Integrating scientific and farmers' perception towards evaluation of rain-fed agricultural technologies for sorghum and cowpea productivity in Central Kenya

Date

2013-11

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Academic Journals

Abstract

Integration of a minimal addition of organic and inorganic inputs on valued traditional crops with adequate rainfall under normal farming practices in semi arid lands is an option that may improve food security in the Central highlands of Kenya. Agricultural production is affected by the high variability of rainfall onset, distribution, and frequent droughts which usually occur during the growing season, often resulting in depressed yields and persistent crop failures. This study assessed a farmers’ participatory evaluation on selected water harvesting and integrated soil fertility management technologies for sorghum and cowpea productivity. Their evaluations were consistent and accurate.

Description

Keywords

FOOD SECURITY, WATER HARVESTING, SEMIARID ZONE, KENYA, SOIL FERTILITY, SOIL DEGRADATION, SOUTH OF SAHARA, AGRICULTURAL POLICY, AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, SMALLHOLDERS, APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY, COWPEAS, SORGHUM, CROP MANAGEMENT, AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

Citation

Njeru, P.N.M., Mugwe, J., Maina, I., Mucheru-Muna, M., Mugendi, D., Lekasi, J.K., et al. (2013). Integrating scientific and farmers' perception towards evaluation of rain-fed agricultural technologies for sorghum and cowpea productivity in Central Kenya. Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 4(7), 123-131. doi:10.5897/JSSEM2013.0378

DOI