Baobab Mag 63

BAOBAB ISSUE 63, SEPTEMBER 2011PB BAOBAB ISSUE 63, SEPTEMBER 2011 1

A magazine on drylands development and sustainable agriculture / Issue 63, September 2011

Regional food systems

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Regional Director James Nguo

Dear Reader,

T he theme for this issue of Baobab has been informed by the need to explore and understand the relationship between food production systems and mechanisms for its delivery to consumers at local regional and global levels. With increasing population, a changing global climate and varying patterns of

utilisation of food crops, it is important that we create more platforms for discussions about food systems. As Immaculate Maina observes in the Theme Overview, the effect of food systems on human welfare depends on range of factors including their environments; poverty status and their capacity to influence or be part of food systems either as producers, processors or consumers.

There is a place for the small scale farmer in the context of global food production and consumption. Given small-scale farmers tend to intercrop a wide variety of food types they contribute towards regional agro-biodiversity. They enhance the potential of local food systems to provide a large variety of grains, tubers, pulses, green leaves, wild fruits and berries, meat and fish that are locally important, nutritionally rich, culturally accepted and environmentally resilient. As population increases and with it demand for more food, it is expected that pressure for mass production of food will threaten this diversity.

As the effects of climate change manifest in more frequent droughts in regions such as the Horn of Africa, the resulting low food production is already forcing communities to adopt various coping mechanisms among them: consuming less food in order to just survive; consuming only essential food or; consuming food of poor quality. The impact of this is reduced consumption of essential micronutrients which compromises capacities for production and therefore leads to low household incomes. This is why our Stork Story is focused on encouraging farmers to begin growing crops that enable them to cope with drought, while providing them with more nutrients and capacity to sell surplus to improve their livelihoods.

A discussion of food systems with respect to East Africa is timely. The region, particularly northern Kenya and parts of Somalia have experienced severe food stress over the period 2010 – 2011, leading to the worst famine in 60 years. Many are now questioning existing regional food policies given that droughts in the region have become predictable. It is not difficult to find one area in Kenya, Uganda or Tanzania experiencing food surplus while another area in the same country is experiencing food scarcity. Clearly, in such situations local mechanisms for distribution and access to markets are not well aligned.

On the other hand, I wish to share with you the good news that ALIN is the 2011 winner of Access to Learning Award (ATLA) given annually by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. ALIN was recognised for providing access to information and technology in hard to reach communities through creation of knowledge centres in rural areas. On behalf of ALIN fraternity, I wish to thank all of you for your dedicated contributions towards supporting your network.

We welcome your comments and feedback on the subjects covered in this issue. We trust that we will continue to count on your ideas and suggestions on how to make Baobab more relevant to the livelihoods of small-scale agricultural producers in East Africa. We are especially keen to receive ideas about how to ensure usable information reaches those whose lives depend on increasing the production of their crops and livestock in a manner that preserves available natural resources.

Editorial


ISSN: 0966-9035Baobab is published four times a year to create a forum for ALIN members to network, share their experiences and learn from experiences of other people working in similar areas.

Editorial BoardJames NguoAnthony MugoNoah LusakaEsther Lung’ahi

Anthony Mugo – Chief Editor

IllustrationsShadrack Melly

Layout and DesignBernie Wendoh (Noel Creative Media)

Important NoticesCopyrightArticles, pictures and illustrations from Baobab may be adapted for use in materials that are development oriented, provided the materials are distributed free of charge and ALIN and the author(s) are credited. Copies of the samples should be sent to ALIN.

DisclaimerOpinions and views expressed in the letters and articles do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or ALIN. Technical information supplied should be cross-checked as thoroughly as possible as ALIN cannot accept responsibility should any problems occur.

Regional Editions1. Farming Matters global edition by ileia2. LEISA revista de agroecologia, Latin America edition by

Asociacion ETC andes.3. LEISA India, by AME foundation4. Majalah Petani by VECO Indonesia5. AGRIDAPE, French West African edition by IED Afrique6. Agriculture, Experiences em Agroecologia, the Brazilian edition

by AS-PTA7. Chinese edition by CBIK

Talk to usThe Baobab magazine Arid Lands Information Network, ALINP. O. Box 10098, 00100 GPO, Nairobi, KenyaAAYMCA Building, Ground floor, Along State House Crescent,Off State House Avenue, NairobiTel. +254 20 2731557 • Telefax. +254 20 2737813Cell: +254 722 561006E-mail: [email protected] • Or visit us at www.alin.net

About ALINArid Lands Information Network (ALIN) is an NGO that facilitates information and knowledge exchange to and between extension workers or infomediaries and arid lands communities in the East Africa region. The information exchange activities focus on small-scale sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation, natural resources management and other livelihood issues.

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THEME OVERVIEW:Regional food systems

PROJECT FOCUS:Adoption

of Agro-Forestry Raises Food Production in

Cameroon

OPEN COLUMN:Soaring popularity

of sweet potato in Kenya

ON THE SUbJECT OF:ALIN wins Global Knowledge

Award

Other Pages...Stork Story ........................................................................................................................... Pg 18

TECHNICAL NOTE: Dairy Breeding .................................................. Pg 26

GUEST COLUMN: Geospatial Technologies ................................. Pg 28

OPEN COLUMN: Degradation of Mau Forests .......................... Pg 30

ContentsContents

THEMEoverview

Food is essential to life and is a basic human need; it preoccupies all persons - as producers, processors, distributors and as consumers. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.” The three pillars of food security are availability, access and use.

By Immaculate MainaThe Nature of Food Systems

Regional food systems


a “”food system” comprises the mutually supporting, linked and synergistic activities that result in the production, processing and packaging, exchange and consumption of food. A “food

system” is a complex process that utilizes natural resources, inputs and technology in production. The raw materials are processed and packaged according to specified standards and customer demands. The system then involves marketing, advertising and trade in distribution and retailing of food materials to end-users who then prepare the food for consumption.

At the local level, food systems espouse shorter distances and closer trade links between producers, processors and consumers of a particular place. The local food systems operate in tandem to develop and form regional food systems that cover wider areas and regions. Thus, food systems are often differentiated by their geographic reach (global, national, regional and local). Functional food systems guarantee all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.

Weak or failed food systems cause untold misery with far reaching physical, mental and economic effects on any community. When people subsist on less than the recommended 2,100 kilocalories per day that the average person needs to lead a healthy life; they are victims of under nourishment. The extreme is acute hunger or starvation is often highlighted in media and which is the basis for rapid emergency response. Poor food systems are caused by various factors including: natural disasters especially prolonged droughts; conflict; poverty traps where the poor lack enough money to buy or produce food; over-exploitation of environmental resources leading to poor productivity; poor farming practices, deforestation, over-cropping, overgrazing, erosion, salination and desertification; lack of agricultural infrastructure such as roads, warehouses and; failure to use irrigation.

Functioning food systemsFactors in support of or those that impede the proper functioning of food systems are rarely localized but are often spread over regions. Indeed, the on-going food crisis in the horn of Africa is an example of the regional nature of food systems and of the inherent

dynamics within. Here, the compound effects of drought, conflict and poor infrastructure and bad governance have resulted in a serious hunger situation affecting millions and with ramifications over the whole of the East African region. This is happening against a backdrop of surplus food production in other areas within the region. Hence, dysfunctional regional integration is a root cause for many food crises.

Food systems interactions occur between and within the bio-geophysical systems, agro-ecological zones (AEZ) and the human socio-economic environments influencing both activities and outcomes over large areas. They are spread over areas of similar agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Africa is divided into various AEZs based on the length of the growing period (LGP) or the number of days when both moisture and temperature permit rain fed crop production. The AEZs are desert, arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, humid and highlands.

The cropping systems within an AEZ are likely to be similar and the planting and harvesting systems will differ across regions. In addition, regional agro-biodiversity has a large variety of grains, tubers, pulses, green leaves, wild fruits and berries, meat and fish that are locally important, nutritionally rich, culturally accepted and environmentally resilient.

Therefore, a regional approach to food security would ensure that food harvested in one area is availed to areas of shortage or to areas that are out of season. It would ensure that there is continuous supply of food to the different areas in a region.

Figure 1: Food system activities and related outcomes

Source: Ericksen, P. J. (2008)


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Regional integration has helped solve food crises, for example Malawi sells maize to Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Kenya purchases excess maize from Malawi or Zambia and Uganda sells food to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and South Sudan. Therefore any long term solution to food insecurity should take an integrated longer term regional food systems perspective.Regional food systems and African regional economic cooperation blocs

Africa’s regional economic communities include, among others, the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). These blocs continue to influence and present notable opportunities for African food systems, including:

• Harnessing resources in support of long-term connections in production, processing and packaging, exchange and consumption of food within and across regions.

• Enactment of public policies that improve macro-

economic situations and better management of public expenditure so that agricultural trade and enterprises can gain.

• Reductions in trade and non-trade barriers and improved infrastructural development for increased intra-regional trade and enhanced intra-boundary trade.

Regional bodies dealing with food systemsVarious bodies in Africa that deal specifically with food systems at regional level include the Africa-Union – Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). At the sub-regional level, the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and the East Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (EAAPP), as well as the various Eastern African farmers’ organisations and grain marketing boards are good examples.

Regional efforts in dealing with food systems also occur within the technical arms of regional economic commissions that deal with food issues. The New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) provides the socio-economic development framework for most of the on-going efforts. These bodies seek to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty by increasing public investment in agriculture; by promotion of integrated programs in good seeds and healthy soils; access to markets; information; financing; storage, transport; and enabling policies.

In East African, these intentions are epitomized in the East Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (EAAPP). The EAAPP is designed to invest in regional approaches that strengthen and scaling up agricultural research in Eastern Africa focusing on dairy, wheat, cassava and rice. Kenya was identified as the host for the dairy centre of excellence, Uganda hosts the cassava centre of excellence while Tanzania and Ethiopia host the rice and wheat centres, respectively. The lead implementing agency for the EAAPP is the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI).

Given the foregoing, long-term solutions to regional food crises fall along the following key axis:

• Investing in regional Research and Development (R&D) activities to develop innovations and technologies that increase productivity and

Figure 2: Agro-ecological zones of Africa Source: http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/Y4176E/y4176e00.jpg

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are more resilient to climatic variability. In this regard KARI provides best practices in regional integration with its leadership of the EAAPP. Regional integration and collaboration is also exemplified by the on-going project, “Making agri-food systems work for the rural poor in Eastern and Southern Africa” funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). In this project, seven organizations in Kenya, Uganda and Malawi seek to stimulate the adaptation of pro-poor agri-food system innovations, with a focus on traditional crops of high value, as a contribution to improving food security and sustainable natural resources management. KARI is one of these seven organizations.

• Enhanced integration of regional markets and trade to facilitate distribution of food across borders using guidelines by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and EAC on removing trade and non-trade barriers and tariffs.

• Harmonization and coordination of regional food policies and responses to food crises. Regional efforts in this regard are espoused by the Eastern and Central Africa Programme for Agricultural Policy Analysis (ECAPAPA) and the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support system (ReSAAKS).

• Implementation of CAADP frameworks and plans for countries to achieve the 10% budget share on agriculture.

• Regional initiatives for large public infrastructures such as roads, rail ways and other communication infrastructure.

• Leadership and conflict prevention and resolution as envisioned in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) since most countries affected by food insecurity are also prone to conflicts.

On-going challenges and emerging issuesThe African food systems are characterized by challenges and emerging issues that regional efforts could resolve. These include:

• Transformation of the food retail sector as supermarkets become important outlets. Supplying supermarkets presents both opportunities and challenges for small scale producers who have to grapple with added investments and new practices in procurement, quality and safety standards.

• Increasing trends towards vertical integration of agricultural produce supply chains where cooperating firms control multiple steps along the production chain. The milk supply chain in Kenya is one such example.

• Contractual arrangements in the vegetable, legume and grain production systems. While such systems benefit farmers by reducing the risk of price fluctuations they pose the risk of reducing competition and limiting production choices for farmers. In

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in the East African region require the development of harmonized regional policies and common position on biotechnology, as well as legal and regulatory frameworks for food safety, trade, environmental and public health issues.

About the authorDr. Immaculate N. Maina is a Senior Research Officer within the Socio-economic and Applies Statistics Division of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

For more information: http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/publications/downloads/ericksen07-foodsystems.pdf http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/005/Y4176E/y4176e00.jpg

Figure 3: Regional co-operation organizations in Africa

Source: UNCTAD, 2009

PROJECTfocus

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adoption


adoption

Raises Food Production

Christophe Massé has significantly improved his income by growing superior varieties of indigenous fruit trees. ©Charlie Pye-Smith / World Agroforestry Centre.

in C A M E R O O N

of Agro-Forestr y

Introduction of better yielding trees, particularly fruit trees and supporting farmers to practice agro-forestry more systematically has resulted

in better productivity among farmers in Cameroon, through

support of ICRAF. The range of trees intercropped with food crops has been

increased through introduction of wild fruit trees to agro-fores

By Chris Mesiku

the World Agro-forestry Centre (ICRAF) has been encouraged by the ongoing positive reports from rural farmers who can see that the agro-forestry practices they engage in resulting in an improvement to their livelihoods.

One of the many beneficiaries is Cameroonian farmer Christophe Missé who is now growing fruit trees on his farm.

In 1999, Mr. Missé attended a training session held by the World Agro-forestry Centre in Nkolfep, Cameroon that he says changed his life. He learned techniques for developing superior varieties of indigenous fruit trees and now runs a nursery with his neighbours, selling over 7,000 seedlings per year. He has also planted hundreds of indigenous fruit trees on his farm.

Mr. Missé discovered that the economic return from his trees increase as the trees mature. This is especially true for his indigenous fruit trees which have been shown to not only produce a better yield each per area when compared with non indigenous species but are also more resilient to droughts.

In many rural settings where partial agro-forestry systems have been in operation for many years, ICRAF researchers focus on maximizing the productivity of the already existing systems by producing trees that compliment that diversity. This is done by improving the germplasm (seeds and seedlings) of certain trees to have desirable qualities like improved nitrogen fixation for better soil fertility. The work of utilising quality germplasm, maximising farm productivity and improving the market access of smallholder farmers is carried out by ICRAF’s Global Research Project.

“We ask local people which indigenous trees they value most and for what traits,” explained Zac Tchoundjeu, co-leader of ICRAF’s Global Research Project, commenting about the work of ICRAF’s Tree Domestication and Agroforestry Germplasm. “Best responses are by farmers with large, sweet fruits grown on trees that mature quickly.” In Cameroon, these species include bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), African plum (Dacryodes edulis), African nut (Ricinodendron heudelotii) and Bitter kola (Garcinia kola).

With the help of local farmers, agro-forestry scientists have identified and domesticated many varieties of

fruit trees found in forests. Tchoundjeu said “Different trees of the same species can bear fruits that are sweet or sour, large or small.” With availability of fruit bearing trees that are economically competitive Tchoundjeu added: “People become less dependent on commodity markets, and they produce a crop they can both eat and sell.”

The money Christophe Missé has earned from practising agro-forestry on his farm has contributed significantly to his livelihood. “With the money have made I have built a new house,” he said. “I can now pay for two of my children to go to private school.”

However without clear strategies for accessing markets, Christophe Missé would have had minimum gains from his fruit trees. ICRAF continuously works to create mechanisms to help smallholders access markets. Farmers who have quality forest products that are in demand in the market place help contribute to conservation. Like Missé, such farmers can directly help shape land-use change in many parts of Africa because as tree products like medicines and oils are embraced by the broader community, there is less dependence on traditional cash crops often associated with farming practises that are detrimental to ecosystems. Some of the agro-forestry trees farmers grow can rehabilitate degraded parts of Sub Saharan Africa by enhancing the nutrient cycling and organic matter in the soils.

An important factor is access to water especially during drought times. Some agro-forestry trees planted by farmers can also improve the hydrology of those farms making them less vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather. With over 3,000 species of wild fruits in Africa, local farmers can experiment and pick the best trees for their soil type and region. These species represent an enormously important and largely untapped natural resource for food security and ecological management.

When most of these species become competitive in the market place and more farmers like Christophe Massé embrace them, they will contribute significantly to alleviating food insecurity, improve environmental conservation and enhance adaptation and resilience to climate change. These trees will have transformed both the lives of rural farmers and the landscapes on which they depend.

The credits for the image should be;Christophe Massé has significantly improved his income by growing superior varieties of indigenous fruit tree. Photo: Charlie Pye-Smith / World Agroforestry Centre.


soaRing

OF sweet potato

populaRity

Demand for sweet potatoes in Kenya has soared as its popularity as a healthy food has grown. In some areas,

farmers are not able to meet demand and some are abandoning traditional staple crops to grow the potatoes.

This has in turn created more interest in the food crop among researchers to develop varieties that combine better nutritional

value with faster maturity and higher productivity.By Mwangi Mumero

IN KEN

YA


©Tony Kim

athi 2011

for Charles Muthike, a sweet potato farmer in Ndia Division in Kirinyaga County, demand for this versatile food cannot be met. “We have lorries and small traders trooping to our farms looking for ready sweet potatoes to buy and

sell to the swelling urban population. A large number of farmers in this area have switched from growing maize to fast moving sweet potatoes,” says Muthike, a father of three and a farmer at Karima, near the Nyeri - Nairobi Highway. A bag of sweet potatoes retails at Kshs. 4,500 (approximately US$50).

With rising shift toward more traditional foods and as lifestyle changes demand healthier eating habits the so called “orphan crops” such as sweet potatoes and yams have become a favourite for many health conscious urban Kenyans eager reduce consumption of “junk food.” While Central Kenya produces a small fraction of the sweet potatoes in the country, the main growing areas being western Kenya - mainly Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Homa Bay, Rachuonyo and Kisii counties, land area under sweet potato has been increasing in some parts of the province.

Sweet potato is an important cash crop in Mosocho and Suneka divisions in Kisii County. In Kisii, a 90 kg bag of sweet potatoes sells at Kshs. 5,000 (about US$55). Over the years, acreage under sweet potatoes has been rising with average yield at about 10 tons per hectare. Sweet potato is adaptable to different agro-ecological zones ranging from 0 - 2100m above sea level. It is occasionally found in altitudes of about 2400m. It thrives at average temperatures above 24°C and abundant sunshine.

The sweet potato plant requires rainfall of 750 - 1000mm per annum and a moderate soil pH of 6.0 for optimum production. It also requires well drained soil to allow root development. The growing period for the crop is three to six months depending on the variety. However during the short rains, farmers prefer varieties maturing in three months and during the long rains those maturing in six months.

Land preparationLand should be prepared to loosen the soil to make mounds of 80 cm by 30 cm and one to three vines planted per mould or on ridges of 90 – 150cm by 30 - 60cm along the ridges. Vines are used for establishment. The shoot should be cut 30cm from the growing point before planting. Cultivation of some of the newly introduced varieties currently under testing by the International Potato Center

(CIP) and the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has lead to higher yields.

Average per capita consumption of sweet potato in Kenya is about 24 kg per year with higher proportions consumed in the western parts of the country. The white skinned variety has desirable characteristics to both farmers and consumers. These include short maturity period – three to four months - high yields, moderate stability after harvesting - up to seven days - and an attractive yellow flesh.

The major disadvantage of the variety especially if grown for home consumption is that its quality deteriorates very fast when left un-harvested beyond one month after maturity. Another variety has a red skin and yellow flesh and matures within six to seven months after planting. After maturity the tubers can retain their quality for a further three to six months when left un-harvested. This variety is therefore suitable for cultivation for both home consumption and marketing as it can store relatively well after harvesting.

Nutritional valueSweet potatoes, particularly the yellow fleshed varieties, are good sources of vitamins. At the same time they yield more calories per acre than many other starchy foods. A comparison with other starchy food crops shows that sweet potato yields more calories per unit area than either maize or Irish potato and nearly as much as cassava and that its protein yield is far higher than the latter.

Despite the clear potential of the sweet potato in helping to meet its food needs, full exploitation of the crop is constrained by its bulkiness, perishable nature, low cost per unit sold, as well as low consumer acceptability. Consumers perceive it only as a snack and not as a main dish. This perception is an important barrier to increased sweet potato consumption and hence production. “Mostly, people buy potatoes to roast or boil and eat them as snacks. Few customers buy more than five pieces at a time as they are not considered a full meal even at family level,” observes Alfayo Njeri, a trader at the Kibingoti market, located along the Nyeri - Nairobi highway.


high anthocyanin content - an antioxidant - in sweet potatoes prevents cancer and aging.

According to Dr. Ted Carey sweet potato breeder from Ghana affiliated with CIP, the anthocyanins in sweet potato are easily absorbed from the digestive tract into the bloodstream, where they may have beneficial effects. Currently, in addition to field testing, CIP scientists also do laboratory tests for nutritional characteristics of these and other sweet potato clones with an aim for future multiplication. “We are evaluating nutritional components such as beta-carotene, protein, starch and dry matter, and also minerals and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and magnesium”, explains Genoveva Rossel, CIP’s sweet potato germplasm collection curator.

About the writerThe writer is a freelance journalist, he can be reached through: [email protected]


At the market, groups of mainly women traders hawk all types of foods including fruits and sweet potatoes to the thousands of road users along the busy highway. At major Kenyan urban centres, traders roasting sweet potatoes alongside maize have become a common feature.

AntioxidantsOn their part, researchers have upped the ante and identified another milestone in the nutritive value of sweet potatoes –which are seen as an important food crop in semi-arid lands across the world. According to breeders at the International Potato Center (CIP) in San Ramon, Peru, the pigmentation of the purple fleshed sweet potato varieties is due to the presence of anthocyanins. Studies from Kansas State University have revealed that two of these anthocyanins contain properties inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the human colon. The

A farmer weeding sweet potatoes in Kabete

©Tony Kim

athi 2011

OPENcolumn

as food security situation worsens in East Africa, some smallholder farmers in Western Kenya are still feeding their families on maize they harvested last year, thanks to ongoing implementation programme of research findings

to revive the fertility of soils in the region.

According to David Mbakaya, a soil scientist at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), early findings from an ongoing research have so far established that soils in Western Kenya have become too acidic for maize production due to climatic factors and overuse of nitrogenous fertilisers. “From field trials, we have discovered that the average Potential of

Leucaena pods.

Long term and repeated use of nitrogen based fertilizers in the maize growing zones of Western Kenya has resulted in high soil acidity reducing farm yields for the crop. Recent introduction of the use of lime to reduce soil acidity has resulted in dramatic improvement in maize yield.

By Isaiah Esipisu

Soil liming IMpROvES maize Yieldin Western Kenya


Hydrogen (pH) levels in soils within the region stands at 4.5 – meaning that such soils can hardly support maize growing,” said Mr. Mbakaya.Scientifically, the neutral pH level is supposed to stand at seven on the pH scale. At that level, it means that it is neither acidic nor alkaline. Anything below seven is acidic, and above that is alkaline. However, maize can withstand mild soil acidity ranging from 6.5 to 5.5. But this has to be controlled because alkaline soils that measure anything beyond 7.5 on the pH scale will ruin the crop as well.

To solve the situation, research scientists through the KARI – Kakamega Branch with funding from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) are encouraging farmers to neutralise their soils using lime - a soil additive made from pulverized limestone or chalk which is cheaply available in Kenya. “I have tried liming my land for two seasons, and the results are astounding,” said Isaac Ochieng Okwanyi, a 29 year old father of two, who settled for farming after he was evicted from Nairobi’s Mathare Slum in 2008 following the post election violence in Kenya. “Just like any other young man, I thought that working in the city was the best way of earning a living. But after I lost everything during the violence, I decided to stay back home and try my luck in farming,” said Okwanyi who hails from Nyangera village in Siaya County.

Using part of the six acres of land he inherited from his father, Okwanyi embarked on growing maize on three acres using the same phosphorous and ammonium fertilisers his parents had been using for years. “In that season, I harvested two 90 kilogramme bags of maize from each acre, half of which I sold since I needed some money, and the rest served as food for my family and my parents for three months,” he said.

However, in 2009, his farm was selected for liming trials by the KARI team of researchers because of its easy accessibility by the researchers and other community members who might be keen to learn from it. “I gave them a half an acre for trials. But the entire community including myself were very sceptical because we did not believe that what looked like cement (lime) could change anything,” said Okwanyi.

But upon harvesting in the trial phase, the villagers got convinced that there was a huge difference by looking at the results from control lines (lines where lime was not applied) and trial lines (where lime was applied). As a result, in 2010 Okwanyi tried liming on two acres of his land while at the same time applying traditionally used fertilisers. “Indeed, it rained as expected. And from what I saw, I can attest that I have never seen such a big harvest in this community,” he said.


round the year. But according to Dr Marin Odendo, the Senior Research Officer - Socio-economics and Statistics Division at KARI, the region imports food for six months every year.

“Most of the farmers in Kakamega are smallholder farmers. Yet this should not be the case because there is growing evidence that smallholder farmers hold key to the world’s food security,” said Dr Odendo. But he is confident that with the ongoing research, there will be a huge increase in terms of harvest in the near future.

About the writerIsaiah Esipisu is a science writer based in Nairobi. E-mail: [email protected]

From each of the two acres, he harvested 16 bags, totalling 32 bags of maize from two acres, which was far higher than the four bags he had harvested from the same land in the previous season. “The proof of my last year’s harvest is evident. I have since moved from a tiny grass thatched house to a nice semi permanent house,” he said pointing to a new house which he says he constructed using proceeds from the harvest.

Together with five other farmers who had made huge harvests, the group created a grain bank at the Sega market, where they have been withdrawing small portions of the grain for domestic use. “We created this bank because of security reasons. With the biting hunger at the moment, it is possible for people to break into our semi permanent houses in order to steal maize,” he said.

So far, he has two bags remaining for his domestic consumption, while his next harvest – now on three acres of land is only a few weeks away. “When we started trials for liming in 2009, we had 44 farmers in the program. But after the first field trial phase, the number has grown to 5000, where 3000 are from Northern Kakamega in Western Province and 2000 from Siaya both in Western Kenya.

However, before any farmer considers liming as an option, it is important to have soil samples from their farm tested in a certified laboratory in order to analyse the level of acidity, so as to determine the amount of lime needed to neutralise it depending on the crop they desire to grow.

The four major reasons as to why soils become acidic include rainfall and leaching, use of acidic parent material, organic matter decay, and harvest of high-yielding crops.

Experts say that high soil acidity occurs when ammonia based fertiliser materials are applied to the soil. “In reality, nitrogen fertilizers increase soil acidity by increasing crop yields. This happens when there is an increase in the amount of basic elements being removed from the soil as nutrients,” said Mbakaya.

Western Kenya is one of the regions in the country with stable rainfall all


ALIN scores a first in winning coveted global accolade stamping its authority in pioneering the use of ICTs to empower remote arid lands communities with knowledge and information, transforming their livelihoods.

By Noah Lusaka

All-round excitement as ALIN wins

Global Knowledge Award

in a development that marked the global recognition of the organisation’s work, ALIN was declared the 2011 winner of the prestigious and highly competitive Access to Learning Award (ATLA) given annually by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The timing of the award was highly

significant for ALIN coming as it did at the time when the organization was celebrating its 10th Anniversary since it started operations in East Africa.

The Award was announced at an event held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 during the International Federation of Library Associations meeting at a ceremony presided over by Deborah Jacobs, Director of the Global Libraries initiative at the (BMGF). ALIN was recognised for taking advantage of the benefits of ICTs to empower arid lands communities by locating Maarifa (Knowledge) centres in remote arid lands across East Africa and providing free access to information resources, including the internet and library


STORKSTORy



TECHNICALnote

indigenous milk preservation technology among the Kalenjin of Kenya


By Bett Kipsang

Kenya is famous for its world conquering athletes who transverse the globe bringing in medals and cash prizes. The Kalenjin community from the Rift Valley is famous for giving returning champions a drink of

traditionally fermented milk known as Mursik from a colourful gourd or sotet.

Origin of MursikMursik technology originates from the Kalenjin community for whom milk is a staple diet. The community developed the unique milk preservation technology using indigenous tree species about 300 years ago. The technology evolved as a result of the need to avoid wastage by preserving and storing excess milk for use during the dry season.

Mursik preparation Milk treatment is traditionally the preserve of women; however men do sometimes practice the art. Extreme care must be taken during the gourd preparation and milk fermentation processes and high hygiene standards must be observed to avoid potential food poisoning.

Depending on the availability of milk, a large quantity of Mursik can be prepared at once or alternatively small quantities of milk can be poured into a prepared gourd on a daily basis until it is full. The fermented milk provides the culture for the new milk and accelerates the process of ripening. The flavour of mursik is determined by various factors including the quality of milk used, technique of cleaning the gourd, time taken before the milk is served, and to some extent the tree species used to treat the gourd. Factors determining the quality of a cows’ milk include: stage of lactation; cow breed and; the cow’s diet.

Materials and Tools for Making Mursik

• Gourd (preferably dry), fresh one can also do so long as it is fully ripe.

• Sharp machete or large knife

• Palm tree branches

• Cow urine

• Clean water

• Dry ash


• A piece of cow hide

• Several dry sticks from a milk preserving tree species (preferably Cassia didymobotrya)

• A bow shaped palm stick (sosiot) without bristles

• Fire

• Milk in a clean container with a lid

• Water

Steps in Making Mursik

1) Cutting the gourd: Cut the top of the gourd systemically using the machete or knife. Remove the seeds and pour a mixture of water and ash into the gourd. Cork the gourd and put it aside for a few days. Pour out the water in readiness for cleaning and treating the gourd.

2) Cleaning the gourd: Take some branches of the palm tree and hit them on a firm surface such as a tree trunk until the edges form brush like bristles. Using the stiff bristles remove the inner lining of the new gourd in order to ensure that the milk does not acquire the bitter taste of the gourd. Pour some cow urine into the gourd and put it aside for a few days for curing and seasoning. Pour out the cow urine and use a bow shaped palm stick (sosiot) to clean the gourd again.

3) Treating the gourd: Take a few sticks from the selected milk preserving tree species and burn the tips them into charcoal. Put the burning embers inside a clean and dry gourd, shaking it to avoid burning. Using the bow shaped palm stick grind the embers by pressing them against the walls of the gourd using the sosiot in a methodical, circular in and out movement of the hand. Repeat the grinding movement until the inside of the gourd is evenly covered with fine dust. Pour out any large particles and excess coal dust and allow the gourd to cool down.

4) Preparing and treating the gourd lid: Prepare a well designed, tightly fitting lid for the gourd using animal hide/skin. Test the lid to make sure it fits tightly into the mouth of the gourd. Treat the inner side of the lid with charcoal dust using the method for cleaning and treating the gourd.

5) Milking, boiling and cooling the milk: Milk the cow and boil the fresh milk immediately. Cover the boiled milk to avoid contamination and allow it to cool down. Traditionally the cow was milked directly into a treated gourd and the milk would be mixed with some blood and stored in a cool place to ripen. However this practice has

since ceased due to a change in lifestyles and widespread awareness of the need to improve hygiene standards.

6) Fermentation: Pour the cold boiled milk into a treated gourd or sotet. Cork the gourd tightly with the treated lid. Store the Mursik in a cool dry place for about one week to allow it to ripen until it achieves the consistency of sour milk.

7) Shaking and serving the Mursik: Shake the Mursik well to ensure it has a smooth, uniform consistency. After thorough shaking, good quality Mursik is a clear liquid with a sharp taste that is almost bitter in some cases, in which white globules of butter float. Systematic tapping on the skin lid produces a popping sound, allowing excess air to escape. Mursik is best taken during the dry season or on a sunny day and served cold with hot ugali, a Kenyan staple food made of maize/corn flour, millet, sorghum, or a mixture of different types of flour.

Milk treatment and Environmental ConservationThe use of some tree species for milk preservation and flavouring is part of indigenous knowledge that also helps in conservation of biodiversity.

Cassia didymobotrya is native to Eastern Central Africa and the most preferred tree species for milk treatment.

Cassia didymobotrya is locally known by different names, for example senetwet (Kipsigis); Inyumganai (Kamba); Mwino (Kikuyu); Lubino (Luhya); Obino (Luo); Osenetoi (Maasai) and ndimu or limau (Swahili). The shrub grows well near cattle bomas (sheds) especially near decomposed cow dung. It prefers well-drained soils, can withstand occasional drought and is propagated through seeds, which readily germinate. Its leaves are evergreen with elliptic to oval leaflets and yellow ornamental flowers, which appear for prolonged periods in warm climates (Mureithi, 1997). Animals rarely feed on cassia leaves; therefore it has a survival rate of almost 100 percent.

Other tree species used for milk preservation Other tree species used for Mursik preparation are: Lantana kitu (Muokiot), Olea afrikana (Emitiot) Rhus natalensis (Natal Rhus), Olea capensis, Acacia meansii and Prunus Africana’ among others.

ConclusionMilk is a locally available and easily accessible commodity and value addition through the use of Mursik technology has proved highly successful. Adoption of Mursik technology by non-pastoralist communities has introduced the element of its commercialization as a viable source of income for livestock farmers.

As a valuable tree species Cassia didymobotrya deserves the attention of researchers to ensure its conservation and to explore its anti-bacterial effects, among other useful characteristics. There is need to preserve gourd planting, cutting and cleaning technology since gourds are cheap and easily accessible, making them an ideal storage containers for farmers.

About the writerBett Charles Kipsang is ALIN’s Field Officer, Ng’arua Maarifa Center. Tel: +254 720 857 718; Email: [email protected] or [email protected].

References:1. Farmer initiated research and extension by william Mureithi.2. Internet: http://www.plantzafrica.com3. Personal observation and background knowledge.

BAOBAB ISSUE 63 SEPTEMBER 201122 BAOBAB ISSUE 63, SEPTEMBER 2011 23

GUESTcolumn

BAOBAB ISSUE 63 SEPTEMBER 201122 BAOBAB ISSUE 63, SEPTEMBER 2011 23

The Baobab’s Anthony Mugo spoke to Mr. David Nyantika, the National Training Coordinator of the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP) about government policies and plans to boost food security. The following are excerpts from that interview.

the Role of geospatial teCHnologies in livelihood and natural Resourcesmanagement: PES Analysis

Knowing this, what are you in government doing?The Government has stepped up efforts to harness the potential of ASALs by investing directly in water harvesting starting with 30 of the old ASAL districts. Other measures are pasture improvement and promotion of alternative livelihoods such as bee keeping, dairy goats and production of gums and resins.

At the policy level, the continued holding of large tracts of idle land by individuals has contributed to reduced agricultural production in Kenya. As such radical measures are required particularly to bring about land consolidation through which communities must be compelled to move to concentrated settlement areas to free up land for food production. This will require a determined and focused reform of the land tenure system.

Recently the debate about genetically modified organisms (GMO) has arisen with some supporting introduction of GMOs while others are opposed. What in your opinion is the issue with GMOs?Personally and as a scientist, I support the use of biotechnology to improve food production and to bring about food security in Kenya. Biotechnology, particularly conventional plant and animal breeding, has been used in Kenya for many years. In GMO technology manipulation is done inside the cell to change gene sequences and therefore alter the genetic codes of crops and animals. The body is programmed to digest and process nutrients found in foods that humans and

What does the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension programme (NALEp) do?As a government programme, NALEP is funded by the Government of Kenya with support from Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) to facilitate extension services to the Kenyan public. NALEP works on a premise of creating a platform for efficient delivery of extension services and creating demand for the services. We facilitate government and other extension service providers to pass available technical information to beneficiaries. Demand for such services is higher than supply, particularly as more inhabitants of arid and semi arid lands (ASALs) take up agriculture.Being aware of the critical role of agriculture and livestock in food security, the government through NALEP, is determined to use more innovative means of supporting beneficiaries in production, value addition and marketing of agricultural produce. For example, we have been creating specialised groups known as Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs) to help beneficiaries produce, add value and market their produce in a manner that maximises their returns. A recent study conducted by Egerton University indicated that NALEP’s intervention has resulted in the improvement of production of maize by between 100 to 150 per cent in Nyanza and Coast Provinces.

Why then do we still have perennial famines in Kenya?We have not maximised the potential of food production in the arid and semi arid lands (ASALs). Surprisingly, all that is needed is water. ASALs have richer soils, and due to higher prevailing temperatures, crops mature faster and yield better than they do in the high and mid rainfall areas of east Africa. The other reason is that our farmers do not use the recommended levels of fertilizer and certified seeds. Importantly, Kenyans have a very limited choice of eating habits and seem to believe that only a maize-based diet can sustain them. As such, shortage of maize is perceived as famine even if the country has adequate supply of alternatives such as potatoes, cassava, sorghum, millet and bananas. As a result of the high emphasis on maize production, many areas which would otherwise be most suitable for growing other crops such as sorghum and millet are not optimally utilised. Other reasons for perennial famine are poor infrastructure for delivering agricultural produce to the market, poor access to extension services and high cost of inputs particularly fertiliser and certified seeds.


animals consume. GMO has the ability to introduce nutrients and chemical products that may be “alien” and not be easily processed by humans or animals. It is quite possible that the inability to digest such nutrients could lead to their getting deposited in body tissues with undesirable health consequences. In some cases, such “foreign” ingredients might trigger immune responses leading to allergic reactions.

Many who are opposed to unplanned introduction of GMO food are concerned about the fact that the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) does not have the capacity to analyse GMOs from other countries and inform consumers about extra components that have been introduced in GMOs. This denies the consumer the right to make a choice about what they would be consuming. I am aware that certain countries produce GMO food purely for export. Do we have the advanced facilities required for thorough and conclusive testing of GMOs? To me the answer to that question is in the negative. As a consumer I have not seen the information I would need from KEPHIS to enable me to feel comfortable consuming GMO maize for example. Consumers must have that information in order for them to make informed choice as to whether or not to consume GMOs.

Small scale farmers have been described as the cornerstone of food security in Kenya and possibly east Africa, would you agree with this position?I would agree. However, I think there are a number of policy and technical aspects that need to be addressed in order to maximise crop and livestock production by small scale farmers. For example, it does not make sense to set aside one acre for growing of tea if a farmer owns only two acres of land. One acre of tea cannot produce enough green leaf to make economic sense. In my view, small holder farmers need to be supported with timely and usable information and to be able to access sufficient inputs particularly appropriate seeds and fertiliser. This support should be in form of small loans that are payable with proceeds from their farms.

Malawi provides a good example. Upon taking office, President Bingu wa Mutharika introduced the so called “Magic Bag”. This was a package given to each


maize farmer containing, in sufficient quantities, high quality seed, fertiliser and a legume (nitrogen fixing) crop seeds. The bags were given as grants and farmers were expected to repay after harvesting their maize crop. On its part, the Malawi government committed to buy excess maize from the farmers. Through this intervention, Malawi became a net maize exporter.

Does the Government have a role in linking farmers to markets?I am a strong believer that access to market should begin at the grassroots. Every county government should have a well developed market infrastructure. Farmers should begin by exploiting those markets before going for distant and export markets. The colonial government appears to have figured that out because it required market centres to be established within a given average distance from neighbouring settlements.

County governments should also invest in small-scale agriculture commodities processing of say fruits to juices and bananas, potatoes and cassava to crisps or even floor. This is beginning to happen in some areas. A good example is the current plan by the Government to set up a factory to process rabbit meat at Thika. The Government should enable more farmers to access greenhouse technology in order to grow horticultural crops for the export market. Country governments should also undertake agricultural market surveys aimed at informing farmers about agricultural products that are in high demand at local and international markets. Access to information provided by the National Agriculture Farmers’ Information System (NAFIS) should be broadened through the use of modern ICTs.

In your opinion, is food security affected by conflict?Conflict affects all aspects of production and food security is no exception. Whenever there are high levels of poverty and food insecurity, conflict becomes inevitable. More broadly, people do not invest in places that that are unstable and where future peace and tranquillity is unpredictable.

About the writerMr. Nyantika is the training coordinator, National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP), Kenya affiliated to the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Visit http://www.nalep.co.ke/


private sector promotes

Private dairy companies are stepping in to supplement government agencies in efforts to raise the quality of the dairy herd in east Africa. Kenya’s leading milk processing firm, Brookside Dairy has pioneered this trend with increasing success and impact. By Oliver Mbandi

improved dairy Breeding in east africa

in an increasingly common trend at backward integration, agribusinesses in east Africa are getting involved in influencing the supply of their raw materials by working with farmers to ensure good quality stock of livestock are reared to supply products such as milk and

meat for further processing. A good example of this trend is in Kenya where, giant milk processing firm Brookside Dairy has made the Brookside Livestock Breeders’ Show and Sale (BLBSS) an annual and increasingly popular event.

As company, Brookside Dairy has grown rapidly over the past decade to curve out 3 per cent of the Kenya Dairy market for itself. This followed the

collapse of Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) in 1997 and difficulties that have dogged the resurgence of the state-owned milk processing firm which has since been rebranded as New KCC. Brookside Dairy has full-fledged operations in Tanzania and Uganda in and hence has the largest dairy farmers’ network, milk collection and storage capacity in the region.

The Livestock Breeders’ Show co-sponsored annually by Brookside Dairy and the Agricultural Society of Kenya has drawn the attention of the government as its stature has risen over the years. This year for example, non-other than the Vice President of Kenya, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka officiated at the opening of the show. In his remarks, he noted: “The Brookside Livestock Breeders’ Show and Sale has helped take


private sector promotes improved dairy Breeding in east africa ©

Victor muisyo 2011

livestock breeding from scientists and the wealthy, to ordinary farmers across east Africa.” He challenged east African animal scientists, breeders, industrialists, livestock farmers and entrepreneurs to improve the breeds of dairy cows in order to increase milk yield and with it earnings and improved livelihoods for rural households.

According to a recent report issued by Technoserve a regional agriculture-focused NGO, the dairy industry in Kenya has been growing rapidly over the last decade, driven by increased yield per cow . Kenya’s yield per cow however remains low by global standards at 564 kg per year compared to South Africa’s 2,500 to 3,500 kg per cow per year and the USA’s 9,000 kg per cow per year.

One of the key reasons for this low production capacity has been cited as poor breeding practices. According to the Kenya Dairy Board , the bulk of Kenya’s dairy herd has relatively low genetic base due to years of inbreeding and use of unproven bulls. This lowers potential productivity. At the same time, artificial insemination is not widely used. The Dairy Board estimates that only 140,000 inseminations were done in 2004 with most farmers citing high cost as the reason they do not seek the services.

With emphasis on the improvement of the dairy herd breeds in east Africa, initiatives such as the Brookside Dairy Breeders’ Show and Sale are contributing towards not only improved household food security but also increasing income as well.

How

to w

ater

IntroductionThe Baobab is a quarterly magazine that is published in March, June, September and December. Every issue has a theme that guides the topic one can write on. Topics for 2011:

March: Youth & Farming

June: Trees & Farming

September: Regional Food Systems

December: Land Issues

How to WriteKnow what you are writing about in advance and think clearly, carefully reflecting on:

• WHATwastheinitialcontextandwhatwerethedifficulties faced?

• WHATwerethereasonsfortheapproachtakentoimprove the situation?

• HOWdidtheygoaboutitandwhotooktheinitiative?

• WHENdidallthishappen,andtowhatextentwasthetiming important?

• WHAThappenedasaresult?

• WHYdiditworkoutasitdid?(Weappreciateopinions/analysis/conclusions relevant to field level, as well as recommendations for policy makers).

• WHEREdidtheactiontakeplace?

please Ensure that You1) Thoroughly read the call for articles and check that

the article fits well with the theme being covered.

2) Explain any terms or ideas that may not be understood in every part of the world.

3) Acknowledge all sources and references used.

4) Explain any abbreviations used.

Full editorial support is provided. As the articles go through a rigorous editorial process, authors are usually requested to provide additional information or clarifications. We would therefore rather have too much information than too little in the first draft!

Format1. Articles should be about 700 to 1000 words (one,

two or three-page articles) and should be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected] as a word document attachment.

2. Include no more than five references. Each reference should include title, year of publication, name of author, and publisher.

3. Please provide a current contact address at the bottom of the article. This will also be published in the magazine. We would also appreciate a contact phone number for our own use.

The editor reserves the right to decide whether or not to publish an article or contribution after receipt of the first full draft. Articles that are accepted will be edited to the Baobab house style and shortened if necessary. Contributions edited in this way will be returned to the authors for approval before publication. Articles accepted for publication in the Baobab may be chosen for translation in any of the six regional editions. We will endeavour to inform authors if their article appears in other editions.

photosPictures speak volumes. Two to four pictures relevant to what you have written must accompany your article.

Illustrations, drawings, or maps are also welcomed. Please provide the name of the photographer or artist. Please ensure the photos or illustrations are of suitable quality.

Send the pictures as attachments in jpeg format of at least 300kb and above. Also remember to include a caption outlining the people or activity in the picture.

Creative Commons LicensePlease note that we use the “Creative Commons License Attribution non-commercial share alike 3.0 unported’’ policy regarding copyright. We encourage free and open exchange of information. As such readers and authors are encouraged to copy and circulate articles from the Baobab quoting the source. In addition, this means that we may use submitted photos or text in our other publications. We will try to contact you and credit your work in accordance with the license.

Baobab magazine



Call for articlesCall for articlesRegional food systems

The current and impending food crises are increasing pressures on the ownership of land and its use for agriculture. What are the implications of this for family farmers? Land grabs cause large scale migration, poverty and conflict – not to mention environmental impacts. Biodiversity decreases when small family farms are replaced by mono-crops treated with pesticides and fertilizers. Small-scale farmers have little power to farm sustainably if they don’t have control over land: secure access to land is a prerequisite for farmers to invest in sustainable agriculture. Land grabs give rise (directly or indirectly) to other issues, the rights of pastoralists, ethnic or political conflicts, and can also threaten protected areas.

The key question is: who has the rights to land, or to determine what happens to it? In some countries, the central government is the main decision making authority over land issues, while in others this control is delegated to local authorities, or traditional leaders. Land policies can undermine collective land management, as land is divided up and allocated to individuals. Farmers are often excluded from land planning processes: they are overruled by local leaders or removed from their land without warning. Also among farmers, some have more access to, control over and rights to land than others. Minority groups, for example, including the indigenous population, often have less power over land. The same is true in many societies for women, who have less influence when it comes to decision making and ownership. How can (all) farmers be included in all decision-making processes?

We will examine these issues exploring how farmers, development organisations, researchers and policy makers think about them and what lessons are to be drawn from them.

We welcome articles on this topic including pictures and suggestion of other people, experts or organisations that can contribute for this Baobab. Pictures must be 300KB and above and in jpeg format.

Forward articles to the editor: [email protected] by November 31, 2011.

Why ALIN 3!

ALIN 3 reflects the phases that ALIN has undergone since 2000 when it started operations in East Africa. The first 5 years were spent in setting up systems for the network and bringing the network closer to the people. The following 5 years were spent on development of partnerships and testing technologies for information and knowledge delivery. ALIN 3 will be based on the 3 pillars that will make knowledge work for the poor as explained below.

Enabling accessEnabling access will involve strengthening the existing infrastructure made of Maarifa centres as points of engagement of communities and the technology infrastructure constituting ICT equipment and deployment of field workers.

Knowledge creationCreating knowledge will involve interacting with beneficiaries in the field to better understand their information needs and then ensuring that needed information is provided in a timely manner and in formats and languages that will make it usable. Best practices and indigenous knowledge coming from communities will also be captured and shared widely.

EmpowermentEmpowering communities will involve working with arid lands communities to facilitate them to adopt agriculture, livestock and natural resource management best practices that will enable them to maximise their production in a sustainable manner.

What will change in ALIN 3?Information will be provided according to demand by users. ALIN will work more closely with other partners such as those involved in civic education to support the holistic empowerment of arid lands communities and reduce their marginalisation. There will be a more systematic and sustained extension support from Maarifa centres to increase adoption of new agriculture and livestock rearing technologies and practices that enable arid lands communities to adapt to climate change.

Fruits and nuts species with potential for Tanzania

Fruits and nuts are essential in the diets of people all over the world. This handbook presents 40 indigenous and exotic species that have

untapped potential for increased production, trade and use. Although the species selection is based on Tanzania,

the content is relevant for the whole of eastern Africa.

The books focuses on commercial production rather than subsistence. It emphasizes techniques

to produce good quality fruits and nuts that can be sold and fetch good prices. It outlines techniques for

propagating and planting, gives options for processing produce of each species and tells how to deal with pests

and diseases.

The nutritional value of the species is well covered. This book is useful for extension agents and educational

institutions. It will also be of value for planners, project leaders, local leaders, commercial enterprises for anyone

wishing to promote increased production, sale and use of fruits and nuts.

Book Reviews


The impacts of fodder trees on milk production and income among smallholder dairy farmers in East Africa and the role of research

This occasional paper series is meant to demonstrate the effects of fodder shrubs on milk production and their value at the household and regional level and the contribution of research towards strengthening the impact of fodder shrubs.

The study is a synthesis of previous studies related to dissemination, adoption and impact combined with two new analyses, one quantitatively measuring the impact of the shrubs and the other a qualitative analysis to better understand constraints on adoption and gender issues related to participation and control of benefits from fodder shrubs. Among the study findings are that fodder shrubs have been widely adopted in East Africa, by an estimated 205,000 smallholder dairy farmers by 2005.

Copies of the two publications can be obtained by contacting the communications unit

World Agroforestry CentreP.O. Box 30677 00100,Nairobi, Kenya.Tel: +254 207224000E-mail: [email protected]


From Our

Readers

Kindly visit www.alin.net and download a copy.

Editor

Dear Editor,Greetings from Matumaini. Thank you for your Interest in our centre. With my neighbour who represents Matumaini on the Agricultural committee in Molo, we are grateful for receiving Baobab. At this time our special interest is in drought resistant crops. I have lived in this area for many years and it seems to be getting drier and drier. Most people around here own or rent small plots of land usually under half a hectare. Maize is the main crop grown with a small amount of beans and potatoes. Do you please bear any suggestions on what crop can do well in this area?Thank you

Miss G. Scott Kellie (Founder)Matumaini Rehabilitation Centrep.O BOX 62-20106MOLO

We would suggest you contact the local District Agriculture Officer of the area to recommend the right crops for the area.

Editor

Dear EditorI appreciate the great ideas we get from reading Baobab 62 on Trees and Farming I have liked the use of Prosopis tree which has more benefits than I thought. In Magadi, we only use it for animal feeding and rehabilitating saline areas. We learned on other benefits people from Marigat are reaping from the same resource and we recognize the need to apply the same since we have more than enough trees and we also need to control its spread.

Julius KasifuTuko disabled coordinator, Magadi division Nguruman maarifa centre.

Dear Editor,I have just read the June issue of the Baobab on Trees and Farming and I found it to very interesting. I saw on the section of themes that in the December edition you intend to cover land issues. Depending on the angle that the issue will take, I would wish to contribute an article. Kindly supply me with the breakdown of this thematic area so that my planned article can fall in line with the issue, because land is a very wide subject area.

polycarp Otienopart Time small scale farmer, Western Kenya

Dear Mr. OtienoWe are encouraged by your willingness to write an article for the December issue of Baobab. Please refer to the Call for Articles section of this issue for guidance in the areas of focus for the articles. We will look forward to the article.

Editor

Dear Sir/Madam,I am an agricultural extension officer tasked with disseminating information to farmers and Farmer groups in Loitokitok District in Kenya. I learnt about this magazine from CTA’s Spore magazine No.153. Relevant information on agricultural technologies, rural development, water, agro forestry, livestock and any other extension related information is very key to our career and would very much be proud to associate with you in working together to trickle down information to empower farmers. I look forward to receiving the regular copies of Baobab magazines. Thanks in advance.

Silas k. Kipng’etichp.O. Box 50, 00209,Loitokitok, Kenya

Dear Silas,Thank for these encouraging comments and the good work you are doing supporting farmers in Loitoktok. The easiest way to get Baobab is through ALIN’s website www.alin.net. We will also be happy to send you an electronic copy. You can also obtain a free hard copy from our offices.

Editor

Dear Editor,I have seen the Baobab magazine information in the Spore magazine of June - July No.153.I have got an interest in it; I would like to apply for the subscription.Kindly send copies.

Myson S.SobeDistrict Agricultural & Livestock OfficeDear Mysonp.O. BOX 94,MBOZI.TANZANIA

Baobab is published by ALIN with support from ileia - The Centre for learning on sustainable agriculture. ALIN and ileia are members of AgriCultures, a global network of organisations that share knowledge and provide information on small-scale, sustainable agriculture worldwide.

August 2011 was a sad month during which Africa and indeed the entire world lost an ardent crusader for environmental conservation as well as peace and winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize following the death of Prof. Wangari Maathai. We publish the quotes below in her memory.

“It’s really amazing. You plant a seed; it germinates and looking so fragile, and within a very short time it becomes a huge tree. It gives you shade and if it’s a fruit tree it gives you fruit… to build and transforms lives… We want to see many Africans planting trees. There is absolutely no excuse to stop desertification because this is something that is doable and cheap.”

“The environment and the economy are really both two sides of the same coin. You cannot sustain the economy if you don’t take care of the environment because we know that the resources that we use whether it is oil, energy, land … all of these are the basis in which development happens. And development is what we say generates a good economy and puts money in our pockets. If we cannot sustain the environment, we cannot sustain ourselves.”

“It is evident that many wars are fought over resources which are now becoming increasingly scarce. If we conserved our resources better, fighting over them would not then occur…so, protecting the global environment is directly related to securing peace…those of us who understand the complex concept of the environment have the burden to act. We must not tire, we must not give up. We must persist.”

Documents

Baobab Mag 63