In Kajiado, a semi-arid region of Kenya, the climate pattern is characterized by hot and dry conditions, with rainfall often erratic and insufficient. Over the past three years, the area has experienced recurring droughts, with three seasons marked by failed rainfall. These prolonged dry spells pose significant challenges to agricultural activities, impacting crop yields, livestock productivity, and overall food security in the region.
Traditional crops like maize and wheat, which are susceptible to water stress, struggle to survive during extended periods of drought. This highlights the urgent need for alternative agricultural strategies that can withstand harsh climatic conditions and ensure agricultural productivity despite limited water availability.
Adopting drought-resistant crops offers a promising solution to mitigate the impacts of drought and ensure food security in these regions. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cultivating drought-resistant crops and highlight some of the resilient varieties suitable for farming in Kajiado South and other ASAL areas.
Benefits of drought-resistant crops
Drought-resistant crops, also known as drought-tolerant or resilient crops, are plant varieties specifically bred or selected to withstand water scarcity and thrive in arid environments. These crops have unique traits such as deep root systems, efficient water use mechanisms, and tolerance to high temperatures, making them well-suited for cultivation in regions prone to drought.
What are the benefits of drought-resistant crops?
- Water efficiency: Drought-resistant crops require less water compared to traditional varieties, making them ideal for areas with limited rainfall or irregular watering regimes.
- Yield stability: These crops exhibit greater resilience to drought-induced stress, ensuring more consistent yields even during periods of water scarcity.
- Reduced input costs: With lower water requirements and reduced dependence on irrigation, farmers save on water and energy costs associated with crop production.
- Improved food security: By diversifying crop production and incorporating drought-resistant varieties, farmers can enhance food security and reduce vulnerability to climate-related shocks.
Drought-resistant crops for Kajiado South
Several crops have shown promise for cultivation in Kajiado South and other ASAL areas due to their resilience to drought and adaptability to arid conditions. Some of the key drought-resistant crops include:
Sorghum
Sorghum, a traditional food crop in much of Africa including Kenya, holds promise for cultivation in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) like Kajiado South. While sorghum production has historically been low in these regions due to farmers favoring maize, new commercial uses such as brewing and snacks are giving the crop renewed value. Sorghum’s resilience as a dryland crop provides household food security, poultry feed, brewing, animal fodder, and income opportunities.
Sorghum varieties suited to Kajiado’s drylands include Gadam, KARI Mtama-1, Serena, Seredo, and Goose sorghum. Gadam, a semi-dwarf variety, matures early and is tolerant to insect pests and diseases, making it ideal for dry areas with erratic rainfall. With a potential yield ranging from 1,700 to 4,500kg/ha, Gadam offers farmers reliable productivity even in challenging conditions.
KARI Mtama-1, a high-yielding variety, recovers quickly from drought and has a pleasant appearance with white grains, achieving yields of 2,500 to 4,000kg/ha. Serena and Seredo varieties perform well in wetter semi-arid areas, with Serena yielding 1800-2300 kg/ha and Seredo producing 1000-2800 kg/ha.
Gooseneck Sorghum, characterized by its recurving head, thrives in very arid zones and offers rapid growth and high yields, providing farmers with a resilient crop option for harsh environments.
These sorghum varieties offer diverse benefits for farmers in ASALs, including drought tolerance, high yields, and resistance to pests and diseases. By cultivating these varieties, farmers can enhance food security, generate income, and adapt to the challenges of climate change in Kajiado County.
Pearl Millet
Pearl millet, a member of the grass family, holds significant importance as a staple cereal crop in arid and semi-arid regions like Kajiado South. Originating from Africa, pearl millet is widely cultivated worldwide, ranking sixth among cereals in terms of planted area. Its resilience to drought and adaptability to harsh conditions make it a valuable crop for food security in dryland areas.
Pearl millet exhibits wide adaptability, thriving in hot and dry climates where other crops struggle to survive. With superior moisture utilization and heat tolerance compared to sorghum and maize, pearl millet can withstand challenging environments with minimal external inputs. However, while it can be grown with low or no external inputs, grain yields may range from 300 to 800 kg per hectare.
In Kenya, key varieties of pearl millet include Katumani Pearl Millet-1 (KAT/PM-1), Katumani Pearl Millet-2 (KAT/PM-2), and Katumani Pearl Millet-3 (KAT/PM-3). These varieties vary in maturity period, yield potential, and resistance to pests and diseases. KAT/PM-1, for instance, matures in 80-100 days and offers a potential grain yield of up to 2800 kg/ha. Its tolerance to rust and leaf blight makes it a preferred choice among farmers.
Similarly, KAT/PM-2 matures in 80-90 days, with a potential yield of 2500 kg/ha, while KAT/PM-3 matures in 75-90 days and is best suited for drought-evading properties.
To achieve optimal yield potential, pearl millet requires specific growing conditions. It thrives in well-drained loamy soils, avoiding waterlogged or saline conditions. Adequate rainfall, preferably between 600 and 800 mm, and temperatures ranging from 23 to 34°C during the growing period are essential for its growth. Millet’s exceptional drought tolerance, attributed to its efficient root system and limited transpiration, enables it to withstand fluctuating rainfall conditions better than sorghum and maize.
Cowpeas
Cowpea, scientifically known as Vigna unguiculata, is a versatile legume cultivated annually for its grains and as a vegetable. Its crop residues also serve as valuable fodder for livestock. Renowned for its drought tolerance and ease of cultivation, cowpea is an essential crop in dry areas with low and erratic rainfall patterns, contributing significantly to food security and nutrition.
In Kenya’s dryland conditions, various cowpea varieties have been developed to suit local farming needs. These include Katumani 80 (K80), KVU 27-1, 419, Kunde 1, MTW 63, 610, and Machakos 66 (M66), alongside other indigenous varieties. Each variety possesses unique characteristics tailored to specific growing conditions and farmer preferences.
For instance, Machakos 66 (M66) is a bushy semi-spreading plant known for its dark green leaves and purple flowers. With a maturity period of 80-90 days, it yields between 800-1700 kg/ha and is valued for its tolerance to diseases and pests, making it ideal for both grain and leaf production.
Similarly, Katumani 80 (K80) is a dual-purpose variety with a semi-spreading habit and distinctive lanceolate leaves. Its purple-blue flowers give way to creamy brown seeds, offering potential yields of 800-1800 kg/ha. Notably, K80 exhibits resistance to pests and diseases, ensuring reliable production under varying conditions.
Climatic conditions play a crucial role in cowpea cultivation. The crop thrives in warm areas with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C, tolerating a wide range of precipitation from 650-2,000 mm annually. However, it is susceptible to frost damage, and extended waterlogging or poor drainage should be avoided to prevent yield losses.
In terms of soil preferences, cowpea adapts well to various soil types, from sandy to heavy, well-drained clays, favoring lighter soils conducive to good rooting. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, including acidic and low-fertility soils, but is intolerant to prolonged flooding or salinity, which can hinder its growth and productivity.
Drought-Tolerant Maize Varieties
Several hybrid maize varieties with enhanced drought tolerance have been developed for cultivation in drought-prone areas. These varieties exhibit improved water-use efficiency and yield stability under water-limited conditions.
Below are some recommended maize varieties for semi-arid zones in Kenya.
Recommended maize varieties for semi-arid zones in Kenya
| Ecozone and main areas where found | Recommended varieties | Maturity (Months) | potential (90 kg bags/acre) |
| Marginal/low rainfall (400-800 mm) | |||
| Altitude: 1000-1800 m above sea level | Katumani Composite | 3-4 | 12 |
| Areas: Kitui, Machakos, West Pokot, Makueni, Kajiado, Isiolo, lower Meru & Embu, Siaya, Kisumu | Makueni DLC1 | 3-4
3-4 |
11
15 |
| Altitude: 800-1200 m above sea level | DH01, DH02, DH03 DH04 | 3-4
3-4
|
14
19 |
| Lowland Zones: Hot humid | PH 4 | 3-4 | 18 |
| Altitude: 1-1200 m above sea level | Pwani Hybrid 1 Coast Composite | 3-4
4-5 |
16
14 |
Source: AIC 2002, KEPHIS and The Organic Farmer Feb 2007
Characteristics of major dryland maize varieties:
(a) Katumani Composite-B Maize
- This maize variety grows quickly and is relatively short, producing short cobs.
- It matures within 90-120 days, making it a fast-growing option.
- Ideal for areas with marginal rainfall, it thrives at altitudes between 1000-500 m above sea level.
- Requires 250-500 mm of rain and performs well in regions with limited rainfall.
(b) DLC1 (Makueni) Maize
- DLC1 maize variety flowers earlier than Katumani Composite-B, by about 4-7 days.
- Although shorter, it is more prolific and can thrive with less than 350 mm of seasonal rainfall.
- Suitable for altitudes ranging from 1000-1800 m above sea level.
- More drought tolerant than Katumani Composite-B, making it recommended for similar zones.
(c) Pwani Hybrids Maize
- Pwani hybrids (PH1 and PH4) and the Coast Composite are shorter varieties resistant to lodging.
- They are more tolerant to moisture stress and recommended for altitudes up to 1250 m above sea level.
- With 400 mm of rainfall, they perform well in coastal regions.
- These varieties have good husk cover, reducing losses from bird attacks, weevil damage, and ear rots.
- Suitable for intercropping systems.Top of Form
5. Green Grams
Green grams, or mung beans, are prized for their adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, including arid climates. These legumes require minimal water and can thrive in poor soil, making them an excellent choice for farmers in Kajiado South. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, green grams offer a nutritious food source for both humans and animals. Furthermore, their short growing season allows for multiple harvests per year, maximizing agricultural productivity.
6. Common Beans
In Kajiado County, beans are a commonly grown crop, and they play a significant role in local agriculture. Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) stands out as a vital food crop that can thrive in semi-arid regions, provided suitable varieties are chosen and proper agronomic practices are applied. Some bean varieties exhibit fair drought tolerance and resistance to prevalent bean pests and diseases.
They are preferred for human consumption over cowpeas and pigeon peas, often yielding around 1.5 to 3 tons per hectare (equivalent to 6-10 bags per acre). However, it’s important to note that dryland bean varieties are sensitive to waterlogging and acidic soils, and they perform optimally within temperature ranges of 15°C to 27°C.
Several bean varieties have been developed specifically for Kenya’s drylands, including those from the Katumani lineage, such as Katumani Bean 1 (KAT/B-1), Katumani Bean 9 (KAT/B-9), KAT X56, and KAT X69. Each of these varieties possesses distinct characteristics:
(a) Katumani Bean 1 (KAT/B-1)
- This variety is favored for its appealing color and cooking qualities, with sweet-tasting grains that cause less flatulence.
- It is a determinate plant with light pink flowers and round seeds, tolerant to various diseases and heat.
- Best suited for areas between 900-1600m above sea level, although it may face challenges in regions with excessive rainfall.
(b) Katumani Bean 9 (KAT/B-9)
- A determinate plant with uniform flowering, producing brilliant red grains that impart an Irish brown color when cooked.
- It matures within 60-65 days and exhibits tolerance to several diseases, especially suitable for semi-arid zones.
(c) KAT X56
- Characterized by light pink flowers and brilliant dark red grains, this variety matures quickly within 60-65 days.
- Known for its fast cooking and pleasant taste, it performs well under various disease pressures and heavy soils, yielding more than other Katumani varieties.
(d) KAT X69
- A determinate plant with white flowers, maturing within 60-65 days, and featuring long, oblong grains with a dark red background.
- Resistant to rust and common bean mosaic virus, although susceptible to lodging due to tall plants.
- Thrives in cold, dry highland areas, producing large, brownish grains when cooked.
7. Indigenous Vegetables
In addition to staple crops, farmers in Kajiado South can explore the cultivation of indigenous vegetables uniquely suited to the region’s climate. Examples include amaranth, spider plant, and African nightshade, which thrive in arid environments. These nutrient-rich vegetables not only contribute to food security but also promote dietary diversity and support local culinary traditions.
Conclusion
In closing, let’s rally together to prioritize the cultivation of drought-resistant crops as a critical step towards sustainable agriculture in Kajiado South and beyond. Governments must provide policy support and investment, the private sector should drive innovation and market access, and farmers need resources and training to adopt resilient practices. Collaboration among stakeholders is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring a thriving agricultural sector resilient to climate change. Together, let’s build a future where food security is assured even in the face of adversity.