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 »
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 »
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 »
Nutrient deficiencies can easily be confused with symptoms of diseases or physical factors. A keen eye on your crops will enable you to identify these common deficiencies and address them before losses are incurred. Maize Maize has a high requirement for nutrients especially nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Nitrogen deficiency in maize presents as pale green leaves, stunting
Identifying common nutrient deficiencies in your crops and how to address them Read More »
Soil water management is a critical aspect in land cultivation. Farmers practice various techniques in soil water management. Whether contour bunding/ creating furrows, building terraces, molding ridges, or compartmental bunding, the most important guiding factor in choosing the right soil conservation measure, is your purpose. There are no practices of soil water management that would
Techniques for soil water management in the farm to improve crop productivity. Read More »
By Njeri Kinuthia Small scale farmers in Kenya have for a long time concentrated in the production of food crops targeting the local markets. This has denied them reach to international markets which would offer premium pay for their products. Most export markets have set standards such as the need for producers to be organic
All you need to know about organic certification. Read More »
Fall Armyworm is an insect pest that attacks more than 80 Varieties of crops but primarily attacks Maize. Fall armyworm larvae attack maize plants at all stages. When the larvae feed on young maize plants, they can kill the growing point and as a result, no new leaves or cobs will develop. In older maize
Fall Armyworm Factsheet Read More »
The higher the demand for organic products, the more the organic market grows By Wanjiku Kimani According to the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN), 173,000 hectares of land currently is under organic farming in Kenya. This is a mere 2.9% of the 5.8million hectares of the country’s arable land. Despite the small percentage, organic farming
Voices from sellers of organic produce Read More »
