PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION OF PULSE CROPS SUITABILITY TO MOUNTAIN AND OASIS ZONES OF NORTHERN KENYA

ABSTRACT: The biophysical and climatic characteristics of the arable pockets of northern Kenya are different from other arable parts of the country. The mountain and oasis areas of northern Kenya, where crop farming is practiced are characterized by environmental heterogeneity. The suitable pulse crops for these zones are not well understood, which has led to promotion of inappropriate pulse varieties. This study evaluated pulse varieties where, beans, cowpeas and green grams were tried in mountains, footslopes and lowlands areas of northern Kenya. The study focused on the crop yields, communities’ preference and gross margins. For yield comparison experimentation, a randomized complete block design was done and data analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). To gauge community preference, pair-wise ranking was used. Gross margins were determined from total inputs and outputs. Results showed that all pulses performed best in irrigated lowland and mountains, with no significant difference between lowlands and mountains. Foot slopes performed poorest across pulses. Beans were highest yielding while green grams were lowest yielding across sites. Cowpeas and green grains were affected severely by sucking pest mainly aphids especially in foot slopes and irrigated lowlands. Across the sites, beans were most popular mostly due to their better marketability, locally and outside. Green grams had the highest gross margins despite having the lowest yield. It is concluded that in areas of lowlands and mountains, all the three pulses are viable crops and should be pursued.