By Charei Munene Bean anthracnose is a seed-borne disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. This disease causes severe losses to bean farmers in Kenya. The fungus infects leaves, stems, and pods of common bean plants, especially in the cold season, often killing the bean plant at a young age. This disease reduces yields by […]
Bean Anthracnose Disease Read More »
Dear Reader The month of July is characterized by cold weather, and this comes with challenges in the farm. It could be pneumonia in livestock especially goats and sheep or affected crops. Bean anthracnose is a common disease in this season. Your chickens might also show a reduced egg production. This issue comes with detailed
TOF Magazine July 2021 Read More »
By Beritah Mutune Introduction On May 20, 2021, the world was celebrating The World Bee Day, to acknowledge the role played by bees in food production and life sustenance. One out of every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators, including many fruits and vegetables. Healthy ecosystems also depend on pollinators. Pollinators
Let us protect the bees Read More »
By Esther Mwoloi In the previous publication we had identified some of the problems that farmers are likely to encounter in the farm during the rainy season. Farmers growing common crops such as maize, beans and green grams are likely to battle with fall army worm, stem borers and aphids. Ms Njeri Kinuthia, a seasoned
How to control common pests that attack plants Read More »
Charles Kimani The onset of rains marks the beginning of a busy calendar for farmers and this year is no exception despite the poor rainfall distribution. For Maximum yields, farmers should remain vigilant and practice good agronomy practices for both plant and animals. In this issue of TOF, we feature some of the common challenges
Plants and animal diseases to watch out for during the rainy season. Read More »
Goats and sheep were the earliest domesticated animals in human history. Goat milk not only fetches a higher price than cow milk, it is also more nutritious. Dairy goat keeping is lucrative for farmers moving away from traditional dairy cow rearing. Currently, Kenya’s dairy sub-sector contributes about eight per cent of the Gross Domestic Product
Dairy goat rearing for health and wealth Read More »
Dear Reader This issue of TOF provides a step-by-step guide to making organic extracts that will help you man-age common pests in the farm including stem borers, aphids, fall army worm and mealy bugs. Also read on to find out how to turn raw farm produce such as cabbag-es, carrots, cucumbers, and dairy milk into
TOF Magazine June 2021 Read More »
By Caroline Mwendwa The desire to produce high yields despite the overwhelming challenge of pests and unhealthy soils that constantly require inputs to produce, has led farmers to engage in chemical overuse, which is raising concerns over human health. As non-communicable disease incidences rise, it is time to rethink the approaches used in food production.
Farmers in Makueni embrace organic farming. Read More »
By fred kipng’etich As climate change effects make rain seasons unpredictable, farmers need to plan on how to conserve and use water wisely, to enable sustainability in food production. There are various irrigation systems available to farmers today. Deciding on the best irrigation system for your farm will depend on factors such as type of
why you should install drip irrigation Read More »
Dr Shepard Ndlela Tomato production is a nightmare in most parts of Kenya’s leading tomato producing areas such as Kirinyaga, Taita Taveta and Kajiado. There is so much hope when farmers transplant seedlings into the traditional open field production field system. Sometimes the newly transplanted seedlings establish successfully, offering a glimmer of hope to farmers
Safe production of tomatoes: A concept turning into reality in Kirinyaga Read More »