Soils With Maps and Description

FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA
VOL. II
– Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information –
ANNEX:
– Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising
by Group of Districts –
Subpart C2
Coast Province
Kilifi-Malindi County
This project was supported by the
German Agency for International Cooperation
(GIZ)
Farm Management Handbook of Kenya
VOL. I Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation
VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information
Part II/A WEST KENYA

Subpart A1 Western Province
Subpart A2 Nyanza Province
Part II/B CENTRAL KENYA

Subparts B 1a/b Rift Valley Province, Northern (except Turkana) and Southern Part
Subpart B2 Central Province
Part II /C EAST KENYA

Subpart C1 Eastern Province, Middle and Southern Part
Subpart C2 Coast Province
VOL. III Farm Management Information - Annual Publications were planned. The idea changed
to Farm Managament Guidelines, produced by the District Agricultural Offices annually
and delivered to the Ministry in April every year.
VOL. IV Production Techniques and Economics of Smallholder Livestock Production Systems
VOL. V Horticultural Production Guidelines
Publisher: Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya, in Cooperation with the German Agency for International
Cooperation (GIZ)
VOL. II is supplemented by CD-ROMs with the information and maps in a Geographical

Information System. Additionally there will be wall maps of the Agro-Ecological Zones per district group
(= the former large districts) for offices and schools. There is also a CD with the maps and the most important information for each district group
(now county).
Layout by Ruben Kempf and Mike Teucher, Trier, Germany.

Ministry of Agriculture
FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

VOL. II
Annex:
- Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising

by Group of Districts in Coast Province -
Subpart C2
Kilifi-Malindi
County
by
Dr. Ralph Jaetzold

Prof. emeritus of Geography,
University of Trier / Germany
Helmut Schmidt
Former Farm Management Research Officer
from the former German Agricultural Team of the GIZ
in the Ministry of Agriculture, Nairobi
Dr. Berthold Hornetz

Prof. of Agricultural Geography,
University of Trier / Germany
Dr. Chris Shisanya

Prof. of Agroclimatology,
Dept. of Geography
Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Contributions to the 1st Edition by: C.M. Kang´e & J.G.M. Muasya – assessment of farm management data; Dr.
Mechthild Kronen – soil requirements list; Prof. Dr. H. Kutsch – computing of crop-water relations for yield prob-
abilities; F.N. Muchena, B.J.A. van der Pouw, W. Siderius and W.G. Sombroek – basic soil maps; H. Ritz – district
climate tables; R. Swoboda – execution of Small Farm Survey; C.G. Wenner & S.N. Njoroge – soil conservation; W.
Zettelmeyer – computing farm data.
Additional Contributions to the 2nd Edition by: Dr. J. Ahenda & P. M. Maluku, KEPHIS; G. Awinyo (GIZ) – as-
sisting R. J. & digitizing of soil maps into GIS; Th. Buettel – support by analyzing remote sensing data; M. Fiebiger
– rainfall data analysis, probability calculations, yield probabilities by simulation programs; B. Girkens - final comput-
erized drawing of maps in GIS and other maps; Heike Hoeffler – project coordination in GTZ Nairobi; Ph. Karuri –
assistance in the Farm Survey; Anna Kaufhold - final computerized drawing of fertiliser maps; Ruben Kempf – typing
and layout; Elizabeth Kimenyi & Anne Njoroge – coordination of farm survey; Z. Mairura, Dir. of Farm Business Sub-
division; S. N. Maobe (KARI); N. M. Maweu (KARI); Susanne Meissner - water availability & requirement diagrams,
typing; M. Mueller – calculation and diagrams of growing periods, ENSO influence; Dr. Anne W. Muriuki & J.N.
Qureshi – soil and fertiliser recommendation maps and information; Francis Muthami (GIZ); Dr. Dorothy Mutisya
and Dr. J Ochieng – crops and fodder list; Birgit Schmidt – basics for maintaining and regaining soil fertility; Joshua
Shivachi & Ch. R. Wambongo– analysing the Farm Survey data using SPSS software; M. Teucher - final computerized
drawing of soil and fertilizer maps; Dr. Lusike Wasilwa – horticult. part of the crop list; J. Wieczorek – computeriza-
tion of maps in GIS; tables and diagrams.
PREFACE TO THE ATLAS
The internet and CD versions of the handbook have technically a reduction of details:
The most important information, the maps, are due to reduction of the 24 MB to the CD-size of 6 MB, not
well readable (esp. formulas of the AEZ Subzones and of the soils). Therefore we prepared additional Atlas-
CDs for each group of districts, containing the maps of Rainfall, Agro - Ecol. Zones and Subzones, Soils,
anhd Fertilizer Recommendations together with the legends.
These maps are produced as pdf-files and can be zoomed for easy reading.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
for the Support to the First Edition
In compiling this Handbook, we have relied on the support of many officers from a variety of institutions
too numerous to mention, who made available their data and experience. We would like to thank them for
their invaluable assistance.
I would also like to thank my colleagues, the Research Officers, the District Land and Farm management
Officers, for their cooperation, and a special thank you to those who typed the draft edition.
Our particular thanks go to Prof. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold, University of Trier, for his selfless support in compil-
ing this handbook and for his assessment of the natural conditions including land and population. His deep
understanding of the needs of agricultural extension officers and farmers was a great asset. Our thanks also to
Dr. H. Kutsch, University of Trier, who computerized a large and complex amount of information involved
in establishing the AEZs.
Many thanks also to the staff of the Geographical Department of the University of Trier, Germany, for their
major effort in drawing up maps of outstanding quality, the centrepiece of the work.
Helmut Schmidt
Farm Management Research Officer
Nairobi, May 1982
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
for the Support to the Second Edition
In revising this Handbook, various personalities and institutions were relied upon to provide the necessary
data required to update the previous data sets. In this regard, we would like to sincerely thank them for their
invaluable input in the exercise.
Special thanks go to the Ministry of Agriculture staff who undertook the Farm Surveys to elucidate on the
fundamental changes that have taken place in farming at the household level.
We are indeed very grateful to the people of Germany, who despite their limited financial resources, have
continued to support Kenya. Of importance here is the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ)
and the German scientists who have been working for Kenya over the years. Last but not least, thanks to Mr.
Reimund Hoffmann, the PSDA Coordinator, Nairobi, whose office ably managed the Handbook revision
project.
Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya Elizabeth Kimenyi

Professor of Agroclimatology Assistant Director of Agriculture
Dept. of Geography FMD, MOA
Kenyatta University, Nairobi Kenya
Nairobi, January 2009 Nairobi, January 2009
We want to thank very much also Mr. Zachariah Mairura, Deputy Dir. of Agri-Business Dep., for his en-
gaged support of our inquiries in the districts 2009 and 2010.
Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. Dr. Berthold Hornetz

Retired Professor of Geography Professor of Agricultural Geography
University of Trier, October 2010 University of Trier, October 2010
PREFACE to the Second Edition
Institutional memory is of paramount importance for planning and development. For any research or agri-
cultural extension to be successful, information on the natural farming potential is equally important.
In an effort to consolidate research - extension work of many years, the first edition of the Farm Manage-
ment Handbook (FMHB) of Kenya Vol II (Natural conditions and farm management information), which
described the conditions of the Kenyan farming community at that time, was produced in 1982/83. The
handbook was in three parts i.e.:
A – for Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza provinces)

B – for Central Kenya (Central and Rift Valley provinces).
C – for Eastern Kenya (Eastern and Coast provinces)
For more than two decades, the handbook has proved very valuable to researchers, planners, extensionists,
developers etc. This is a document that has been sought for enormously and hence the need to revise it in
order to accommodate the changes that have taken place in our country since the production of the first
edition. Some of these include: changes in the administrative boundaries, opening up of new farming areas
due to population pressure, many new crop varieties, etc.
This second edition has been produced on the basis of Provincial administrative boundaries for the six
Provinces i.e. Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Central, Eastern and Coast. The information will be availed in
hard copies and in CD – ROMS to facilitate updating any future changes.
It is not possible to acknowledge the contribution of all the individuals who made this edition a reality but
I need to mention the following individuals:
Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture officers, especially the Farm Management Division officers at the
headquarters (Mrs. E.W. Kimenyi, Mr. F.N. Nderitu, Mrs. H.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A.W. Njoroge, Mrs. A.
W. Wanyama, Mr. P.T. Karuri and most engaged Mr. Z. Mairura), and the District staff, for their selfless
contribution; Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya, leader of the revision team, for his tireless efforts and guidance;
Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold for his enormous knowledge on the definition of the agroecological zones and
his great contribution to their mapping; George Awinyo (German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) – Private
Sector Development in Agriculture (PSDA)) for his expertise and contribution in the area of Geographical
Information Systems (GIS).
I also wish to thank the GTZ who have facilitated the production of this edition both financially and by the
use of their personnel, specifically the late Prof. Werner van der Ohe who supported the idea of the revision,
and Mr. Reimund Hoffmann (GTZ – Team Leader Private Sector Development in Agriculture PSDA), for
supporting and taking up the task to completion.
Dr. Wilson Songa, OGW

AGRICULTURAL SECRETARY
Nairobi, January 2009
KILIFI-MALINDI GROUP 1
KILIFI - MALINDI GROUP 2
3.4 KILIFI-MALINDI group of DISTRICTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS District Page
3.4.1 Natural Potential (R. Jaetzold et al.) 4

Introduction (R. Jaetzold) 4
Table 1: Rainfall Figures 6
Annual Rainfall Map (R. Jaetzold) 8
Seasonal Rainfall Maps (R. Jaetzold) 9
Table 2: Climate in the Agro-Ecological Zones 11
Agro-Ecological Zones Map (R. Jaetzold) 12
Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones - Introduction (R. Jaetzold) 13
Agro-Ecological Zones and Subzones (= Legend to the AEZ Map), with Land Use
Potentials and Water Availability & Requ. Diagrams (R. Jaetzold, B. Hornetz) 13
Table 3: Cultivation Chances and Risks in the Cashewnut-Cassava Zone 18
Table 4a: Climatic Yield Potential of Seasonal Crops in CL 5 on Fluvisols (B. Hornetz) 22
Table 4b: Climatic Yield Potential of Seasonal Crops in CL 5 on Cambisols (B. Hornetz) 23
Table 5a: Climatic Yield Potential of Seasonal Crops in CL 5 (on Ferralsols B. Hornetz) 25
Table 5b: Climatic Yield Potential of Seasonal Crops in CL 5 on Phaeozems (B. Hornetz) 26
Soil Map (R. Jaetzold, Mike Teucher & KSS) 29
Soil Distribution, Fertility and Major Characteristics (B. Hornetz & W. Siderius) 30
Legend to the Soil Map (KSS) 30
3.4.2 Population and Land (C. A. Shisanya, R. Jaetzold & C. Bureau of Statistics)
see the big Vol. C2
3.4.3 Agricultural Statistics (R. Jaetzold & Min. of Agriculture.) see the big Vol. C2
3.4.4 Farm Survey (Min. of Agriculture & C. A. Shisanya) 36

Table 20: Farm Survey Sites Representative of the Typical Agro-Ecological Zones, Subzones and
Units in Kilifi and Neighbouring Districts 36
Kilifi and Neighbouring Districts 36
Farm Survey Areas Map (R. Jaetzold) 38
Malindi and Magarini Districts 39
Table 23: Farm Survey Sites in former Malindi District 39
3.4.5 Introduction to the Actual Land Use Systems and to the Potential Intensification
by Better Farm Management in Typical Agro-Ecological Subzones
(Min. of Agr., C. A. Shisanya & R. Jaetzold) 40
Tables 26 a-i: Increase of Yields by Better Farm Management 42
3.4.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units 62

Introduction (B. Hornetz, R. Jaetzold & KSS) 62
Map of Imp. Agro-Ecol. Units & Areas of Fertiliser Recommendations
(B. Hornetz & R. Jaetzold) 64
Tables 27 a-d: Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations (B. Hornetz & KSS) 65
Maps of Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations (R. Jaetzold & M. Teucher) 66
3.4.7 Final Statements (R. Jaetzold & C. A. Shisanya) 73
Note: Numbering of chapters is equivalent to numbering in Farm Management Handbook of Kenya

3.4.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL
Introduction
The average annual rainfall increases slightly from the coast, which has 900-1000 mm, to more than 1100
mm around Gede and east of Kaloleni. It seems that increased precipitation occurs due to the updamming
effects on air-masses from the sea of the tall forest of Gede and the coastal hills (see Jaetzold, 1978, and
GTZ, 1977).
There is less rain in the Kilifi depression, the Rare valley, and in the depression between the first range of the
coastal hills and the second, larger one. In the rain shadow of this second range, the Kaloleni Hills, there is a
sharp decrease in precipitation. In general, the rainfall tends to decrease quickly eastward from the maximum
zone with a few exceptions on other hills or ridges like Mangea Hill (300-520 m), or on the Bamba Uplift
(310 m). There is another decrease of precipitation north of Malindi which is difficult to explain. Perhaps
the flatness of the area is one reason, or the turning of the SE-wind to a direction more parallel to the coast.
Land use faces many problems there (see McGowan and Ass., 1977).
As regards rainfall and tree crops, only those areas with more than 1050 mm a year are fairly well suited to
coconuts although conditions are not optimal (ideally it should be around 1500 mm). However, coconut
palms can be seen from 700 mm average annual rainfall onward, although productivity may be considered
worthwhile only when more than 850 mm occur. This depends also on the evaporation ratio and the danger
of very dry periods (see map of Agro-Ecological Zones), because in the marginal areas many trees die after
about 15 years in heavy drought periods. The damage done to the growing points of the palms by the
rhinoceros beetle can be overcome only if enough moisture is available.
Mangoes are a slightly more demanding tree crop. Regular high quality fruit yield may not be possible below
950 or even 1000 mm.
Roughly the same situation prevails with bananas, which ideally require more than 1000 mm (see Map of
Annual Rainfall). Citrus fruit also require more than 1000 mm for good results, but top quality cannot be
achieved due to high night temperatures (21-24°C). Pineapples also suffer from the high night temperatures
(ACLAND 1975, p.143). They may not develop enough acidity and become too big and mushy - the reason
a plantation near Kilifi failed (Ngerenyi). In the interior towards Bamba, the nights get cooler (av. 20°C,
cool season 18°C), the fruit taste better, and are more the right size because of less rain which is more evenly
distributed. This is due to the fact that the long rains decrease from the coast towards the inland, and the
short rains increase to a certain extent up to a distance of about 30 km (see maps of seasonal rainfall).
This pattern affects even less demanding crops like cashew nuts and cassava unfavourably (700-1000 mm).
The flowering period for cashew nuts is affected by these second rains, causing in wet years poor fruit setting
or infestation which leads to low quality nuts. Cassava needs a distinct wet period to form big tubers.
If the second rains start early or continue more or less uninterrupted from the first rains, they often hit the
open cotton bolls. For this and other reasons, no good cotton zone exists on the coast. For annual crops,
this bimodal rainfall with two peaks can be very difficult, because neither peak is high enough (for instance,
around Ganze). The following maps give more information on the problems and the possibilities.
The first rainy season ("Long Rains") starts normally towards the end of March. Near the coast the rains
are heavy in April and May, and decrease gradually until October (see Diagrams) in most years without a
distinctive end (Table 1). The amount received in the agro-humid period at Kilifi-Kibarani was between 120
and 1 130 mm, so the average is not typical. It is better to consider the probability factor of how much is
likely in 10 out of 15 years (see Diagram Kilifi and Map of First Rainy Season).
The second rainy season ("Short Rains") starts indistinctly around the middle of October, and lasts until
December or January but with no pronounced end, and variability is high. It is therefore difficult to give
a figure for the reliability of rainfall in a well defined agro-humid period, and the map of the second rainy
season can be only a rough guide. The main problem is that in most areas these rains are normally insufficient
for a maize crop. But in El Nino years (announceable by the KMD already in September) there is enough
rain for a good "chance cropping".
In contrast to the El Nino years, the La Nina (Anti ENSO) years have not only less rainfall, but strong dry
winds in June which have a severe negative effect on the maize yields in the first rainy season even in CL 3
because this crop has in June its most sensible tusseling stage to water deficit (see Muti and Kibe, 2009).
Therefore, if a La Nina year in the preceeding Short Rains occured which normally continues into the
following Long Rains, then it is wise to plant sorghum which is less sensible to a June drought than maize.
References
Acland, J.D. (1979): East African Crops, 3rd ed., London
German Agency For Technical Cooperation (GTZ, 1977): Development of Settlement Schemes in the
Coast Province of Kenya. Report, Department of Settlement, Nairobi
Jaetzold, R. (1978): Possibilities of Agricultural Settlements in the Northern Coastal Area of Kenya.
GeoJournal 2.3, p. 225-242
McGowan and Associates Pty. Ltd. (1977): Magarini Land Settlement Project, Kilifi District, Coast
Province, Kenya. Report, Nairobi
Muti, S.M. and A.M. Kibe: The Effects Of East African Low Level Jet On Food Security In Horn Of
Africa: A Case Study Of Coastal Region Of Kenya. In: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and
Development
TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS IN KILIFI-

MALINDI GROUP OF DISTRICTS HAVING RECENTLY AT LEAST 15 YEARS
TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS IN KILIFI
OF RECORDS
GROUP OF DISTRICTS HAVING RECENTLY AT LEAST 15 YEARS OF RECORDS
Agro-Ecol. Annual Monthly & seasonal average rainfall in mm

No. and Name of Kind of
Zone and rainfall
altitude Station records
Subzone in mm J F M A M J J A S O N D
Average 677 20 11 39 82 130 64 55 52 28 42 89 65

9239000 Hadu CL 5
Reliability* 594 0 0 9 78 85 32 45 21 22 12 41 39
134 m Location (vs/s) + vs
Seas. Av. 315 196
9240027 Kamale Prim. CL 5 Average 893 14 11 84 115 168 78 56 55 74 40 128 71
198 m School vs/s i + (vs) Seas. Av. 445 238
9240028 Ramada Prim. CL 4 Average 815 26 4 61 84 210 83 74 44 30 48 103 48
164 m School m/s + (vu) Seas. Av. 512 198
Average 987 18 16 39 135 276 115 84 61 58 73 71 41

9339004 Kilifi, CL 4
Reliability* 857 0 0 13 94 207 77 62 40 30 35 42 16
23 m D.O.'s Office m i (vu)
Seas. Av. 649 185
9339008 Kakoneni, CL 4 Average 791 26 11 53 89 156 70 45 40 52 69 83 97
76 m Chief's Camp s i (vs) Seas. Av. 368 249
9339009 Kilifi - CL 4 Average 1045 18 13 53 150 268 122 92 62 63 74 78 52
28 m Kibarani mi Seas. Av. 685 204
Average 768 34 22 32 96 138 67 38 50 38 71 111 71

9339012 Ganze, CL 4
Reliability* 596 15 5 10 47 106 39 26 28 17 18 76 43
177 m Dispensary m/s i (vs)
Seas. Av. 333 253
9339013 Chonyi, CL 3 Average 1137 26 21 47 130 265 94 91 75 87 121 102 78
211 m Dispensary m/l i (s) Seas. Av. 628 300
Average 658 24 19 56 81 100 46 26 38 51 52 88 77

9339016 CL 5
Bamba Reliability* 452 7 2 15 49 77 30 18 19 17 23 70 66
241 m (vs/s) + vs
Seas. Av. 283 217
1) Average 848 41 17 51 79 165 52 36 46 74 93 120 74

Mariakani
9339017 CL 5
Veterinary Reliability* 778 18 6 16 43 117 32 28 29 19 28 84 21
189 m (vs/s) + vs
Station 347 287
Seas. Av.
Average 806 44 21 60 111 124 53 30 26 55 61 106 115
9339027 CL 5
Baricho Reliability* 691 15 3 39 88 84 21 22 13 11 14 56 95
95 m (vs/s) + vs
Seas. Av. 348 282
Average 1101 30 19 36 129 267 116 83 69 65 102 115 70

9339030 Kilifi, Jibana CL 3
Reliability* 952 18 0 14 82 202 88 68 52 36 28 88 41
144 m Dispensary m/l i (s)
Seas. Av. 631 287
Average 581 23 12 52 91 79 26 23 21 35 44 106 69

9339034 Chakama, CL 6
Reliability* 529 8 0 27 63 49 12 13 9 9 16 80 61
97 m Chief's Office br
Seas. Av. 222 219
Kilifi, Average 1085 24 14 38 171 259 144 100 75 63 45 103 50
9339035 CL 4
Takaungu Arab
12 m School
m i (vu) Seas. Av. 712 198
9339036 Mtwapa, CL 4 Average 1276 22 18 56 227 299 143 103 77 73 103 103 53
26 m Agromet Stn. m i (vu) Seas. Av. 829 258
Average 1019 35 24 41 125 216 97 75 70 66 96 106 68

9339038 Kaloleni, CL 4
Reliability* 909 9 0 18 76 169 73 59 48 33 42 76 41
236 m Boma m i (vs/s)
Seas. Av. 554 270
9339039 Ruruma, CL 3 Average 1083 29 19 56 136 224 93 82 64 84 105 109 82

188 m Chief's Office m i (s/vs) Seas. Av. 591 296
* 66% reliability = this amount will be surpassed in 10 out of 15 years

TABLE 1: CONTINUED
Agro-Ecol. Annual Monthly & seasonal average rainfall in mm

No. and Name of Kind of
Zone and rainfall
altitude Station records
Subzone in mm J F M A M J J A S O N D
Giriama St. Average 871 35 21 39 119 176 85 58 62 50 80 89 57

9339041 CL 4
George's High Reliability* 699 2 0 11 63 137 50 39 44 24 33 70 28
250 m School
m i (vs/s)
Seas. Av. 419 226
9339043 Rabai, Chief's CL 4 Average 1108 21 22 52 154 222 94 96 75 75 100 113 83

188 m Office m i (vs/s) Seas. Av. 618 297
9339045 Jilore Forest CL 4 Average 927 29 14 56 109 181 112 77 54 66 62 82 85

61 m Station m i (vu) Seas. Av. 534 229
9339047 Danisa CL 6 Average 372 14 16 47 46 34 7 3 11 20 36 75 63

163 m (Galana) br Seas. Av. 127 174
9339048 Mazeras CL 4 Average 1027 27 11 61 123 229 84 85 71 59 78 99 100

95 m Reservoirs m i (vs/s) Seas. Av. 582 277
9339050 Jila Full CL 5 Average 509 12 9 45 41 90 26 19 16 45 62 70 75

192 m Primary School (vs) + (vu) Seas. Av. 176 207
Gotani -
9339055 CL 4 Average 826 20 21 50 93 184 68 53 52 43 71 87 85
Kayafungo,
213 m Chief's Camp
s i (vs) Seas. Av. 395 242
9339062 Kambe Ribe CL 3 Average 1219 39 23 58 173 328 115 84 79 52 99 92 78

217 m Chief's Office m i (s/vs) Seas. Av. 757 269
9340000 Malindi CL 4 Average 1043 8 7 36 154 335 158 91 56 51 65 52 31

6m District Off. mi Seas. Av. 774 147
9340001 Fundisha Salt CL 4 Average 926 4 6 42 132 281 125 85 48 44 62 63 35

2m Works Ltd. m/s + (vu) Seas. Av. 665 159
9340002 Gede, CL 4 Average 1059 10 11 37 160 281 134 96 70 63 80 65 51

25 m Malindi mi Seas. Av. 708 197
9340005 Malindi, CL 4 Average 1041 9 7 45 151 264 149 93 58 58 82 78 46

34 m Water Supply mi Seas. Av. 702 207
Malindi A.D.C.
9340006 CL 4 Average 1019 4 8 43 155 290 152 93 66 47 69 66 26
Kiswani
29 m Complex
mi Seas. Av. 733 160
Average 1106 9 6 31 178 299 153 111 73 55 58 98 35

9340007 Msabaha CL 4
Reliability* 982 1 0 11 151 242 110 79 36 24 13 71 20
23 m Agromet. Stn. mi
Seas. Av. 772 191
Average 935 8 9 29 146 276 132 76 60 41 65 63 30

9340009 Malindi Met. CL 4
Reliability* 881 1 0 10 142 227 109 49 36 26 24 22 7
23 m Station mi
Seas. Av. 659 158
9340010 Ganda, Chief's CL 3 Average 1050 12 16 51 148 286 158 108 63 47 65 68 29

46 m Camp m/l i (vu) Seas. Av. 750 163
9340011 Merikebuni CL 4 Average 981 5 13 33 132 266 130 101 57 47 73 86 39

37 m Chief's Office m/s + (vu) Seas. Av. 662 198
9340012 Gede Forest CL 4 Average 1127 20 23 69 169 272 140 117 71 75 70 59 42

12 m Station mi Seas. Av. 768 170
A.D.C.
9340014 CL 4 Average 1037 8 4 58 133 283 132 92 70 36 79 80 62
Kiswani
36 m Complex
mi Seas. Av. 698 221
Mombasa, Average 967 35 14 45 140 242 81 74 52 54 78 79 73

9439021 CL 4
Port Reitz Reliability* 820 10 0 16 108 169 52 52 35 28 31 44 56
57 m Airport
m i (vu)
Seas. Av. 508 230
* 66% reliability = this amount will be surpassed in 10 out of 15 years

TABLE 2: CLIMATE IN THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES
Agro- Subzone Altitude Annual Annual av. 66% reliability 60% reliability of
Ecological in m mean rainfall in of rainfall 1) growing period
Zone temp. mm
in °C
st
1 2
nd
1st rainy 2nd rainy Total 2) 4)
rainy rainy season season in days
season season in days in days
in mm in mm
CL 3 m/l i s 1100-1200 480-700 200-250 155-175 85-105 240-280
Coconut- m i (s/vs) 1-450 27.0-24.4 1000-1150 400-650 170-220 135-155 75-85 210-240
Cassava Zone m/l i 3) 1050-1230 400-800 50-130 155-175 < 40 -
m i 3) 850-1100 320-600 50-130 135-155 < 40 -
m i (vs/s) 940-1100 300-650 150-200 135-155 55-75 190-230
m i (vs) 900-1100 320-620 90-200 135-155 40-55 175-210
CL 4 m/s i (vs) 920-1000 250-380 140-180 115-135 40-55 155-190
Cashewnut- m/s i 3) 850-1000 300-500 50-140 115-135 < 30 -
Cassava Zone m/s +(vu) 1-300 27.0-25.2 850-1100 270-600 80-140 115-135 < 40 -
s/m i (vs) 780-950 220-350 130-180 105-115 40-55 145-170
s/m i + vu 820-1000 220-500 50-150 105-105 < 40 -
s/m + vu 800-1000 220-500 60-150 105-115 < 40 -
s i (vs) 800-950 220-350 150-180 85-105 40-55 125-160
s i 3) 800-900 250-350 50-130 85-105 < 30 -
s/vs i (vs) 700-880 170-270 150-170 75-85 40-55 115-140
CL 5 (s/vs)+(vs) 700-750 180-200 150-160 75-85 40-55 -
Lowland s/vs i 3) 750-820 220-260 100-140 75-85 < 30 -
Livestock- vs/s + (vs) 1-300 27.0-25.2 730-810 190-230 150-170 55-75 40-55 -
Millet Zone (vs/s) + vs 640-810 150-220 150-190 55-75 40-55 -
(vs/s) i 3) 650-760 160-200 130-140 55-75 < 40 -
(vs) + (vu) 550-750 150-200 80-130 40-50 < 40 -
CL 6
Lowland- br 90-300 27.0-25.2 380-700 100-150 50-130 30-40 20-30 -
Ranching Zone
1)
Amounts (announcing the drier and wetter part of the subzone) surpassed normally in 10 out of 15 years, falling during the agro-
humid period which allows growing of most cultivated plants
2)
Only added if rainfall continues at least for survival (>0.2 E0) of most long term crops
3)
Intermediate rains follow immediately after first rains. Second rains insignificant
4)
Interrupted by a period with water supply between 0.2 and 0.4 E0 (=0.5 PET) for more than 50 days (intermediate rains)
AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES AND SUBZONES
Introduction
The Kilifi Group shows most clearly the typical agro-ecological zonation of the Kenyan Coast Province
from the CL 3 = Coconut-Cassava Zone, passing westward the CL 4 = Cashewnut-Cassava Zone, then
CL 5 = Coastal Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone to CL 6 = Ranching Zone. The second rainy season is very
faible and uncertain at the coast, but increases towards the inland, and is finally there better than the first
one, although still very short per average. But if we consider the agrohumid periods in the years when they
occur, then they are longer and support different higher yielding crops (see Diagram of Msabaha and the
Table of Baricho). These better seasons are connected with the ENSO years and can be forecasted (see Final
Statements).
Legend to the Map

CL = COASTAL LOWLAND ZONES
CL 3 = Coconut - Cassava Zone
CL 3 = Coconut-Cassava Zone
m/l i (s) with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains 1) and a (weak) short one
(See Diagram Chonyi)
Good yield potential (av. more than 60% of the optimum)
1st rainy season, start norm, m. of April: Short to m. mat. maize like WS 202 (resist. to
MSV, drought and low N) 2); m. mat. white sorghum, late mat. sorghum 2); cowpeas,
m. mat. pigeon peas like Katum. 60/8; sweet potatoes; m. mat. soya beans; chillies,
roselle; almost all vegetables (aubergines, egg plants/brinjals, kales, Chinese cabbage,
sweet pepper, pumpkins, onions, sweet and water melons, cucumbers, garlic, okra,
spider plant); yam beans (tubers)
Whole year: Coconuts, bananas 2), late mat. cassava, bixa, mangoes, pawpaws, avocadoes,
sisal, guavas, senna, castor
Fair yield potential (av. 40-60% of the optimum)

1st rainy season: Rice in seasonal flooded grasslands, maize Coast comp. or PH4; cotton
with danger of rain in open bolls, dolichos beans1), simsim1), tomatoes
2 rainy season, start norm, mid Oct.: E. mat. sorghum; sweet potatoes; green grams,
nd
cowpeas; tomatoes
Whole year: Citrus3), pineapples3), cashew nuts4), curcuma
Poor yield potential (av. 20-40 % of the optimum)
2nd rainy season: Coast comp. maize, Lagrotech early maize
Pa sture a nd for a ge
Nearly no grassland. Grazing under coconut trees around 0.7 ha/LU, with Mimosa pudica
0.4 ha/LU5); down to about 0.15 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass and legumes like
siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) or centro (Centrosema pubescens), and planting horse
tamarind (Leucaena tricandria, for browsing)
m i (s/vs) with a medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) short to very short one
Good yield potentia l
1st rainy season, start norm, mid April: M. mat. white sorghum; cowpeas1), sweet potatoes;
m. mat. soya beans, e. mat. sunflower, roselle, m. mat. bambara groundnuts6)7), nearly all
vegetables (see CL 3 m/l i s)
Whole year: Mangoes, sisal, avocadoes, bixa, pawpaws, guavas, senna, castor, cassava,
pineapples3)
Fa ir yield potentia l
1st rainy season: Coast comp. and PH4 maize, rice in seasonal flooded grasslands; simsim1),
dolichos beans1), late mat. groundnuts6); cotton (with danger of rain in open bolls)
2 rainy season, start norm, mid O.: Sweet potatoes, green grams, simsim, e. mat.
nd
groundnuts6), coriander
Whole year: Coconuts6), bananas, citrus, cashew nuts (50-60 %)4) 6)
Poor yield potential
2nd rainy season: Coast comp. maize
Around 0.8 ha/LU on sec. savanna of former semi-deciduous tropical forest; down to about
0.2 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass, siratro, centro, and planting horse tamarind
(for browsing)
m/l i (vs) with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains and a (weak) very short one
See m/l i (vu), but potential in 2nd rains more reliable, not only chance cropping
m/l i (vu) with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very uncertain one
1st rainy season, start norm, end of March: Coast comp. and PH4 maize, m. mat. white
sorghum; sweet potatoes, cowpeas1), m. mat. soya beans, m. mat sunflower like
Kenya Almasi, chillies, roselle; onions, okra, egg plants, aubergines, sweet pepper, kales,
garlic, Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, water and sweet melons, cucumbers, pumpkins,
zucchini, mchicha
Whole year: Cassava, sisal, mangoes, cashew nuts, pawpaws, guavas, senna, castor
1st rainy season: Rice in seasonal flooded grasslands; dolichos beans1), simsim1); cotton;
cabbages
Whole year: Coconuts, Boco boco or Zanzibarini bananas, bixa, pineapples3), lemons, limes,
grapefruit3), oranges3), avocadoes
Poor yield potential (Chance cropping)
2nd rainy season: E. mat. maize and sorghum, cowpeas, tomatoes
Around 1.0 ha/LU on sec. savanna of former semi-deciduous trop. forest; down to about
0.25 ha/LU feeding Napier or Bana grass, stylo (Stylosanthes guyanensis), siratro, centro, and
planting horse tamarind
RELIABLE FIRST RAINY SEASON, UNCERTAIN SECOND RAINY SEASONS:

less than 50% with a growing period
Station name Cereal and legumes growing period Dry conditions Precipitation is cumulated
Msabaha Agromet. St. = agro-humid period (AHP), during agro-humid period in mm
Station no. Altitude AEZ min. 40 days Subzone:

9340007 91m CL 4 (-3) = grass growing period only m i vu
Year Year Rainfall / c.& leg. gr.p.

January February March April May June July August September October November December
ENSO-class. ENSO-class. 1st AHP 2nd AHP
to August 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 since August mm days mm days
Am 1971 71/72 N
N 1972 72/73 Em
Em 1973 73/74 As
As 1974 74/75 Aw
Aw 1975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 121 215 246 338 407 488 589 604 619 g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75/76 Am 619 90 - -
Am 1976 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 119 147 325 395 408 415 525 527 544 617 672 689 718 721 721 761 907 2 10 0 0 0 0 76/77 Ew 907 170 - -
Ew 1977 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 82 176 193 226 249 292 335 420 438 450 469 g 71 167 179 184 255 285 41 59 179 221 323 415 417 434 458 77/78 Ew 469 110 458 90
Ew 1978 g g 0 0 0 0 g 34 94 164 185 275 646 718 768 791 812 878 913 955 957 962 986 986 g g 0 0 g 56 89 164 232 78/79 N 986 170 (232) (40)
N 1979 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 105 139 187 206 g g g 107 173 198 226 232 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 79/80 Ew (232) (50) - -
Ew 1980 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 48 60 95 105 118 148 237 286 426 492 521 525 525 g g g g g g g g g g 80/81 N 525 130 - -
N 1981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 111 214 262 319 333 402 501 g g g g g g g g g g 0 g g g g g g g g g 81/82 N (501) (70) - -
N 1982 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 69 112 143 309 625 804 869 891 949 1124 1177 1195 1239 1252 1259 g g g 54 113 232 252 252 309 369 393 394 398 82/83 Es 1259 150 398 90
Es 1983 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 166 229 437 591 800 854 897 953 994 1027 1043 1047 g g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 83/84 Aw 1047 120 - -
Aw 1984 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 124 218 312 468 587 639 758 876 983 1000 1003 g g g g g 41 63 98 146 146 172 172 208 217 84/85 Aw 1003 110 217 90
Aw 1985 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 82 187 271 484 568 586 608 624 647 678 714 724 750 772 831 848 857 865 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 85/86 N 855 190 - -
N 1986 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 51 161 242 336 515 899 921 929 953 994 996 999 0 0 g g g g g g 0 g g 55 79 98 112 86/87 Em 999 120 114 50
Em 1987 114 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 79 137 300 333 364 402 419 425 426 491 544 665 742 771 775 783 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 87/88 Ew 783 160 - -
Ew 1988 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 65 163 188 213 236 308 433 496 560 565 579 g g g g g g g g g 0 46 108 109 147 148 237 88/89 As 579 120 246 80
As 1989 242 246 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 203 218 257 343 458 482 552 594 609 672 683 706 712 717 732 733 29 42 74 97 100 212 252 257 274 89/90 N 733 170 274 90
N 1990 g g 0 0 49 63 179 179 204 208 311 461 500 540 540 542 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 0 75 81 98 145 152 90/91 Ew 542 120
Ew 1991 91/92 Es
Es 1992 92/93 Ew
Ew 1993 93/94 N
N 1994 94/95 Ew
Ew 1995 95/96 Aw
no AH cd. 14 15 16 15 15 15 16 12 9 7 4 2 1 0 0 2 2 2 1 2 4 5 6 9 9 8 10 10 10 10 10 9 8 7 7 7 Median rain- 733 246
AHP cd. 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 9 12 14 14 15 14 14 14 14 15 14 12 11 10 7 6 6 5 5 5 5 6 7 8 7 7 7 fall in AHPs #### 1939
%AHP/val.y. 13% 6% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 25% 44% 56% 75% 88% 93% 100% 100% 88% 88% 88% 94% 88% 75% 69% 63% 44% 40% 43% 33% 33% 33% 33% 38% 44% 50% 50% 50% 50% 66% reliab. of 619 232
median AHP rainf. in AHPs
60%-reliable 120 -
Martin Mueller 2011 length of AHP 0 0 8 8
First rainy season and middle rains: Av. end of March - end of September Second rainy season: Av. Oct. - beginning of January
1) 2) 1) 2)
years of usable records: 16 , all with AHP years of usable records: 15 , 7 with AHP
Chances for the right growing periods:

Coast Comp. m. 13 gr. p. of at least 105 days = 81 % of the seasons PH 4 maize 4 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 27 % of all seasons
PH 4 maize 14 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 88 % of all seasons E.mat. sorghum 5 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 33 % of all seasons
E.mat. sorghum 14 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 88 % of all seasons E.mat. cowpeas 5 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 33 % of all seasons
E.mat. cowpeas 15 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 94 % of all seasons Minor millets 6 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 40 % of all seasons
Existential risks:
No cereal growing period in a year or more: 0 times = 0 % of the years WATBAL run specifications by B. Hornetz
2 or more consecutive rainy seasons without the min. AHP2) of 50 d.: 0 times in 15 years ISUM ESUM ELIM OLIM STOCK RE IR
No grass growing period in a season: 4 times = 25 % of the seasons j 2,4 2,4 0,4 1 176 0,9 25
No grass growing period in a year or more: 0 times = 0 % of the years v 1,5 1,2 0,2 1 176 0,9 15
rainfall scenario: DISCON
1)
valid = no significant gaps in the records
2)
AHP = Agro-humid period ~ growing period for cereals and legumes; GGP = grass growing period
m/l i with a medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains
Potential in 1st rainy season almost as in CL 3 m i (vu), in whole year coconuts poor yields,
2nd rainy season almost nothing
CL 4 = C a s h e w n u t - C a s s a v a Zone
CL 4 = Cashewnut-Cassava Zone
m i or with a medium cropping season, followed by intermediate rains, and towards inland
m i (vu) with a (weak) very uncertain 2nd rainy season
(See Diagram Kilifi and Table 3)

1st rainy season, start norm, end of March/b. of April: PH4 maize, m. mat. sorghum; sweet
potatoes; guar, kenaf; sunflower Kenya Almasi, soya beans; Dolichos beans; kales,
onions, okra, aubergines, sweet pepper, egg plants, chillies, Chinese cabbage, water and
sweet melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchini, mchicha
Whole year: Cashew nuts, cassava, sisal, mangoes, castor
1st rainy season: Coast comp. maize, rice in semi-permanent swamps;cowpeas1),simsim1);
cotton, groundnuts (on light soils); tomatoes, garlic
Whole year: Pawpaws (50-60 %), senna, bixa
Whole year: Coconuts, bananas
Around 1.5 ha/LU on nat. pasture in coastal semi-deciduous forest-savanna mosaic; down
to about 0.25 ha/LU feeding Napier and Bana grass, siratro, centro, mangrove leaves
and planting horse tamarind, sisal bogas and cassava (see KARI Mtwapa)
DIAGRAM OF GROWING PERIODS IN THE BEST PART OF THE CASHEWNUT-

CASSAVA ZONE: showing the prolongation of the first rainy season by middle rains, but
there is no reliable second season
Kilifi D.O. = agro-humid period (AHP), during agro-humid period in mm

9339004 3m CL 4 = grass growing period only m i (vu)

ENSO-class. ENSO-class. 1st AHP 2nd AHP
to August 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 since August mm days mm days
A 1930 44 44 61 82 139 143 158 187 215 219 225 g g g g g g g g g g g g 65 147 191 206 236 273 278 30/31 N 225 110 278 70
N 1931 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 188 414 424 465 475 491 606 638 651 696 699 727 732 744 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 31/32 N 744 150 - -
N 1932 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 76 97 277 370 426 465 482 565 565 607 626 639 687 714 721 840 841 g 0 g g g g g g 63 32/33 N 841 170 231 50
N 1933 96 231 231 231 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 133 192 194 196 219 291 326 351 361 363 g 45 103 117 117 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33/34 N 363 100 - -
N 1934 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 59 207 309 404 650 738 747 778 851 864 901 915 947 962 965 981 64 65 79 g 0 0 0 0 0 34/35 N 961 160 - -
N 1935 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 287 296 460 478 532 577 621 624 638 651 711 765 765 782 830 6 65 73 76 117 117 g 0 g 35/36 N 830 160 117 60
N 1936 g g g g 0 0 0 0 g 111 144 185 237 322 344 368 519 596 637 640 715 717 723 g g g g g g g g g g g 112 168 36/37 N 723 140 174 40
N 1937 174 174 0 0 0 0 0 0 87 112 182 264 394 411 441 441 444 510 525 527 g 0 g g g g g g g g g g g g g g 37/38 N 527 120 - -
N 1938 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 93 114 167 361 530 732 763 770 830 871 928 957 988 988 992 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 38/39 A 992 160 - -
A 1939 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 42 246 507 556 591 628 687 689 690 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g 31 106 190 190 190 0 39/40 N 690 90 190 50
N 1940 0 0 0 0 0 g 46 82 88 156 282 484 589 644 917 937 940 947 971 976 1019 1034 1106 1120 1126 1161 1172 g 66 138 138 150 g g g 0 40/41 E 1172 210 150 40
E 1941 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 39 61 94 221 325 365 394 476 578 598 606 650 667 694 758 793 800 852 12 37 51 67 g g 76 116 130 41/42 E 852 180 161 50
E 1942 161 161 g 0 0 0 31 51 176 181 230 254 408 431 522 541 559 562 603 634 642 650 665 g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42/43 A 665 170 - -
A 1943 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 40 75 123 134 134 225 267 370 382 461 468 468 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43/44 N 468 130 - -
N 1944 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 87 171 429 479 480 510 550 552 581 616 659 684 707 726 736 g g 73 237 237 264 277 330 336 338 0 44/45 N 736 150 338 80
N 1945 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 28 33 138 399 667 698 732 733 733 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g 0 g g g g g 0 45/46 N 733 90 - -
N 1946 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 51 72 201 393 405 412 g g g g g g 46 73 84 101 376 1 1 43 43 0 0 0 0 0 46/47 N 412 60 - -
N 1947 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 150 195 719 1060 1082 1130 1154 1167 1176 1176 0 49 100 132 152 161 161 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47/48 N 1176 110 - -
N 1948 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 67 88 115 197 240 259 308 367 375 411 433 483 492 496 g g g g g g g g g g g 48/49 N 496 150 - -
N 1949 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 81 164 251 253 257 296 297 345 426 449 475 488 488 508 510 546 1 1 38 38 g g g g g 49/50 A 546 170 - -
A 1950 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 109 124 301 399 427 428 433 477 539 557 624 650 652 665 710 721 736 27 27 41 137 140 145 0 0 0 50/51 Am 736 180 145 60
Am 1951 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 182 216 218 374 538 548 548 g 47 92 145 172 181 184 210 217 234 237 44 98 200 208 237 251 254 284 351 51/52 N 548 70 351 110
N 1952 351 351 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 86 89 94 144 220 228 228 g g g g g 0 35 53 53 64 0 g g g g g 52/53 Ew 228 80 - -
Ew 1953 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 89 175 322 527 654 730 733 737 0 47 162 169 235 250 280 305 317 358 10 328 335 346 g g g g g 53/54 N 737 80 346 40
N 1954 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 112 145 223 250 328 348 357 359 416 439 450 450 g g g g g g g 0 0 g g g g g g 54/55 Am 450 120 - -
Am 1955 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 97 179 207 351 392 492 519 546 568 596 631 634 639 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 0 0 55/56 Am 639 130 - -
Am 1956 g g g g 0 0 0 0 g 32 64 186 278 356 418 564 600 603 629 633 665 676 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 56/57 N 676 130 - -
N 1957 57/58 Es
Es 1958 58/59 Ew
Ew 1959 0 0 0 g g 29 42 105 157 244 249 249 0 g g 59/60 N 249 70
N 1960 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 106 211 211 272 377 398 451 489 538 544 563 568 g g g g 0 0 g g g g g 0 0 60/61 N 568 130 - -
N 1961 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g g 82 212 287 332 341 358 460 518 829 63 79 168 376 408 446 490 525 535 61/62 N 828 90 570 110
N 1962 570 570 g 0 0 0 0 0 32 61 204 221 344 428 430 434 455 484 519 526 534 g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62/63 N 534 130 - -
N 1963 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 82 263 515 556 556 559 637 716 726 727 g g g g g g g g g g 0 g g g g g 63/64 Ew 727 100 - -
Ew 1964 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 31 200 228 265 267 277 293 307 314 336 356 377 379 g 0 0 0 0 0 40 54 85 159 64/65 Aw 379 130 182 60
Aw 1965 182 182 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 32 86 164 181 293 295 301 g g g g g g g g g 34 45 107 126 232 232 232 0 65/66 Am 301 70 232 70
Am 1966 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 55 101 124 198 223 266 424 436 482 567 567 588 593 631 631 g g g g g g g g g g 66/67 N 631 150 - -
N 1967 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 123 157 266 299 366 444 464 470 474 g g g g g g g 94 2 163 246 314 363 435 435 435 0 67/68 N 474 100 435 80
N 1968 0 0 0 0 0 50 24 36 97 104 125 350 406 497 628 764 787 951 961 1048 1058 1064 1109 1140 1141 1147 0 g g 34 43 165 323 328 328 0 68/69 Em 1147 200 328 60
Em 1969 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 34 172 228 228 362 400 423 443 443 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 0 0 69/70 Ew 443 90 - -
Ew 1970 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 85 115 138 138 400 480 507 512 531 541 562 585 596 g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 70/71 Am 596 140 - -
Am 1971 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 138 156 198 201 348 367 382 395 444 466 468 476 504 515 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 71/72 N 515 140 - -
N 1972 g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 190 327 333 335 0 g g g g g 56 205 254 258 73 191 209 238 328 328 335 0 0 72/73 Em 335 50 335 70
Em 1973 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 132 328 433 501 591 609 652 776 777 780 805 814 859 884 892 892 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73/74 As 892 170 - -
As 1974 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 90 101 101 240 270 270 322 385 451 451 451 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 74/75 Aw 451 120 - -
Aw 1975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 66 89 232 336 367 428 477 542 662 678 693 698 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75/76 Am 698 120 - -
Am 1976 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 143 255 305 315 338 433 452 452 519 580 600 616 618 g 70 106 6 10 0 g g g g g 0 76/77 Ew 618 140 - -
Ew 1977 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 143 155 191 257 300 303 324 336 340 379 379 428 488 523 526 616 632 54 109 260 300 330 350 361 380 440 77/78 Ew 632 170 451 110
Ew 1978 440 451 0 0 0 0 0 55 86 181 184 348 671 704 732 772 802 1015 1065 1106 1106 1125 1167 1167 1182 1188 1203 5 21 40 127 151 208 280 297 297 78/79 N 1203 200 498 120
N 1979 377 385 498 514 528 g 0 69 79 137 208 216 334 367 648 764 764 764 813 816 859 859 879 885 940 959 967 8 g g g g g g g g 79/80 Ew 967 200 - -
Ew 1980 g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 129 133 201 206 268 268 283 319 364 484 611 684 701 727 729 741 g g g g g g g g g 80/81 N 741 160 - -
N 1981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 64 190 211 271 277 277 400 413 476 499 499 535 557 559 576 588 618 652 686 686 5 101 112 152 152 185 185 313 324 81/82 N 686 200 324 100
N 1982 324 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 87 134 298 554 786 910 914 949 1047 1134 1167 1225 1236 1244 g g g 80 55 137 177 185 222 244 247 g 0 82/83 Es 1244 150 247 70
Es 1983 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 59 118 243 330 608 764 790 819 870 902 928 969 999 1014 1017 1058 1072 1074 g g g 0 0 0 83/84 Aw 1074 190
Aw 1984 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 189 331 453 557 615 705 747 815 925 940 945 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 84/85 Aw 945 110
Aw 1985 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 29 127 141 347 500 512 512 g 28 70 99 113 124 139 166 176 g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 85/86 N 512 80 - -
N 1986 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g 90 140 221 224 324 595 601 604 g g g g g g 56 84 100 110 6 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 86/87 Em 604 80 - -
Em 1987 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 72 84 181 229 229 292 292 292 0 0 0 57 151 172 172 198 198 6 76 76 g 0 0 87/88 Ew 292 110 - -
Ew 1988 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 35 127 157 217 217 237 g g g g g g g g 0 0 88/89 As 237 60
As 1989 89/90 N
N 1990 90/91 Ew
Ew 1991 91/92 Es
Es 1992 92/93 Ew
Ew 1993 93/94 N
N 1994 94/95 Ew
Ew 1995 95/96 Aw
AHP cd. 9 8 2 2 1 1 4 7 16 30 40 47 53 55 56 55 52 50 50 48 42 42 35 33 30 28 27 21 21 22 20 16 16 15 14 10 fall in AHPs #### 6082
60%-reliable 110 -
First rainy season and middle rains: Av. end of March - end of September Second rainy season: Av. October - January
1) 2) 1) 2)
years of usable records: 57 , 57 with AHP years of usable records: 53 , 21 with AHP

Coast Comp. maize 40 gr. p. of at least 105 days = 70 % of the seasons Coast Comp. m. 4 gr. p. of at least 105 days = 8 % of all seasons
PH 4 maize 47 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 82 % of all seasons PH 4 maize 5 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 9 % of all seasons
Dwarf sorghum 51 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 89 % of all seasons Dwarf sorghum 7 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 13 % of all seasons
E.mat. cowpeas 54 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 95 % of all seasons E.mat. cowpeas 11 gr. p. of at least 70 days = 21 % of all seasons
Minor millets 18 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 34 % of all seasons
Existential risks:
No grass growing period in a season: 4 times = 7 % of the seasons j 2,4 2,4 0,4 1 176 0,9 25
No grass growing period in a year or more: 0 times = 0 % of the years v 1,5 1,2 0,2 1 176 0,9 15
1)
2)
TABLE 3: CULTIVATION CHANCES AND RISKS IN THE CASHEWNUT-CASSAVA ZONE WITH A MEDIUM CROPPING SEASON AND
INTERMEDIATE RAINS (=CL 4 m i) NEAR KILIFI on light, medium and heavy soils
Crop Veg. Percentage of years with Percentage of years with Percentage of years with Percentage of years with Percentage of years with
variety cycle very good harvest at least good harvest at least fair harvest at least poor harvest total crop failure
or fodder in days
plant (average) light medium heavy light medium heavy light medium heavy light medium heavy light medium heavy
PH4 105 40 45 49 51 55 58 63 65 67 79 80 82 21 20 18
maize
Coast
comp. 120 34 35 38 43 47 49 58 60 62 75 77 78 25 23 22
maize
Sunflower
Kenya 120 36 41 46 46 53 55 60 63 65 76 79 80 24 21 20
Almasi
Early mat. 85 43 50 55 52 58 62 65 67 70 80 82 84 20 18 16
soya beans
Medium
mat. soya 120 37 42 45 48 53 56 61 65 66 78 80 81 22 20 19
beans
Cotton 150 30 32 34 39 43 44 53 55 56 71 73 74 29 27 26
Napier
and Bana perennial 35 40 45 45 50 55 60 63 65 not calculatable
grass
Bananas perennial 15 20 25 25 30 35 not calculatable
Source: Calculations by B. Hornetz with Computer Simulation Programss WATBAL and MARCROP
m i (vs/s) with a medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short to short one
1st rainy season, start norm, end of March: Pot. almost as CL 4 m i but PH4 maize only fair
Whole year: Cashew nuts4), mangoes, castor, avocadoes, sisal, pineapples3) (var. Smooth
Cayenne recommended)
1st rainy season: Potential almost as CL 4 m i plus PH4 maize
2nd rainy season, start around m. O.: E. mat. foxtail millet, e. mat. sorghum (~40 %); green
grams, cowpeas (fair to poor)
Whole year: Cassava, pawpaws, guavas, senna
Poor yield potentia l
2nd rainy season: Lagrotech early maize; e. mat. soya beans: sweet potatoes9)
Whole year: Coconuts, bananas, citrus
About 1 - 1.5 ha/LU; down to about 0.2 ha/LU feeding Napier and Bana grass, siratro,
centro, and planting horse tamarind
m i (vs) with a medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short one
Very small, potential in 1st rainy season almost as CL 4 m i + (vs/s) but better for cotton,
2nd rainy season: E. mat. foxtail millet, e. mat. Gadam sorghum, green grams and cowpeas
poor
m + (vu) with a medium cropping season and a (weak) very uncertain one
Very small, potential see Kwale Group of Districts
m/s i (vs) with a medium to short cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short one
1st rainy season, start norm, end of March: M. mat. sorghum: cowpeas1), dolichos beans,
sweet potatoes; simsim1), e. mat. soya beans 60%), m. mat. bambara groundnuts6)7),
guar; onions, okra, aubergines, egg plants, sweet pepper, garlic, chillies, water melons,
cucumbers, pumpkins
Whole year: Avocadoes, sisal, castor, pineapples3) (Smooth Cayenne), e. mat. cassava
1st rainy season: Coast comp. (50 %) and PH4 maize (50-60 %), rice in semi-perm,
swamps; cotton, safflor, sunflower, groundnuts6); Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, pigeon peas
Whole year: Cashew nuts4), m. mat. cassava, mangoes, pawpaws, senna
2nd rainy season, start norm, end of O./b. of N.: E. mat. sorghum; green grams, cowpeas,
sweet potatoes9)
Whole year: Coconuts, orange, lemons
About 1.5 - 2 ha/LU on cleared woodland (clearing necessary because of tsetse fly); down to
about 0.3 ha/LU feeding Bana grass, centro, butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), Macrotyloma,
and planting horse tamarind and saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)
m/s i with a medium to short cropping season followed by intermediate rains
Potential in 1st rainy season and whole year almost as CL 4 m/s i (vs) but PH4 maize,
cashew nuts and cassava better (nearly 60 %), 2nd rains nothing. Stocking rates about 10 %
lower; drought stress may be too high for butterfly peas
m/s + (vu) with a medium to short cropping season and a (weak) very uncertain one
Potential almost as CL 4 m/s i but cowpeas and simsim planted towards the end of 1st rainy
season have only poor yields
s/m i (vs) with a short to medium cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short one
1st rainy season, start indistinctly b. of April: E. mat. sorghum var. Gadam, e. mat. rice
Nerica 10 & 11 in mbugas, e. mat. bulrush/pearl millet (bristled variety Kat/PM1);
green grams, cowpeas1) and simsim1) (both good to fair yields)
Whole year: Perennial castor, sisal
1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like PH4; black grams, dolichos beans; e. mat. bambara
groundnuts, groundnuts; sweet potatoes; e. mat. soya beans (on h. and m. soils);
onions, tomatoes, chillies, eggplants, okra, green and red sweet pepper, aubergines,
garlic, water melons, cucumbers, pumpkins; e. mat. cassava like Shibe or Tajirika
2nd rainy season, start indistinctly Oct.: E. mat. sorghum var. Gadam, e. mat. millets (both
grain crops have fair to poor average yields); green grams (~ 40 %), chick peas (on heavy
black soils), cowpeas for spinach
Whole year: Cashew nuts, mangoes, pineapples3)
1st rainy season: Beans
2nd rainy season: E. mat. maize like Lagrotech; cowpeas
Around 2 ha/LU on woodland (tsetse if not cleared); feeding Bana grass, centro, butterfly
pea, sisal bogas, cassava & planting horse tamarind down to about 0.3 ha/LU
s i (vs) with a short cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short one
(See Diagram Kakoneni)
1st rainy season, start norm. m. April: E. mat. sorghum, e. mat. bulrush/pearl millet (bristled
var.); cowpeas1), green grams, simsim (June/July-Aug./S.,~ 60 %); chillies (Long Red
Cayenne recommended), luffa gourds
Whole year: Mangoes, castor, sisal, physic nut (Jatropha)
1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like PH4, finger millet; dolichos beans, e. mat. soya beans;
sweet potatoes; groundnuts and bambara groundnuts; onions, tomatoes, red and green
sweet pepper, okra, eggplants, drought resistant cassava
2nd rainy season, start indistinctly m. Oct.; E. mat. foxtail millet; green grams and simsim
(fair to poor), cowpeas (also for spinach)
Whole year: Cashewnuts, pawpaws, pineapples3)
Some ma r gina l crops wit h p o o r y i e l d p o te n ti al
2nd rains: E. mat. maize like Lagrotech, local maize, sweet potatoes9)
More than 2 ha/LU on woodland; feeding Bana grass and legumes like siratro down to about
0.35 ha/LU (m. soils on free draining land) and planting horse tamarinds (also on mbuga
edges). Tsetse flies near rivers or thickets. Sisal bogas and cassava as add. forage
CL 4 = Coastal Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone
s/m + vu with a short to medium cropping season, and a second very uncertain one
Small areas, potential almost as CL 4 m/s + i less about 10 %, but cashew nuts very marginal,
cowpeas and simsim (planted towards the end of 1st rainy season) too

s i + (vu) with a short cropping season, followed by intermediate rains, and a weak very uncertain one
1st rainy season, start normally mid April: E. mat. sorghum, e. mat. pearl millet (bristled
var.); chick peas (late planted on h. bl. soils); luffa gourds
Whole year: Buffalo gourds (on sandy soils)10), Marama beans10)
1st rainy season: Cowpeas and grams (May-Aug.); e. mat. groundnuts, e. mat. bambara
groundnuts, e. mat. soya beans; onions
Whole year: Drought resistant cassava, castor, physic nut (Jatropha)

1st rainy season: E. mat. maize
More than 2.5 ha/LU on dry acacia bushland; down to about 0.5 ha/LU on art. pasture
of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and feeding hay or silage of Mauritius bean vines
during dry season, Gao tree pods, and planting saltbush as fodder shrub. Mangrove
leaves
TABLE 4a: CLIMATIC YIELD POTENTIALS OF SEASONAL CROPS 1) in CL 5 (vs/s) + vs

(calc. for station 9339027 Baricho with locally dominating Fluvisols, AA 1)
First rainy season Second rainy season
(start end of March till beg. of May) (start end of October till November)
Estim. Total Estim. Total
Yield average crop average crop
Potential Crop variety yield (kg/ failures Crop variety yield (kg/ failures
(in % of ha) 2) out of 10 ha) 2) out of 10
Optimum) seasons seasons
Very good
(80-100 %)
Good
(60–80 %)
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 610 3
Fair Proso millet (Serere I) 1190 2
(40-60 %) Moth beans (Jodhpur) 710 2
Green grams (KVR 22) 440 2
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 420 3 Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 1160 2
Proso millet (Serere I) 710 3-4 Bulrush millet
Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 770 3 (Serere Comp. II) 1130 2
Bulrush millet Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1,
(Serere Comp. II) 920 3 bristled var.) 760 2
Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1, Finger millet (Ekalakala) 780 3
bristled var.) 760 3 Sorghum (2KX 17) 820 3
Sorghum (IS 8595) 880 3 Sorghum (IS 8595) 1070 2
Poor Tepary beans 290 (4) Sorghum (Serena) 720 3
(20–40 %) Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW Tepary beans 470 2
610) 580 (4) Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW
Moth beans (Jodhpur) 480 3 610) 900 3
Green grams (KVR 22) 300 3 Cowpeas (ICV II) 690 3-4
Green grams (KVR 26) 310 3 Green grams (KVR 26) 420 2
Green grams (KS 2010) 360 (4) Black grams 390 2
Black grams 410 3 Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 590 3
Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 330 3 Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 340 3
Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 660 (4) Chick peas 410 2
Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 370 (4) Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 470 2
Chick peas 410 3 Bambara groundnuts
(N-Cameroon) 370 3
Groundnuts (Makulu Red) 580 3-4
1)
Only crops listed with total crop failures (TCF) generally less than 33 % (acc. to calculations with MARCROP model of Hornetz,
2001; see Methodology in Annex). Figures in brackets () mean that yield potentials are more than 20 % of optimum although TCF
are more than 33 % (3 out of 10 years). Yield potentials of some crops in the second rainy season are higher than in the first rainy
season due to differences in the years analyzed: For the first season 23 years were used whereas for the second season only 17 years
were analyzed (particularly some of the drier years in the 1970-ies were missing in the second season; therefore, the yield potentials
in the second season seem to be much higher).
2)
Well manured, fertilized and protected. Water loss as surface runoff is stopped by contour ridges.
TABLE 4b: CLIMATIC YIELD POTENTIALS OF SEASONAL CROPS 1) in CL 5 (vs/s) + vs

(calc. for station 9339027 Baricho with locally dominating Cambisols, Uc TA)

Very good
(80-100 %)
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 1090 0
Proso millet (Serere I) 2010 1
Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 2080 1
Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW
610) 1590 1
Good Cowpeas (ICV II) 1320 1
(60–80 %) Green grams (KVR 26) 810 1
Black grams 860 1
Chick peas 920 0
Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 860 0
Bambara groundnuts
(N-Cameroon) 620 1
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 850 0 Bulrush millet

Proso millet (Serere I) 1550 0 (Serere Comp. II) 2020 0
Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 1580 0 Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1,
Bulrush millet bristled var.) 1380 0
(Serere Comp. II) 1840 1 Finger millet (Ekalakala) 1650 0
Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1, Sorghum (2KX 17) 1740 0
bristled var.) 1380 1 Sorghum (IS 8595) 1920 0
Finger millet (Ekalakala) 1750 1 Sorghum (Serena) 1610 0
Sorghum (2KX 17) 1840 1 Tepary beans 690 1
Sorghum (IS 8595) 1750 1 Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 1250 0
Sorghum (Serena) 1540 1 Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 860 0
Fair Tepary beans 550 2 Groundnuts (Makulu Red) 1310 0
(40-60 %) Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW
610) 1140 2
Cowpeas (ICV II) 940 2
Moth beans (Jodhpur) 890 1
Black grams 740 1
Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 1450 1
Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 740 1
Chick peas 740 1
Bambara groundnuts
(N-Cameroon) 460 2
Groundnuts (Makulu Red) 1210 2
Maize (PH 1) 1520 3 Maize (PH 1) 1470 2

Poor Sorghum (White) 1580 1 Sorghum (White) 960 1
(20–40 %) Soyabeans (Magoye) 1380 2 Soyabeans (Magoye) 1030 2
Soyabeans (TGX 1869/1893) 1540 2 Soyabeans (TGX 1869/1893) 1150 2
1)
Only crops listed with total crop failures (TCF) generally less than 33 % (acc. to calculations with MARCROP model of Hornetz,
2001; see Methodology in Annex). Although the 2nd rainy season is shorter, it is more reliable. Yield potentials of some crops in the
second rainy season are higher than in the first rainy season due to differences in the years analyzed: For the first season 23 years
were used whereas for the second season only 17 years were analyzed (particularly some of the drier years in the 1970-ies were
missing in the second season; therefore, the yield potentials in the second season seem to be much higher).
2)

s/vs i (vs) with a short to very short cropping season, intermediate rains and a (weak) very short one
Almost the same as above less about 5% from yield expectations in 1st rains and from
stocking rates. Second rains see CL 5 s i (vs)
FAR FROM THE COAST (40 km) THE SHORT RAINS ARE MORE RELIABLE AND
PRONOUNCED
Baricho = agro-humid period (AHP), during agro-humid period in mm
9339027 67m CL 5 = grass growing period only vs/s i vs

1st AHP 2nd AHP
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 mm days mm days
1951 51/52
1952 52/53
1953 53/54
1954 54/55
1955 55/56
1956 56/57
1957 57/58
1958 58/59
1959 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 158 208 235 235 235 g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 77 111 211 268 278 59/60 235 50 278 60
1960 278 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 37 130 153 167 255 255 287 319 335 340 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g 60/61 340 110 - -
1961 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 58 80 126 126 127 171 198 573 113 119 203 344 398 474 565 597 603 61/62 573 80 685 120
1962 685 685 685 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 73 124 62/63 - - 148 50
1963 126 148 g g 0 0 37 102 108 127 169 257 329 383 388 388 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 70 140 164 186 277 63/64 388 100 341 80
1964 340 340 341 g g 0 0 67 86 175 176 177 0 0 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 70 183 64/65 177 50 198 50
1965 198 198 g 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g 57 60 136 136 136 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 66 74 229 252 264 273 g g 65/66 136 50 273 60
1966 0 g g g g 0 0 55 76 82 143 182 186 203 311 311 323 368 368 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 188 200 233 307 308 308 66/67 368 120 308 60
1967 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 81 247 248 297 g 73 328 344 367 571 587 587 g 67/68 - - 587 70
1968 0 0 0 0 0 45 44 94 128 173 190 330 353 441 527 588 592 627 627 660 665 g g g 0 0 0 0 g g g 57 104 173 173 190 68/69 665 150 190 50
1969 g g g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 153 208 221 221 g 69/70 - - 221 40
1970 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 39 121 143 175 197 203 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g 32 60 85 133 70/71 203 70 133 60
1971 133 133 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 55 79 147 71/72 - - 288 70
1972 288 288 288 376 376 g 0 0 g g 56 294 321 366 419 419 419 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 81 81 33 98 113 126 145 145 208 247 266 72/73 419 70 293 110
1973 293 293 g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 75 196 237 266 288 451 520 520 520 551 551 571 584 625 625 643 8 60 60 119 136 216 293 293 293 73/74 643 170 293 90
1974 74/75
1975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 83 124 124 124 0 g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 75/76 124 50
1976 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g 0 76/77 - -
1977 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g g g 29 29 75 136 136 136 165 170 32 60 140 140 140 0 0 28 122 77/78 310 130 167 50
1978 122 167 167 g 0 30 21 39 122 163 203 313 397 431 438 445 g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 g g g 78/79 445 100 - -
1979 g 39 143 152 195 225 2 54 81 102 139 146 163 190 347 407 407 410 g g g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 57 67 123 79/80 410 120 123 50
1980 123 123 g g g g g 0 g g g g g g g g g 0 0 0 0 250 403 428 428 g g g 0 0 80/81 428 40
1981 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 323 375 450 450 450 495 495 536 596 596 596 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 81/82 596 120
1982 82/83
1983 83/84
1984 84/85
1985 85/86
1986 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 93 157 195 254 270 293 488 658 658 658 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 73 199 321 431 86/87 658 110 431 70
1987 431 431 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 108 144 218 298 376 407 452 452 452 498 536 566 585 640 640 640 0 0 0 0 87/88 585 130
1988 88/89
1989 89/90
1990 90/91
AHP cd. 11 11 5 2 2 3 5 9 9 10 13 15 14 14 15 15 10 8 6 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 5 4 6 6 7 12 13 16 16 14 fall in AHPs 6582 4957
60%-reliable 70 60
First rainy season: Av. end of March - end of September Second rainy season: Av. end of Oct. - begining of January
1) 2) 1) 2)
years of usable records: 24 , 19 with AHP years of usable records: 19 , 17 with AHP

Coast Comp. maize 9 gr. p. of at least 105 days = 38 % of the seasons Coast C. maize 2 gr. p. of at least 105 days = 11 % of all seasons
PH 1 maize 11 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 46 % of all seasons PH 1 maize 3 gr. p. of at least 85 days = 16 % of all seasons
Dwarf sorghum 12 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 50 % of all seasons Dwarf sorghum 4 gr. p. of at least 80 days = 21 % of all seasons
V.e.mat. cowpeas 14 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 58 % of all seasons V.e.m. cowpeas 11 gr. p. of at least 60 days = 58 % of all seasons
Minor millets 18 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 75 % of all seasons Minor millets 17 gr. p. of at least 50 days = 89 % of all seasons
Existential risks:
No grass growing period in a season: 1 time = 4 % of the seasons j 2,4 2,4 0,4 1 304 0,9 25
No grass growing period in a year or more: 0 time = 0 % of the years v 1,5 1,2 0,2 1 304 0,9 15
1)
2)
TABLE 5 a: CLIMATIC YIELD POTENTIALS OF SEASONAL CROPS 1) in CL 5 vs/s i (vs)

(calc. for station 9239000 Hadu Location with locally dominating Ferralsols)
Very good
(80-100 %)
Good
(60–80 %)
Fair
(40-60 %)
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 560 2 Hog millet (Jodhpur) 490 (4)
Proso millet (Serere I) 1000 1 Proso millet (Serere I) 750 (4)
Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 950 2 Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 780 (4)
Bulrush millet Tepary beans 310 (4)
(Serere Comp. II) 1220 2 Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW
Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1, 610) 510 (5)
bristled var.) 840 2 Moth beans (Jodhpur) 390 (4)
Finger millet (Ekalakala) 1030 (4) Green grams (KVR 22) 240 (4)
Sorghum (IS 8595) 1160 2 Green grams (KVR 26) 260 (4)
Sorghum (Serena) 880 (5) Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 270 (4)
Tepary beans 360 3 Bambara groundnuts
Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW (N-Cameroon) 200 (5)
Poor 610) 740 (4)
(20–40 %) Moth beans (Jodhpur) 600 1
Green grams (KS 2010) 530 2
Black grams 520 (4)
Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 920 3
Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 510 3-4
Chick peas 520 (4)
Soyabeans (Magoye) 700 (4)
Soyabeans (TGX 1869/1893) 780 (4)
Bambara groundnuts
(N-Cameroon) 290 3-4
Groundnuts (Makulu Red) 700 (5)
1)
Only crops listed with total crop failures (TCF) generally less than 33 % (acc. to calculations with MARCROP model of
Hornetz, 2001; see Methodology in Annex). Figures in brackets () mean that yield potentials are more than 20 % of optimum although TCF are
more than 33 % (3 out of 10 years).
2)
3)
according to KEPHIS National Crop Variety List 2009
TABLE 5 b: CLIMATIC YIELD POTENTIALS OF SEASONAL CROPS 1) in CL 5 vs/s i (vs)

(calc. for station 9239000 Hadu Location with locally dominating Phaeozems)
(start end of March till mid of April) (start end of October till mid of November)
Very good
(80-100 %)
Good
(60–80 %)
Foxtail millet (Jodhpur) 790 1 Foxtail millet (Jodhpur) 740 (4)
Hog millet (Jodhpur) 790 1 Hog millet (Jodhpur) 650 3
Fair Proso millet (Serere I) 1230 1 Proso millet (Serere I) 1150 (4)
(40-60 %) Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 1320 1
Moth beans (Jodhpur) 760 1
Green grams (KS 2010) 640 2
Maize (PH 1) 1150 3-4 Foxtail millet (Ise 285) 1100 3
Bulrush millet Bulrush millet
(Serere Comp. II) 1390 2 (Serere Comp. II) 930 (4)
Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1, Pearl millet (Kat/PM 1,
bristled var.) 950 2 bristled var.) 620 (4)
Finger millet (Ekalakala) 1300 3 Finger millet (Ekalakala) 780 (4)
Sorghum (2KX 17) 1360 3 Sorghum (2KX 17) 820 (4)
Sorghum (IS 8595) 1320 2 Sorghum (IS 8595) 890 (4)
Sorghum (Serena) 1130 3-4 Sorghum (Serena) 760 (4)
Poor Tepary beans 460 2 Tepary beans 370 (4)
(20–40 %) Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW Cowpeas (MTW 63, MTW
610) 930 2 610) 690 (4)
Green grams (KVR 26) 500 2 Moth beans (Jodhpur) 580 3
Black grams 560 3 Green grams (KVR 22) 360 3
Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 500 2 Green grams (KVR 26) 350 3
Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-3) 1000 3 Mung beans (Kat Dengu 26) 390 (4)
Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 560 3 Black grams 350 3
Chick peas 560 3 Dolichos beans (Kat/DL-1) 480 3
Soyabeans (Magoye) 1070 3-4 Pigeon peas (Kat/Mbaazi 3) 360 3
Soyabeans (TGX 1869/1893) 1190 3-4 Chick peas 350 3
Bambara groundnuts Bambara groundnuts
(N-Cameroon) 350 3 (N-Cameroon) 290 (4)
Groundnuts (Makulu Red) 820 (4)
1)
Only crops listed with total crop failures (TCF) generally less than 33 % (acc. to calculations with MARCROP model of
Hornetz, 2001; see Methodology in Annex). Figures in brackets () mean that yield potentials are more than 20 % of optimum although TCF are
more than 33 % (3 out of 10 years).
2)
3)
according to KEPHIS National Crop Variety List 2009

(vs/s) + vs with a (weak) very short to short cropping season and a very short one
(See Diagrams Baricho and Tables 4 a&b)
2nd rainy season (on CAMBISOLS): Foxtail millet (ISE 285) Proso millet (Serere I), hog
millet (Jodhpur); cowpeas (MTW 63 & 610), green grams (KVR 26), black grams,
chick peas, mung beans (Kat Dengu 26)
Whole year, best planting time mid April: Buffalo gourds (on sandy soils)10), Marama beans10)
1st rainy season, start norm. b. of April: V. e. mat. sorghum (var. see Table 4a), e. mat. pearl
millet (bristled var.); chick peas (on h. bl. soils), cowpeas, green and black grams (May -
Aug.), mung beans, dolichos beans, e. mat. bambara groundnuts; onions
2nd rainy season, start norm, end of Oct.: Pearl millet (bristled var.); more crops on diff. soils
see Tables 4 a&b, also for the other seasons
Whole year: Sisal, drought resistant cassava (fair to poor), castor, Jatropha
1st rainy season: E. mat. maize like PH1
2nd rainy season: E. mat. bulrush/pearl millet (bristled var.), e. mat. sorghum, e. mat. maize
(half plant pop. density recommended)
Whole year: Mangoes, ye-eb nuts8)
Around 4 ha/LU on sclerophytic evergreen bushland (partly tsetse infested), around 2 ha/LU
in mbugas; down to about 0.6 ha/LU on Buffel grass pastures and feeding vines of Mauritius
or Marama beans, and planting saltbush and Mesquite as fodder shrubs

s/vs i with a short to very short cropping season followed by intermediate rains
Potential almost as CL 5 s i less about 5 - 10% in yields and 10 - 20% in stocking rates.
Mangrove leaves

vs/s i (vs) with a very short to short cropping season, intermediate rains, and a (weak) very short one
(See Diagram Mariakani and Tables 5 a&b))
Whole year: Buffalo gourds (on light soils)10), Marama beans10)
1st rainy season: Proso and foxtail millet, green grams, moth beans
2nd rainy season: Proso and hog millet
Whole year: Sisal, drought resistant cassava (fair to poor), castor
1st rainy season: See Tables 5 a&b
2nd rainy season, start norm, end of O.: E. mat. maize like Lagrotech or PH1, v. e. mat.
sorghum, e. mat. bulrush/pearl millet (bristled var. Kat/PM1 or PM2 = grain usable at
dough state); green grams. More crops see Tables 5 a&b
Pasture and forage
Almost as s i (vs) less about 10%
(vs/s) i with a (weak) very short to short cropping season followed by intermediate rains
Small and unimportant. Potential see Tana Group of Districts. Jatropha fair

(vs) + vu with a (weak) very short cropping season and a very uncertain second one
Fair to poor yield potent i a l
1st rainy season11): E. mat. sorghum, v. e. mat. foxtail millet, e. mat. bulrush/pearl millet
(bristled var. Kat/PM1); cowpeas, green and black grams, v. e. mat. bambara groundnuts
Whole year: Buffalo gourds (on light soils)10), Marama beans10), sisal, castor, ye-eb nuts 12),
neem trees
Whole year: Cassava
Small-leaved bushland predominating, about 3-5 ha/LU, stocking rates better if there are
planted Gao trees on good soils for pods, Mesquite and saltbush on most free draining places
for add. browsing
CL 6 = Coastal L ow land R anching Zone

CL 6 = Coastal Lowland Ranching Zone
br with bimodal rainfall
No rainfed crops average better than poor results except buffalo gourds, Marama beans and
ye-eb nuts. Cattle, sheep and goats on undestroyed short grass savanna mixed with small
leaved bushland need more than 5 ha/LU; saltbush and Mesquite to plant for add. browsing,
especially in dry years. Gao trees (Acacia albida) for pods on good (alluvial) soils
NOTES
1)
Crops in the intermediate rains are interplanted or relay-planted already at the end of the first rainy season
2)
Only fair results on light soils
3)
No top qualities
4)
Danger of spoiled nuts by second rains
5)
Ref.: FOX, J.W. and CUMBERLAND, K.B. (1962): Western Samoa. Christchurch, New Zealand
6)
Not on heavy soils
7)
Gives reasonable yields also on poor soils
8)
M. mat. varieties on m. and heavy soils, e. mat. var. on light soils
9)
Necessary to cultivate to keep plant material for next season. To get better results, if possible, plant on ridges in swampy places
10)
Eatable seed and after some seasons tubers too, still experimental
11)
At least one of the two rainy seasons will have a very short growing period for crops in 6 or more years out of 10
12)
Cordeauxia edulis from Somalia
SOIL DISTRIBUTION, FERTILITY AND MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS
The transition from the sedimentary or non-dissected erosional plains to the coastal plains is gradual.
Between these plains and the beach, a zone of uplands and plateaus gives rise to escarpments and higher
relief intensity. The underlying geology is described as sedimentary rocks of various properties, ranging from
consolidated sand, silt and clay to limestone exposures. Along the coast itself coral rock forms the soil parent
material. Extensive alluvial plains are found along the Galana (Sabaki) river, and along some tributaries of
the Tana.
Going from west to east the soils occur in a broad SW-NE orientated pattern, more or less parallel to the
coastline. This is due to the fact that the underlying geology is mainly derived from marine sediments,
which were deposited at various stages of geological history in much the same way as is still happening at the
moment. Most of the sediments are derived from weathering products of the Basement System rocks, which
occur extensively in the hinterland.
In the sedimentary plains (Ps) of the Kilifi District Group, soil units PsO3 and PsO1 are extensive. These
soils and those of unit PsO2 developed on "sealing loam" plains and they are of low fertility, partly even
sodic or saline.
On the coastal uplands, soil units UcK7, UcSC2, UcT1/UcTA and UcO3 occur. Soil units UcK7, UcSC2
and UcO3 are of low fertility, but unit UcT1/UcTA is moderately to highly fertile.
In the Kilifi Group of Districts, plateau soils such as units UcE2, UcE1/UcS1 and UcL2 occur. Units UcE2
and UcE1/UcS1 are infertile, but soils of unit UcL2 are of a moderate to high fertility.
From the uplands down to the lower coastal plains, map units PnF1, PnKT2, PnK1, PnKT1 abd PnS3 are
found which are soils on non-dissected plains (Pn). Apart from PnKT1 of high fertility, they are of low or
low to moderate fertility.
LEGEND TO THE SOIL MAP
1 Explanation of the first character (physiography)
H Hills and Minor Scarps (hilly to steep; slopes predominantly over 16%; relief intensity up to 100
(Minor Scarps) to 300 m (Hills)
F Footslopes (at the foot of Hills and Mountains; gently undulating to rolling; slopes between 2 and
16%; various altitudes)
Uc Coastal Uplands
Pn Non-Dissected Erosional Plains Non-dissected Erosional Plains (very gently undulating to

undulating; slopes between 0 and 8%; various altitudes)
Pd Dissected Erosional Plains
Ps Sedimentary Plains
PC Coastal Plains
Pf Sedimentary Plains of Large Alluvial Fans

A Floodplains and River Terraces (almost flat to gently undulating; slopes between 0 and 5%; various
altitudes; seasonally flooded or ponded)
D Dunes
T Tidal Flats and Swamps
W Badlands
Z Lake-side Beach Ridges (very gently undulating; slopes between 2 and 5%; altitude approximately
1200 m)
2 Explanation of second character (lithology)

A Recent Alluvial Sediments from various sources
E (A)Eolian Sediments (cover sands)
F Gneisses Rich in Ferromagnesian Minerals and Hornblende Gneisses
J Lagoonal Deposits
K Siltstones
KT Complex of Siltstones and Shales
L Limestones and Calcitic Mudstones
O Plio-Pleistocene Bay sediments
S Sandstones, Grits and Arkoses
T Shales
U Undifferentiated Basement System Rocks (predominantly Gneisses)
X Undifferentiated or Various rocks
3 Soil descriptions
HL 1 Somewhat excessively drained, shallow, dark grey, firm, moderately calcareous, stony clay:
orthic RENDZINAS, lithic phase
HS 1 Well drained, shallow, brown, friable, rocky and stony, sandy clay loam:
eutric REGOSOLS, lithic phase
FL 1 Well drained, very deep, dark reddish brown, slightly calcareous clay, with a slightly to moderately
sodic deeper subsoil:
chromic LUVISOLS, sodic phase
FS 1 Excessively drained, very deep, reddish yellow, loose, sand to loamy sand:
luvic ARENOSOLS; with ferralic and albic ARENOSOLS
UcE 1 Well drained, very deep, dark red to strong brown, very friable, sandy clay loam to sandy clay,
with a topsoil of fine sand to sandy loam:
rhodic and orthic FERRALSOLS
UcE 2 Well drained, very deep, red to dusky red, very friable, sandy clay loan to clay, with a topsoil
of loamy sand to sandy loam:
rhodic FERRALSOLS
UcK 1 Somewhat excessively drained, very deep, light brown to yellow, loose to very friable, fine
sand to loamy fine sand; in places with lamellae of clay accumulation:
albic and luvic ARENOSOLS
UcK 2 Well drained, deep to very deep, red to yellowish brown, firm, sandy clay loam to clay,
underlying 20-50 cm loamy fine sand to sandy loam:
chromic and orthic LUVISOLS; with orthic ACRISOLS
UcK 4 Well drained, shallow, dark brown to dark yellowish brown, friable to firm, fairly stony and
fairly rocky, fine sandy clay loam to clay:
eutric CAMBISOLS, lithic phase; with orthic LUVISOLS
UcK 7 Well drained, deep, dark brown to yellowish brown, firm, sandy clay loam to clay, with a topsoil
of loamy very fine sand to sandy loam; in places with an abrupt transition to a sodic deeper
subsoil:
orthic LUVISOLS; with solodic PLANOSOLS
UcK 8 Moderately well drained to imperfectly drained, deep to very deep, pale brown to grey, mottled,
firm, sandy loam to clay:
gleyic LUVISOLS and ACRISOLS
UcL 2 Well drained, very deep, red to dark reddish brown, friable, clay loam to clay; in places rocky:
dystric NITISOLS and chromic ACRISOLS
UcO l Well drained to moderately well drained, deep to very deep, yellowish red to light yellowish
brown, firm, sandy clay loam to clay, predominantly underlying 20 to 100 cm fine sand to sandy
loam:
orthic LUVISOLS and ACRISOLS; with ferralic ARENOSOLS
UcO 2 Moderately well drained to imperfectly drained, moderately deep to very deep, light yellowish
brown to olive grey, very firm, very firm, sandy clay loam to clay; in places mottled:
gleyic and ferric LUVISOLS, partly sodic phase, and gleyic SOLONETZ
UcO 3 Imperfectly drained to poorly drained, moderately deep to deep, dark yellowish brown to light
olive brown, firm to very firm, moderately calcareous, sandy clay to clay, with a humic topsoil;
predominantly moderately sodic and in places saline:
mollic SOLONETZ; with orthic RENDZINAS and verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS
UcS l Excessively drained to somewhat excessively drained, deep to very deep, reddish yellow to pale
brown, loose to very friable, coarse sand to loamy coarse sand; in places with lamellae of clay
illuviation:
ferralic, luvic and albic ARENOSOLS
UcS 2 Well drained, very deep, red to yellowish red, friable to firm, sandy clay loam to clay; predomi-
nantly underlying 20-60 cm coarse sand to sandy loam:
ferralo-chromic LUVISOLS and ACRISOLS, with orthic ACRISOLS
UcSC l Complex of:

- unit UcSl
- unit UcS2
and: Somewhat excessively drained to moderately well drained, shallow, very rocky and stony
soils of varying consistency and texture:
LITHOSOLS, eutric REGOSOLS, and eutric and vertic CAMBISOLS, partly lithic phase
UcT l Well drained to moderately well drained, moderately deep to deep, yellowish red to light olive
brown, very firm, cracking clay; in places imperfectly drained, mottled and/or calcareous:
chromic VERTISOLS and vertic and gleyic LUVISOLS
UcTA Association of:

well drained to imperfectly drained, shallow to moderately deep, yellowish brown to very dark
grey, firm to very firm clay; on dissected parts:
eutric CAMBISOLS, partly lithic phase
and:
imperfectly drained, deep, dark grey to olive grey, very firm clay, with a humic topsoil and a
sodic deeper subsoil; on interfluves:
verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS, sodic phase; with vertic CAMBISOLS, sodic phase
UcXC Complex of:

well drained to moderately well drained, moderately deep, reddish brown, friable to very firm,
sandy loam to clay loam; partly with a humic topsoil and/or a sodic subsoil:
undifferentiated LUVISOLS; with verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS
UcK 7-PsO1
Complex of:
- unit UcK7
and:
- unit PsO l
PnFl Well drained, deep to very deep, dusky red to dark red, friable sandy clay:
rhodic FERRALSOLS
PnK l Well drained, very deep, brown, friable to firm, sandy clay loam to clay, with a sodic deeper
subsoil; in places with a very thick topsoil of loamy sand to sandy loam; slightly dissected plain:
orthic LUVISOLS, sodic phase
PnKT l Imperfectly drained, moderately deep to deep, dark greyish brown, very firm, cracking, sandy
clay to clay; with a strongly calcareous and moderately sodic deeper subsoil:
verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS, sodic phase,
PnKT 2 Well drained, shallow, dark reddish brown to very dark brown, firm, fine sandy clay loam to
clay:
eutric CAMBISOLS, lithic phase, with LITHOSOLS
PnS 3 Well drained, deep, red, firm, sandy clay loam to clay:
chromic LUVISOLS
PdUC 2 Complex of:

well drained, shallow to moderately deep, dark red to yellowish brown, non-calcareous to
moderately calcareous, friable to firm, stony sandy clay loam, over petrocalcic material or quartz
gravel:
calcic CAMBISOLS, lithic or petrocalcic phase; with chromic LUVISOLS
PdXC Complex of:

well drained, shallow, dark reddish brown to strong brown, non-calcareous to moderately
calcareous, firm, stony and gravelly loam to sandy clay loam, partly over petrocalcic material:
chromic CAMBISOLS to orthic LUVISOLS, lithic or paralithic phase; with calcic CAMBISOLS,
petrocalcic phase
PsF l Well drained, deep to very deep, red to dark reddish brown, friable to firm, sandy clay to clay,
in places over pisocalcic material; on sheetwash, lacustrine and fluviatile sediments:
ferric and chromic LUVISOLS; with calcic LUVISOLS
PsO l Imperfectly drained to poorly drained, deep, greyish brown, extremely firm, slightly calcareous,
moderately saline, moderately sodic, cracking clay, with a very thin topsoil of sandy clay loam:
gleyic SOLONETZ, saline phase
PsO 2 Imperfectly drained, deep, brown, very firm, moderately calcareous, moderately saline,
moderately sodic, clay loam, with a thin topsoil of strongly sealing sandy clay loam:
luvo-orthic SOLONETZ, saline phase
PsO 3 Imperfectly drained, moderately deep to deep, brown, extremely firm, slightly to moderately
calcareous, moderately sodic, clay loam, underlying a topsoil of sealing sandy loam:
luvo-orthic SOLONETZ and solodic PLANOSOLS
PcJ l Somewhat excessively drained to well drained, very deep, yellowish red to yellowish brown, loose
to very friable, medium sand to loamy medium sand, 80 to 120 cm thick, overlying more than
60 cm sandy loam to sandy clay loam:
albic and ferralic ARENOSOLS
PcJ 2 Imperfectly drained, deep to very deep, very dark greyish brown to olive brown, mottled, firm
to very firm, sandy clay to clay; moderately calcareous and moderately saline and sodic throughout
or in deeper subsoil:
luvo-orthic SOLONETZ, saline phase and vertic LUVISOLS, saline-sodic phase
PcJ 3 Well drained, very deep, red to dark yellowish brown, loamy medium sand to sandy loam; in
places shallow over coral limestone:
ferralic and dystric CAMBISOLS
PcJ 4 Well drained, very deep, dark red to strong brown, firm, sandy clay loam to sandy clay,
underlying 30 to 60 cm medium sand to loamy medium sand:
chromic and ferralo-orthic LUVISOLS
PcJC Complex of:

very deep soils of varying drainage condition, colour, consistency, texture and salinity:
albic ARENOSOLS, orthic FERRALSOLS, gleyic LUVISOLS, solodic PLANOSOLS and
pellic VERTISOLS
PcL l Well drained, shallow to moderately deep, red to dark reddish brown, friable, rocky, loam to
sandy clay loam:
LITHOSOLS; with ferralic CAMBISOLS, lithic phase
PcL 2 Well drained, moderately deep to deep, dark red to yellowish red, friable, sandy clay loam to
sandy clay, underlying 20 to 40 cm loamy medium sand; in places shallow over coral limestone:
ferralo-chromic LUVISOLS to ACRISOLS, with rhodic FERRALSOLS
PcL 3 Imperfectly drained, deep, greyish brown, mottled, firm, slightly calcareous, non-saline to
slightly saline, slightly sodic, sandy clay loam, abruptly underlying a thick topsoil of friable loamy
sand:
solodic PLANOSOLS
PfOC Complex of:

well drained to imperfectly drained, very deep, reddish brown to grey, firm clay soils of varying
calcareousness, salinity and sodicity, in many places with a strongly sealing topsoil; with
inclusions of well drained, very deep, brown, loose, loamy sand; levee complex:
luvo-orthic SOLONETZ, saline phase; with solodic PLANOSOLS, saline phase, chromic
VERTISOLS, saline-sodic phase and cambic ARENOSOLS
AA 1 Well drained to imperfectly drained, very deep, brown to dark brown, friable, micaceous,
slightly calcareous, sandy loam to clay loam; in places with a saline-sodic deeper subsoil:
eutric FLUVISOLS
AA 5 Imperfectly drained to poorly drained, very deep, dark reddish brown to dark greyish brown,
firm to very firm, cracking clay; in many places mottled and with a calcareous, saline and sodic
deeper subsoil:
chromic VERTISOLS, saline-sodic phase
AA 6 Imperfectly drained, very deep, dark brown, firm, strongly calcareous, moderately saline, strongly
sodic clay, with a topsoil of sandy clay loam:
calcic LUVISOLS, saline-sodic phase
AA 7 Poorly drained, very deep, very dark grey, very firm, moderately calcareous, slightly saline,
slightly to moderately sodic, cracking clay:
pellic VERTISOLS, saline-sodic phase
Dl Excessively drained to well drained, very deep, brown to pale brown, loose, slightly to strongly
calcareous, medium sand to loamy medium sand:
cambic ARENOSOLS and calcaric REGOSOLS
T Very poorly drained, very deep, olive to greenish grey, soft, unripe, excessively saline, moderately
to strongly sodic, loam to clay; in many places with sulfidic material:
thionic FLUVISOLS, saline phase and gleyic SOLONCHAKS
W Excessively drained, brown, very firm, strongly sodic, gravelly clay loam to sandy clay of varying
depth; strongly eroding and strongly sealed:
undifferentiated SOLONETZ
Zl Well drained, very deep, red, very friable, sandy clay loam:
rhodic FERRALSOLS
Z2 Moderately well drained, very deep, dark brown to reddish brown, firm to very firm, often
moderately sodic, sandy clay loam, underlying a thick topsoil of friable loamy sand; in places
shallow over coral rock:
ferralo-chromic/orthic ACRISOLS, sodic phase; with solodic PLANOSOLS
Notes for definitions (of underlined words):

mollic Nitisols and chromo-luvic Phaeozems: soils are equally important
mollic Nitisols, with chromic-luvic Phaeozems: Nitisols are prevalent
in places: in < 30% of the area
in many places: in 30-50% of the area
predominantly: in > 50% of the area
deeper subsoil: below 80 cm
3.4.2 POPULATION AND LAND see main Volume Coast Province
3.4.3 AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS see main Volume Coast Province

3.4.4 FARM SURVEY
TABLE 20: FARM SURVEY SITES IN KILIFI AND NEIGHBOURING DISTRICTS

Representative of the Typical Agro-Ecological Zones, Subzones and Units
District No. in Agro-Ecological Unit

2004 Kenya AEZone Subzone Soil Unit Farm Survey Sites
Kaloleni Division, Jibana Location,
190 CL 3 m/l i (s) UcS 2
Nyalani Sub-location
Kikambala Division, Mtwapa Location,
191 CL 3 m/l i PcJ 4
Kidutani Sub-location
Vitengeni Division, Vitengeni Location,
Kilifi 192 CL 4 s i (vs) UcK 7
Madamani Sub-location
Kaloleni Division, Mariakani Location,
193 CL 5 (vs/s) + (vs) UcK 2
Mitangoni Sub-location
Bamba Division, Mitangani Location,
194 CL 5 (vs) + (vu) PsO 1
Mikamini Sub-location
Farm Survey in Kilifi and Neighbouring Districts (Kilifi County)
The Farm Survey (FS) was carried out during the year 2004 in five sites covering AEZs CL 3, CL 4 and
CL 5 (Table 20, p.52). The data collected during 2004 FS on various agricultural aspects are presented in
Tables 21 a-e while the cropping patterns are reported in Tables 22 a-e. The average farm size per household
in Kilifi county ranged from 2.13 ha in Nyalani to 4.19 ha in Kidutani (Tables 21 a-e). This is a reasonable
piece of land per household that when effectively utilized should translate into high yields and improved
income. With the exception of Mikamini (CL 5), all the other sites have land allocated also to permanent
crops and pasture. Mitangoni (CL 5) and Mikamini have the highest average land per household for annual
crops because of low yields, while Nyalani (CL 3) has the highest average land per household for permanent
crops. No land for pasture and fodder was reported in Mikamini because there is still common land, while
in Nyalani where land is scarce, households have an average of 0.53 ha allocated to pasture and fodder crops.
The rest of the sites have an average of more than 1.5 ha of land allocated to pasture. Multiple cropping
is a common practice in Kilifi with sites such as Nyalani, Madamani and Kidutani recording a cropping
diversity of 8.3, 7.4 and 6.4 cultivars, respectively.
The most common annual crops in Kilifi are maize, beans, cowpeas, green grams and cassava. In most of the
study sites, these crops are grown during the long and short rains growing seasons. Tomatoes are also grown
in Kidutani (CL 3) during long and short rains. In all the sites, land under cultivation for annual crops is
more during the March-May season than the October- December season. During the first rainy season, the
average farm in Mikamini had the largest land area under cultivation (2.49 ha) while one in Kidutani had
the least area (1.10 ha) under cultivation. The same sites have the highest area (Mikamini 2.46 ha) and the
lowest area (Kidutani 0.44 ha) under cultivation during the short rains, but the difference to the first season
is near the coast much bigger. Coconuts, mangoes and citrus fruits are the main perennial crops in AEZs CL
3 and CL 4. No perennial crops were reported in the two sites of AEZ CL 5 (Mitangoni and Mikamini).
Dairy and zebu cattle are kept in Kilifi group of districts in varied numbers in most of the AEZs. The average
number of dairy and zebu cattle per household was highest in Mikamini (CL 5) and least in Madamani.
It was notable that farmers in Mikamini and Mitangoni do not cultivate perennial crops because there is not
enough rain for the common ones, and incidentally these two sites have the highest number of dairy and
zebu cattle per household, implying livestock is a major source of income. It was observable that dairy cattle
are not kept in Mitangoni (CL 5) while zebu animals are not kept in Kidutani (CL 3). Sheep and goats are
found in at least every household, with Mikamini (21.8) and Mitangoni (19.0) having the highest number
per household. The high number of livestock in Mikamini does not commensurate with the land available
where no land is spared for livestock. The TLU value derived from total land is lower: dairy-5.8 and zebu- 13.7. This
implies farmers in Mikamini have most of their land under cultivation, leaving no room for grazing despite the high
number of livestock which graze mainly on common land but this is already overgrazed. The scenario is no better in
the sites such as Nyalani, Madamani and Mitangoni where farmers have spared land as grazing land. It is clear that the
carrying capacity of land is exceeded, calling for a shift in the current practice. Although dairy farming is common in all
sites except Mitangoni, the percentage of improved cattle is only highest in Kidutani (63%) while nearly half (53%) of
the cattle are improved in Mitangoni.
The percentage (Avg. 1, Tab. 21 a-e) of improved cattle in Nyalani, Madamani and Mikamini is fairly high (91%, 66%
and 100%), but the percentage of all the respondents (Avg. 0) is very low: 18%, 15% and 10%, respectively. This implies
very few households are keeping dairy animals but instead the majority are keeping zebu cattle. It would be helpful
for the few farmers keeping dairy animals to concentrate on dairy farming and discard zebu keeping in an attempt to
improve TLU ratio and maximize on returns.
With the exception of Kidutani, no use of chemical fertilizer was reported in the Kilifi group of districts. Most of the
cultivated land in Madamani (73.5%) was under improved seed varieties. While in Nyalani, only 45% of the cultivated
land was under improved seeds. Use of manure is very much on a limited scale, except in Madamani. These illustrated
that use of modern farm inputs is very low, a factor that would limit yields. It would significantly help is households
scaled up use of manure since most keep livestock.
Tables 21 a - e: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Coast
Province
Tables 22 a - e: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Coast Province
Malindi and Magarini Districts
The farm survey of 2004 was carried out in three AEZs and four sites of the former greater Malindi district
as shown in Table 23. The three AEZs were CL 3 (Msabaha), CL 4 (Madina) and CL 4-5 (Fundi Issa) and
CL 5 (Baricho). The data collected during the 2004 FS on various agricultural aspects are presented in
Tables 24 a-d, while the cropping pattern results are presented in Tables 25 a-d. Average land holding per
household is good, with the least average of 2.47 ha in Fundi Issa and highest average of 11.53 ha in Madina.
A comparison of land allocation for annual crops and perennial crops show that farmers in three of the four
sites allocate more land for the former. In Msabaha (CL 3)however, annual crops occupy an average of 0.951)
ha against perennial crops on 1.45 ha (mainly mangoes, coconuts and cashew nuts). Farmers in Msabaha
and Fundi Issa have part of their land (0.85 ha and 0.67 ha respectively) for pasture and fodder. Farmers in
Madina and Baricho have no specific land set for pasture and fodder despite the relatively higher number of
zebu and sheep/goats they keep. It means there still must be common land.
Despite the high cropping diversity (of between 4.5 and 6.2) in Malindi, most of these crops are cultivated
during the first rainy season. Crops for this first growing season in Malindi are maize, beans, cowpeas, green
grams and cassava. In Msabaha and Fundi Issa, maize is the only crop identified by respondents, cultivated
during the second rainy season. At Madina and Baricho, which are further inland, additional crops during
the second rains are cowpeas, green grams and cassava. Total land areas cultivated (in the sample of 30
farmers) during the first rains range from 60 ha at Msabaha to 80.95 ha at Fundi Issa (Table 25 a & b). Like
in most parts near the coast of Kenya, much less land is cultivated during the second rains which are faible
and unreliable there. Thus, Msabaha and Fundi Issa have as low as 4 ha (0.13 resp. 0.14 ha per farm) while
Madina and Baricho have relatively more land cultivated (av. 1.16 ha & 1.73 ha per farm, respectively) but
still less the cultivated land area compared with the first rainy season season. Perennial crops in Malindi
District are cashew nuts, coconuts, mangoes and pineapples, cultivated on a fair acreage at Msabaha (av.
1.54 ha per farm) and Baricho (1.17 ha).
Zebu and sheep/goats are kept in all the sites. The average number of zebu animals per household is fairly
high in Madina (12.0) and Fundi Issa (7.5). The average number of goats/sheep per household is equally
high, ranging from 7.7 at Msabaha to 18 at Baricho. Dairy farming appears not to be common in Malindi
and only limited to AEZ CL 3, represented by Msabaha. Even at Msabaha, only 20% of the total livestock
are improved cattle. Total Livestock Unit (derived from pasture land area) for both zebu and sheep/goat is
low. For Madina and Baricho where no land is allocated for permanent pasture and fodder, the situation
is critical given the high number of livestock average per household, grazing and browsing on already
overgrazed communal land. With the exception of improved seeds, use of inputs such as chemical fertilizer,
manure and insecticides is virtually non-existent.
TABLE 23: FARM SURVEY SITES IN FORMER MALINDI DISTRICT

Representative of the Dominating Agro-Ecological Zones, Subzones and Units
District No. in Agro-Ecological Unit

Farm Survey Sites
2004 Kenya AEZone Subzone Soil Unit
Malindi Division, Gede Location, Msabaha
195 CL 3 m/l i PcJC
Sub-location
Magarini Division, Fundi Issa Location, Fundi
196 CL 4-5 s/m i (vu) PcL 3
Issa Sub-location
Malindi Marafa Division, Mafara Location, Madina
197 CL 4 s i (vs) UcO 3
Sub-location
Marafa Division, Bungale Location, Baricho
198 CL 5 (vs/s) + vs UCTA
Sub-location
1)
0.92 ha is written in Table 24a, but in 25a it is 2.0 ha, a strange error or some mixed crops?
Tables 24 a - d: ASSETS, LAND USE, FARMING INTENSITY AND INPUTS see main Volume Coast
Province
Tables 25 a - d: CROPPING PATTERN see main Volume Coast Province
3.4.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE ACTUAL LAND USE SYSTEMS AND POTENTIAL

INTENSIFICATION BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN TYPICAL AGRO-
ECOLOGICAL SUBZONES
In order to realize the main task of the farm management, a question targeting specifically the inputs used
by farmers and resultant increase in yields was included in the Small Farm Survey questionnaire that was
conducted. In each survey area the purposively sampled 30 farmers were divided into 3 groups: one group
applying low inputs, a second one medium inputs, and a third one high inputs. The difference between these
groups shows the amount of yields that can be realistically achieved by the farmers practicing better farm
management. The column with the yield potential finally shows figures under optimal soil conditions, water
supply, crop husbandry and pest control, which is the ultimate goal of any farmer.
More detailed information can be found together with calculations of profitability in the Farm management
Guidelines of each district. The tables found here are not yet correlated with the relevant and most suited
Agro-Ecological Units, which are necessary for the calculation of expected yields and the amount of inputs.
The amount of fertiliser per soil unit is described in MURIUKI &QURESHI: Fertiliser Use Manual, KARI
2001. For more details, see Chapter 3.2.6.
In terms of aerial expanse, the dominant zones in which field data were collected from in the Malindi Group
of Districts are: CL 3, CL 4 and CL 5. An additional important reference material is “Small Holder Farming
Handbook for Self-employment”. First published in 1997 by Information Research and Communication
Centre (IRACC) & Marketing Support Services Ltd, Nairobi.
KILIFI GROUP OF DISTRICTS
Subzone CL 3 m/l i (s) of the Coconut-Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Coconut-Cassava Zone with a medium to long cropping season, intermediate rains,
followed by a (weak) short cropping season as found in Jibana Location, Nyalani Sub-location, in Kaloleni
Division. The dominant soil type is well drained, very deep, red to yellowish red, friable to firm, sandy
clay loam to clay; predominantly underlying coarse sand to sandy loam: ferralo-chromic LUVISOLS and
ACRISOLS, with orthic ACRISOLS. The annual average rainfall amount is between 1100 – 1200 mm. The
first rainy season can expect more than 480 – 700 mm * in 10 out of 15 seasons; the middle rains and second
rainy season > 200 – 250 mm. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is
155 - 175 and 85 – 105 days, respectively. *
A major feature of agriculture in this coastal zone and in this Subzone in particular has been the rapid
change from sorghum and millet production to maize, cassava, cowpeas and rice production over the
course of the last century (Table 25a). Maize has become the dominant staple while sorghum and millets
have disappeared from the area. Average yields however, are far below the potential of the region and low
production levels create serious food deficits. Improved maize production techniques are key to resolving
these deficits. Over the years, new technologies, such as new varieties and fertilizer have been introduced.
Adoption has, however, remained low especially for fertilizer near zero(Tables 24a & 26a). Despite the above
average natural conditions, Table 26a gives the poorest picture of all zones 3 and 4. Manure given is less than
1 t/ha (compare Table 24 a)
Agriculture is still the main activity of the subzone. Mixed cropping is practiced in all areas within the
subzone. Both tree and annual crops are grown and intercropping is common. This combination varies from
place to place but in general, there is a decrease in the number of trees as compared to annual crops from the
coast to the hinterland in the west. Although annual crops can generate income, they are usually produced
primarily for human consumption and only sold if there is a surplus or sudden need for cash. Maize, cassava,
cowpeas, green grams, sweet potatoes, and rice are major crops; pigeon pea, beans, bananas, and vegetables
are minor crops. Maize is the most important annual staple crop. Current maize yields in this subzone CL3
are estimated between 0.5 t/ha to 1.5 t/ha although they may be as low as 0.3 t /ha during the short (minor)
rainy season (Table 26a).
Cassava is a subsidiary staple in this subzone and is increasingly becoming an important cash crop. It is
regarded as an important security crop because of its tolerance to drought, ability to give reasonable yields
on poor soils, low external input and labor requirements, and the option of harvesting over a long period
after the first season. The next most important annual crop is cowpea. However, even though cowpea is also
drought tolerant, it is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which often leads to very low yields.
Tree cultivation is very common and covers a large area in zones CL3, and it is an important source of
regular income. Major tree crops are coconuts, cashew nuts, citrus, Bixa, and mangoes. Trees grow easily
without much labor input and the fruits are sold for cash. Coconuts are the most important tree crop in this
subzone until recently; now farmers in Kilifi district rank Bixa as the number one cash crop. Some farmers
rent out trees for a yearly fee to tenants who are entitled to harvest all the fruits during the season.
Tree crops are estimated to contribute over 65% of farm produce value in zone CL3. Distance from markets
and the small number of marketing outlets are a major constraint to agricultural income generation. Poor
infrastructure, perishable farm produce, lack of organized marketing, and the small number of middlemen
in the area also mean that agricultural prices and consequently farm income, are low. Several commodities
are handled through formal markets where prices and conditions are regulated by the government. They
include maize, rice, sugar cane, cashew nuts and Bixa. These markets are dominated by large purchasing
organizations such as the National Cereals and Production Board, Kenya Cashew Nuts Limited, and Kenya
Bixa Limited. Cooperatives, middlemen, and end-users are licensed buying agents for these organizations.
Since the deregulation of cereal markets in the 1990s, however, food crops like maize and rice are mostly
handled through informal markets (influenced only minimally by regulations) and where prices tend to be
lower than in formal markets. Informal markets also handle vegetables and fruit, cassava, sweet potatoes,
tomatoes, mangoes, bananas and papayas.
* According to the position of the place in the subzone

TABLE 26a: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 3 m/l i (s), UcS 2
Subzone: m/l i (s), Soil Unit: UcS 2 Survey Area 190 (Nyalani)
AEZ: CL 3 COCONUT – CASSAVA ZONE
Sub-zone: m/l i (s) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 155-175, 2nd rainy season 85-105 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UcS 2 = well drained very deep ferralo-chromic LUVISOLS and ACRISOLS
and Inputs
Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season> 480 – 700 mm in at
2nd rainy season: >200 – 250 mm in at least
10 out
least 10 out of 15 years
of 15 years
Farmers in Prod. Level Farmers in Prod. Level
Maize local II= III= AEU
I= low II= med.4) III= high5) AEU Pot.6) I= low
monocropped med.4) high5) Pot.6)
Yields3) kg/ha 500 500
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
* *
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha 1 1
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha - -
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
Source: Interview of 30 farmers (if possible 10 in each level) 2004 by Divisional and Field staff
2)
Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years; growing periods may be considered longer
due to immediately following second rainy season by middle rains. Then the second growing period is shorter than the given figures
3)
Achieved average yields with average rainfall
4)
Farmers with medium inputs
5)
Farmers with high inputs of Fertiliser, insecticides, soil and water conservation
6)
Potential yield according to crop list and local climate of this Agro-Ecological Unit if soils are optimally fertilized, plus optimal crop
management
7)
Fertiliser applications are averaged at 20 % of pure nutrient
*Agroecological unit potential for local maize variety not yet established
Subzone CL 3 m/l i of the Coconut–Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Coconut-Cassava Zone with a medium to long cropping season and intermediate
rains 1) located in Mtwapa Location, Kidutani Sub-location, in Kikambala Division. The dominating soil
type in this subzone is the well drained, very deep, dark red to strong brown, firm, sandy clay loam to sandy
clay, underlying medium sand to loamy medium sand: chromic and ferralo-orthic LUVISOLS. The annual
average rainfall amount is between 1050 – 1230 mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 400 –
800 mm* in 10 out of 15 seasons; the middle rains and second rainy season > 50 – 130 mm*. The 60%
reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 155 - 175 and < 40, respectively.
A major feature of agriculture in this coastal zone and in this subzone in particular has been the rapid change
from sorghum and millet production to maize, cassava, cowpeas and rice production over the course of the
last century (Table 25b). Maize has become the dominant staple while sorghum and millets have disappeared
from the area. The reason is not only loss by birds but also the inferior social status of backwardness of
sorghum and millet eaters. Average yields of maize however, are far below the potential of the region and
their low production levels create serious food deficits. Improved maize production techniques are key to
resolving these deficits. Over the years, new technologies, such as new varieties and fertilizer have been
introduced. Adoption has, however, remained low especially for fertilizer (Table 24b). Agriculture is still
the main activity of the subzone. Mixed cropping is practiced in all areas within the subzone. Both tree
and annual crops are grown and intercropping is common. This combination varies from place to place
but in general, there is a decrease in the number of trees as compared to annual crops from the coast to
the hinterland in the west due to decreasing rainfall. Although annual crops can generate income, they are
usually produced primarily for human consumption and only sold if there is a surplus or sudden need for
cash. Maize, cassava, cowpeas, green grams, sweet potatoes, and rice are major crops; pigeon peas, beans,
bananas, and vegetables are minor crops. Maize is the most important annual staple crop. Current maize
yields in this subzone CL 3 are estimated between 0.5 t/ha to 1.5 t/ha (av. 0.6 t/ha) although they may be
almost nothing during the short (minor) rainy season (Table 26b).
Cassava is a subsidiary staple in this subzone and is increasingly becoming an important cash crop. It is
regarded as an important security crop because of its tolerance to drought, ability to give reasonable yields
on poor soils, low external input and labor requirements, and the option of harvesting over a long period
after the first season. The next most important annual crop is cowpea. However, even though cowpea is also
drought tolerant, it is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which often leads to very low yields.
Tree cultivation, which is very common and covers a large area in zones CL 3, is an important source of
regular income. Major tree crops are coconuts, cashew nuts, citrus, Bixa, and mangoes. Trees grow easily
without much labor input and the fruits are sold for cash. Coconuts are the most important tree crops in this
subzone until recently; now farmers in Kilifi district rank Bixa as the number one cash crop. Some farmers
rent out trees for a yearly fee to tenants who are entitled to harvest all the fruits during the season.
Tree crops are estimated to contribute over 65% of farm produce value in zone CL 3. Distance from markets

1)
In some places toward inland a weak very uncertain second growing period can be added.
TABLE 26b: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 3 m/l i, PcJ4
Subzone: m/l i, Soil Unit: PcJ4 Survey Area 191 (Mtwapa)
AEZ: CL 3 COCONUT – CASSAVA ZONE
Crop Yields3) Sub-zone: m/li (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 155-175, 2nd rainy season < 40)
and Inputs Unit with predom. Soil: PcJ4 = well drained very deep ferralo-orthic LUVISOLS
Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >400 – 800 mm in at 2nd rainy season: >50 – 130 mm in at least 10 out
least 10 out of 15 years of 15 years
8)
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
* *
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha 2 9) 2 9)
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
Figures of these cereals growing periods should be reached or surpassed in 6 out of 10 years.
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
8)
Climatically unbelievable figure, or maize is planted towards the end of the first rainy season using remaining soil moisture.
9)
Unreliable figure, in Table 24 b manure is not mentioned.
Subzone CL 4 s i(vs) of the Cashewnut–Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Cashewnut-Cassava Zone with a short cropping season, intermediate rains and
a (weak) very short cropping season as found in Vitengeni Location, Madamani Sub-location, in Vitengeni
Division. The dominant soil of this subzone is the well drained, deep, dark brown to yellowish brown,
firm, sandy clay loam to clay, with a topsoil of loamy very fine sand to sandy loam; in places with an abrupt
transition to a sodic deeper subsoil: orthic LUVISOLS; with solodic PLANOSOLS. The annual average
rainfall amount is between 800 – 950 mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 220 – 350 mm* in
10 out of 15 seasons and second rainy season > 150 – 180 mm*. The 60% reliability of the growing periods
during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 85 – 105 and 40 – 55 days, respectively.
Due to the low reliability of the rains and the short cropping season, drought-evading and drought-tolerant
crop varieties should be cultivated. In general, the short rains are inadequate for the cultivation of annual
crops.
The indigenous cereals were sorghum and millet, both of which are drought-resistant resp. drought-evading,
and therefore well suited for the unreliable and low amounts of rainfall. Since the end of the last century,
however, sorghum and millet have almost entirely been replaced by maize. Compared to sorghum and millet,
maize has a higher production potential, is less vulnerable to diseases and pests (especially bird attacks), and
is more easily prepared for consumption. On the other hand, maize is quite vulnerable to both water deficits
and surpluses, while it requires a well drained soil with a good supply of nutrients. Due to the usually low,
short and unreliable rainfall, together with the low fertility of soil and lacking fertiliser application (Table
26c), yields vary from low to almost nil over the years. Yields are 100 – 1,000 kg/ha, 600 kg/ha on average
(Table 26c), which is very low compared to other regions of Kenya,
Weeds are serious competitors regarding nutrients, light and space, especially in the early life stages of the
maize. If not properly removed, they can cause considerable yield reductions. A special problem is formed
by Striga spp. (witchweed), a parasite which attaches to the root system of the maize. Most common pests
affecting maize yields are the stalk borer and the army worm, while major diseases are white leaf blight and
rust.
Indigenous root crops were several types of yam, which are not popular any more. More common nowadays
is cassava, a crop which was hardly grown before the mid-nineteenth century. Cassava is relatively drought
resistant, has a good yield potential on poor soils, and is resistant to pests and weeds. Moreover, it requires
little labour and does not show a peak in labour demand. The crop can remain in the field throughout the
season, so that it can function as a reserve crop. However, compared with maize, the protein content is very
low. The cassava in this subzone has been infected with the mosaic virus, which causes considerable yield
reductions. Average yields of cassava count are about 1-5 kg of tubers per plant. Another root crop is the
sweet potato, which is grown by only a few farmers.
Pulses are commonly grown, although always in small quantities. Most common pulses are beans, cow peas,
pigeon peas and green grams, but also groundnuts and bambara nuts are grown incidentally. Some of these
pulses, especially cowpeas and green grams, are rather drought resistant. Due to the ability to fix nitrogen in
the soil, pulses can be useful if intercropped with maize. Most pulses are vulnerable to insect damage, which
often lead to a failure of making pods.

TABLE 26c: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 4 s i(vs), UcK 7
Subzone: s i(vs), Soil Unit: UcK 7 Survey Area 192 (Madamani)
AEZ: CL 4 CASHEWNUT – CASSAVA ZONE
Sub-zone: si(vs) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 85-105, 2nd rainy season 40-55 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UcK 7 = well drained, deep, dark brown to yellowish brown orthic LUVISOLS
and Inputs
Reliable rainfall: 1st rainy season >220 – 350 mm in at
2nd rainy season: >150 – 180 mm in at least 10
out
of 15 years
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha - -
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
Subzone CL 5 (vs/s) + vs of the Lowland Livestock–Millet Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone with a (weak) very short to short cropping season and a very
short one as found in Mariakani Location, Mitangoni Sub-location, in Kaloleni Division. The dominant soil
of this subzone is the well drained, deep to very deep, red to yellowish brown, firm, sandy clay loam to clay,
underlying loamy fine sand to sandy loam: chromic and orthic LUVISOLS; with orthic ACRISOLS. The
annual average rainfall amount is between 640 – 810 mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 150
– 220 mm in 10 out of 15 seasons and the second rainy season > 150 – 190 mm. The 60% reliability of the
growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 55 – 75 and 40 – 55 days, respectively.
The rains are very unreliable and cropping season is short, less than 55 days. Therefore, the zone consists
mainly of ranch land. Crop production should be restricted to drought-resistant crops only. Attempts to
grow maize usually results in very low yields or total crop failure (Table 26d).
Cattle kept in this subzone belong to the small East African Zebu type. This type of cattle is relatively well
adapted to the local environment. However, these cattle are not in optimal conditions. During the dry
seasons, the animals have to face the harsh circumstances, and trek long distances in search of pasture and
water. An ever recurring problem has been rinderpest, which regularly reduces herd sizes. Other troublesome
diseases are east-coast fever, foot-and-mouth disease and trypanosomiasis which is transmitted by the tsetsefly.
Most of the cattle suffer from lack of minerals, leading to geophagia (earth eating).

TABLE 26d: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 5 (vs/s) + vs, UcK 2
Subzone: (vs/s)+ vs, Soil Unit: UcK 2 Survey Area 193 (Mitangoni)
AEZ: CL 5 LOWLAND LIVESTOCK – MILLET ZONE
Sub-zone: (vs/s) + vs (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 55-75, 2nd rainy season 40-55 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UcK 2 = well drained, deep to very deep, red to yellowish brown orthic LUVISOLS
and Inputs
out
of 15 years
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha - -
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha -
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
Subzone CL 5 (vs) + (vu) of the Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone with a (weak) very short and a (weak) very uncertain
cropping season as found in Mitangani Location, Mikamini Sub-location, in Bamba Division. The dominant
soil of this subzone is the imperfectly drained, deep, grayish brown, extremely firm, slightly calcareous,
moderately saline, moderately sodic, cracking clay, with a very thin topsoil of sandy clay loam, called gleyic
SOLONETZ. The annual average rainfall amount is between 550 – 750 mm*. The first rainy season can
expect more than 150 – 200 mm* in 10 out of 15 seasons and second rainy season > 80 – 130 mm. The 60%
reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 40 - 50 and < 40 days, respectively.
The rains are very unreliable and the average cropping season is very short, less than 55 days. Therefore,
this subzone consists mainly of ranch land. Crop production should be restricted to drought-resistant resp.
drought-evading crops only. Attempts to grow maize usually results in very low yields or total crop failure
(Table 26e). The averages of 200 kg/ha are the lowest of the Small Farm Survey of 2003/04! The gleyic
Solonetz aggravates the problem of insufficient moisture for crops.
adapted to the local environment. However, these cattle are not in optimal conditions. During the dry
seasons, the animals have to face the harsh circumstances, and trek long distances in search of pasture and
water. An ever recurring problem has been rinderpest, which regularly reduces herd sizes. Other troublesome
diseases are east-coast fever, foot-and-mouth disease and trypanosomiasis which is transmitted by the tsetsefly.
Most of the cattle suffer from lack of minerals, leading to geophagia (earth eating).

TABLE 26e: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 5 (vs/s) + (vu), PsO 1
Subzone: (vs/s) + (vu), Soil Unit: PsO 1 Survey Area 194 (Mikamini)
Crop Yields3) Sub-zone: (vs/s) + (vu) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 40-50, 2nd rainy season < 40 days)
Unit with predom. Soil: PsO 1 = Imperfectly drained, deep, greyish brown gleyic SOLONETZ
and Inputs
Maize local 4) 5) 6) II= III= AEU
I= low II= med. III= high AEU Pot. I= low
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha - -
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
MALINDI GROUP OF DISTRICTS

Subzone CL 3 m/l i of the Coconut-Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Coconut-Cassava Zone with medium to long cropping season and intermediate rains
as found in Gede Location, Msabaha sub-location, in Malindi division. The dominant soil type is a complex
of very deep soils of varying drainage condition, colour, consistency, texture and salinity: albic ARENOSOLS
with orthic FERRALSOLS, gleyic LUVISOLS, solodic PLANOSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS. The annual
average rainfall amount is between 1050 – 1230 mm. The first rainy season can expect more than 400 – 800
mm* in 10 out of 15 seasons, and second rainy season > 50 – 130 mm*. The 60% reliability of the growing
periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 155 - 175 and < 40 days, respectively.
A major feature of agriculture in Malindi district has been the rapid change from sorghum and millet
production to maize, cassava, cowpeas, green grams, ground nuts over the course of the last century (Table
25a). Maize has become the dominant staple while sorghum and millets have disappeared almost completely
from the district. Average maize yields however, are far below the potential of the region and low production
levels create serious food deficits. Improved maize production techniques are the key to resolving these
deficits. Over the years, new technologies, such as new varieties and fertilizer have been introduced. Adoption
has, however, remained low especially for fertilizer application to the soil (Table 24a & 26f ). Agriculture
is still the main activity of the subzone. Mixed cropping is practiced in all areas within this subzone. Both
tree and annual crops are grown and intercropping is common. This combination varies from place to place
but in general, there is a decrease in the number of trees as compared to annual crops from the coast to the
hinterland in the west due to less rain there. Although annual crops can generate income, they are usually
produced primarily for human consumption and only sold if there is a surplus or sudden need for cash.
Maize, cassava, cowpeas, green grams, ground nuts and bananas are the major crops; vegetables and beans,
though not reported, are minor crops in this subzone. Maize is the most important annual staple crop, even
though yields have remained low over time for the reasons aforementioned earlier. Current maize yields in
this subzone CL 3 are estimated between 0.5 t/ha to 1.5 t/ha although they may be as low as 0.25 t /ha
during the short (minor) rainy season (Table 26f ).
Cassava is a subsidiary staple in this subzone and has increasingly becoming an important cash crop. It is
regarded as an important security crop because of its tolerance to drought, ability to give reasonable yields on
poor soils, low external input and labor requirements, and the option of harvesting over a long period after
the first rainy season. The next most important annual crop are cowpeas. However, even though cowpea is
also drought tolerant, it is very vulnerable to pests and diseases, which often leads to very low yields.
Tree cultivation, which is very common and covers a large area in subzone of CL3 and is an important
source of regular income. Major tree crops are coconuts, cashew nuts, citrus, Bixa, and mangoes. Trees grow
easily without much labor input and the fruits are sold for cash. Coconuts were the most important tree crop
in this subzone until recently; now farmers in Malindi district rank mangoes as the number one cash crop.
Two types of mangoes are grown in Malindi district and this subzone in particular: the local and the exotic
or improved varieties. The latter are usually grafted on local mangoes and are grown for the export market.
Most local varieties tend to have high fibre content, commonly referred to as “stringy”, and this characteristic
makes them unpopular for fresh consumption. The local mango varieties are usually left to grow naturally
without much crop husbandry. At the farm-level, key constraints faced by farmers are the lack of clean
planting material, inadequate technology, the length of the production cycle and inadequate post-harvest
handling facilities. Concerning planting material, there is a generalized shortage of grafted seedlings. Hence,
farmers tend to use inferior, low yielding seedlings. Farmers do not have knowledge on improved production
technology, and there is little or no use of fertilizers and pesticides. Pests – mainly the mango seed weevil and
fruit fly – and diseases – mainly anthracnose and powdery mildew – are also major problems . Some fruit
trees are so tall and big such that spraying is only not viable but also impossible. Farmers often lack motorized
pumps for effective pest and disease control. Coupled with this, is poor crop management practice, which
leads to flower and fruit fall.
Farmers suffer from poor post-harvest handling techniques, leading to significant losses, which affect returns
to the farmer and traders. Furthermore, farmers do not have good storage facilities available at the farm level,
and this forces them to sell their product immediately after harvest. No collective bargaining takes place on
the price, and each farmer interacts individually with the trader and other buyers, often receiving prices well
below reigning market prices. At the marketing stage, a major constraint is the poorly developed transport
infrastructure, such as the bad road conditions that serve production areas which further contribute to
post-harvest losses and a deterioration of quality leading to low selling prices. In many districts, transport
and shipping costs are in fact prohibitive, both within and outside the country. Supply is not well organized
with collection, grading and packing facilities and, therefore, farmers are not able to separate higher quality
fruits to be remunerated accordingly. Moreover, farmers often lack the necessary information on alternative
marketing possibilities and on alternative product uses, such as drying, and other options for value addition.
Traders themselves often suffer from poor access to credit, which makes it difficult for them to finance their
operations. In regard to exports, inadequate post-harvest/husbandry control, wrong varieties for sea freight,
inadequate sea freight facilities and high air freight costs are among the major constraints. Moreover, the
need to comply with the EUREGAP and traceability standards, which are necessary to enter the EC market,
constitute a further problem. Exporters themselves often suffer from price instability in international markets
and from stiff competition from other countries like India, Pakistan, Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica. These
competitors offer higher quality varieties at lower prices, due mainly to lower shipping costs.
Finally, concerning processing, major constraints are the insufficient plant capacity and organization of
supplies. Currently, less than 1 percent of mangoes produced in Malindi are processed. The better quality
fruits are exported, and processors are left with fruits of the lowest quality. Seasonal production is only enough
to supply factories for seven months of the year. On the consumption side, the price of natural mango juice
is too expensive for domestic consumers, who mostly consume cheaper products and indigenous varieties.
Relatively cheaper imported mango juices are available from Mauritius, South Africa and Egypt. These
countries enjoy preferential tariffs under the regional trade agreement, Common Market for Eastern and
Southern Africa (COMESA). Further competition comes from locally manufactured, chemically sweetened
mango flavoured soft drinks.
Stakeholders in the industry could look at ways to improve exports of fresh fruit through better quality
control and management of the value chain. Given that a sizeable quantity of fruits does not normally meet
export standards, other utilization must be examined. In the immediate future, the development of processed
products seems to offer the best market opportunities to this end, particularly for export, given that shipping
and handling costs are lower for processed products. In the longer term, capacity building of farmers on crop
husbandry, technological application and overall farm management are key to the development of the chain.
Improvement in extension provided to mango farmers is required. The need to improve plant breeding is
required particularly for hybrid and improved varieties. In some areas, better quality could be achieved by
adapting existing varieties, but developing new locally-adapted varieties in the long run should be explored.
Defining the needs and implementing priorities of infrastructural development must be carried out to
support the sub-sector. In the area of physical infrastructures, particular emphasis should be given to storage
facilities and to transportation. Concerning institutional infrastructures, the development of adequate credit
facilities and other services required by the supply chain and setting up collective farmers’ bodies, responsible
for marketing and for the interaction with other stakeholders in the chain, must be examined.
Tree crops are estimated to contribute over 65% of farm produce value in zone CL3. Distance from markets

TABLE 26f: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 3 m/l i, PcJC
Subzone: m/li, Soil Unit: PcJC Survey Area 195 (Msabaha)
AEZ: CL 3 COCONUT - CASSAVA ZONE
Sub-zone: m/li (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 155-175, 2nd rainy season < 40 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: PcJC = complex of albic ARENOSOLS, orthic FERRALSOLS, gleyic LUVISOLS,
and Inputs solodic PLANOSOLS and pellic VERTISOLS
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha 2 1
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
Subzone CL 4-5 s/m i + vu of the Cashewnut–Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Cashewnut-Cassava Zone with a short to medium cropping season, intermediate
rains and a very uncertain cropping season as typified by Fundi Issa Location, Fundi Issa Sub-location, in
Magarini Division. The dominating soil is imperfectly drained, deep, greyish brown, mottled, firm, slightly
calcareous, non-saline to slightly saline, slightly sodic, sandy clayloam, abruptly underlying a thick topsoil
of friable loamy sand: solodic PLANOSOLS. The average annual rainfall amount is between 820 – 1000
mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 220 – 500 mm* in 10 out of 15 seasons and second rainy
season > 50 – 150 mm*. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 105 –
110 and < 40, respectively. Cultivation in the 2nd rainy season starts early to get remaining soil moisture and
some intermediate rains.
In this subzone, maize growing still dominates both seasons, despite its negligible yields due to the short
growing periods prevalent in the area (Table 26g) and inadequate application of farm inputs (Table 24b &
26g). Other crops grown during the first rainy season include: beans, cowpeas, green grams and cassava.
This crop mix of drought tolerant crops is a response to the drought conditions that frequently occur
in this subzone. With frequent maize crop failure, food security is a major challenge in this subzone. It
is unfortunate that farmers have abandoned the growing of drought tolerant millets and sorghum that
dominated the indigenous farming system in the last century
The permanent cash crop grown in this subzone are cashewnuts. Cashew is one of the most popular tree
nuts in Malindi district and world markets because of its competitive price, long shelf life, relatively low fat
content and excellent flavour. The global market for nuts is projected to grow at an annual rate of at least 5%
over the next five years. The main reason is that nuts are regarded as a healthy source of protein and are being
consumed in increasing quantities in both developed and developing countries. A market survey carried out
by Kenya Horticultural Development Programme (KHDP) in 2005 also showed that the local and regional
demand for Kenyan cashew is growing at an even faster rate. This provides a great income opportunity for
many thousands of farming families on the Coast, who have cashew trees growing on their small farms.
However, cashew nuts production has been decreasing in the area due to: 1) diseases mainly powdery
mildew, 2) disorganized marketing environment and 3) loss of local processing capacity due to closure of
the only processing plant.
With few other income options, many areas where cashews are grown like in this subzone are now the poorest
in coastal Kenya and are experiencing recurrent food insecurity. The quickest way to increase incomes for
cashew farmers and ensure food security problems is to increase productivity of cashew trees (and reopening
of the processing plant). Improved production practices could result in a doubling of current production
and a doubling of current farmers’ incomes.

TABLE 26g: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 4-5 s/m i + vu, PcL 3
Subzone: s/m i + vu, Soil Unit: PcL3 Survey Area 196 (Fundi Issa)
AEZ: CL 4-5 CASHEWNUT – CASSAVA ZONE
Crop Yields3) Sub-zone: s/mi + vu (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 105-110, 2nd rainy season < 40 days)
Unit with predom. Soil: PcL 3 = imperfectly drained solodic PLANOSOLS
and Inputs
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha 1 1
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
*Potential not yet determined under the agroecological unit
Subzone CL 4 s i (vs) of the Cashewnut–Cassava Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Cashewnut-Cassava Zone with a short cropping season, intermediate rains
and a (weak) very short cropping season as typified by Mafara Location, Madina Sub-location, in Marafa
Division. The dominating soil is imperfectly drained to poorly drained mollic SOLONETZ; with orthic
RENDZINAS and verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS. The average annual rainfall amount is between 800 – 950
mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 220 – 350 mm* in 10 out of 15 seasons and second rainy
season > 150 – 180 mm*. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the 1st and 2nd seasons is 85 –
105 and 40 – 45 days, respectively.
Due to the low reliability of the rains and the short cropping season, drought-evading and drought-tolerant
crop varieties should be cultivated. In general, the short rains are almost inadequate for the cultivation
of annual crops. The indigenous cereals were sorghum and millet, both of which are drought-resistant
and therefore well suited for the unreliable and low amounts of rainfall. Since the end of the last century,
however, sorghum and millet have almost entirely been replaced by maize. Compared to sorghum and
millet, maize has a higher production potential, is less vulnerable to diseases and pests (especially bird
attacks), and is more easily prepared for consumption. On the other hand, maize is quite vulnerable to both
water deficits and surpluses, while it requires a well drained soil with a good supply of nutrients. Due to the
usually low and unreliable rainfall, together with the low fertility of soil and inadequate fertiliser application
(Tables 24c & 26h), yields vary from low to almost nil over the years. Yields are on average 200 – 500 kg/
ha (Table 26h), which is very low compared to other regions of Kenya,
Weeds are serious competitors regarding nutrients, light and space, especially in the early life stages of the
maize. If not properly removed, they can cause considerable yield reductions. A special problem is formed
by Striga spp. (witchweed), a parasite which attaches to the root system of the maize. Most common pests
affecting maize yields are the stalk borer and the army worm, while major diseases are white leaf blight and
rust.
Indigenous root crops are the several types of yam, which are not popular any more. More common nowadays
is cassava, a crop which was hardly grown before the mid-nineteenth century. Cassava is relatively drought
resistant, has a good yield potential on poor soils, and is resistant to pests and weeds. Moreover, it requires
little labour and does not show a peak in labour demand. The crop can remain in the field throughout the
season, so that it can function as a reserve crop. However, compared with maize, the protein content is very
low. The cassava in the Subzone has been infected with the mosaic virus, which causes considerable yield
reductions. Average yields of cassava count are about 1-5 kg of tubers per plant. Another root crop is the
sweet potato, which is grown by only a few farmers.
Pulses are commonly grown, although always in small quantities. Most common pulses are beans, cow peas,
pigeon peas and green grams, but also groundnuts and bambara nuts are grown incidentally. Most of these
pulses, especially the latter two, are rather drought resistant. Due the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, pulses
can be useful if intercropped with maize. Most pulses are vulnerable to insect damage, which often lead to
a failure of making pods.
The permanent cash crop grown in this subzone are cashewnuts. Cashew is one of the most popular tree
nuts in Malindi district and world markets because of its competitive price, long shelf life, relatively low fat
content and excellent flavour. The global market for nuts is projected to grow at an annual rate of at least 5%
over the next five years. The main reason is that nuts are regarded as a healthy source of protein and are being
consumed in increasing quantities in both developed and developing countries. A market survey carried out
by Kenya Horticultural Development Programme (KHDP) in 2005 also showed that the local and regional
demand for Kenyan cashew is growing at an even faster rate. This provides a great income opportunity for
many thousands of farming families on the Coast, who have cashew trees growing on their small farms.

TABLE 26h: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 4 si(vs), UcO 3
Subzone: s i (vs), Soil Unit: UcO 3 Survey Area 197 (Madina)
AEZ: CL 4 CASHEWNUT – CASSAVA ZONE
Sub-zone: s i (vs) (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 85-105, 2nd rainy season 40-55 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UcO 3 = imperfectly drained mollic SOLONETZ with orthic RENDZINAS
and Inputs
out
of 15 years
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha 2 -
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
However, cashew nuts production has been decreasing in the area due to: 1) diseases mainly powdery
mildew, 2) disorganized marketing environment and 3) loss of local processing capacity due to closure of
the only processing plant.
With few other income options, many areas where cashews are grown like in this Subzone are now the
poorest in coastal Kenya and are experiencing recurrent food insecurity. The quickest way to increase
incomes for cashew farmers and ensure food security problems is to increase productivity of cashew trees.
Improved production practices could result in a doubling of current production and a doubling of current
farmers’ incomes.
Subzone CL 5 (vs/s) + vs of the Lowland Livestock–Millet Zone
This is the Coastal Lowland Livestock-Millet Zone witha (weak) very short to short cropping season and a very
short one as typified by Marafa Division, Bungale Location, Baricho Sub-location. The dominating soil is
an association of eutric CAMBISOLS and verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS. The average annual rainfall amount
is between 640 – 810 mm*. The first rainy season can expect more than 155 – 220 mm* in 10 out of 15
seasons and second rainy season > 150 – 190 mm*. The 60% reliability of the growing periods during the
1st and 2nd seasons is 55 – 75 and 40 – 55 days, respectively. *
The rains are very unreliable and cropping season is short, less than 55 days. Therefore, the zone consists
mainly of ranch land. Crop production should be restricted to drought-resistant crops only. Attempts to
grow maize usually results in very low yields or total crop failure (Table 26i). Other drought tolerant crops
grown include: cow peas, green grams and cassava. No farmer reported growth the drought tolerant millet,
which is well suited for such precarious environments.
adapted to the local environment. However, these cattle are not in optimal conditions. During the dry seasons,
the animals have to face the harsh circumstances, and trek long distances in search of pasture and water. An
ever recurring problem has been rinderpest, which regularly reduces herd sizes. Other troublesome diseases
are east-coast fever, foot-and-mouth disease and trypanosomiasis which is transmitted by the tsetsefly.
In many parts of Kenya and in this subzone in particular, smallholder farmers are being compelled by
policy and markets to diversify their traditional export crops, whose potential for growth remains uncertain.
Alternative agricultural activities are needed which offer higher returns to land and labour, offer the
expectation of future growth, and which are suitable for adoption by the resource-poor smallholder farmers
who continue to dominate local production. Market-oriented dairy production may fill this need for some
smallholder producers in this area. The reasons for promoting dairy research have fundamentally to do with
improving the opportunities and welfare of smallholder farmers and the consequent effects on agricultural
development. The avenues of this impact are several: 1) There is good potential for increased demand
and higher real prices for dairy products, 2) dairying can lead to increased levels and stability of income
generation for local farmers and 3) dairying can increase employment in rural areas both directly and
indirectly through supply of inputs and locally produced household items, and through increases in rural
capital accumulation. Other impacts may be either positive or negative, including the impact on women in
the household in terms of income generation and access, and labour demands and allocation. Similarly, the
impacts of intensive dairy development on the poorest households may be indeterminate. Finally, dairying
can have positive impacts on soil fertility maintenance in intensive mixed cropping systems, a role that may
grow with intensification.
In conclusion, the livestock-millet zone in Malindi district represents a difficult and risky environment for
smallholder dairy production, yet one with access to two principal and rapidly growing urban markets,
Mombasa and Malindi. These markets offer smallholder dairy producers in this subzone, actual or potential,
large margins for their milk. However, these markets and their environs also offer many other opportunities
for the investment of smallholders’ scarce capital. Many of these investment opportunities require smaller
initial investment than dairy cattle, are less constantly demanding of family labour, require fewer specialist
skills and are less risky. Of particular importance to increasing the adoption of dairy amongst smallholders
will be ensuring the effective delivery of the infection and treatment method of immunisation against East
Coast fever, or the delivery of the next-generation technology. Notwithstanding these reservations, dairy
production and marketing has large potential for direct financial returns and indirect benefits for crop
production. It is therefore likely that as smallholder agriculture in the coastal lowlands intensifies in response
to human population pressure, dairying will become an important enterprise for a significant number of
resource-poor families.

TABLE 26i: INCREASE OF YIELDS BY BETTER FARM MANAGEMENT IN

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNIT1) CL 5 (vs/s) + vs, UCTA
Subzone: (vs/s) + vs, Soil Unit: UCTA Survey Area 198 (Baricho)
Sub-zone: (vs/s) + vs (Periods in days2): 1st rainy season 55-75, 2nd rainy season 40-55 days)
Crop Yields3) Unit with predom. Soil: UCTA = association of eutric CAMBISOLS and verto-luvic PHAEOZEMS
and Inputs
out
of 15 years
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha - -
P2O5 kg/ha - -
K2O kg/ha - -
Manure t/ha - -
Hybrid maize
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize local
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
*
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
Maize hybrid
intercropped
with
beans
Yields3) kg/ha
Fertiliser7):
N kg/ha
P2O5 kg/ha
K2O kg/ha
Manure t/ha
NOTES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
management
7)
3.4.6 FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPORTANT

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS
The Fertiliser Use Recommendation Project of the GTZ (FURP) from 1986 till 1992 had 3 trial sites in the
former Kilifi District. Mtondia Tezo north of Kilifi Town in Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) CL 4 (on chromic
Luvisols) is representing a coastal strip of about 80 km length from Kilifi Town north to Fundisa. The less
fertile soils are associated with albic and ferralic Arenosols, orthic Ferralsols, Planosols and Vertisols. They
have developed from lagoonal deposits of the Kilindini sands. The soils of the coastal plains south of Kilifi
Town down to Mombasa are similar to those of the north coast and should be represented by the FURP
site at Mtwapa CARS (CL 3, CL 4). They are dominated by a mixture of albic and ferralic Arenosols, orthic
Ferralsols and Lithosols, which have developed on lagoonal deposits of the Kilindini sands and the Coral
reef limestone. These soils are continuing to the south through Mombasa down to Msambweni and Lunga
Lunga. Their inherent fertility is generally low, in some parts extremely low, which is shown by the FURP
results of Mtwapa CARS (see Table 27b). However, this FURP trials are not reflecting the soil fertility status
of the whole area because the site under experimentation was exploited by permanent cultivation for more
than 25 years without any compensation with fertilizers! Thus, other sites might be quite different.
Very poorly drained thionic Fluvisols and Solonchaks are occuring in the mangrove swamps of the district
group around the Mtwapa and Kilifi creeks and at the northern coastal strip of the DG north of Ngomeini.
A third FURP trial site is located near Lutsangani, SW of Ganze. This mbuga site contains chromic Vertisols
(associated with ferralic and albic Arenosols) and is representing the mbuga parts of the semiarid area (CL
4, CL 5) between Ganze and Bamba. The soils possess a moderate to low fertility and have developed on
cover sands of the Magarini sands.
Almost 15 km west of the shoreline of the Indian Ocean (CL 4, CL 5) and in the arid west of the district
group (CL 6) strips of very fertile verto-luvic Phaeozems –developed on shales of the Maji-ya-Chumvi beds
and the Taru carbonaceous shales- can be found next to less fertile and poorly drained Planosols and Solonetz
of the Marafa beds as well as less fertile Acrisols and Arenosols of the Mazeras and Mariakani sandstone
(near Kaloleni and Mariakani, CL 3, CL 4, CL 5). Fertile Fluvisols are occurring in the bottomlands of the
Galana River.
Recommended rates of fertiliser in an Agro-Ecological Unit (AEU) increase towards the wetter subzones and
decrease into the dry ones if the soil unit extends there (see small maps). In the areas settled by smallholders,
zones CL 3, CL 4 and CL 5, we have tended to lower the rates due to the low financial base of the
smallholder farmers. If the system could be put in place to give the starter fertiliser on credit, repayable with
part of the money obtained from harvest, then higher rates would be used by the farmers. The optimum can
be calculated from the yield functions in MURIUKI & QURESHI (2001)1. In the long run the optimal
amount and enough manure must be given to maintain the nutrient content. Some quantities for this can
be seen in Chapter 3.1 under the ‘General Remarks’ section.
Higher application rate recommendations are given in the Smallholder Farming Handbook of the IRACC
and MSS, Nairobi 1997, but the economic investment and risk is too high for the small farmers. The
mentioned rural credit system for the inputs could help a lot. Where scientific sources for quantifying the
rates are lacking, some conclusions can be drawn from the difference of inputs and yields between the low and
high production levels of the Farm Survey 2004. An empty column in the recommendation tables denoted
as “Other Nutrients Recommended” does not mean that there is nothing to be done but it is because of
lack of trial data. Symptoms of deficiencies and methods of addressing these can be found in MURIUKI
& QURESHI (2001), Table 1&2, p.22-23. FURP trials at Mtondia Tezo near Kilifi Town showed that all
crops responded positively to the application of N and P (Table 27a). However, it must be pointed out that
soil fertility of the sandy soils is quite low due to low soil moisture capacity, a low CEC, a high leaching rate
of nutrients and a low pH. The micronutrients that are not included in the fertiliser become exhausted very
fast too. Manuring almost up to the full return of the extracted nutrients is a must in order to have a stable
agrobiological system for continuous sustainable production2. The application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM)
leads to a stabilization, even to a slight increase of crop yields as well as to an improvement of org. C, pH and
important nutrients (like P and Mg) in the long run; this is also positive for nitrogen mineralization and the
improvement of soil physical quality (e.g. water storage capacity and plant available soil water, infiltration,
aeration) and of the biological parameters. Therefore, 5 tons of manure can be recommended per ha in
the district group (see Table 27a). Similar results were obtained by the FURP trials at Kichakasimba in the
neighbouring Kwale district group representing parts of the Kilifi area (see Table 27c). Crops at the FURP
site at Lutsangani (Table 27d) with the mbuga soils did not respond to the application of P fertilizer due
to a high natural content of P in the soil. Therefore, maintenance of soil fertility should be more effective
by applying FYM, because this will lead to an improvement of the humus content as well as of the physical
structure of the soil, the CEC and the nutrient pool. Cultivation of cowpeas and simsim as relay crops (late
in the long rains) is recommendable.
Gross margin (GM) calculations however reveal that with current market prices (gross income for crops
minus variable costs) the cultivation of maize and sorghum (as a mono- and intercrop) is less worthy than
horticultural crops (like onions, kales, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, water melon, brinjals, capsicums), under
rainfed and/or irrigated conditions in AEZ CL 3 and CL 4; cassava in CL 4 as well as tree crops like mango and
citrus (mainly in CL 3 and CL 4) are also much more profitable due to better market prices, even for farmers
who are not able to apply fertilizers, biocides and water on a high level (see e.g. FARM MANAGEMENT
GUIDELINES OF KILIFI DISTRICT, 2010-2011; FARM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES OF
MALINDI DISTRICT, 2011; FARM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES OF KALOLENI DISTRICT
2010-2011). In the drier areas of the coastal hinterlands (CL 5) best results of GM can be obtained by
dairy cows and poultry (in particular egg production) (e.g. FARM MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES OF
KINANGO DISTRICT, 2010). Therefore, farmers in the district group should be advised not to rely too
much on staple crops like maize and sorghum as cash crops.
_________________________
1
MURIUKI, A.W. & QURESHI, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi, KARI 2001
2
Southern China has parts with similar soils to Coast Province and stabilized productivity there for hundreds
of years by returning the kitchen waste as well as human and animal excrements to the fields. The organic
material could be used together with the urea for biogas production first to reduce the hygienic and energy
problems. Ecosan toilets are a solution for households to produce manure.
TABLE 27a: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the Coconut-Cassava Zones CL 3
m/l i, CL 3-4 m/l i and the Cashewnut-Cassava Zones, CL 4 m i,
CL 4 m/s i and CL 4 m/s + vu; Soils Pc J1, Pc J3 8, Pc J4, Pc JC,
Pc L2, Uc E1, Uc E2
Recommended Average Yield Average Yield Other
Crop varieties and Av. Exp. Yield + Fertiliser Increase if this Increase if 5t/ Nutrients
Season Response-curve Rates Rate is Applied ha Manure are Recommended
kg/ha kg/ha * kg/ha Applied 7 9
First rainy season

Maize (Coast 1877 + 8.1 N + 0.15 75 N, 50 P2O5 1170
Composite) NP (50 N, 25 P2O5)
2
Maize (Coast Comp.) & 2470 + 12.2 N + 75 N, 50 P2O5 1600
cowpeas (local var.) 1 0.12 NP (maize) (50 N, 25 P2O5)
2
668 + 4.1 P
(cowpeas) -3
Maize (Coast Comp.), 2891 + 3.9 P 75 N, 50 P2O5 200
(maize)
Sorghum (Seredo) & 2470 + 17.1 N + 4.3 75 N, 50 P2O5 1500
P (sorghum)
Simsim (local var.) 4 377 + 6.2 N – 0.06 50 N 160
N2 (simsim)
Second rainy season 5
Sorghum (Seredo) 1275 + 0.11 NP 75 N, 50 P2O5 410
Permanent crop
Coconut 6 0.9 kg CAN per
tree and year
Sources: muriuki, A.W. & qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 144-145/148-149, and conclusions from the
Farm Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self
Employment.- Nairobi 1997, p. 101-102; KARI (Ed.): Fertilizer Use Recommendations. Vol. 1, Coastal Districts.- Fertiliser
Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1995. AEU of the trial site is underlined.
1
Cowpea as a relay crop is planted in May/June/July (FURP, p. 7/12).
2
Lower limit of application (FURP, p. 11).
3
Yield response to P application should be tested; relay planted cowpeas seem to be the cheapest source of N (by N fixation)
(FURP p. 11).
4
Within this experimental module 3 maize (2 years) and sorghum (3 years) are followed by simsim in the second
rainy season (FURP, p. 7). Higher yields of maize during the first 2 years of experimentation (compared to the longer
experimentation period –see module 1-) seemed to be caused by the extreme decrease of soil fertility during continuous
cropping over 5 years (FURP, p. 9).
5
It is recommended to limit the application of fertiliser to the first rainy season due to unreliable and low rainfall in the
second rainy season (FURP, p. 11); this might be responsible for the low response of sorghum to N and P applications.
6
Yields in areas with 750-1000 mm of rainfall: 15-20 nuts per tree (IRACC, p. 102).
7
Application of well composted farm yard manure (FYM) is necessary to stop the continuous loss of organic carbon in the
sandy soils; a good content of org. C contributes most to the CEC in those soils and improves the moisture storage capacity
of the stratum (FURP, p. 9).
8
In large areas the soils are very sandy and possess a low humus content, a low CEC, a low moisture storage capacity, low
Ca and SO4 as well as moderate P contents; applied nutrients are leached quickly (FURP, p. 6).
9
Contents of P, N, org. C and cations (in particular micro nutrients) should be tested/monitored regularly (MURIUKI/
QURESHI, p. 144).
*The actual conversion into the real nutrient content can be seen in Annex table I, p. 37.
TABLE 27b: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the Coconut-Cassava Zone CL 3 m/l i,
the Cashewnut-Cassava Zones CL 4 m i, CL 4 m + vu and the Livestock-
Millet Zone CL 5 s/m + vu; Soils Pc J1, Pc J3, Pc J4 1, Pc JC, Pc L2, Uc
E1, Uc E2

kg/ha kg/ha * kg/ha Applied 6
First rainy season

Maize (Coast Composite, 756 + 10.5 N + -3 -
Pwani Hybrid) 7 3.7 P
Maize (Coast Comp., 898 + 11.4 N + 6.2 -3 - 300
Pwani Hybrid) 7 & P (maize)
cowpeas (local var.) 2 453 – 0.02 N2 + 3.1 -3 -
P (cowpeas)
Napier grass 7118 + 86.2 N – -3 -
0.75 N2
Second rainy season 4
Sorghum (Seredo) 1008 + 0.06 N2 -3 -
Napier grass 7118 + 86.2 N – -3 -
0.75 N2
Permanent crop
Coconut 5 0.9 kg CAN per
tree and year
Sources: muriuki, A.W. & qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 144-145/148-149, and conclusions from the
Farm Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self
Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1995. AEU of the trial site is underlined.
1
The inherent soil fertility of the trial site at Mtwapa CARS was extremely low (FURP, p. 14): contents of org. C, N, P and
exchangeable Ca were even lower than at Mtondia-Tezo (see Table 15a, Kilifi Group) due to the fact that the site did not
receive any mineral or organic fertilizers since it had been cleared in 1960 (FURP, p. 11). Therefore, the results of the trial
site are not representative for large areas; the soil fertility status of each field can vary according to the time period under
cultivation, cultivation techniques, crops grown etc. (FURP, p. 15).
2
Cowpea as a relay crop is planted in May/June/July (FURP, p. 7/12).
3
Responses of crops to N and P applications are so low (due to the exhaustion of the other nutrients) that it is considered as
uneconomic. Only if prices for maize at the market are too high, farmers are advised to apply fertilizers in order to meet the
food demand of their families; in this case rates of up to 50 kg/ha N and 25 kg/ha P2O5 are recommended (FURP, p. 15) and
manure.
4
A green manure crop could be planted as an alternative in the second rainy season for the purpose of being incorporated into
the soil (FURP, p. 14).
5
6
Contents of P, N, org. C and cations (in particular micro nutrients) should be tested/monitored regularly (MURIUKI/
QURESHI, p. 144).
7
Coast Composite was planted for 5 years (1987-1991), Pwani Hybrid for 1 year (1992).
TABLE 27c: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the Coconut-Cassava Zone CL 3 m/l i
& m i (s/vs) and the Cashewnut-Cassava Zone CL 4 m/s + (vs/s); Soil Uc
S2 1

First rainy season

Maize (Coast Composite, 1644 + 33.6 P- 0.44 50 N, 50 P2O5 1460 lime
Pwani Hybrid) 8 P2 + 0.35 NP
Maize (Coast Comp., 1099 + 12.8 N + 50 N, 50 P2O5 2350 400 “
Pwani Hybrid) 8 & 55.2 P – 0.42 P2
cowpeas (local var.) 2 (maize)
279 + 17.5 P – 0.12 -3 -
P2 (cowpeas)
Finger millet (local var.) 1368 + 39.8 P – 25-50 P2O5 780-1120 “
0.35 P2 + 0.15 NP
Second rainy season
Maize (Coast Composite, 959 + 33.6 P- 0.41 50 N, 50 P2O5 1400 “
Pwani Hybrid) 8 P2 + 0.3 NP
Sorghum (Seredo) 934 + 14 P- 0.1 P2 50 P2O5 450 “
Cowpeas (local var.) 209 + 11.5 P – 0.1 25-50 P2O5 230-320 “
P2
Simsim (local var.) 80 + 2.4 P – 0.02 P2 -4 - “
+ 0.01 NP
Permanent crop
Coconut 5 0.9 kg CAN per “
tree and year
Sources: muriuki, A.W. & qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 148-149, and conclusions from the Farm
Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self
Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1995. AEU of trial site is underlined.
1
The moisture storage capacity of the Acrisols (developed on Shimba grits) is moderate to low (FURP, p. 18); therefore,
moisture conservation measures should be carried out to improve the availability of soil moisture and consequently increase
responses to fertilizers (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 148). CEC, org. C and available P of these particular soils are low, Ca
very low; N-losses due to leaching is high (FURP, p. 18); pH decreased within a continuous cultivation period of 4 years by
more than 10 % (FURP, p. 20) –this can be attributed to the very low content of Ca in the soil (liming !).
2
Cowpea as a relay crop is planted in May/June/July (FURP, p. 18).
3
P-fertilization should be tested (FURP, p. 4).
4
Not economical due to low response.
5
6
Organic fertilizers should be applied regularly in seasons with adequate soil moisture (to enhance decomposition) to
increase CEC, humus content/org. C, N and other essential nutrients (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 148).
7
Contents of P, N, org. C and cations (in particular Mg, K, Ca) as well as pH should be tested/monitored regularly
(MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 148).
8
Coast Composite was planted for 5 years (1987-1991), Pwani Hybrid for 1 year (1992).
TABLE 27d: FERTILISER AND MANURE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE

AGRO-ECOLOGICAL UNITS of the Cashewnut-Cassava Zones
CL 4 m i (vs/s), CL 4 m/s i (vs), CL 4 s/m i (vs), CL 4 s i (vs) and the
Livestock-Millet Zones CL5 s/vs i (vs), CL 5 (vs/s) + (vs);
Soil Uc S1 1

Season Response-curve Rates 7 Rate is Applied ha Manure are Recommended
First rainy season

Maize (Coast Composite, 2314 + 21 N 75 N 1580
Pwani Hybrid) 9
Maize (Coast Comp., 2021 + 39.1 N – 25-50 N 4,5 800-1240 500
Pwani Hybrid) 9 & 0.29 N2 + 0.16 NP
(maize)
cowpeas (local var.) 2 620 (cowpeas) -6 -
Maize (Coast Composite, 1368 + 26.1 N + 75 N 5 1950
Pwani Hybrid) 3, 9 6.2 P
Second rainy season
Maize (Coast 831 + 35.9 N - 0.23 75 N 1400
Composite) N2
Cassava (local var.) 13400 -6 -
Simsim (local var.) 139 -6 -
Sources: muriuki, A.W. & qureshi, J.N.: Fertiliser Use Manual.- Nairobi 2001, p. 144-145, and conclusions from the Farm
Survey 2004; Information Research and Communication Centre (IRACC): Small Holder Farming Handbook for Self
Use Recommendation Project (FURP), Nairobi ca. 1995. AEU of trial site is underlined.
1
At the experimental site chromic Vertisols are dominating (mbugas); therefore, problems are more of a physical nature:
the soil becomes very hard when it is drying and very sticky during rainfall, with rather narrow moisture content during
cultivation. Application of farm yard manure (FYM) and other measures will lead to an improvement of the humus content
and the physical structure with a better range of plant available soil moisture and an increase of CEC, N, org. C etc. (FURP,
p. 17-18; MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 144).
2
Cowpea as a relay crop is planted in May/June/July (FURP, p. 15).
3
During the second rainy season simsim (1988, 1990) or cassava (1989, 1991) are following maize as a crop (module 3;
FURP, p. 15).
4
Lower amounts of N application are necessary due to N fixation by the relay crop.
5
Response of maize to P application was rather inconsistent and low (FURP, p. 17).
6
No significant response to N and P applications; simsim showed very low yields and does not seem to be suited to this site
(FURP, p. 18) –this crop needs free draining soils.
7
P application might become necessary in future if the P content of the soil will reach a critical value after some years of
cultivation (maintenance fertilization in the long run; FURP, p. 17).
8
Contents of P, N, org. C and cations should be tested/monitored regularly (MURIUKI/QURESHI, p. 144).
9
Coast Composite was planted for 3 years (1988-1990), Pwani Hybrid for 2 years (1991-1992).
3.4.7 FINAL STATEMENTS
The recommendations for the Kilifi Group of Districts are almost the same as for the Kwale Group because
the Agro-Ecological Zones are similar and the market possibilities in towns or tourist ressorts are near, too.
Therefore there is also here more scope for the necessary incomes by growing vegetables and fruits than by
the former cash crops. Cotton with an expectation of 1 700 KSh of income per ha is disappointing and
therefore disappearing here compared with 169 128 KSh possible with onions per acre (see Table 15). The
high returns per manday in horticulture seem to offer a chance to go in big production with labourers. But
then the market will be flooded and the prices paid to the producer drop. It is better if many small farmers
do some horticulture and sell privately in the markets or join a cooperative for marketing. Also the necessary
composting and other soil care for sustainable productivity is easier in small scale enterprises. The tree crops
must be maintained too although they promise less cash income but they are necessary for braking the sea-
wind which causes some rain by uppiling the air-masses.
Market-oriented dairy production may fill the need for some smallholder producers in this area. The reasons
for promoting dairy research have fundamentally to do with improving the opportunities and welfare of
smallholder farmers and the consequent effects on agricultural development. The avenues of this impact are
several: 1) There is good potential for increased demand and higher real prices for dairy products, 2) dairying
can lead to increased levels and stability of income generation for local farmers and 3) dairying can increase
employment in rural areas both directly and indirectly through supply of inputs and locally produced
household items, and through increases in rural capital accumulation. Other impacts may be either positive
or negative, including the impact on women in the household in terms of income generation and access,
and labour demands and allocation. Similarly, the impacts of intensive dairy development on the poorest
households may be indeterminate. Finally, dairying can have positive impacts on soil fertility maintenance
in intensive mixed cropping systems, a role that may grow with intensification.
In conclusion, the livestock-millet zone from Kwale to Malindi district represents a difficult and risky
environment for smallholder dairy production, yet one with access to two principal and rapidly growing
urban markets, Mombasa and Malindi. These markets offer smallholder dairy producers, actual or potential,
large margins for their milk. However, these markets and their environs also offer many other opportunities
for the investment of smallholders' scarce capital. Many of these investment opportunities require smaller
initial investment than dairy cattle, are less constantly demanding of family labour, require fewer specialist
skills and are less risky. Of particular importance to increasing the adoption of dairy amongst smallholders
will be ensuring the effective delivery of the infection and treatment method of immunisation against East
Coast fever, or the delivery of the next-generation technology. Notwithstanding these reservations, dairy
production and marketing has large potential for direct financial returns and indirect benefits for crop
production. It is therefore likely that as smallholder agriculture in the coastal lowlands intensifies in response
to human population pressure, dairying will become an important enterprise for a significant number of
resource-poor families.
Almost 400 000 KSh are needed for a family with 5 children (see Table 22 in Kwale Group of Districts).
Even with vegetables and fruits it is almost impossible to raise this money. The answer is to have less children
and not trying to send one to university (fees 120 000/- and other costs) but to teach them intensive
agriculture. Kenya will need more food than academics in the future.
There is an increasing other problem caused by the growing population: The land shortage will force people
to settle in the non-agricultural Ranching Zone CL 6. If they avoid overgrazing to maintain the productivity
of the vegetation and improve the "chance cropping" by requesting the Kenya Met. Dept. if an ENSO-
season is coming (especially for the 2nd rains),1) than they have a chance.2)3)
1)
See EWS Bulletin, Sept. 2010 Taita Taveta District,p.2&13.ENSO Index in July, Aug., Sept. below 1.05
2)
Shisanya, Chris A.: Chances and Risks of Maize and Bean Growing in the Semi-Arid Areas of South-East
Kenya During Expected Deficient, Normal and Above Normal Rainfall of the Short Rainy Seasons.-Mat.
zur Ostafrika-Forschung, Heft 14. Geograph. Gesellschaft Univ. of Trier 1996.
3)
See Annex, Chapter 1.2.3

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FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

– Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information –

VOL. I Labour Requirement, Availability and Costs of Mechanisation

VOL. II Natural Conditions and Farm Management Information

Part II/A WEST KENYA

Part II/B CENTRAL KENYA

Part II /C EAST KENYA

VOL. IV Production Techniques and Economics of Smallholder Livestock Production Systems

VOL. V Horticultural Production Guidelines

VOL. II is supplemented by CD-ROMs with the information and maps in a Geographical

Layout by Ruben Kempf and Mike Teucher, Trier, Germany.

FARM MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK OF KENYA

- Atlas of Agro - Ecological Zones, Soils and Fertilising

Dr. Ralph Jaetzold

Dr. Berthold Hornetz

Dr. Chris Shisanya

Prof. Dr. Chris Shisanya Elizabeth Kimenyi

Prof. em. Dr. Ralph Jaetzold Prof. Dr. Berthold Hornetz

A – for Western Kenya (Western and Nyanza provinces)

Dr. Wilson Songa, OGW

3.4 KILIFI-MALINDI group of DISTRICTS

3.4.1 Natural Potential (R. Jaetzold et al.) 4

3.4.4 Farm Survey (Min. of Agriculture & C. A. Shisanya) 36

3.4.6 Fertiliser and Manure Recommendations for Important Agro-Ecological Units 62

3.4.7 Final Statements (R. Jaetzold & C. A. Shisanya) 73

Note: Numbering of chapters is equivalent to numbering in Farm Management Handbook of Kenya

3.4.1 NATURAL POTENTIAL

TABLE 1: RAINFALL FIGURES FROM SELECTED TYPICAL STATIONS IN KILIFI-

Agro-Ecol. Annual Monthly & seasonal average rainfall in mm

Average 677 20 11 39 82 130 64 55 52 28 42 89 65

9240027 Kamale Prim. CL 5 Average 893 14 11 84 115 168 78 56 55 74 40 128 71

198 m School vs/s i + (vs) Seas. Av. 445 238

9240028 Ramada Prim. CL 4 Average 815 26 4 61 84 210 83 74 44 30 48 103 48

164 m School m/s + (vu) Seas. Av. 512 198

Average 987 18 16 39 135 276 115 84 61 58 73 71 41

9339008 Kakoneni, CL 4 Average 791 26 11 53 89 156 70 45 40 52 69 83 97

76 m Chief's Camp s i (vs) Seas. Av. 368 249

9339009 Kilifi - CL 4 Average 1045 18 13 53 150 268 122 92 62 63 74 78 52

28 m Kibarani mi Seas. Av. 685 204

Average 768 34 22 32 96 138 67 38 50 38 71 111 71

9339013 Chonyi, CL 3 Average 1137 26 21 47 130 265 94 91 75 87 121 102 78

211 m Dispensary m/l i (s) Seas. Av. 628 300

Average 658 24 19 56 81 100 46 26 38 51 52 88 77

1) Average 848 41 17 51 79 165 52 36 46 74 93 120 74

Average 1101 30 19 36 129 267 116 83 69 65 102 115 70

Average 581 23 12 52 91 79 26 23 21 35 44 106 69

26 m Agromet Stn. m i (vu) Seas. Av. 829 258

Average 1019 35 24 41 125 216 97 75 70 66 96 106 68

9339039 Ruruma, CL 3 Average 1083 29 19 56 136 224 93 82 64 84 105 109 82

* 66% reliability = this amount will be surpassed in 10 out of 15 years

Agro-Ecol. Annual Monthly & seasonal average rainfall in mm

Giriama St. Average 871 35 21 39 119 176 85 58 62 50 80 89 57

9339043 Rabai, Chief's CL 4 Average 1108 21 22 52 154 222 94 96 75 75 100 113 83

9339045 Jilore Forest CL 4 Average 927 29 14 56 109 181 112 77 54 66 62 82 85

9339047 Danisa CL 6 Average 372 14 16 47 46 34 7 3 11 20 36 75 63

9339048 Mazeras CL 4 Average 1027 27 11 61 123 229 84 85 71 59 78 99 100

9339050 Jila Full CL 5 Average 509 12 9 45 41 90 26 19 16 45 62 70 75

9339062 Kambe Ribe CL 3 Average 1219 39 23 58 173 328 115 84 79 52 99 92 78

9340000 Malindi CL 4 Average 1043 8 7 36 154 335 158 91 56 51 65 52 31

9340001 Fundisha Salt CL 4 Average 926 4 6 42 132 281 125 85 48 44 62 63 35

9340002 Gede, CL 4 Average 1059 10 11 37 160 281 134 96 70 63 80 65 51

9340005 Malindi, CL 4 Average 1041 9 7 45 151 264 149 93 58 58 82 78 46

Average 1106 9 6 31 178 299 153 111 73 55 58 98 35