Page ECOSDEP · Garlic: Garlic has antifeedant (insect stop feeding), insecticidal, nematicidal and repellent properties. Garlic is reportedly effective against a wide range of insects

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Ecosdep Vol 1 Issue 1; 2018 March-April

If you have more thoughts, ideas, suggestions and experiences that you would like to share with us,

please send them to COSDEP, P.O Box 132-00621, Nairobi or email us at [email protected]

ECOSDEPINCREASING AND MAINTAINING FARM

PRODUCTIVITY ACROSS (DRY & RAINY) SEASONS

ffective organic practices provide an efficient solution to the problem of irregular agricultural

productivity among small scale farmers. The farmer has the ability to control farm yields even

in the event of drastic climate and weather changes.

Wabomba W. G. Practice the following sustainable organic farming techniques to realize stable farm

yields in both dry and rainy seasons.

MANTAINING YIELDS DURING RAINY SEASON

Furrowing

In order to avoid flooding and water logging during heavy rains, the farmer is advised to make furrows in their crop fields. However, the furrows should not be too steep or straight to avoid soil

erosion. Also the furrows should be filled with rocks at intervals of 10 meters to ensure that nutrients

are not carried away by flowing water. The farmer is required to position the crops along the ridges

formed by the furrows to enhance nutrient uptake and water usability.

Effective furrowing

Since no water should be wasted, it is advisable for the farmer to redirect water from furrows to the collection center. This water can be stored and supplied again to crops during dry season through this

furrows hence furrow irrigation. The farmer is able to realize regular yield because the crops have

been removed out of excessive water for proper aeration.

Green terracing

Terracing is vital for controlling soil erosion and enabling effective farming on very steep grounds

such as mountains or hills. In this case farmers are supposed to divide their sloping land into successive receding flat surfaces (staircase-like). The aim is to avoid soil erosion as well as loss of

important nutrients that could otherwise the soil fertility. The walls of the terraces should strengthened

using rooting crops such as paspalum and Napier grass. These crops help in holding the soil together

as well as slowing the rate at which nutrients are carried away by water.

E

mailto:[email protected]

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Green terraces

Theme

The theme for this issue is Increasing Farm Production through Sustainable Organic Farming.

Feature

Messages: From the Editor and Director

Environmental Issue: Maintaining Farm Productivity across Seasons Case Study: Organic Farming Knowledge Is the Basis for Small Scale Farmers’ Success

Cabbage for Income Expansion

Organic Principles: Organic Pest and Disease Control Appropriate Technologies: Improving Soil Fertility

Organizational Overview: COSDEP

Life tips: Secrets For Farm Business Success; How Top Farmers Do It

From page 1

MAINTAINING YIELDS DURING DRY SEASON

Irrigation

Water harvesting during rainy season is vital for storage of water that can be used to sustain crops

during dry season. Even though there are so many types of irrigation, drip irrigation is more convenient for small scale organic farmer. Field water efficiency for drip irrigation is 80 to 90 percent

and it delivers water at the plant’s root zone drop by drop. Therefore, with limited water supply the

farmer can water crops and leave weeds to wilt. You don’t have to undo your furrows or terraces

when laying drip irrigation system.

Drip irrigation

Croplanning

Intercropping is highly encouraged for small scale farmers because it facilitates ecological balancing.

Intercropping is required for resource partitioning, mutualism and pest management. Farmers are also

required to use cover crops especially legumes to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife in the farm. The farmer can also opt to grow

short term crops mostly those that takes just three months to mature.


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ORGANIC PESTS AND DISEASE CONTROL

Suzan │ Pest and disease management consists of a range of activities that support each other. Most

management practices are long-term activities that aim at preventing pests and diseases from affecting

a crop. The general approach in organic agriculture is to deal with the causes of a problem rather than treating the symptoms. Therefore, management is of a much higher priority than control. This

document explains organic control of natural pesticides and diseases.

These organic pests and diseases control increases farm yield because there is no use of chemicals that

reduces soil fertility. As a result, they increase soil productivity rate, helps to promote sustainability

by establishing an ecological balance.

Here is the full list of biological pest control advantages related to sustainability:

✓ Reduced toxicity of groundwater ✓ Beneficial insects are preserved

✓ Plant food nutrients are maintained at high levels

✓ More quality food ✓ No soil contamination

✓ Better soil fertility

✓ Cleaner air

There is also savings since no capital is used (unless the farmer decides to use baking soda since they have the rest) in buying the ingredients than what the small scale farmer could have used in purchasing

synthetic pests and diseases control.

Conservation pest control method has the purpose of providing good conditions for the

biological agent that is already used to the habitat and the targeted pest for extermination. These

conditions are created artificially by people so that the pest’s natural enemy can survive, reproduce and

live in a much more suitable environment.

Any form of biological pest control is better for the environment than using chemicals as a

solution. There is no water or soil contamination when organic pest control method is used. Biological

control agents that are used in IPM (integrated pest management programs) are harmless unless their

population gets out of control.

Milk has also been used against blights, mildew, mosaic viruses and other fungal and viral diseases.

Spraying every 10 days with a mixture of 1 liter of milk to 10 to 15 liters of water is effective.

Baking soda has been used to control mildew and rust diseases on plants. Spray with a mixture of 100

grams of baking or washing soda with 50 grams of soft soap. Dilute with 2 liters of water. Spray only

once and leave as long gaps as possible (several months). Do not use during hot weather and test the

mixture on a few leaves because of possible phytotoxic effects.


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Chief Editor’s message (Wabomba W Geoffrey)

elcome to the first edition of Ecosdep magazine COSDEP’S new biannual supplement designed specifically for people who want to practice small scale organic farming. Our

major goal is to create a new platform for exchange of ideas and information about

sustainable ecological agriculture. Ecosdep magazine is for readers who believe that

organic agriculture is a profitable venture and thus must be embraced by every Kenyan bearing in mind that agriculture is the backbone of our country’s economy. Organic agriculture is not just

relevant for basic food but rather it is the foundation for a healthy nation as a result of consumption of

nutritious food products. Future scope of the magazine is open to your suggestions. We look forward to receive responses on the topic of interest to you so that our capable team of experts can provide

evidence based researched answers.

By enhancing farm productivity, there is no doubt that ecological agriculture will create

employment especially for the youths. Increased agricultural yields also encourage innovation among

Kenyans thus opening networks with international world players. Ecosdep magazine will not enable

small scale farmers not just to value life but it will also empower them to add value to life by encouraging them to be environmentally conscious. We understand that by increasing and sustaining

your yields you will serve as an example for the young generation to appreciate organic farming as a

normal career. Our aim is to see you not just realize increased yields but also to enable you leave

behind a legacy that will make your lineage proud that you lived before them.

Message from the Executive Director (Stanley N Kinyanjui)

Ever since the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers and land intensification become a norm,

soil fertility has a decline curve leading to reduction in crop production. In the recent past, maize

production in high potential areas in Kenya has declined from approximately 15 bags per hectare to less than 5 bags. The use of inorganic farming has not only negatively impacted on crop production

but also on environmental pollutions. This decline puts the country in dire food security problems and

threat to environmental sustainability hence, need for urgent interventions.

W

Develop the habit of reading because

every plant and

animal is a complicated

organism


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Towards off the present and future challenges, we must first take it upon ourselves to promote practice that secure the present need of farmers while protecting sustainability of our environment to

support livelihood of future generations. In line with this, we have endeavored ourselves in promoting

organic agricultural practices. The benefits of these practices to farmers are worth noticing. Organic

farming does not only improve crop production but also sustain soil fertility for longer periods relatively to conventional methods. Farmers also stand better chances of securing high returns to

investment because Organic Farming is comparatively cheaper since most of the inputs required are

readily and locally available. Again, the produce is recommended for healthy eating habits since they don’t contain any chemicals. Last but not least, Organic Farming promotes safer and healthier living

environments.

In reference to above importance of Organic Farming, we wish to encourage farmers to adopt

this practice in order to reap from their agricultural endeavors. In our pursuits, we acknowledge the

fact that promotion of Organic practices calls for converted efforts from all stakeholders.

From page 2

ORGANIC PESTS AND DISEASE CONTROL cont;

Garlic: Garlic has antifeedant (insect stop feeding), insecticidal, nematicidal and repellent properties.

Garlic is reportedly effective against a wide range of insects at different stages in their life cycle (egg, larvae, adult). This includes ants, aphids, armyworms, diamondback moth, whitefly, wireworm and

termites. Garlic is non-selective, has a broad-spectrum effect and can kill beneficial insects as well.

Therefore, it should be used with caution.

Fruit bagging Cut old newspapers to fruit size and double the layers, as single layers break apart

easily. Fold and sew or staple the sides and bottom of the sheets to make a rectangular bag. Blow in the bag to inflate it. Insert one fruit polyester or any transparent material then close the bag and firmly

tie the top end of the bag with sisal string, wire and banana fiber or coconut midrib. Push the bottom

of the bag upwards to prevent fruit from touching the bag. For example, start bagging the mango fruit 55 to 60 days from flower bloom or when the fruits are about the size of a chicken egg. When using

plastic bags (e.g. with bananas), open the bottom or cut a few small holes to allow moisture to dry up.

Moisture trapped in the plastic bags damages and/or promotes fungal and bacterial growth that causes diseased fruits. Plastic also overheats the fruit. Bags made of dried plant leaves are good alternatives

to plastic.

Bagging

ORGANIC FARMING KNOWLEDGE IS THE BASIS FOR SMALL

SCALE FARMERS’ SUCCESS IN INCREASING YIELDS Case study by

Jackline


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Mr. Makara’s Wife (Suzan) watering their healthy cabbages.

Samuel Makara a farmer from Pedgree Breeders Farmers Group at Kiria-ini area, in

Lari Sub-county, in Kiambu County, situated near Orthodox Church, is a beneficiary of COSDEP on training of organic farming. He has faced a lot of challenges on farming

because before learning about organic farming he was using monocropping, chemical fertilizers and

pesticides. He puts more effort on farming and since he is not employed he depends on farming as a

way of generating income. He has demonstrated that learning and putting the learned knowledge into

practice is the secret behind success.

From the first time I met him Mr. Makara showed interest on improving his farming knowledge. Earlier, he was only growing vegetables using synthetic fertilizers and as a result the soil

lost its fertility and production automatically reduced. Unfortunately, he could repeatedly spend a lot

of money buying pesticides to control diseases but in most cases they failed to work due to pests and

diseases resistance.

Since he lacked knowledge on manure management from his three cows, he used to carry the

wet dung and put it directly on farm. Eventually, due to direct sunlight it would dry making it less

beneficial to his crops as the required gases (nitrogen) could evaporate. Mr. Makara also had

inadequate knowledge on the feeding regime and socialization necessary for animal husbandry, hence

creating no friendship resulting into low milk production.

After attending several trainings, Mr. Makara thought of putting the learned knowledge into practice

and see whether he could improve on his production. Slowly, he started improving his soils by buying

goats manure and incorporating it into the farm. Then managing his cow dung and using it back on

farm through different forms i.e. manure (fertilizer), top dresser and foliar feed.

Mr.


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On the first month, there was very small change but he never gave up rather he worked harder to attain success. Later he realized substantial improvement in production of both crops and dairy. Mr.

Makara happily says, “Since I learnt about organic farming, am able to care for my livestock through

using herbal concoction to treat various diseases like mastitis, hence saving some money that I could

have paid to a veterinary doctor.” He affirms that he is now able to educate his children both in secondary schools and colleges, because his crops are doing well especially indigenous vegetables

and thus he sells them at higher prices.

After attaining knowledge on animal husbandry, Mr. Makara has improved the livestock

welfare of his dairy cows and also the feeding regime. He states, “Since I know something on fodder management am planning to use the knowledge I learnt to prepare my own dairy meal using protein

seeds, leguminous, carbohydrates and vitamins to make a balanced diet for my animals.” Every part

of his farm is now productive giving out maximum production. Also he said that rather than improving his soil fertility, generating more income, he has also improved on nutrition value for his

family. “There is power in learning and always keep a room for welcoming new things,” he

commented. As for now, he stays happily with his family despite water challenge and climatic

changes.

Expand your income by cultivating cabbages

Jerusha │ Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is the most popular vegetable used for making salads and

cooking in Kenya. The word is derived from the French word caboche, a colloquial term for “head”.

It is an excellent source of nutrients but is a rich source of Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Climatic requirements

Optimum temperatures for cabbage growing are 16 to 200 C. At temperatures above 250 C head

formation is reduced. It has a high water requirement during the growth period with 500 mm rainfall

considered optimal.

Continue on page 6 Cabbage can grow in altitude ranging from 800 to over 2000 meters.

Soil

Cabbage require well drained, high in organic content, high water holding capacity with optimum pH

of 6-6.5. Loamy, black cotton and alluvial soils are best suited for this crop. To ensure that your soil has a high organic matter, apply large amount of completely decomposed farmyard manure. Farmyard

manure increases soil fertility, increases water holding capacity and increases microbial activity

within the soil.

Planting

Cabbage growing is started by raising seedlings on nursery beds. Transplant after 4-6 weeks, but only

the healthier seedlings to the fields.

If your soil is low in organic matter, you will require 1-2 handfuls of manure per planting

hole. Keep cabbage weed free especially when young to avoid losses due to competition from weeds and mulching conserves moisture. Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in the row, depending upon the

variety and the size of the head desired. Close spacing reduces the size of the heads. Side dressing

with compost every three weeks will keep the soil rich.


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It is unfortunate to note

that in Kenya people start farming when they get

above 55 years. Youths

must be encouraged to

view organic farming as a professional career rather

than as an option for

failures.

Seedlings on a nursery bed

Pests and disease control

Popular cabbage diseases are black leg, black rot or leaf blight, club root, damping off and stem rot.

To avoid soil-borne diseases, do not plant cabbage-family plants in the same area more than once every three years. Commonly known cabbage pests are caterpillars, aphids, and flee beetle, always

perform checks to avoid these pests.

Pests on cabbage

Dust your cabbage with wood ash from the start to avoid pests. Some of the natural pest

control methods include spraying water at high pressure, using garlic and chili solutions and spraying

a soap solution. The soap alters the surface of the cabbage, making it harder for bugs to hang on.

Harvesting

Healthy mature cabbage

A month to 4 months after transplanting, the cabbages should be mature and ready for

harvesting when the heads become firm to hand pressure. Harvest during cool morning hours to avoid

cracking of the heads. Cut each cabbage head at its base with a sharp knife.

Current market prices

Cabbage prices in Kenya are influence by; distance of the farm to the market, supply and demand as well as quality and cost of production. Cabbage production in Kenya can yield a farmer good money

within a short time since the prices range from Ksh 20 to 80.

IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY ORGANICALLY


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Tabitha | If you’re interested in growing your own garden, improving soil fertility is something you should practice. There are numerous ways to improve the fertility of soil. When used in conjunction,

you’ll have rich and fertile soil that will spawn wonderful produce.

Add organic matter

A diverse range of organic matter is the best way to improve soil fertility. Manure should be added for

nitrogen, which is a critical component of fertile soil. Livestock manure (cow, goat, pig) is a good option. Even with manure from healthy animals, make sure you wait at least three months between

before you apply the manure to the garden bed and when you harvest your vegetables. This will guard

against contamination.

Organic matter

Add compost

Compost is the source of Nitrogen. Compost has the added benefit of helping to break up clay particles, allowing water to drain better. Additionally, in sandy loam it binds the grains together to

reduce moisture, making the soil more fertile.

Compost is quite simple to make. It is made of organic materials such as garden clippings, dry leaves, kitchen vegetable scraps and even shredded paper. Once the compost is ready, apply to your

garden bed. This will make the soil more nitrous and will result in beautiful, healthy vegetables.

Mixed cropping

A lesser-known way to improve soil fertility is to plant different crops in the same field in order to

prevent soil erosion and control the spread of soil-borne plant disease. Doing this with legumes will

add nitrate to the soil. Try to use deep rooted vegetables, which will improve soil fertility naturally.

Mulch Mulch is a way to cover the soil which helps retain water, control weeds and prevent erosion, thus

improving soil fertility. You can use plant waste as mulch, or you can buy it from a gardening shop.

Make sure not to use mulch that is too thick, as this may have the effect of holding too much moisture and causing plant diseases.

All of these ways, when properly researched and used correctly, are great ways to naturally

improve the fertility of your soil. Having your own garden is an excellent way to help the planet and

your health at the same time. In order to grow your own vegetables though, soil fertility is crucial, so it’s worth investing some time in learning about these techniques.

Life tips by Wabomba:

Secretes for farm business success

✓ Share and learn from other farmers through networking ✓ Invest at least 60 minutes per month doing research on new technologies

✓ Read and watch headlines on global economic trends

How top farmers do it

➢ Practice mixed farming and intercropping

➢ Successful farmers are usually not too busy to attend farmers’ meetings and learn from experts.

➢ Make farming a family career, business, and slogan for living


https://greentumble.com/how-to-make-compost-from-kitchen-waste/

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Acknowledgement

We take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for His grace and power that has enabled us come this far. Similarly, we acknowledge all those who participated in the process of developing

this newsletter for COSDEP.

Our sincere gratitude goes to the Tudor Trust UK for their financial support which enabled the

development of the magazine.

We also want to acknowledge all our collaborators, farmers groups and representatives for

their idealistic contribution to the process.

Last but not least, the board members who participated actively in this document development

are highly appreciated for their valuable contribution.

Finally, we wish to acknowledge our staffs for their efforts and contribution towards the

development of this magazine and wish to call upon them to maintain the same spirit.

Our Team

Stanley N Kinyanjui- Executive Director

Wabomba W Geoffrey - Chief Editor Susan Wambui- Editor

Jane Itati- Adviser

Jackline Mulwa- Extension Officer Jerusha Njeri

Tabitha Wangari

Caren Nekesa Simon Njagi

Mary Muthoni

Remember sustainable organic farming does not

advocate for harming any

living organism whether they are considered

valuable or a threat to

farm yield.

Rather, organic farming

seeks to ensure that

farmers safeguard the lives of all creatures to

realize higher farm yields

at all times


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ABOUT COSDEP

Community Sustainable Development Empowerment Program (COSDEP) is a registered grassroots

Non-government Organization working in Kiambu and Murang’a Counties and is dedicated in

offering farmer demanded services directed towards enhancing food, nutrition and income security

among small scale farmers. We ensure the spread and practice of organic farming among poor rural

smallholder farmers. Organic farming is sustainable, affordable and ecologically friendly.

P.O. Box 132-00621, Nairobi- Kenya

Phone: 0722460769

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Website: http://www.coskenya.com

Mission statement :

To promote sustainable farming, related skills and iniative among small scale farmers.

Vision:

We envision a self-reliant rural community which is socio-economic and environmentally conscious

and sustainable.

Long-term goal:

To build the community’s capacity to secure their own food, nutrition and income at households

levels to alleviate poverty.

Mode:

COSDEP sensitizes, organizes, trains and establishes long-term relations with farmers, encouraging group work and alliances soa as to facilitate inter-farmer learning, sharing ideas and experiences as

well as utilizing all the available opportunities that can contribute to their development.

Programme Areas

✓ Mobilizing community groups

✓ Participatory training and demonstrating Sustainable Ecological Agriculture methods, value-

adition and specific on demand income projects. ✓ Group and farm follow-ups for advisory support and monitoring

✓ Facilitating inter-farmer learning, information sharing through discussions, linkages and

networking.




http://www.coskenya.com/

Documents

Page ECOSDEP · Garlic: Garlic has antifeedant (insect stop feeding), insecticidal, nematicidal and repellent properties. Garlic is reportedly effective against a wide range of insects