Matwiku horticulture farmers benefit from an exchange visit

By Joyce Okuta and Bob Aston

Exchange visits, which are also called study tours, have been used for a long time as a way of sharing knowledge between farmers. They have been proven to lead to mutual knowledge increase, due to practical demonstrations and they have also enabled farmers to become more aware of their own skills and capacities.

In order to increase access to knowledge and information amongst farmers in Matwiku area of Githiga Ward, Laikipia County, the Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) organized for an exchange visit for three (3) members of Matwiku Horticulture Growers S.H.G on March 13, 2015 to travel to Ilchamus Ward of Marigat Sub County to witness the launch of Nolororo Horticulture Project, which was also an open day to showcase climate smart agriculture and offer farmers an opportunity to interact with county leaders.

Farmers and guests being shown the Nolororo Horticulture Farm

ALIN in partnership with Act Change Transform (Act!), with financial support from Department for International Development (DFID) and Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA) is implementing a climate smart agriculture project in Baringo, Laikipia and Kajiado counties with the aim of strengthening communities’ resilience to impacts of climate change while conserving natural resources.

The project supported Nolororo women group to establish a drip irrigation system for horticultural production. The group members have been taught about plant protection, harvesting, value addition and marketing. They are now using drip irrigation technology to produce nutritious food.

The objectives of the exchange visit included; to expose the farmers from Matwiku Horticulture Growers Self help group to the activities done by Nolororo women group, to allow the farmers to exchange experiences and plan for the future use of the practices they observe and to assist farmers to gain confidence with what they are doing in the project so that they can explain and teach others.

Mr. Peter Gicheru, Secretary Matwiku Horticulture Growers self help group noted that the exchange visit had proved to be an enriching experience as he had managed to learn a lot from Nolororo women group.

“The opportunity that ALIN provided for us has enabled us to learn better farming methods and crops that we can cultivate in our own project. I realized that farmers in Ilchamus ward are lucky as the climatic condition is ideal for water melon and tomatoes and they take a shorter duration to mature unlike Matwiku,” said Mr. Gicheru.

Farmers and guests being shown the project water source

Gicheru said that he is now planning to start farming in Ilchamus ward as cost of production is slightly lower there compared to Matwiku and the returns are also better. He added that horticultural crops can do well using drip irrigation and encouraged farmers to adopt the technology to increase their income.

The Nolororo women group activities focus on practicing Climate Smart Agriculture. This is agriculture aimed at reducing emissions at the farm level, conserving natural resources like soils and water while increasing nutritious food production at household level at the same time increasing family incomes.

On her part, Mrs. Lucy Mumbi a member of Matwiku Horticulture Growers self help group shared farming experiences with members of Nolororo women group. She noted that unlike Nolororo women group her group is composed of more men than women.

“Human-wildlife conflict is common in Matwiku area and we rely on men to offer security during such times. Nolororo women group is lucky since there is a steady supply of water from river molo,” said Mrs. Mumbi.

She thanked ALIN for the opportunity to visit the group and felt motivated to work hard and be more open minded when it comes to new technologies and farming methods.

ALIN has been involved in knowledge sharing for more than 22 years now, using various platforms that include the use of video documentations, exchange visits, open learning days and articles aimed at farmers and pastoralists. These experiences have helped farmers to access knowledge and information, which have helped to empower many farmers in arid areas.

Livestock stakeholders set to hold an agribusiness trade fairs in Nyahururu

By Bob Aston

The Kenya Livestock Producers Association in collaboration with the Laikipia County Government, co-hosts Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF), KCB Foundation, Agri Profocus, ACK Church, Isinya Feeds, Unga, FarmCare Ltd, Cooper K- Brands and Agricultural Industrial Network is set to hold the second agribusiness Trade fairs on March 27-28, 2015 at Nyahururu stadium, Nyahururu town, Laikipia County. The theme for the Agribusiness Trade Fair will be “Farming is big Business.”

The highlight of the trade fair will be road shows, demonstration plots, insurance services, agricultural products, agro chemicals and seeds, farm machinery and equipments, biogas and bio-fuels demonstration, financial services products, dairy products, edairy, rabbit, quails and bee keeping, artificial insemination (AI), greenhouse farming, new innovations, mcommerce, real estate and domestic tourism.

Governor Irungu at one of the exhibition stands during 2014 event

The objectives of the trade fair include; to afford the regions farmers, service providers and industry suppliers a unique opportunity to showcase their products for benchmarking and trade, expose agricultural sector stakeholders (practitioners and suppliers) to new technologies and ideas for better efficiencies and quality, provide a platform for short seminars and demonstrations to small scale and large scale players in the sector, to showcase outstanding breeds for different livestock and to encourage farmers to invest in farming as a business.

According to Patrick Kimani, Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Livestock Producers Association, the trade fairs/exhibition will serve as a unique platform for all stakeholders in all sectors of the economy to meet to experience their fulfillment in their business through education, exhibition and entertainment.

 It will be an opportunity where one will be able to cost effectively, joyously, conveniently and easily conduct some business on wide range of products and services as well as introduce and demonstrate the latest products, innovations, machinery and techniques that are available to the citizen in those areas.

“Kenya Livestock Producers Association will bring unique audiences of these major sectors in one place for two days. We therefore invite you to take this rare opportunity where serious farmers and your clients will come together for you to exhibit your products and services by taking exhibition space,” said Mr. Kimani.

The trade fairs are monthly events organized by the Kenya Livestock Producers Association in various counties in the Country. Farmers and farmer groups are not charged for exhibiting during the trade fairs while entrance is free for members of the public. The guest of honor is expected to be Hon Joshua Irungu, Laikipia County Governor.

ALIN launches Nolororo Horticulture project

By Joyce Okuta

The Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN) on March 13, 2015 launched Nolororo Horticulture project in Ilchamus ward in Marigat Sub County.  ALIN in partnership with Act Change Transform (Act!), with financial support from Department for International Development (DFID) and Swedish International Development Cooperation (SIDA) is implementing a climate smart agriculture project in Baringo County with the aim of strengthening communities’ resilience to impacts of climate change while conserving natural resources.

The launch was attended by Marigat Sub County Administrator, Ilchamus ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Ilchamus ward administrator, Sub-county Agriculture Officer, Environment and Natural Resources officers, Agriculture Sector Development Support Program (ASDSP), ALIN project manager and Matwiku Horticulture Growers self help group.

Guest being shown the Nolororo Horticulture Farm

The project supported Nolororo women group to establish a drip irrigation system for horticultural production. The group members have been taught about plant protection, harvesting, value addition and marketing. They are now using drip irrigation technology to produce nutritious food.

Among the exhibitors included; Nolororo women group, Kerio valley development Authority (KVDA), Kapkuikui Self Help Group, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries development, National Irrigation Board (NIB) and Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Speaking while launching the project, Mr. William Chelal, Marigat Sub-county Administrator lauded the efforts made by ALIN and other organization in uplifting the livelihood of farmers. He said that the field day was a wakeup call for the people of Baringo County to work hard in order to be empowered.

“It is a high time for the farmers to adopt appropriate technologies to ensure sufficient food production. Farmers should join organized groups in order to tap the vast opportunities available in the county,” said Mr. Chelal.

Hon. Wesley Kakimon, Ilchamus ward MCA said that he is ready to support Climate Smart Agriculture Initiatives in the area, since the initial cost for installing the drip kit is affordable and the county can support such initiatives.

Guests following proceedings during the launch of the project

He added that the community should embrace such technologies to avert poverty. He encouraged members of Nolororo women group to train other groups about the technology.

Mr. Levis Saning’o, Ilchamus ward Administrator noted that the project has eased the work of Nolororo Women group as they are now able to get time to engage in other development activities in the community. He noted that previously the group used to spend close to 8 hours irrigating their farm and this used to be expensive as they had to hire labour.

On his part, Mr. Noah Lusaka, ALIN Project Manager thanked the county government for the cooperation given throughout the project implementation. He pointed out the dissemination done on Sauti ya Mwananchi radio and Standard Newspaper as an indication that the work done by Nolororo women group is known.

”The group has realized a drastic reduction in use of fuel for pumping water. This has reduced emissions and also reduced time spent irrigating the farm. This has also helped to mitigate the effects of climate change as well as increasing food production,” said Mr. Lusaka.

The objective of the event was to demonstrate to communities and stakeholders the various opportunities in food production using minimal water resources and appropriate technologies as an adaptation strategy to climate change.

The Nolororo women group activities focus on practicing Climate Smart Agriculture. This is agriculture aimed at reducing emissions at the farm level, conserving natural resources like soils and water while increasing nutritious food production at household level at the same time increasing family incomes.

'Tuta Absoluta’ a threat to tomato production

By Samuel Nzioka

Farmers practicing horticulture in Laikipia County are facing a new threat as new tomato pest emerges and leaves them with empty pockets.  Tuta absoluta (tomato leaf miner) is a devastating pest affecting tomatoes and is considered to be a serious threat to tomato production in East Africa region.

Infected crop in Matwiku 

The new pest which originated from South America is said to breed between 10-12 generations a year. Each female can lay 250-300 eggs in her life time. This pest is crossing boarders and devastating tomato production both protected (green house) and open fields. The infestation of Tuta absoluta has also been reported on potato, watermelon and common beans.

Infected tomato fruit

Tuta absoluta has proved very challenging pest to control. Effectiveness of chemical control is limited due to insect's nature of damage as well as its rapid capability of development of insecticide resistant strains.

Control

The use of biological factors is still largely under development and not ready to combat this pest effectively and in a cost effective way. Sex pheromone trap (TUTRACK) that has been developed by Kenya Biologics limited has been an effective tool for early detection of the pest.

Mass trapping and lure which contains pheromone has been found to be effective to control Tuta absoluta by attracting and trapping the male Tuta absoluta month. IPM strategies are being developed to control the pest.

Farmers practicing horticulture in Matwiku, Githiga ward of Laikipia west sub-county have however reported to have used chemicals like collagen and Belt which are very expensive with just 30mls of each going for Kshs 700.

"I have witnessed a farmer who had planted tomatoes and whose farm was affected by the pest use Collalen and Belt consecutively and has been able to control the pest although the chemicals are very expensive. As a group, we were hesitant but we will now plant our tomatoes and hope for the best". Said Peter Gatheru, Chairperson Matwiku horticulture self help group.

 ALIN, Ministry of agriculture and other stakeholders working with farmers in Laikipia county are working tirelessly to ensure farmers get a solution for this problem by training farmers on pest control measures.

Farmers keeping farm records despite crop failure

Farmers in sipili division have embraced Farm Record Management Information System (FARMIS), a product of Sokopepe Limited that is helping farmers keep good farm records. Since its introduction five months ago, more than four hundred farmers have been registered. Changing weather patterns as an effect of climate change has been linked to crop failure in most part of the country. Laikipia county has not been an exception and most parts of the county has recorded massive crop failure due to lack of enough rainfall to support crop growth.

Mrs. Elcy Kigano , crops officer during one of the farmer trainings

Most farmers in Sipili division have planted more than three times as a result of unpredictable small amounts of rainfall which has been falling in the area leaving crops to die at an early stages leaving farmers pockets dry. Farmers have been receiving training from ALIN and Ministry of Agriculture on better cropping systems and how they need to take care of their crop. This has been accomplished by setting up demonstration plots at different locations within Sipili and Muhotetu divisions.

 Mr. Stephen Kariuki, a farmer in Sipili  has felt the heat as he has planted three times without success.
"I have planted three times this season. every time I use more than four thousand to purchase certified seeds for my three acre farm. I'm discouraged as I used all the money I had saved and the third crop has dried up."

Mr. Francis Kiarahu, also a farmer, has also been affected by the drought. However, he has diversified his farming and incorporated other crops like cassava, sweet potatoes, indigenous vegetables, herbs and fruit trees. Despite the crop failure, he has been earning money from the sell of fruits and herbs.

Mr Kiarahu updating his farm book

"I have been surviving on sales from fruits and herbs. Although my first crop failed, My second crop has survived and doing well." Said Mr Kiharau.
"I am now keeping good track of my production costs through FARMIS and I want to ascertain weather I make profit of loss from my farming." He added.

His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Peter Mwangi who is using Farm book to track production costs on his three acres of maize and one acre of wheat.

"I want to do farming as a business despite the weather challenges and have learned without good records, Its not possible. Thanks to Sokopepe Limited and ALIN for the service." said Mr Mwangi.

Rains have been experienced in the month of August. However, most crops had either stunted growth or dried up and this has caused may farmers to replant.

Laikipia west farmers worried by new Maize diseases

By Samuel Nzioka

Farmers within Laikipia west sub-county are worried of new maize disease that is destroying their crop. Maize Lethal Necrosis disease has affected maize crop in many farms leaving farmers panicking for their produce.  The disease has been declared as ‘New threat to Maize production’. Being a new disease in Laikipia County, farmers lack information on how to tackle its spread.

The disease

According to Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries State department of Agriculture, Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) results from co-infection of two viruses; Maize chlorotic Mottle Virus and Sugarcane mosaic Virus. The disease is reported to be spread by insect vectors such as Maize thrips, Maize leaf hoppers, leaf beetles and aphids. In Kenya, the disease was first reported in Bomet County in September 2011.

Commonly grown maize varieties are susceptible to the disease. Losses associate with the disease ranges from 30 to 100% depending on crop growth stage when the disease attacks.

Symptoms and effects of MLND

• Bright yellowing starting with the upper young leaves
• Stunted growth with shortened internodes
• Death of inner parts of the plant leading to premature plant death

Infected crop in Matwiku, Laikipia west sub-county

• Poor pollen production and sterility of plants
• Comb husks appear mature (brown color) while the grains inside are still milky and the rest of the plant is green
• Partial grain or no filling capacity, the formed grains also become moldy with brown discoloration
• At late stages of plant growth, there is a lot of fugal growth on stems and combs
• Death of entire crop gives a blighted appearance to the maize field. The disease can be seen from as early as two weeks after emergence on wards

What to do about it

a)      When planting maize;

·         Use certified seeds approved by relevant authority (KEPHIS)

·         Use manure and include basal and topdressing fertilizers

·         Plant at onset of rains, undertake timely weeding and field sanitation

·         Planting tolerant or resistant maize varieties would be the longterm and sustainable solution

b)      Do not grow maize in consecutive seasons

c)       Practice crop rotation and diversify crop choices with alternatives like irish potato, sweet potato, beans and vegetables

d)      Practice regular scouting for insect vectors and early appearance of MLND

e)      At early stages of disease onset, rogue out infected plants. This material can be used to feed livestock

f)       Grains and cobs that are rotten are not supposed to be fed to humans or animals but rather be destroyed by burning

g)      Do not move green maize materials from infected regions to disease free areas within and outside the country to minimize spread of MLN disease.

There is a need to have farmers trained on intervention measures so as to have them prepared to tackle the disease whenever it strikes and to avert crop losses cause by the disease. 

Ngarua Maarifa Centre connected to solar Energy

By Samuel Nzioka

Ngarua Maarifa Center has been running on grid electricity to power computers and other machines until last week when it was connected to Solar energy. Recurring power blackout prompted the action by ALIN to install Solar energy so as to provide uninterrupted services to community members. The journey has not been so easy as the power blackouts have been interrupting smooth running of the Maarifa Center and slowing many activities including response to urgent matters.

It took the technical team three days to complete the installations, a job  that could have taken them at most five hours. This was caused by power blackouts during the week. Mr. Kibe, the Alins technician said that, its dangerous when power is on and off oftenly as it can damage equipment's connected to it. He however advised people using electronic machines like computers to install power guards or battery backups so as to prevent further losses.

Solar power inverter and Storage batteries 

The recurring power failure has cost the economy in Sipili township lots of money as many business men/women especially the photocopy, printing, welding, Maize millers and timber yards remain out of business when the power goes out as they solely depend on power for their daily incomes.

Some community members have applauded the bold move by ALIN to embrace renewable energy option quoting that, it will serve as a good example to other people who want to remain in business and reduce the operating costs for their business enterprises. Samuel Njogu, a businessman operating a stationery visited the Maarifa center when he was strolling after power blackout and on finding the Maarifa center power on, he was interested to know where our source is.

"I'm amazed by the idea and I want to be the first stationery shop in Sipili using renewable energy so that I can provide uninterrupted services to my customers. This will also cushion me against losses I make during power blackouts." said Samuel.

Samuel provides all office services including printing, photocopy, lamination and also runs an ICT training school.

Regular Maarifa center users also embraced the idea and affirmed that, it will go further to help them access services better.

"Continued services will allow me to attend my needs promptly as opposed to when the center used to solely depend on grid electricity. I have applied for several jobs forwarded to me by my friends away and have been able to hit the deadlines even when there is power blackout." said Peter Nderitu, Egerton  University psychologist graduate.

Youth Enjoying services at the Maarifa center

Mr. James Mwangi, a Mathematics and Computer science student at Jomo Kenyatta University Of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has been able to accomplish many tasks due to uninterrupted power supply at the Maarifa center.

"I have been able to log in to my schools' student portal and respond to urgent matters that could have costed me if not attended to. This has been possible through continued services at the Maarifa Center. I have also been able to get timely farming information as I am also doing farming to raise my school fees and pocket money for the next semester."

James also wants to be a good example as he is successfully doing farming despite weather challenges faced by many farmers in Laikipia county. Read; Youth farmer not deterred by water scarcity. 

Community Groups urged to be vibrant in development initiatives

By Samuel Nzioka

A joint meeting by Arid Lands Information Networks (ALIN) and Office of the Member Of county assembly, Sipili/Olmoran ward saw more than 150 Community groups representatives operating in Sipili/Olmoran ward convene at Catholic hall  to discuss issues affecting their development. The main agenda for the meeting was to identify the active self help groups, welfare groups,Community based organizations, NGOs and other development groups with an aim of looking for intervention strategies to help the groups to become more effective. Another agenda was to introduce FARMIS to wide range of stakeholders and create more momentum for farmer profiling.


 All group representatives were given opportunity to present their groups activities and achievements. Speaking during the meeting, Mr Kero, the ward administrator urged the groups to take advantage of devolution and apply for county funds through tenders and other grants. he also urged the youth and women to apply  for youth and women enterprise funds from the national government and not to just sit and wait. ALIN through  Ngarua Maarifa Centre  were tasked  to ensure the application forms are available to the willing  groups.

Mr. Noah Lusaka addressing the participants

Mr Noah Lusaka, ALINs project manager led the participants through ACT! project which has its main goal as 'enhancing community resilience to adapt to the impacts of climate change for improved livelihoods'. The project will focus on a series of community consultative meetings with an objective to lobby for development of climate change adaptation framework, enhance communities capacity to adapt climate smart Agricultural practices (CSAPs) for improved livelihoods and enhancing communities access to usable information and knowledge on climate change adaptation for increased resilience. He also urged the groups to write down their own profiles and forward them for future reference.

Participants were taken through FARMIS Kenya where they were urged to embrace farming as a business and focus on making profit from their enterprises. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Samuel Mwangi urged the farmers to take advantage of the platform and manage their farms in prudent ways to avoid post harvest losses and make a business case.

Farmers also got an opportunity to interact with Juhudi Kilimo, a microfinace institution
supporting farmers to access asset based loans and basic finance training to smallholder farmers and enterprises that allow them to purchase wealth generating  financial solutions.

Pomp and color as information sharing kibanda is Launched

By Samuel Nzioka

There was joy and celebrations at an open day held at Ng’arua Maarifa Centre, located at Sipili Sub-County office on July 12, 2014. The event which was graced by among others Laikipia County representatives, Mr. Godfrey Ndonye  and Mr. Njuguna who represented the guest of honor, the county Commissioner Mr. Wilfred Kinyua  also marked the official launch of the Sustainable Land and Natural Resources Management Centre dubbed ‘Mazingira Knowledge Centre’

Other partners present were, The international Small Group & Tree planting Program (TIST), East Africa Grain Council (EAGC), Community Forest association, Laikipia Produce and Marketing Cooperative Society (LP&MC), Laikipia Centre for Knowledge and Information (LACKIN), Pure Sacco, Laikipia central community Development (LAICCODO) and Juhudi Kilimo among others.

Participants visiting LAICCODO stand

The open day aimed to create an effective knowledge sharing platform to build communities’ capacity for effective stewardship of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices and enhanced resilience in Laikipia County. The event provided an opportunity for community members to share knowledge on various technologies and innovations on climate change mitigation and adaptation among other services and products which were on display during the event.

Information materials were also archived and pinned at the knowledge sharing Kibanda for communities to learn new technologies and ways of reducing environmental degradation.

Some of the innovations and technologies that were on display during the open day included; energy saving cooking stoves, castor oil cooking stove, Solar lanterns, soap and candles made locally from bee wax, information materials on use of biogas and other bio fuels, water harvesting technologies and forest conservation strategies.

Speaking during the event, Mr. Ndonye urged participants to be good ambassadors and share with fellow neighbors and other community members what they had learned from the event. He also noted that, he has learned a lot from the event especially the use of castor oil as biofuel for cooking and keeping away mosquitoes and flies from the houses.

Participants also learned of different climate change adaptation strategies from farmers who displayed their fresh fruits like Mangoes, pineapples, passion, Tree tomatoes and thorn melons while others had value added products like dried cassava, rosemary and vegetables.

Mr Kiarahu explaining value addition technologies to farmers

Mr. Francis Kiarahu, a farmer who has participated in several events both locally and internationally explained to farmers how it’s important to diversify their farming during this time when the weather changes are unpredictable. He explained how he doesn’t depend on maize and beans as many farmers do.

“I don’t depend on one crop during my farming. My farm has fruit trees, cassava, pineapples, tree tomato, oranges, indigenous vegetables, and the rest portion has maize and beans. During this dry season, my family is comfortable since there is a lot of cassava in my farm. I’m also earning from my fruit trees.” Said Mr. Kiarahu.

Farmers also got an opportunity to learn more about SOKO+ and Farm Record Management Information System (FARMIS), where queries on the same were addressed.  Those who had not subscribed for the services were also registered.  

Participants visiting FARMIS stand

SOKO+ is a digital commodity trading and information system linking small scale farmers to end retailers. It also provides commodity prices from major markets and e-extension services.  

FARMIS is a farm management and diagnostic tool based on the use of farm records. It was developed for use by diverse stakeholders in the agriculture sector aimed at identifying productivity trends, profitability of different farm enterprises and producing evidence for use in decision making at the farm.