural conditions are also not too good, the Coffee Zone is mainly marginal (UM 3) due to moisture, altitude and soils, and it is small, covering only 1.5% of the district group, the zones 2 and 3 together 5%. But the Tugen people are industrious, working hard to make the best of their small plots on the top of steep slopes. Unfortunately the hills are uplifted like a desk, which makes the eastern side very steep due to gulley erosion, and the soils are removed from the less steep western side by sheet erosion. Soil conservation must be improved, but what people need most is a better supply of fertilizers and high quality seeds and seedlings. The best area of the district group lies southwest of Eldama Ravine where the Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone (LH 2) is still so low, and the volcanic soil so fertile, that good yields of maize can be achieved.

1) The figure for the total rainy season is important for water concentrated agriculture, because this method creates longer agro- humid conditions on the planted spots. 2) Catholic Diocese of Nakuru: East Pokot Agricultural Project. Progress Reports by Edmund Barrow and others, Kositei Cath. Mission, P.O. Marigat, 1978 ff. (Mimeo). G.O.K./USAID; Consortium for International Development: Marginal/Semi-Arid Lands Preinvestment Inventory. Nairobi 1978 BARINGO GROUP 4 BARINGO GROUP 5

TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS IN BARINGO GROUP OF DISTRICTS HAVING RECENTLY AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF RECORDS

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

32 43 81 167 142 94 122 128 78 73 92 52 8935007 D.O., LH 3 1103 2362 m Eldama Ravine (vl) i 484 327 217

30 49 76 194 169 131 202 220 84 60 92 53 8935020 District Office, UM 3 1357 2198 m Kabarnet (vl/l) 568 565 205

43 55 84 192 178 106 194 207 86 102 114 77 8935051 Agric. Station, LH 2 1437 2427 m Kabartonjo vl 559 487 293

20 26 61 128 118 72 135 116 65 49 54 50 8935060 Emening Health LM 5 894 1706 m Centre (vs^s/vs) i 379 317 153

61 51 72 125 130 97 127 116 69 74 95 54 8935087 Esageri Kiptuim UM 4 1069 1870 m Aron Farm f(l) i 424 311 222

27 32 67 176 165 102 170 169 67 59 88 58 8935091 Div. Agric. Office, UM 3 1180 2034 m Tenges (vl/l) 509 406 205

13 23 65 165 155 94 133 130 58 46 100 47 8935092 Poi Dispensary, UM 4 1027 1804 m Kabarnet (m/l) i 479 320 192

24 30 61 126 125 82 117 128 59 53 95 36 8935093 Kiboino Primary LM 4 936 1312 m School, Kabarnet (m/l) i 394 303 184

44 59 82 189 155 9 120 142 80 66 116 70 8935109 Narasha Forest LH 2 1130 2558 m Station vl i 434 342 251

30 40 70 163 135 119 180 212 84 92 113 70 8935128 Demonstration UM 3 1307 2099 m Holding, Kabarnet (vl/l) 487 476 274

52 62 99 177 123 90 116 123 74 73 111 65 8935136 Agric. Holding, UM 3 1164 1968 m Kibimoi (vl/l) 489 312 249

25 28 60 127 118 70 100 114 76 72 95 43 8935141 Chemogoch Range UM 5 927 1738 m Research Station (m/l) i 375 290 209

24 33 70 137 119 84 113 127 55 58 74 48 8935143 Cheberen Market, LM 4 942 1476 m Kabarnet (m/l) i 410 296 180

35 38 59 114 112 50 113 104 48 50 68 44 8935144 Radat Intermediate LM 5 834 1246 m School (vs^vs/s) i 335 265 162

52 48 96 229 155 98 141 172 87 97 106 82 8935145 Torongo Primary UH 2 1365 2788 m School vl i 578 401 286

24 27 50 140 122 73 103 85 53 26 69 45 8935146 LM 4 Baringo, Barwesa 817 1804 m (m/l) i 385 241 140

49 40 96 187 172 104 152 174 63 71 130 62 8935149 Talai Agric. Station, UM 4 1300 2296 m Baringo f(l) i 559 390 263 BARINGO GROUP 6

TABLE 1: CONTINUATION

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

41 59 112 217 205 122 158 161 76 97 90 39 8935153 Bartolimo Primary UM 3 1377 2132 m School (vl/l) 656 395 227

LM 5 28 25 50 87 74 55 90 83 35 35 48 29 8935163 Perkerra Agric. i (vs) i 1148 m Research Station 639 to IL 6 ur i 267 208 111

29 60 84 177 179 140 174 182 69 65 91 55 8935176 Tenges Forest UM 3 1304 2034 m Nursery (vl/l) 580 425 211

44 49 104 240 206 150 167 203 81 83 127 56 8935177 Katimok Forest LH 2 1507 2460 m Station vl 699 450 266

33 41 79 201 143 107 145 141 85 76 99 41 8935187 Chemususu Forest LH 2 1190 2493 m Station vl i 530 371 281

17 20 46 85 121 61 101 102 50 33 56 24 8936019 LM 5 Tangulbei 715 1378 m (vs^s/vs) i 313 252 113

16 19 36 87 90 63 92 81 37 29 36 15 8936020 Nginyang Health IL 6 598 984 m Centre ur i 276 208 79

20 26 51 108 83 60 105 90 49 52 48 26 8936026 Hot Springs LM 5 720 1312 m Dispensary i (vs) i 304 244 128

26 27 61 147 118 67 90 88 90 81 110 44 8936056 Kisanana UM 4 947 1771 m Dispensary f(l) i 392 267 235

23 33 44 91 73 66 94 93 32 31 61 27 8936067 Snake Farm, Lake IL 6 667 1050 m Baringo ur i 273 219 118

36 46 77 164 136 111 157 193 105 53 73 54 9035069 Equator C.D. UH 2 1205 2972 m Cullen vl i 488 455 180 BARINGO GROUP 7 BARINGO GROUP 8 BARINGO GROUP 9

TABLE 2: CLIMATE IN THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Agro-Ecological Subzone Altitude Annual Annual av. 66% reliability 60% reliability of growing Zone in m mean rainfall of rainfall 1) period temp. in mm 3) in °C 1st Middle 1st rainy Middle Total rainy rains season 2) rains season & 2nd & 2nd 2) r. s. r. s. in mm in mm in days in days in days UH 1 Here Forest Reserve (very steep, cold and wet) Sheep-Dairy Zone UH 2 Wheat-Pyrethrum vl i or two 2 400-2 700 15.0-12.2 1 200-1 500 350-450 500-650 105 or more 200-240 305-345 Zone LH 2 Wheat/Maize- vl i or two 2 100-2 400 17.0-15.0 1 200-1 450 350-450 480-630 100 or more 185-210 285-310 Pyrethrum Zone LH 3 (vl) i or two 900-1 300 250-400 300-600 95 or more 190-205 285-300 Wheat/Maize 1 960-2 400 18.0-15.0 (vl) or two 1 100-1 200 310-350 500-550 95 or more 190-195 285-290 Barley Zone UM 3 Marginal Coffee (vl/l)i or two 1 800->2 000 19.2-<18.0 1 000-1 400 300-450 400-600 95 or more 140-190 235-285 Zone UM 4 f (l) i or two 850-1 400 200-400 280-650 90 or more 85-145 175-235 Maize-Sunflower (l/m)i or two 1 550-1 950 21.0-18.1 800-900 220-250 280-300 90 or more 85-105 175-195 Zone (m/l)i or two 800-1 100 220-300 270-450 85 or more 70-85 155-175 UM 5 Livestock-Sorghum (m/l)i or two 1 530-1 850 21.0-18.7 700-950 150-250 200-380 75 or more 70-85 145-165 Zone LM 4 Marginal Cotton (m/l)i or two 1 060-1 550 23.8-21.0 800-1 200 200-300 250-600 80 or more 70-85 150-165 Zone LM 5 (vs^s/vs)+(vu) 700-980 150-220 230-300 75-85 Lower Midland 45-60 120-145 (vs^vs/s)+(vu) 1 030-1 550 24.0-21.0 700-950 130-200 200-280 55-75 Livestock Millet 45-55 100-130 i (vs) i 650-750 100-160 150-250 45-55 Zone IL 6 Lower Midland ur i 1 000-1 430 24.0-21.6 580-750 50-120 100-180 less than 45 Ranching Zone IL 6 Inner Lowland ur i 900->1000 24.0-25.0 300-750 <50-120 80-150 less than 40 Ranching Zone

NOTES: 1) Amounts surpassed normally in 10 out of 15 years, falling during the agro-humid period which allows growing of most cultivated plants. 2) More if growing cycle of cultivated plants continues into the period of middle rains. Second rainy season (O.-D.) has no reliable growing period. 3) Agro-humid conditions continue from 1st to middle rains nearly in the whole district group except in LM 5 i (vs) i, LM 6 and IL 6. BARINGO GROUP 10 BARINGO GROUP 11 BARINGO GROUP 12

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES - Introduction

The yield potentials are calculated for the important annual crops with the programs WATBALand MARCROP by B. Hornetz (see chapter 3.1 and Annex). The other crops are classified by estimates according to their temperature and water requirements. Not all suitable crops could be mentioned here because of limited space. More crops and the most suited varieties can be found in the crop list (Table X) and in IRACC: Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self Employment, Nairobi 1997, when comparing both sources with the climatic data of the AEZ and Subzones (Table 2) as well as considering the soil requirements (Table IV) and the soil map. The potentials require optimal fertilising and manuring as well as good crop husbandry to reach the given percentages. Recommended for checking in Table X are the following crops resp. varieties which have not been mentioned in the potentials: Many maize varieties, most of them commercial ones; more vegetables like french beans, carrots, leek, celery, spinach, beetroot, turnips and the root crop cocoyams; more fruits like grapefruit, mandarines, limes, lemons, tangerines, passionfruit (>1200 m) and pineapples. Cotton has also many interesting varieties. For fodder and forage many other plants than the mentioned ones are classified by Agro-Ecological Zones in Table XI (see Subpart Southern Rift Valley Province).

The tables beneath the diagrams of growing periods may differ from other calculations because they do not include the drier grass growing periods which can give a minimum supply of moisture to low demanding crops.

It must be kept in mind that the potentials are ecological zone based. What is economical depends on the present relation of costs-yield-prices and the marketing possibilities, of course.

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES (Legend to the Map)

UH = UPPER HIGHLAND ZONES UH 1 = Very small and steep, here Forest Reserve

UH 2 = Wheat-Pyrethrum Zone UH 2 = Wheat-Pyrethrum Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, vl i dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two Very good yield potential (av. over 80 % of the optimum) No important crops Good yield potential (av. 60-80 % of the optimum) 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm. begin of March: Late mat. wheat like Kenya Bongo (May/June-N./D.), triticale, very late mat. maize like High altitude composite or Cuzco (Mch./Apr.-Jan.) on frost-free slopes (in lower places, higher places fair to poor), oats, quinoa; peas; potatoes; rapeseed; cabbages, kales, kohlrabi, celery, endive, rampion, leek, radish, spinach (lower places) Middle rains, start undistinctly end of June: Oats, m. mat. barley; rapeseed, peas; cabbages, kales, carrots, celery, endive, rampion, leek, radish Whole year, best planting time March/April: Pyrethrum Fair yield potential (av. 40-60 % of the optimum) Middle rains: Potatoes; kohlrabi, spinach 2nd rainy season: Very weak and short, only little planting Whole year: Pears, plums, and apples below 2700 m Pasture and forage About 0.8 ha/LU on sec. pasture of Kikuyu and tufted grass1); forage see Table XI BARINGO GROUP 13

LH = LOWER HIGHLAND ZONES LH 2 = Wheat/Maize-Pyrethrum Zone 2) LH 2 = Wheat/Maize-Pyrethrum Zone with a very long cropping season and intermediate rains, vl i dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two Good yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm. mid March: Late mat. wheat like Kenya Bongo (Apr./ May-O.), late mat. maize (Mch./Apr.-N./D., ~ 80 % on deep soils); peas, horse beans; potatoes (Apr.-Au.); med. mat. sunflower, linseed, rapeseed; cabbages, kales, cauliflower, carrots, beet¬root, spinach, celery, lettuce Middle rains, start undistinctly end of June: M. mat. wheat, m. mat. barley (June-O.); linseed; kales, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot, spinach, tomatoes, celery Whole year: Black Wattle, New Zealand flax Fair yield potential 1st rains to middle rains: Finger millet; m. mat. beans; tomatoes, onions Middle rains: Peas; rapeseed; cabbages, onions, lettuce 2nd rainy season (O.-D.): Potatoes Whole year: Pyrethrum; apples, pears, and plums above 2200 m; strawberries, passion fruit below 2 200m Pasture and forage 0.6-1 ha/LU on sec. grassland of Kikuyu, Red oats, and tufted grass1) between cedar forest remnants; about 0.5 ha on art. pasture of Nandi Setaria above 2 000 m or Rhodes grass below 2 000 m and add. fodder legumes (see Table XI); suitable for grade dairy cows

LH 3 = Wheat/Maize 2)-Barley Zone LH 3 = Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone with a (partly weak) very long cropping season and intermediate (vl) i rains, dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two Good yield potential 1st rains (to middle r.), start norm. end of March: Medium mat. wheat (Apr./May-S./O.), late mat. wheat (Apr.-O.), on deep good soils late mat. maize (end of March/Apr.- O./N.), m. mat. barley; peas; linseed, late mat. sunflower; cabbages Middle rains, start undistinctly end of June: M.mat. wheat (June-D.); rapeseed (end of June- O.) Whole year: Black wattle Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains): Finger millet, maize on normal soils; potatoes; rapeseed; kales, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot Middle rains: Tomatoes, kales, beetroot; beans in lower places Whole year: Avocadoes and passion fruits in lower places Pasture and forage Around 1 ha/LU on undestroyed highland savanna of Red Oats and wire grass1); about 0.7 ha/LU on art. pasture of Nandi Setaria or Rhodes grass; grade dairy cows and grade cattle; Napier grass in lower places

UM = UPPER MIDLAND ZONES UM 3 = Marginal Coffee Zone UM 3 = Marginal Coffee Zone with a (weak) very long to long cropping season and intermediate rains, (vl/l) i dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two (see Diagram Tenges) Good yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm. end of March: Late mat. maize on middle and higher places, med.mat. maize on lowest pl., finger millet; beans; sweet pot., potatoes; egg plants (Mch.-S./O.), cabbages, kales, pumpkins Middle rains, start undistinctly and unreliable end of June: Beans; potatoes; onions (on light BARINGO GROUP 14

soils), cabbages, kales Whole year: Passion fruit on deep soils, castor, Macadamia nuts, guavas

Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains): Late mat. sorghum Middle rains: Sweet potatoes 2nd rainy season (weak and unreliable, start m. of O.): Potatoes, e.mat. beans Whole year: Bananas, cassava, Citrus

Marginal yield potential (av. about 30-50 % of the optimum) Whole year: Coffee fair-poor because rainfall distribution, temperature, and soils are not well suited Pasture and forage Around 1 ha/LU on sec. pasture between remnants of semi-moist submontane forest; down to 0.25 ha/LU feeding sweet potato vines, maize stalks, banana leaves, Bana & Napier grass, fodder legumes; grade cattle advisable, grade dairy cows with additional feeding only (see Table XI)

UM 4 = Maize-Sunflower Zone UM 4 = Maize-Sunflower Zone with a fully (weak) long cropping season and intermediate rains, f(l) i or two dividable in two variable cropping seasons Good yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm, end of March: V.e.mat. sorghum like IS 8595 (in lower places, end of March.-m. June), cold tolerant sorghum KARIA-SH2 (Apr.-S.), grain amaranth; pumpkins Middle rains, start unreliable and undistinctly end of June: E.mat. sorghum like 2 KX 17; e. mat. sunflower Whole year: Sisal, Eucalyptus trees Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains): late mat.maize on higher places, late to med.mat. maize on lower places, finger millet; e.mat. beans, groundnuts (lower pl.), pigeon peas (lower places, end of March-D.); potatoes (higher pl.), sweet pot.; egg plants, cabbages; late mat. sunflower BARINGO GROUP 15

Middle rains: E.mat. beans, sweet potatoes; onions; e.mat. soya beans, e.mat. sunflower Whole year: Castor, pineapples, pawpaws, cassava (lower places), Jatropha Pasture and forage 1.2-2 ha/LU on undestroyed nat. pasture of semi-dry sclerophytic bushland, about 0.8 ha/ LU on art. pasture of Rhodes grass; down to ~ 0.3 ha/LU feeding Bana grass, sweet potato vines, moth bean hay and other fodder legumes (see Table XI), horse tamarind (Leucaena tricandria) and saltbush (Atriplex nummularia); grade cattle possible UM 4 = Maize-Sunflower Zone with a (weak) long to medium cropping season and intermediate rains, (l/m) i dividable in two variable cropping seasons and i.r. or two Suitable areas small, potential about 10 % lower, stocking rates 20 % lower as above UM 4 = Maize-Sunflower Zone with a (weak) medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains, (m/l) i dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two Potential nearly like above but only med. mat. maize; yields and stocking rates about 10 % lower as in UM 4 (1/m) i. Potatoes poor UM 5 = Livestock-Sorghum Zone UM 5 = Livestock-Sorghum Zone with a (weak) medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains (m/l) i Good yield potential Whole year: Sisal (on deep soils) Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm, end of March/b. April: Sorghum, grain amaranth Whole year: Marama beans³) on light and medium soils, perennial castor, Jatropha Pasture and forage 1.8-4 ha/LU on undestroyed pasture of semi-dry sclerophytic bushland; indigenous cattle, sheep and goats; saltbush (Atriplex) and horse tamarind (Leucaena) are palatable shrubs to be planted with local buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) for re-establishing pasture on eroded soils. Spineless opuntia (also a vegetable) BARINGO GROUP 16

LM = LOWER MIDLAND ZONES

LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zone LM 4 = Marginal Cotton Zone with a (weak) medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains, (m/l) i dividable in two variable cropping seasons or two (see Diagram Chebloch) Good yield potential 1st rains, start norm. end of March/begin of Apr.: E.mat. sorghum; horse grams; safflor, dwarf castor, cotton on alluvial flats with groundwater Whole year: Sisal and perennial castor on deep soils, buffalo gourds³) on sandy soils; Marama beans³); bananas near rivers, jatropha Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains): Med. mat. maize like Coast comp. (Apr.-Aug. on deep soils and preventing run- off) m. mat. sorghum (mid Apr.-begin of S.), m. mat. bulrush millet (bird rejecting bristled var. Kat/PM1), finger millet; green grams, cowpeas, pigeon peas, beans, m. mat. groundnuts; cotton (on good soils end of March-O.), e. mat. sunflower (bird protection necessary), m. mat. soya beans Middle rains, start undist. end of June: Ratoon of e. mat. sorghum; e. mat. foxtail and proso millet; green grams, cowpeas, mwezi moja beans, tepary beans Whole year: Cassava Poor yield potential (av. 20-40 % of the optimum) Cotton on red soils without groundwater Pasture and forage About 2 ha/LU on undestroyed pasture of semi-dry sclerophytic bushland with rotation; on eroded areas up to 6 ha/LU, indigenous cattle, sheep and goats; tepary and Mauritius beans for add. fodder; saltbush (Atriplex) and horse tamarind (Leucaena) are palatable shrubs to be planted with local buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) for re-establishing pasture on eroded soils, Gao trees (Acacia albida) on deep soils, esp. in Kerio valley. Tsetse near rivers BARINGO GROUP 17

SOME CHANCES NEAR THE FRINGE OF RAINFED AGRICULTURE

Station name Cereal and legumes growing period Dry conditions Precipitation is cumulated Tangulbei = agro-humid period (AHP), during agro-humid period in mm Station no. Altitude AEZ min. 40 days Subzone: 8936019 1210m LM 5 = grass growing period only (vs^vs/s) i

Rainfall / c.& leg. gr.p. Year January February March April May June July August September October November December Year 1st AHP 2nd AHP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 mm days mm days 1951 51/52 1952 52/53 1953 53/54 1954 54/55 1955 55/56 1956 56/57 1957 00000 00000 00000 000 31 31 86 111 116 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 57/58 1958 0 0 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 67 103 131 155 155 48 154 189 225 233 233 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 58/59 155 50 233 60 1959 g g g g g 30 36 78 250 280 280 19 28 30 55 55 124 124 160 168 168 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 59/60 280 60 168 100 1960 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 69 91 113 114 144 154 172 185 ggggggggggg 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60/61 185 90 -- 1961 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g g 35 48 170 344 359 373 383 391 g 33 51 80 244 436 523 560 601 655 61/62 -- 391 90 1962 697 697 697 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 101 221 239 254 257 g g g g 31 74 107 122 152 163 163 g g g g g g 0 0 0 62/63 257 60 163 70 1963 63/64 1964 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 63 131 158 202 248 253 g g g g 166 303 353 381 404 469 475 483 g 0 0 0 0 0 g g 64/65 253 60 483 80 1965 g g g g g 00000000000 45 42 67 73 74 0 g g g g 0 0 0 34 113 126 131 g g g 65/66 -- 119 50 1966 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 44 98 169 200 205 218 g g g g 50 87 90 121 214 272 272 285 0 0 0 0 0 0 66/67 218 70 (285) (80) 1967 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 56 139 157 213 317 412 490 534 546 569 5 18 41 41 89 127 200 207 215 235 238 271 286 299 413 524 529 529 0 67/68 569 100 529 180 1968 0 0 0 0 38 174 225 10 74 126 184 248 266 271 g 0 0 0 0 0 gggggggggggg 138 156 163 217 68/69 271 70 -- 1969 217 217 302 308 320 351 351 14 111 111 111 0 gggggggggggg 43 96 96 114 141 170 184 238 249 249 0 0 69/70 111 40 249 100 1970 0 g g g g 0 g g g g g g 75 226 349 370 416 13 16 58 106 106 151 197 234 290 314 318 332 363 377 396 413 g g 0 70/71 416 50 413 160 1971 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 66 95 259 340 354 395 421 40 55 93 120 140 219 347 355 355 418 418 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71/72 421 80 418 110 1972 72/73 1973 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ggggggggggg 35 114 146 206 219 291 296 296 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73/74 -- 296 70 1974 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g g 29 40 89 101 114 182 221 226 237 g g g g g 0 0 0 0 74/75 -- 237 90 1975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 264 264 310 70 81 131 166 202 292 295 319 359 387 411 414 g g 0 0 75/76 310 40 411 110 1976 000000000000 g g g g g g g g g 35 47 93 125 125 125 0 0 0 0 g g g g g 76/77 -- 125 60 1977 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 127 148 245 275 277 290 324 338 16 0 0 0 77/78 354 90 1978 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 78/79 1979 0 0 g g g g 0 ggggggggggggggggg 0 0 0 79/80 -- 1980 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 95 104 163 246 256 277 280 g g g 0 000000000000 80/81 280 70 1981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 48 111 153 193 209 216 252 259 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 81/82 (259) (80) 1982 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 gggggggggggggggggg 0 0 g g 56 57 100 121 145 145 82/83 ---- 1983 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g 29 83 107 179 200 g g g g g g 0 0 0 83/84 -- (200) (50) 1984 000000000000000000000000000000000000 84/85 ---- 1985 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 65 84 251 264 338 357 366 370 448 11 16 59 105 117 126 g g g 0 0 0 0 85/86 448 90 126 60 1986 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 151 225 253 270 273 g g g g 0 g g g g g g g 0 0 86/87 273 50 -- 1987 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 87/88 1988 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 51 98 176 194 217 224 238 g g 138 154 229 247 272 0 0 0 0 0 0 88/89 238 70 (272) (50) 1989 0 g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 89/90 -- 1990 0 0 0 g g g g g g g 0 0 0 g 34 43 92 106 106 g 0 0 0 0 90/91 -- 106 50 1991 91/92 1992 92/93 1993 93/94 1994 94/95 1995 95/96 no AH cd. 27 27 27 26 25 23 25 22 20 21 17 14 16 15 16 15 18 19 17 14 11 10 10 11 11 12 12 21 23 24 20 20 17 19 20 21 Median rain- 218 200 AHP cd. 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 5 7 9 13 14 16 17 16 14 11 8 10 13 16 18 18 17 15 14 12 8 6 5 6 6 7 5 4 3 fall in AHPs 5297 4817 %AHP/val.y. 7% 7% 7% 4% 7% 8% 7% 19% 26% 30% 43% 50% 50% 53% 50% 48% 38% 30% 37% 48% 59% 64% 64% 61% 58% 54% 50% 28% 21% 17% 23% 23% 29% 21% 17% 13% 66% reliab. of 111 126 median AHP rainf.inAHPs 60%-reliable 40 60 Martin Mueller 2010 length of AHP 13 0 7

First rainy season: Av. beg. April - middle of June Second rainy season: Av. end of June - middle of Sept. years of usable records: 29 1) years of usable records: 24 1)

Chances for the right growing periods: DLC maize 4 gr. p. of at least 90 days = 14 % of the seasons DLC maize 8 gr. p. of at least 90 days = 33 % of all seasons Dwarf sorghum 10 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 34 % of all seasons Dwarf sorghum 12 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 50 % of all seasons V.e.mat. beans 13 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 45 % of all seasons V.e.mat. beans 15 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 63 % of all seasons Minor millets 16 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 55 % of all seasons Minor millets 19 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 79 % of all seasons

Existential risks: No cereal growing period in a year or more: 1 time = 4 % of the years WATBAL run specifications by B. Hornetz 2) 2 or more consecutive rainy seasons without the min. AHP of 40 days: 1 time in 27 years ISUM ESUM ELIM OLIM STOCK RE IR No grass growing period in a season: 6 times = 10,3 % of the seasons j 2,4 2,4 0,4 1 180 0,9 25 No grass growing period in a year or more: 1 time = 4 % of the years v 1,5 1,2 0,2 1 180 0,9 15 rainfall scenario: DISCON

1) valid = no significant gaps in the records 2) AHP = Agro-humid period ~ growing period for cereals and legumes; GGP = grass growing period ( ) rainfall figures and days of AHP in brackets means: rainfall records not complete towards the end of the rainy season BARINGO GROUP 18

LM 5 = Livestock-Millet Zone LM 5 = Livestock-Millet Zone with a (weak) very short cropping season (vs^s/vs) followed by a (weak) short to very short one and a (weak) very uncertain season +(vu) (see Diagram Tangulbei) Good yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains), start norm. begin of April: Safflor, horse grams, dwarf castor Whole year: Sisal on deep soils, buffalo gourds³) on sandy soils, Marama beans³), Vigna lobatifolia³) Fair yield potential 1st rains (to middle rains): E. mat. sorghum, m. mat. sorghum (mid Apr.-begin of S.), m. mat. bulrush millet (bird reject. var.), e. mat. foxtail and proso millet; green grams, cowpeas, m. mat. groundnuts (begin of Apr.-S.), tepary beans Middle rains, start norm. end of June: Ratoon of e. mat. sorghum, e. mat. foxtail and proso millet; green grams, cowpeas Whole year: Cassava, perennial castor, Jatropha, aloe Poor yield potential 1st to middle rains: M. mat. maize on deep soils (chance cropping, about 1 good harvest out of 5 years; wide spacing as a first form of water concentration and other methods advisable), m. mat. finger millet Pasture and forage 3-5 ha/LU on Acacia bushland if not denuded and eroded; goats thrive better than cattle and sheep. Vines of tepary beans for fodder; saltbush (Atriplex) best palatable shrub for re- establishing pasture, others and grass see next subzone or Table XI

LM 5 = Livestock-Millet Zone with a (weak) very short cropping season (vs^ vs/s) followed by a (weak) very short to short one and a very uncertain (weak) season +(vu) Good yield potential Whole year: Buffalo gourds³) on sandy soils, Vigna lobatifolia³), Marama beans³), Fair yield potential 1st rains, start begin of April: Turkana sorghum, v.e. mat. sorghum, e. mat. foxtail and proso millet; cowpeas Middle rains start norm. end of June/b. July: Ratoon of sorghum, e. mat. proso millet, e. mat. foxtail millet; green grams, tepary beans, cowpeas for leaves Whole year: Jatropha, aloe Poor yield potential 1st to middle rains: M. mat. maize (on deep soils only), e. and m. mat. finger millet, m. mat. sorghum, cowpeas Pasture and forage 4-6 ha/LU on Acacia wood- and bushland if not denuded and eroded; goats thrive better than cattle and sheep. Local buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) should be sown on good deep soils; saltbush (Atriplex), Mesquite and Algarrobo (Prosopis juliflora and chilensis) and Cassia are palatable shrubs for re-establishing pasture also on stony soils; horse tamarind (Leucaena) with some add. water in the long dry season (to be planted esp. in higher areas where local Acacia mellifera is not thriving well). Spineless opuntia var. (also as vegetable and fruit)

LM 5 = Livestock-Millet Zone with a very short (weak) cropping season i (vs) i framed by intermediate rains Good yield potential Whole year: Buffalo gourds³) on sandy soils, Marama beans³), Vigna lobatifolia³)

Fair yield potential Middle rains, start end of June/begin of July: E. mat. proso or foxtail millet; tepary beans, cowpeas for leaves and pulses (all crops on deep soils only); simsim with water concentration (see Fig.1), with this technic in 1st and middle rains also v. e. mat. sorghum (ratooning from 1st rains), pigeon peas, cassava, and others Whole year: Aloe BARINGO GROUP 19

Pasture and forage 8-15 ha/LU (cattle, goats and sheep, higher stocking if goats only) on Acacia mellifera bushland, 5-10 ha/LU on Acacia tortilis woodland if not denuded and eroded. Buffel grass for re-establishing pasture especially on deep soils, palatable shrubs saltbush (Atriplex) and Cassia to be planted also on stony soils; more suited for goats and camels if pasture is not improved. Seeding of nutritious grass like Maasai love grass (Eragrostis superba) with water concentration technics (= runoff-catching or water harvesting)

LM 6 = Lower Midland Ranching Zone LM 6 = Lower Midland Ranching Zone with unimodal rainfall and ur i intermediate rains Rainfed agriculture only in suited places especially with water concentration (= runoff- catching) methods for e. mat. sorghum (ratooning), tepary beans and cowpeas, pigeon peas, cassava. Limited irrigation possibilities Pasture and forage With goats and camels about 10 ha/LU on undestroyed dry Acacia mellifera bushland or Acacia-Commiphora woodland, otherwise more ha/LU. Most areas denuded and eroded, there up to 25 ha/LU; Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) for re-establishing pasture on good, deep soils, palatable shrubs see LM 5 or Table X. BARINGO GROUP 20

GROWING PERIODS AT THE LAST FRINGE OF RAINFED AGRICULTURE

Station name Cereal and legumes growing period Dry conditions Precipitation is cumulated Nginyang, Health Centre = agro-humid period (AHP), during agro-humid period in mm Station no. Altitude AEZ min. 40 days Subzone: 8936020 914m IL 6 = grass growing period (GGP) only uri

Rainfall / c.& leg. gr.p. Year January February March April May June July August September October November December Year 1st AHP 2nd AHP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 mm days mm days 1950 50/51 1951 51/52 1952 52/53 1953 53/54 1954 54/55 1955 55/56 1956 56/57 1957 57/58 1958 58/59 1959 0 0 0 0 0 0 ggggggggggg 180 208 235 287 287 336 337 357 357 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 59/60 -- 357 90 1960 0000000000000000000 g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60/61 ---- 1961 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 74 269 289 294 305 g g 70 79 106 155 534 767 767 767 0 61/62 -- 305 50 1962 62/63 1963 63/64 1964 64/65 1965 65/66 1966 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g 0 40 90 117 155 224 226 226 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66/67 -- 226 70 1967 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 63 79 265 304 311 311 384 10 39 135 136 159 190 190 g 0 0 0 g g g g g g g 0 67/68 384 70 190 70 1968 0 0 0 0 28 152 152 25 32 56 79 97 134 138 160 g g g g g g g g g g 00000000000 68/69 160 110 -- 1969 000000000000000000 32 61 112 112 112 g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 69/70 -- 112 50 1970 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 42 46 114 118 182 195 253 260 320 g 78 101 120 129 149 202 224 224 240 g g g g g g 0 0 0 70/71 320 90 240 90 1971 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 63 170 179 179 212 225 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 71/72 -- 225 60 1972 00000000000 g g g g g 0 46 46 99 99 140 162 167 g 0 0 0 0 g g g g 0 0 0 72/73 -- 167 70 1973 000000000000 g g g g g g 39 79 113 161 234 234 288 291 385 385 393 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73/74 -- 385 90 1974 0000000000000 82 144 162 162 g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 74/75 162 40 -- 1975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 84 85 251 282 282 303 76 99 140 147 180 234 264 295 315 362 390 390 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 75/76 303 70 390 120 1976 0000000000000 g g g g g 93 113 134 161 161 165 197 197 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 76/77 -- 197 80 1977 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 178 179 259 269 281 g g g g 176 176 216 244 297 346 346 376 376 g 0 113 167 246 327 327 327 0 77/78 281 50 376 90 1978 0 g g g 73 155 168 48 53 73 g g 0 0 0 0 0 g 29 136 194 253 267 267 298 308 358 358 376 405 g g g g g g 78/79 -- 405 120 1979 0 0 g g g g g 0 0 71 117 120 164 193 193 193 249 35 42 42 g g g g 000000000000 79/80 291 100 -- 1980 000000000000000000000000000000000000 80/81 ---- 1981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 134 167 290 293 309 334 334 g 0 0 0 0 0 ggggggggggggg 0 0 81/82 334 70 -- 1982 000000000000 44 83 120 120 120 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g 68 68 138 155 155 g 82/83 120 50 -- 1983 00000000000 g g g g g 28 39 40 113 129 149 225 337 354 419 422 461 462 506 508 g 0 0 0 0 83/84 - 508 150 1984 000000000000000000000000000000000000 84/85 ---- 1985 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 141 197 301 324 433 451 468 476 511 g g 41 140 157 157 g 000000000000 85/86 511 100 157 40 1986 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g 0 g g g g 0000000000000000 86/87 ---- 1987 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 78 132 132 24 29 g 0000000000000000 87/88 161 50 -- 1988 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 103 226 239 285 285 329 333 13 g 178 218 273 276 276 0 g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 88/89 346 80 276 50 1989 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 69 152 152 217 233 272 293 314 314 g 000000000000000000 89/90 314 100 -- 1990 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 0 0 0 g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90/91 1991 91/92 1992 92/93 1993 93/94 1994 94/95 1995 95/96 no AH cd. 28 28 28 27 25 25 26 24 22 19 17 17 16 15 15 18 17 20 15 13 13 13 12 14 17 18 21 22 23 24 24 25 25 24 24 27 Median rain- - 167 AHP cd. 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 4 6 8 10 10 11 12 12 10 11 8 13 15 15 15 16 14 11 10 7 6 5 4 4 3 3 3 3 0 fall in AHPs 3303 4739 %AHP/val.y.0% 0% 0% 0% 7% 7% 7% 14% 21% 30% 37% 37% 41% 44% 44% 36% 39% 29% 46% 54% 54% 54% 57% 50% 39% 36% 25% 21% 18% 14% 14% 11% 11% 11% 11% 0% 66% reliab. of - - median AHP rainf. in AHPs median GGP 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11111111111111111 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60%-reliable - 40 length of AHP 15 14 11 11 Martin Mueller 2009

First rainy season: Av. beg. of April - mid of June Second rainy season: Av. end of June - beg. of September years of usable records: 27 1) years of usable records: 27 1)

Chances for the right growing periods: DLC maize 5 gr. p. of at least 90 days = 19 % of all seasons 2) DLC maize 7 gr. p. of at least 90 days = 26 % of all seasons 2) Dwarf sorghum 6 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 22 % of all seasons Dwarf sorghum 8 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 30 % of all seasons V.e.m. beans 9 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 33 % of all seasons V.e.m. beans 12 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 44 % of all seasons Minor millets 12 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 44 % of all seasons Minor millets 15 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 56 % of all seasons

Existential risks: No cereal growing period in a year or more: 4 times = 15 % of the years WATBAL run specifications by B. Hornetz 3) 2 or more consecutive rainy seasons without the min. AHP of 50 days: 2 times in 27 years ISUM ESUM ELIM OLIM STOCK RE IR No grass growing period in a season: 7 times = 13 % of the seasons j 2,4 2,4 0,4 1 268 0,9 25 No grass growing period in a year or more: 2 times = 2,5 % of the years v 1,5 1,2 0,2 1 268 0,9 15 rainfall scenario: DISCON

1) valid = no significant gaps in the records 2) If growing may continue into the second rains. 3) AHP = Agro-humid period ~ growing period for cereals and legumes; GGP = grass growing period BARINGO GROUP 21

IL = INNER LOWLAND ZONES IL 6 = Inner Lowland Ranching Zone IL 6 = Inner Lowland Ranching Zone with unimodal rainfall and intermediate rains ur i (see Diagram Nginyang = Kinyang) Like LM 6, but grazing very limited at present due to overgrazing. Camels more suited than other livestock. Ye-eb nuts (Cordeauxia edulis) from Somalia for human consumption plantable

1) The bad tufted glasses Eleusine jaegeri and Pennisetum schimperi are expanding if the area is overgrazed ²) Wheat or maize mainly depending on farm scale, here maize better 3) Still experimental

for areas with 200-300 mm average precipitation per rainy season BARINGO GROUP 22 BARINGO GROUP 23

SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS

This district group is part of the central Rift Valley area and escarpments occur in the east and west. In the northern part of the district group some extinct volcanoes rise sharply over the surrounding plateaus. Significant features associated with the physiography of the Rift Valley are the two lakes, Bogoriaand Baringo, the former saline and the latter fresh water. The underlying rock is mainly basalt. Alluvium covers the ground to a large extent near the western boundary which is formed by the Kerio river. Soils of unit MV5 which have moderate to high fertility (if they are not too stony) are most extensive in the mountainous areas. They occur together with rock outcrops and lava vents. On individual mountains, map unit MP1 is found, including lava fields. South of Eldama Ravine, the mountains carry soils (units MV4, MV2) of moderate to high natural fertility. A long, north-south stretch in the central part of the district group has “minimal” soil development. The majority of the soils belong to map unit HsV1 which are variably fertile. This unit also occurs in the north- eastern corner of the district group. Associated with this topography are the plateaus, mainly around the lake areas (unit LsB1) which are extensive and consist of moderately to highly fertile soils. In the extreme south of the district group, the soils in the plain have humic topsoil and a high fertility (unit PvP2). On the sloping areas of the footslopes and piedmont plains, soils of map unit YV1 are found which have a variable fertility. In the western part, there are soils of unit YV1 and on the western flank of the Tugen Hills, soils of unit FVC with low to moderate fertility. Upland topography is restricted to an area in the northwest (map unit UV2) and to areas in the southern part of the district group (map units UB1, UB2, UBC). Soils of unit UV2 have a variable fertility, units UB1, UB2 and UBC have a moderate to high fertility. Soils of the lower-lying areas belong to the units BV1 and AA3 of moderate to high and variable fertility. Soil units AA2 and AA4 are also occurring on floodplains (e.g. in the Kerio Valley), have soils of moderate to high fertility.

LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP OF BARINGO GROUP OF DISTRICTS

1 Explanation of first character physiography( )

M Mountains and Major Scarps H Hills and Minor Scarps Hs Step-Faulted Scarps of the Rift Valley L Plateaus and High-Level Structural Plains Ls Step-Faulted Floor of the Rift Valley R Volcanic Footridges F Footslopes Y Piedmont Plains U Uplands, Upper, Middle and Lower Levels Pv Volcanic Plains Pt Sedimentary Plains of Upper River Terraces A Floodplains B Bottomlands La Lava Flows BARINGO GROUP 24

2 Explanation of second character (lithology):

A Alluvial Sediments from Various Sources B Basic and Ultra-Basic Igneous Rocks (basalts, nepheline phonolites; older basic tuffs included) P Pyroclastic Rocks U Undifferentiated Basement System Rocks (predominantly Gneisses) V Undifferentiated or Various Igneous Rocks

3 Soil descriptions

MP1 Somewhat excessively drained, shallow to moderately deep, brown to dark brown, firm and slightly smeary, strongly calcareous, stony to gravelly clay loam; in many places saline and/or sodic and with inclusions of lava fields: ando-calcaric REGOSOLS, partly lithic phase

MV2 Well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, very friable and smeary, clay loam to clay, with a thick acid humic topsoil; in places shallow to moderately deep and rocky: humic ANDOSOLS, partly lithic phase

MV3 Well drained, very deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, friable clay; in places moderately deep to deep: dystric and eutric NITISOLS; with humic CAMBISOLS, partly lithic phase

MV4 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown, friable, rocky and stony clay loam, with a humic topsoil: humic CAMBISOLS, rocky and partly lithic phase

MV5 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, friable, rocky and bouldery, clay loam to clay; in places with a humic topsoil: nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with haplic PHAEOZEMS, lithic phase, LITHOSOLS, eutric REGOSOLS and Rock outcrops

HU2 Somewhat excessively drained, shallow, reddish brown, friable, rocky or stony, sandy clay loam: eutric REGOSOLS, lithic phase; with Rock outcrops and calcic CAMBISOLS

HV1 Well drained, shallow, dark reddish brown, friable, strongly calcareous, bouldery or stony, loam to clay loam; in many places saline: LITHOSOLS; with calcic XEROSOLS, lithic, bouldery and saline phase and Rock outcrops

HsV1 Well drained, shallow, dark reddish brown, friable, strongly calcareous, rocky or stony, clay loam; in many places saline: LITHOSOLS; with Rock Outcrops and XEROSOLS, lithic, bouldery and saline phase

LB10 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown, firm, strongly calcareous clay loam, with a stony to bouldery surface; partly saline and/or sodic: calcic XEROSOLS, boulder-mantle and partly lithic and saline-sodic phase BARINGO GROUP 25

LsBl Well drained, moderately deep, dark reddish brown to reddish brown, friable to firm and slightly smeary, bouldery and stony, clay loam to clay; in places calcareous: ando-chromic CAMBISOLS, bouldery phase; with calcic XEROSOLS

RB3 Well drained, extremely deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, friable clay; with inclusions of well drained, moderately deep, dark red to dark reddish brown, friable clay over rock, pisoferric or petroferric material: eutric NITISOLS; with nito-chromic CAMBISOLS and chromic ACRISOLS, partly lithic, pisoferric or petroferric phase

FVC Complex of: well drained to moderately well drained, deep, reddish brown to very dark greyish brown, firm, sandy clay loam to clay; in many places with a humic topsoil and/or cracking and/or moderately calcareous: undifferentiated LUVISOLS, luvic PHAEOZEMS and chromic VERTISOLS

YU1 Well drained, deep, dark brown, friable, moderately calcareous clay loam, with a sodic deeper subsoil: calcic CAMBISOLS, sodic phase

YU2 Moderately well drained, very deep, dark yellowish brown to strong brown, slightly to moderately calcareous, slightly sodic, loose loamy sand to friable sandy clay loam: haplic XEROSOLS, sodic phase; with calcaro-canbic ARENOSOLS

YV1 Moderately well drained, very deep, dark brown to greyish brown, firm, strongly calcareous, moderately to strongly saline and sodic, fine sandy loam to clay loam, with a stone surface: orthic SOLONCHAKS, stone-mantle phase

UB1 Well drained, extremely deep, dark reddish brown, friable clay; in places deep to very deep: eutric NITISOLS; with nito-chromic LUVISOLS

UB2 Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark brown, to dark red, friable clay: nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase

UBC Comnplex of: soils of units UB1 and UB2

UP2 Well drained, deep to very deep, dark reddish brown, friable and smeary, silty clay to clay, with a humic topsoil: mollic ANDOSOLS

UU4 Well drained, shallow, brown, friable, strongly calcareous, moderately to strongly sodic and saline, gravelly sandy clay loam; with a gravelly surface: calcaric REGOSOLS, gravel-mantle and saline-sodic phase; with gleyic SOLONETZ

UV2 Well drained, shallow, dark brown, friable, strongly calcareous, strongly saline and moderately sodic, stony loam; with a stone surface: calcaric REGOSOLS, stone-mantle and saline-sodic phase BARINGO GROUP 26

PvP2 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, brown to dark brown, very friable, loam to sandy clay loam: vitric ANDOSOLS

PtU1 Well drained to moderately well drained, deep, dark brown, friable to firm, slightly calcareous, clay loam to clay, in many places slightly saline-sodic: eutric CAMBISOLS and chromic LUVISOLS, partly saline-sodic phase

AA2 Well drained, very deep, very dark greyish brown to dark yellowish brown, friable, stratified, micaceous, moderately sodic, loam to clay: calcaric FLUVISOLS, sodic phase

AA3 Poorly drained, very deep, greyish brown to light olive brown, friable, strongly calcareous, strongly saline, slightly to moderately sodic, silt loam to clay: undifferentiated SOLONCHAKS; with FLUVISOLS, saline-sodic phase

AA4 Well drained to imperfectly drained, very deep, dark brown to yellowish brown, stratified, micaceous, strongly calcareous, predominantly loamy soils: calcaric FLUVISOLS

BV1 Imperfectly drained, deep, dark brown to olive grey, firm to very firm, clay soils of varying calcareousness, salinity and sodicity; in many places cracking: VERTISOLS and SOLONCHAKS, undifferentiated Lava Excessively drained, exceedingly bouldery to stony, extremely rocky land: Boulders and Rock outcrops

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

4.5.2 POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Northern Rift Valley Province

4.5.3 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Northern Rift Valley Province BARINGO GROUP 27

4.5.4 FARM SURVEY

The farm survey (FS) of 2004 was carried out in six agro-ecological zones in the Baringo district group (inclusive of Koibatek). The six agro-ecological zones are LH 3, UM 3, UM 4 (two sites), IL 6 and LM 5 (Table 24). The data collected during the 2004 FS on various agricultural aspects are presented in Tables 25a-f, while the cropping pattern results are presented in Tables 26a-c. The average land size per household in AEZ LH 3, UM 4 and LM 5 in Koibatek District is good. In fact, in Cheminoi (LM 5) the average land size is 19.3ha per household, far much high than in other sites. The situation is however different in UM 3 and UM 4, sites in Baringo District. Contrary to expectations of a sparse population, the drier IL 6, here the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme is a development project encouraging settlement in this part of the district. With the exception of LH 3 and LM 5, most of the land in all the other AEZs is dedicated to annual crops than perennial crops and pasture. Both LH 3 and LM 5 have an average hectareage of 2.78ha and 12.7ha, allocated to permanent pasture and fodder, respectively. The average cropping diversity in AEZs in former Baringo Distrct (Tables 25a-c) and Koibatek District (Tables 25d-f) is three and five crops per season, respectively. Maize is the main crop and is usually intercropped with beans. Other food crops cultivated are: finger millet, cassava, sorghum, onion, tomatoes, cowpeas and vegetables. Larger portions of land are cultivated during the first rainy season (plus middle rains) than in the weak second rains as illustrated by the total hectares under crops in Tables 26a-f. In fact in UM 3 and UM 4, no farming of annual crops in the second rainy season was reported. For a district that is mostly semi-arid, high cropping diversity with crops such as finger millet, sorghum and cassava is reported, it means farmers are able to spread the risks arising from erratic rainfall and cushions farmers from complete crop failure. Fruits, mostly oranges and citrus, are the main perennial crops in the Baringo group of districts. Cultivation of coffee is however reported in AEZ UM 3 at Tenges and even in the better places of UM 4 in Kituro. Dairy farming is a common practice in the whole of Koibatek District, with LH 3 (11.0) leading in average number per household. Keeping of zebu animals was reported in IL 6 and LM 5. With the exception of IL 6, most of the livestock kept by farmers comprises improved breed as illustrated in Tables 25a-f. In IL 6, only 28% of the cattle were improved breed compared to other AEZs where more than 70% of the livestock were improved breed. Goat and sheep farming is equally common in the whole of Baringo group, AEZs IL 6 (32.7) and LM 5 (27) have the highest average per household. UM 4 (Kituro) has the highest dairy TLU values per ha while LM 5 the least TLU values. Kituro has the highest TLU value at 28.6/ha of fodder crops, suggesting that overstocking is a serious problem. Despite households in AEZ LM 5 having an average land of 19.3 ha per household, and 12.7ha under pasture and fodder, respectively, TLU is 2.44, an indication that the number of livestock in this semi-arid zone outstrip land holding capacity. Use of chemical fertilizer (nitrogen and phosphates) is prevalent in the greater Baringo. Although there is use of manure, it is on a limited scale. There is urgent need to scale up effort in promoting use of manure since most households keep livestock. Use of improved seeds was highest in Toniok (80%) Tenges (76.7%) and Kabiyet (75%), respectively. Surprisingly, only 32.5% of the respondents in Perkerra use improved seed varieties.

Sustainable agriculture offers solutions to some of these aforementioned problems observed in Baringo group of districts. These can be summarized as follows:

• Improved soil fertility: Conventional farming methods rely on artificial fertilizers to maintain fertility. Sustainable agriculture uses a range of techniques to maintain and improve soil fertility: organic fertilizers, mulching, cover crops, agro-forestry, crop rotation and multiple cropping. Most farmers are practicing intercropping maize and bean, a practice that optimizes yield and improve soil fertility. • Better pest control: Conventional farming uses chemical pesticides to control pests. These are expensive and often result in the emergence of new pests or the resurgence of the very pests they are trying to control. Farmers in Baringo Group of districts rarely use chemical insecticide. Nonetheless, they should be encouraged to adopt integrated pest management approaches: a combination of natural enemies, crop rotations and mixtures and biological control methods. These methods cost less than the pesticides, and do not result in pest resurgence. BARINGO GROUP 28

• Controlling erosion: Sustainable agriculture includes a plethora of techniques to conserve precious topsoil and prevent it from being washed or blown away. These include using contour bunds, contour planting, check-dams, gully plugs, and maintaining cover crops or mulch to protect the soil from heavy rainfall. • Water conservation: Water is scarce in much of Kenya, and drought is never far away. Sustainable agriculture conserves water in the soil through a variety of methods. Fortunately, many of these are the same as those used to control soil erosion. Because it conserves water and uses a variety of crops instead of just one, sustainable agriculture is less risky than conventional mono cropping: it is more likely to produce food for the farm family even during a drought. Farmers in the semi-arid parts should be encouraged to continue with the cultivation of drought resistant crops which optimize rain water. In addition, rain water harvesting techniques should be promoted to enable farmers cope with unreliable rainfall. • Reliance on local inputs: Farmers often do not realize the value of the inputs they have immediately to hand. These include manure from their animals (which very often is wasted in conventional systems), vegetation from roadsides and the field boundaries (used as mulch or to make compost), and local varieties of crops (many of which are ideally adapted to local conditions but which have been half-forgotten in the rush to adopt modern varieties). Despite being agro-pastoralists, farmers in Baringo and Koibatek have not fully harnessed use of manure from their livestock. Farmers need to be encouraged to use these local inputs as this will not only reduce the cost of production but also reduce the negative effects of artificial inputs on the environment. • Indigenous knowledge: An important local input is the people’s own knowledge. Local people are experts on the plants, animals, soils and ecosystems they are surrounded by and on which they depend. Sustainable agriculture draws on this wealth of knowledge, and encourages local people to use it, test it, and promote what works best. • Local organizations and initiative: Equally important are the energy and capacity of local people to organize and cooperate to solve their own problems. Unlike conventional extension agencies, organizations that promote sustainable agriculture spend at least as much time in helping farmers organize as they do in teaching farming technologies. Ironically, many sustainable agriculture approaches are very similar to the techniques traditionally used by farmers before the advent of “modern” farming. That does not mean, though, that sustainable agriculture turns its back on modern inputs or ideas. Many types of sustainable agriculture use modern high-yielding crop varieties and artificial fertilizers wherever appropriate.

TABLE 24: FARM SURVEY SITES (Representative of the Dominating Agro-Ecological Zones, Subzones and Units)

Agro-Ecological Unit District No. in Farm Survey Sites (2004) Kenya AEZone Subzone Soil Unit (vl/l) i or Tenges Division, Tenges Location, Tenges Sub- 94 UM 3 two MV 3 location Kabarnet Division, Kituro Location, Kituro Sub- Baringo 95 UM 4 (m/l) i MV 5 location. IL 6 uri to 96 LM 5 irrigated YV 1 Marigat Division, Marigat Location, Perkerra Sub- i (vs) i location. (v/l) i or Eldama Ravine Division, Kabiyet Location, 97 LH 3 two UBC Kabiyet Sub-location. Eldama Ravine Division, Perkerra Location, Toniok Koibatek 98 UM 4 f(l) i UB 2 Sub-location. Emining Location, Kimose Location, Cheminoi 99 LM 5 (vs^s/vs) i LsB 1 Sub-location.

Tables 25 a - f: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Northern Rift Valley Province Tables 26 a - f: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Northern Rift Valley Province BARINGO GROUP 29 BARINGO GROUP 30

4.5.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTUAL LAND USE SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL INTENSIFICATION BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN DOMINATING AGRO- ECOLOGICAL SUBZONES

BARINGO DISTRICT

Subzone UM 3 (vl/l) i or two of the Marginal Coffee Zone

This is the Upper Midland Marginal Coffee Zonewith a (weak) very long to long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in two variable cropping seasons found in Tenges Division, Tenges Location, Tenges Sub- location. The dominant soil type in this Subzone is an association of well drained, very deep, dusky red to dark reddish brown, friable clay; in places moderately deep to deep: dystric and eutric NITISOLS; with humic CAMBISOLS, partly lithic phase. The annual average rainfall amount is around 1 300 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 300 – 400 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons, the middle rains and second rainy season > 400 – 600 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the st1 and middle rains plus 2nd seasons is more than 95 and 140 – 190 days, respectively.

A number of crops are grown in this Subzone during the first rainy season (plus middle rains). In order of importance the crops are: sole maize and beans, intercropped maize and beans and finger millet. The perennial crops grown are coffee, bananas and assorted fruits. During the second rainy season in November- December, no crops were reported to be grown (see Table 26a) because it is weak and unreliable.

An examination of Table 25a shows that farmers in this Subzone reported using nitrogen and phosphorus based fertilisers to improve the soil fertility status on their farms. This is together with manure a promising trend for improving the soil in this Subzone. Farmers need encouragement and incentives to take up agriculture as a business venture and invest in fertilisers to replenish the impoverished soils with the appropriate fertilisers. If this is done at the correct application rates of fertiliser and manure inputs, significant maize yields could be achieved as shown in Table 27 under the dominant soil type which is well drained very deep dystric and eutric NITISOLS. BARINGO GROUP 31

TABLE 27: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 3 (vl/l) i or two MV 3

Subzone: (vl/l) i or two, Soil Unit: MV 3 Survey Area 94 (Tenges) Crop Yields3) AEZ: UM 3 MARGINAL COFFEE ZONE and Inputs Sub-zone: (vl/l) i or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season >95, middle rains and 2nd r. s. 140-190 days) Unit with predom. Soil: MV 3= well drained very deep dystric and eutric NITISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >300 – 400 mm in at Middle rains and 2nd rainy season: >400 – 600 least 10 out of 15 years mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II= III= AEU monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha 2800 4900 - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - 20 - P O kg/ha - 15 - 2 5 - - - K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha 4 10 - Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha 3600 5000 8000 9500 Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 5 9 25

P2O5 kg/ha 5 20 30 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 2 7 12 Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 3900 5200 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 7 25

P2O5 kg/ha 7 20 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 4 15 Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

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

NOTES: 1)Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4)Farmers with medium inputs 5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7)Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient *Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established BARINGO GROUP 32

Subzone UM 4 (m/l) i of the Maize-Sunflower Zone

This is the Upper Midland Maize-Sunflower Zone with a (weak) medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains found in Kabarnet Division, Kituro Location, Kituro Sub-location. The dominant soil type in this Subzone is well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to dark brown, friable, rock and bouldery, clay loam to clay; in places with a humic topsoil: nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with haplic PHAEOZEMS, lithic phase, LITHOSOLS, eutric REGOSOLS and Rock Outcrops. The annual average rainfall amount is around 950 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 220 – 250 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and middle rains > 280 – 300 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and middle seasons is 90 or more and 85 – 105 days, respectively.

A number of crops are grown in this Subzone during the first rainy season, continuing into the middle rains. In order of importance the crops are: maize and beans intercrop, finger millet and cassava. The perennial crops grown are coffee and bananas. No crops were reported for the short rainy season (see Table 26b) because it is weak and unreliable.

A close look at Table 25b shows that farmers in this Subzone reported using nitrogen and phosphorus based fertilisers to improve the soil fertility status on their farms. This is a good indicator of farmer’s willingness to improve the soil fertility status for improved agricultural productivity. What farmers need at the moment is advice from the extension staff on the correct fertiliser application rates. It is through such knowledge base that significant advances in per unit agricultural productivity can be achieved. Farmers should be provided with the necessary incentives and encouraged to take up agriculture as a business enterprise and invest more in fertilisers and manure to replenish the mined soil nutrients. If this is done at the correct application rates of fertiliser inputs as pointed out earlier, significant maize yields could be achieved as shown in Table 28 under the best of the four soils, the well drained shallow to moderately shallow haplic PHAEOZEM. BARINGO GROUP 33

TABLE 28: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 4 (m/l) i, MV 5

Subzone: (m/l)i, Soil Unit: MV 5 Survey Area 95 (Kituro) Crop Yields3) AEZ: UM 4 MAIZE-SUNFLOWER ZONE and Inputs Sub-zone: (m/l) i (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season >90, middle rains and 2nd rainy season 85-105 days) Unit with predom. Soil: MV 5= well drained shallow to moderately shallow haplic PHAEOZEM Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >220 – 250 mm in at Middle rains and 2nd rainy season: >280 – 300 least 10 out of 15 years mm in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II= III= AEU monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

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

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

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 3800 4600 7800 8500 Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 10 15 25

P2O5 kg/ha 5 15 20 K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha 3 8 12

NOTES: 1)Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4)Farmers with medium inputs 5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7)Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient *Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established BARINGO GROUP 34

MARIGAT DISTRICT

Subzone IL 6 uri (irrigated) of the Inner Lowland Ranching Zone

This is the Inner Lowland Ranching Zone with unimodal rainfall and intermediate rains found in Marigat Division, Marigat Location, Perkerra Sublocation (Irrigation Scheme). The dominant soil type in this Subzone is the poorly drained, very deep, greyish brown to light olive brown, friable, strongly calcareous, moderately sodic, silt loam to clay: sodic FLUVISOLS. The annual average rainfall amount is 639 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 70 – 120 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons, the middle rains and second rainy season > 80 - 100 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during all rainy seasons is less than 40 days.

The same crops are grown in this Subzone during the first and second rainy seasons. In order of importance for both seasons, the crops are: maize, beans as pure stand and tomatoes. Irrigation supplements in meeting the crop water requirements during the growing season. An assortment of fruits constitutes the perennial crops (see Table 26c).

An examination of Table 25c shows that farmers in this Subzone reported using nitrogen-based fertiliser to improve the soil fertility status on their farms as opposed to P-based. The absence of phosphorus based fertiliser application probably explains the low maize crop yields attained in this Subzone, even under supplemental irrigation. Optimum agroecological unit potential for say maize cannot be realized under sub- optimal crop husbandry. Farmers need to invest in appropriate fertilisers to replenish the impoverished soils. If this is done at the correct application rates of fertiliser and manure inputs, significant maize yields could be achieved as shown in Table 29 under the dominant soil type slightly sodic FLUVISOLS. BARINGO GROUP 35

TABLE 29: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) IL 6 ur i (irrigated), AA 3

Subzone: ur i , Soil Unit: AA 3 Survey Area 96 (Perkerra) Crop Yields3) AEZ: IL 6 INNER RANCHING ZONE and Inputs Sub-zone: ur i (irrigated) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season < 40, middle rains and 2nd r. s. < 40 days) Unit with predom. Soil: AA 3 = very deep silt loamy FLUVISISOL Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >70 - 120 mm in at least Middle rains and 2nd rainy season: >80 - 150 mm 10 out of 15 years in at least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II= III= AEU monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha 3500 4800 6500 9500 3500 4800 6500 9500 Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 8 15 25 8 15 25

P2O5 kg/ha ------K2O kg/ha ------Manure t/ha 2 8 10 2 8 10 Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

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

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

NOTES: 1)Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4)Farmers with medium inputs 5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7)Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient *Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established BARINGO GROUP 36

KOIBATEK DISTRICT

Subzone LH 3 (vl) i or two of the Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone

This is the Lower Highland Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone with a (partly weak) very long cropping season and intermediate rains, dividable in two variable cropping seasons and intermediate rains found in Eldama Ravine Division, Kabiyet Location, Kabiyet Sub-location. The dominant soil type is a complex of well drained, extremely deep, dark reddish brown, friable clay; in places deep to very deep: eutric NITISOLS; with nito- chromic LUVISOLS and well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark brown, to dark red, friable clay nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase. The annual average rainfall amount is around 1 100 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 350 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons, the middle rains and second rainy season 520 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st rainy season and middle rains is more than 95 and 190 – 205 days, respectively.

A variety of crops are grown in this Subzone during the first rainy season (continuing into the middle rains). In order of importance the crops are: maize pure stand, beans pure stand, maize and beans intercrop, sorghum, finger millet, kales, tomatoes, cabbages and onions. During the second rainy season, the crops consist of high value crops such as kales, tomatoes and cabbages. Oranges, bananas, citrus, mangoes, and avocados were the main perennial crops reported in this Subzone (see Table 26d).

The data presented in Table 25d show that farmers in this Subzone apply nitrogen and phosphorus based fertilisers to the soil. This however is done in low dosage rates that do not have significant impact on crop performance. The extension division needs to educate farmers on the correct application rates required to bring about the much needed crop yield improvement that will go a long way to address the food security situation in this Subzone. The optimum agroecological unit yield potential for say maize cannot be realized under such ‘marginal’ crop husbandry practice as it is presently the case. If farmers take up agriculture as a business, and concomitantly replenish the soils with the necessary fertiliser inputs and manure, significant maize yields can easily be realized as shown in Table 30 under the soil type: complex of chromic LUVISOLS and chromic CAMBISOLS. BARINGO GROUP 37

TABLE 30: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) LH 3 (vl) i or two, UBC

Subzone: (vl) i or two, Soil Unit: UBC Survey Area 97 (Kabiyet) Crop Yields3) AEZ: LM 3 WHEAT/MAIZE-BARLEY ZONE and Inputs Sub-zone: (vl) i or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season >95 or more, middle rains & 2nd r. s. 190-205 days) Unit with predom. Soil: UBC= complex of chromic LUVISOLS and chromic CAMBISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >350 mm in at least 10 Middle rains and 2nd rainy season: >520 mm in at out of 15 years least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II= III= AEU monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha 2900 3700 - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - - - P O kg/ha - - - 2 5 - - - K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha 4 11 - Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha 3500 4600 5800 8500 Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 5 15 20

P2O5 kg/ha 5 10 20 K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha 5 7 12 Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha Fertiliser7): N kg/ha

P2O5 kg/ha K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha 3200 4900 6200 9000 Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): - - N kg/ha 5 15 25

P2O5 kg/ha 5 10 25 K2O kg/ha - - Manure t/ha 6 7 12

NOTES: 1)Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4)Farmers with medium inputs 5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7)Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient *Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established BARINGO GROUP 38

Subzone UM 4 f(l) i or two of the Maize-Sunflower Zone

This is the Upper Midland Maize-Sunflower Zone with a fully (weak) long cropping season and intermediate rains , dividable in two variable cropping seasons and intermediate rains found in Eldama Ravine Division, Perkerra Location, Toniok Sub-location. The dominant soil type in this Subzone is well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark brown, to dark red, friable clay: nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with chromic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase. The annual average rainfall amount is around 1 000 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 250 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons, the middle rains and second rainy season > 400 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st rainy season is 90 or more, during middle rains to 2nd rainy season 85 – 145 days, respectively.

A number of crops are grown in this Subzone during the first rainy season (plus middle rains). In order of importance the crops are: maize pure stand, beans pure stand, maize and beans intercrop, sorghum, finger millet, kales and indigenous vegetables. No crops were reported for the short rainy season in Nov.-Dec., because it is weak and unreliable. The perennial category of crops includes mangoes, bananas and oranges (see Table 26e).

An examination of Table 25e shows that farmers in this Subzone reported using both nitrogen and phosphorus based fertilisers to improve the soil fertility status on their farms. The only shortcoming is that low application fertiliser rates are used. There is need for the extension service division to continuously educate farmers on the correct amount of fertiliser to apply on specific crops. This would go a long way in enhancing crop production in this Subzone. Optimum agroecological unit potential for staple crops like maize can only be realized if appropriate crop husbandry measures are put in place. There is need for awareness creation in farmers to take up farming as a business venture and invest in fertilisers and manure to replenish the nutrient depleted soils. If famers take up this challenge, significant maize yields could be achieved as shown in Table 31 under the dominant well drained nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with chromic CAMBISOLS. But easier small credits are necessary for the correct amount of inputs. BARINGO GROUP 39

TABLE 31: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) UM 4 f(l) i or two, UB 2

Subzone: f(l)i or two, Soil Unit: UB 2 Survey Area 98 (Tonoik) Crop Yields3) AEZ: UM 4 SUNFLOWER-MAIZE ZONE and Inputs Sub-zone: f(l) i or two (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season >90, middle rains & 2nd rainy season 85-145 days) Unit with predom. Soil: UB 2= well drained nito-chromic CAMBISOLS; with chromic CAMBISOLS Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >250 mm in at least 10 Middle rains and 2nd rainy season: >400 mm in at out of 15 years least 10 out of 15 years Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level Maize local I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low II= III= AEU monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6) Yields3) kg/ha 2700 4700 - * Fertiliser7): N kg/ha 5 15 - P O kg/ha - 15 - 2 5 - - K2O kg/ha Manure t/ha 3 9 - Hybrid maize Yields3) kg/ha 3300 5400 7800 9000 Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - - 20

P2O5 kg/ha 5 20 20 K2O kg/ha - 10 - Manure t/ha 4 10 12 Maize local intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - - - - - Fertiliser7): - N kg/ha - - - - -

P2O5 kg/ha - - - - - K2O kg/ha - - - - Manure t/ha - - - - - Maize hybrid intercropped with beans Yields3) kg/ha - 5500 8000 - Late mat. maize continues Fertiliser7): N kg/ha - 20 30 -

P2O5 kg/ha - 20 25 - K2O kg/ha - - - Manure t/ha - 10 12 -

NOTES: 1)Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff 2)Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures 3)Achieved average yields with average rainfall 4)Farmers with medium inputs 5)Farmers with high inputs of fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation 6)Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop management 7)Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient *Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established BARINGO GROUP 40 BARINGO GROUP 41

4.5.6 FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT AGRO- ECOLOGICAL UNITS

The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ (FURP) from 1986 till 1992 had two trial sites in the former Baringo District – the first near Kabarnet which was not a success, the second at Eldama Ravine in Agro-Ecological Zone LH 3 (Wheat/Maize-Barley Zone). This site is representing the moderate fertile nito-chromic Luvisols and eutric Nitosols in the utmost southwestern part of the district group; the soils have developed on tertiary basalts and phonolites of the Rift Valley system. Similar soils (eutric Nitosols) are covering large parts of the AEZ LH 2 (Wheat/Maize-Pyrethrum Zone) in the Tugen Hills north and south of Kabarnet. The soil unit is stretching into the southern parts of the neighbouring districts, Uasin Gishu and Keiyo Marakwet. Patches of mollic Andosols (developed on ashes from recent volcanoes) with high fertility are occurring in the southern corner of the district group within the AEZ UH 2 (Wheat-Pyrethrum Zone), LH 2 (Wheat/Maize-Pyrethrum Zone) and UM 4 (Maize-Sunflower Zone); they are described by the FURP data of the neighbouring Mau Summit site in Nakuru district group. Chromic Luvisols with moderate to high fertility have developed on colluvium from basement rocks on the footslopes of the Kerio Valley. They are stretching in AEZ LM 5 (Livestock-Millet Zone) parallel to the Kerio River and their soil parameters are similar to those at neighbouring FURP trial site near Tot in Marakwet East District. Large parts of the district group (particularly in the central and northern regions) are too dry for crop cultivation; therefore, these areas are not covered by FURP soil analysis. Recommended rates of an Agro-Ecological Unit (AEU) increase towards the wetter subzones and decrease into the dry ones if the soil unit extends there (see small maps). Generally, we have tended to lower the rates due to the low financial base of the smallholder farmers. If a system could be put in place to give the starter fertiliser on credit, repayable with part of the money obtained from harvest, then higher rates would be used by the farmers. The optimum can be calculated from the yield functions in MURIUKI & QURESHI (2001)1). In the long run the optimal amount must be given to maintain the nutrient content. Some quantities for this can be seen in chapter 3.1 under the ‘General Remarks’ section. Higher application rate recommendations are given in the Smallholder Farming Handbook of the IRACC and MSS, Nairobi 1997, but the economic investment and risk is normally too high for the local farmers. A rural small credit system for the inputs could help a lot. Where scientific sources for quantifying the rates are lacking, some conclusions can be drawn from the difference of inputs and yields between the low and high production levels of the Farm Survey 2004. An empty column in the recommendation tables denoted as “Other Nutrients Recommended” does not mean that there is nothing to be done but it is because of lack of trial data. Symptoms of deficiencies and methods of addressing these can be found in MURIUKI & QURESHI (2001), Table 1&2, p.22-23. Finally it must be emphasized once more that fertilising alone will increase the yields only for some few years. The micronutrients that are not included in the fertiliser become exhausted very fast. Manuring almost up to the full return of the extracted nutrients is a must in order to have a stable agrobiological system for continuous sustainable production 2). This advice is also valid for the fertile juvenile and volcanic soils in the district, which still have a high nutrient content. On the less fertile soil units, developed on basement rocks and gneisses, permanent cultivation tends to a significant decrease of nutrients and pH; a stabilization of soil fertility can only be achieved by regular applications of Farm Yard Manure and other organic materials.

______1) MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N. (2001): Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2) The organic material of human and animal excrements could be used together with the urea for biogas production first to reduce the hygienic and energy problems. This and the ecosan toilets (for enriched humus) could be a way to sustainability of agricultural production in AEZ LH 2 & 3 and UM 3 & 4 where there is not enough livestock for manure. In the drier AEZ it should be applied only under wet conditions to avoid osmotic stress for the plants. BARINGO GROUP 42

TABLE 32a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the southwestern Pyrethrum-Wheat Zone UH 2 vl i or two, the Wheat/Maize- Pyrethrum Zone LH 2 vl i or two and the Wheat/Maize- Barley Zone LH 3 (vl) i, Soils UB C & UB 1

Av. Exp. Yield + Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Other Crop varieties and Response Fertiliser Increase if this Increase if Nutrients Season Rates 3 Rate is Applied 5t/ha Manure Recom- -curve 4 5 kg/ha kg/ha * kg/ha are Applied mended First rainy season 6,7 Hybrid maize (H 625) 4958 + 13.5 P 25 P2O5 340 450 kg 7 Hybrid maize (H 625) 2675 + 14.9 N + 50 N, 40 P2O5 1730 1350 kg & beans (GLP 2)/ peas 47.5 P – 0.57 P2 (in UH 2) 6 (maize) 1 Potatoes (Annet, B 53) 5192 + 90.4 P – 40 P2O5 1880 750 kg 1.09 P2 Sunflower 1,6 1323 - - - Second rainy season 2 Semi-perennial crops Pyrethrum 300 1 teaspoon 600-700 - of DSP per planting hole before planting, after 2 months 1 kg CAN or ASN per 80 m of row

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 112-113, and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self Employment.- Nairobi 1997, p. 183; KARI (Ed.): Fertilizer Use Recommendations. Vol. 18, (West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet), Baringo District.- Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1997; LIGEYO, D.O. & OMBAKHO, G.A.: Maize research for Kenyan highlands.- KARI/NARC Kitale 2009. The AEU of the trial site is underlined. 1 Results of one year experimentation only (in 1990 potato yields were extremely low due to severe drought at the Eldama Ravine site) (FURP, p. 18). 2 No experiments performed during the second rainy season due to its weak appearance and the late maturing maize. 3 Mineral fertiliser (in the amount indicated below) should be applied to maize and potatoes if organic substances like farm yard manure are not available (FURP, p. 19). 4 Organic fertiliser should be applied regularly to increase N and organic C contents (FURP, p. 19; MURIUKI/QUERSHI, p. 112). 5 Soil tests of P, soil pH, cations (particularly Ca and K), N and C contents should be performed regularly (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 112). 6 Cultivation of maize should be performed in lower places of the UH 2 Zone (preferable H 611D); new sunflower variety in lower places of UH 2: Kenya Almasi (in LH 2 and LH 3: H 894) 7 Recommendations for commercial and new varieties in highland areas (1500-2400 m) with high rainfall

acc. to LIGEYO & OMBAKHO: 60 kg/ha N plus 60 kg/ha P2O5 or 10 t/ha FYM (alternatively: 30 kg/ha N plus 30 kg/ha P2O5 plus 5 t/ha FYM). * The actual conversion into the real nutrient content can be seen in Annex table I, p. 37. BARINGO GROUP 43 BARINGO GROUP 44

TABLE 32b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the southern Pyrethrum-Wheat Zone UH 2 vl i or two, the Wheat/Maize- Pyrethrum Zone LH 2 vl i or two, the Wheat/Maize- Barley Zone LH 3 (vl) i or two and the Maize-Sunflower Zone UM 4 f(l) i or two, Soils Pv P2 & UP 2

Av. Exp. Yield + Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Other Crop varieties and Response Fertiliser Increase if this Increase if Nutrients Season Rates Rate is Applied 5t/ha Manure Recom- -curve 5 kg/ha kg/ha * kg/ha are Applied mended First rainy season 4 Hybrid maize (H 625) 4100 + 19.3 P 75 P2O5 1448 200 kg lime 1,6,7

Hybrid maize (H 625) 2701 + 55.2 P – 50 P2O5 1910 - “ 7 & beans (GLP 2) or 0.34 P2 garden peas (local) 6 Beans (GLP 2; 208 - - - “ intercropped with maize)

Garden peas (local; 328 + 34.6 P – 20 P2O5 436 “ intercropped with maize) 0.64 P2

Potatoes (R. Tana) 5154 + 57.2 P 75 P2O5 4290 500 kg “ Cabbages (Copenhagen) 1919 + 926 P – 65 P2O5 32500 3600 kg “ 6.54 P2 Second rainy season 2 6,7 Maize (H 625) 745 + 86.9 P – 45 P2O5 2330 - - 0.78 P2 – 0.28 NP 7 Maize (H 625) & beans 1072 + 23.2 P 75 P2O5 1740 - - (GLP 2) or garden peas (local) 3,6 Garden peas (local) 57 - - - - Semi-perennial crops Pyrethrum 300 1 teaspoon of 600-700 - - DSP per pl. hole, after 2 months 1 kg CAN or ASN per 80 m of row

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p.116-117, and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self Employment.- Nairobi 1997, p. 183; KARI (Ed.): Fertilizer Use Recommendations. Vol. 17, Nakuru (& Narok) District.- Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1997; LIGEYO, D.O. & OMBAKHO, G.A.: Maize research for Kenyan highlands.- KARI/ NARC Kitale 2009. The AEU of the trial site is underlined. 1 The initial high yields of maize can probably be attributed to the application of farm yard manure at the start of the experiments (FURP, p. 1). 2 Cultivation of maize, beans, peas and other crops during the second season is not recommended due to unfavourable/unreliable rainfall; instead, farmers are advised to grow green manures or leave the land fallow for regeneration of natural fertility (FURP, p. 10). 3 Yields of maize were slightly improved later in the experiment due to N-fixation by the legumes (FURP, p. 10). 4 1.5 – 2.5 t/ha for meeting the decline of pH (FURP, p. 4). 5 Monitoring of soil fertility should continue every three to four years (FURP, p. 1). 6 Cultivation of maize should be performed in lower places of the UH 2 Zone (preferable H 611D). 7 Recommendations for commercial and new varieties in highland areas (1500-2400 m) with high rainfall acc. to LIGEYO & OMBAKHO: 60 kg/ha N plus 60 kg/ha P2O5 or 10 t/ha FYM (alternatively: 30 kg/ha N plus 30 kg/ha P2O5 plus 5 t/ha FYM). * The actual conversion into the real nutrient content can be seen in Annex table I, p. 37. BARINGO GROUP 45 BARINGO GROUP 46

TABLE 32c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the Livestock-Millet Subzones LM 5 (vs^s/vs) i and LM 5 (vs^vs/s) i, Soils YU 1 & Pt U1 1

Av. Exp. Yield Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Other Crop varieties and + Response- Fertiliser Increase if this Increase if Nutrients Season Rates 2 Rate is Applied 5t/ha Manure Recom- curve 4 5 kg/ha kg/ha * kg/ha are Applied mended First rainy season

Sorghum (Seredo) 2129 -- - - - Sorghum (Seredo) & green 1764 - - 800 kg - grams (local) 3 Finger millet (local) 1101 - - no experiments - Green grams (local) 173 - - “ - Irrigated: Maize (Pwani) 2991 - - “ - Irrigated: Maize (Pwani) 1914 (maize) - - “ - & green grams (local) 574 (gr.grams) Irrigated: Sorghum 3233 - - “ - (Seredo) Second rainy season Sorghum (Seredo) 1024 - - “ - Sorghum (Seredo) & green 836 - - “ - grams (local) Green grams (local) 877 - - “ - Irrigated: Maize (Pwani) 3378 - - “ - Irrigated: Maize (Pwani) 2438 (maize) not economic - “ - & green grams (local) 432 + 0.03 P2 (green grams) Irrigated: Sorghum 3108 – 0.2 NP - - “ - (Seredo) Irrigated: Cassava (local) 10514 – 192 P - - “ - + 2.16 P2

Sources: MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 110-111, and conclusions from the Farm Survey 2004; KARI (Ed.): Fertilizer Use Recommendations. Vol. 18, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo District.- Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1997 1 Water is the major limiting factor to crop production in this area; therefore, soil conservation measures are necessary to increase water availability and the responses to chemical fertilisers. Drought tolerant crops like sorghum and green grams should be grown (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 110). If farmers have the opportunity to irrigate, they should be encouraged to do that due to considerable higher yields (FURP, p. 13). 2 No crop responded to N or P application in any experimental year (FURP, p. 10) neither on rainfed nor on irrigated plots. As a consequence of consecutive cultivation the decrease of nutrients has to be observed in future and compensated frequently (maintenance of soil fertility). Negative response to fertiliser application was observed in irrigated experiments with sorghum and cassava. 3 Due to the high competition for the available soil water at this site intercropping of sorghum with other crops is not recommended on rainfed plots (FURP, p. 11). However, on irrigated plots intercropped maize/green grams should be preferred by farmers (FURP, p. 12). Runoff-catching is advised if there is no irrigation. 4 Positive effects of intercropped sorghum are obviously caused by an improvement of moisture storage (FURP, p. 11); monocropped sorghum did not respond to the application of organic fertiliser. Application of well composted organic fertiliser should be performed only during seasons with adequate moisture supply in order to increase organic C and total N (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 110) and micronutrients. 5 Soil tests to monitor soil pH, P, cations (particularly micronutrients), N and C contents should be performed regularly (3-4 years) (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 110). * The actual conversion into the real nutrient content can be seen in Annex table I, p. 37. BARINGO GROUP 47 BARINGO GROUP 48

4.5.7 FINAL Statements

The natural conditions in this group of districts are so contrasting that the statements have to be given by AEZ: In the zone UH 2 in the Southwest milk production seems to be recommendable after the downward trend of pyrethrum. In zone LH 2 passion fruit planting could profit from the connections for their sale neighbouring Keiyo-South and Uasin Gishu have already established. UM 3 has mainly a slopy topography, therefore tree planting, which has already started with Macadamia nuts, should be expanded. In UM 4 maize and beans have the biggest scope because there is normally a deficit of maize in the district group. The DAO advised to do farming as a business, and there are good samples how to make money with maize in the Farm Management Guidelines 2010/11 for it. But since then the price for a bag of maize dropped from 3 000 to 1 000 KSh due to the good year 2010. There was almost no profit anymore. In such a case, farmers need more flexibility, f. i. to feed the maize to animals as a cheap forage. Diversification with pulses is also important for soil care. Manuring and even recycling of nutrients by humus toilets is necessary for high yields and sustainability.

In zones UM 5 and LM 5 the emerging crops jatropha and aloe should be promoted. Runoff-catching agriculture and soil improvement with charcoal debris to create the fertile terra preta are two ways to increase production of the few crops suitable here.

Water is the major limiting factor to crop production in most areas of the district group (AEZ LM 5). Therefore, soil and water conservation measures are necessary to increase water availability and the responses of crops to fertilisers. Runoff-catching (=water harvesting) agriculture is advisable. Drought tolerant crops like sorghum, millet, green grams, tepary beans, cowpeas are recommended; systems of agropastoralism are favourable in order to supply farmers with manure and to compensate economical losses in cases of drought by selling animals. If irrigation facilities are available, farmers should use them in order to increase/stabilize yields and minimize the economic risk of farming.

The other big problem is soil. Soil erosion and denudation have carried away the fertile topsoil. It is necessary to build it up again and to protect it with the matutas of the runoff-catching agriculture. Sheep and goat manure is more than two times as effective as cattle manure. Ecosan toilets can add the valuable human excrements. The debris of charcoal made from the bush encroaching, caused by overgrazing, mixed with two parts of humus resp. manure is an important contribution to regain fertility. It is also effective for more water storage in the soil.

In zone 6 but also in zone 5 livestock keeping gives the main income. New more adapted species like camels (120 in 2009) increase the chances. The risks due to droughts could be minimized to make dried meat before the animals are skin and bones only. The remaining animals then have a better chance to survive with the low amount of fodder.