Master of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development

Effect Of Zai Pits, Mulch and Manure on the Growth and Yield of Green Grams in Maragua Sub County

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Effect Of Zai Pits, Mulch and Manure on the Growth and Yield of Green Grams in Maragua Sub County Wilson, Gitau Kamau Green grams are crucial for human nutrition and environmental sustainability. Abundant in protein, fiber, and other nutrients, they enhance global food security, especially in areas with restricted protein consumption. Their cultivation boosts soil health and fertility, diminishes reliance on synthetic fertilizers via nitrogen fixation, and bolsters agricultural sustainability. Green grams are essential for human health, environmental sustainability, and agricultural success. However, erratic rainfall and temperature patterns significantly affect agricultural productivity, especially in arid areas such as Maragua Subcounty, Kenya. The research was directed by the subsequent objectives: (i) Evaluation of the impact of zai pits, mulch, and manure on the growth parameters and yield of green gram production, (ii) Investigation of the impacts of mulch and manure on the yield of green gram production. The data gathered throughout the experimental phase encompassed growth metrics of green gram, including leaf count, girth, height, and yield. The field experiments employed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to guarantee the reliability and robustness of the results. The study employed an experiment to assess the impact of various treatments on the growth and yield of green gram production. Two replicates, each with its corresponding experimental units. Each replication comprises eight primary plots. The total number of plots per experimental site will be 16, yielding 96 sub-plots as each plot is divided into two sub-plots to accommodate the 8 types; this configuration will constitute a split-plot design. Each plot spans 2 meters by 2 meters, and each sub-plot has treatments implemented within an area of 60 cm by 60 cm, with a spacing of 80 cm by 20 cm between treatments. The analysis and data management of the collected data were performed using SPSS. An ANOVA test was performed to statistically evaluate the significance of the observed variations in plant height among the various treatments. The results indicated that the treatments had a statistically significant impact on plant height (p < 0.001), but site and block effects were not significant, demonstrating uniformity in the treatment response across the experimental conditions. Yield statistics corroborated these findings, indicating incremental gains from traditional farming to the integrated zai pit, manure, and mulch treatments. The traditional treatment yielded the least, whereas zai pit-based treatments, particularly when supplemented with manure and mulch, yielded the most. Duncan’s multiple range test identified seven unique subsets, demonstrating incremental and statistically significant yield enhancements with each additional treatment component. The research concludes that the incorporation of zai pits with organic soil amendments such as manure and mulch markedly enhances green gram development and yield in semi-arid conditions. The integration of these strategies improves soil moisture retention, nutrient accessibility, and general plant health, leading to enhanced vegetative growth and optimal yields. Smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions should implement integrated zai pit technology alongside organic inputs, such as manure and mulch, to optimize green gram productivity and enhance resilience to moisture stress.

Factors Affecting Beef Cattle Production Among Pastoral Communities of Marsabit County

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Factors Affecting Beef Cattle Production Among Pastoral Communities of Marsabit County Galm, Roba Waqo Beef cattle production in Kenya is a vital sector of the agricultural industry, contributing significantly to the country's economy and food security. The industry is dominated by indigenous breeds such as Zebu and Boran, which are well-adapted to Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions. This study focused on establishing the factors affecting beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County Kenya. The following specific objectives guided the research: To determine the effects of inter-pastoral communities conflicts on beef cattle production, to determine the effects of livestock diseases on beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County, to determine the effects of feed supplementation on beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County, and to examine the effects of market prices on beef cattle production among pastoral communities in Marsabit County. Anchored under the Basic Needs Theory, Resilience and Food Production Theory and Livelihood Diversification Theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 1210 beef cattle farmers in Marsabit county from which a sample of 320 households was established through judgmental and stratified random sampling method. The distribution of the questionnaires was guided by the perceived level of engagement of respondents in beef cattle farming. Further, to corroborate the responses from the respondents on the variables of study. Data was collected through drop and pick and analyzed by use of SPSS version 27. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire constructs was confirmed before its use. Test for Multicollinearity Test, Test for Heteroscedasticity and Normality Test were conducted before multivariate regression analysis. A reliability coefficient of Cronbach alpha of over 0.7 was returned for all constructs of the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the findings. Correlation analysis revealed that Inter community conflicts, livestock diseases, feed supplements and market price were positively and significantly correlated to Beef Cattle Production. Regression analysis results indicated that the factors under study explained 90.2% of the variation in Beef Cattle Production in Marsabit county with effects of Inter community conflicts not statistically significant (β=-0.024; p=0.455) as were effects of feed supplements (β= 0.022, p=0.593) while those of Livestock diseases (β=-0.112; p=0.014) and market price (β=0.820; p=0.000). The ANOVA results confirmed that the model was significant in predicting beef cattle production. It was concluded that all the independent variables collectively influenced beef cattle production. It was recommended that there is a need for proactive measures to mitigate inter-community conflicts, including conflict resolution initiatives, community dialogues, and improved security measures to safeguard both livestock and human lives. Future research should consider these areas can contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable beef cattle production and enhancing the resilience of pastoral communities in Marsabit County.

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya Mohamed, Mohamud Mohamed Most farmers pursue poultry farming on a small scale as a hobby rather than as a business, thus they are unable to take advantage of the accompanying economic benefits. This is especially true of indigenous poultry. The purpose of this research was to establish the factors that influence commercial indigenous chicken production in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effects of supplementary feeding, disease control, technical knowledge, market availability and credit access on commercial indigenous poultry production in Mandera County. The study's philosophical foundation was positivist. The study targeted 3971 households in Mandera North, Banisa and Mandera west sub counties in Mandera County, who constituted the population. A sample of 363 respondents, one from each sampled household was selected to represent the population. Primary and secondary data were used. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules were used to gather the main data. Preliminary confirmatory tests for reliability showed that the data collection tool was reliable with a Cranbach Alpha coefficient above 0.7. for most variable constructs. To determine the strength and nature of the independent variables impact on the dependent variable, multivariate regression analysis was carried out. The response rate was at 94% where 344 respondents answered and returned the questionnaire out of 363. The correlation results indicated that the independent variables; credit availability, disease control, market availability, poultry feeding and technical advisory services were strongly and positively correlated to indigenous poultry production as indicated by Pearson Correlation coefficient values of 0.584, 0.612, 0.827, 0.661 and 0.796 respectively. The results of ANOVA revealed that the F calculated value was 736.785, while F critical was 2.76, at a 5% level meaning significant at that level. Tests of hypotheses indicated that the independent variables were significant for poultry feeding (p=0.000), credit availability(p=0.000), disease control (p=0.000), market availability (p=0.000) and technical knowledge (p=0.000). Recommendations were made for policy makers to create an enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive in terms of improving on infrastructure and providing technically qualified support staff. It was further recommended that commercial poultry producers would pool resources to leverage on economies of scale and group dynamics in credit and market access.

The Contaminating Effects of Coffee Processing Honey Water, Case of Othaya Coffee Society, Nyeri County, Kenya

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Contaminating Effects of Coffee Processing Honey Water, Case of Othaya Coffee Society, Nyeri County, Kenya Mutua, Paul Mbua The release of untreated honey water from green coffee processing poses a significant threat to surface water contamination, directly impacting the livelihoods of downstream communities. This study aimed to evaluate the contaminating effects of honey water emissions from coffee processing on surface waters. Specifically, the study sought to determine the levels of contaminants in honey water from coffee processing, assess the degree of pollution caused by these emissions, and examine the socio-economic impacts on affected populations. A mixed-methods research design was employed for this study. The research site was divided into experimental units, with four blocks (I–IV) and three treatments (K–M) per block, each containing three sub-samples (1–3). To minimize variability across tests from the same target area, the study employed a total squares randomized design with four combined replicates to create a test turnover table, which was used to determine variability between test objectives (p < 0.05). The study collected a total of sixteen samples: twelve surface water samples from upstream, midstream, and downstream locations, and four untreated honey water samples from coffee processing lagoons. The physicochemical properties of these samples were thoroughly analyzed. In addition, the study incorporated qualitative data through open and closed-ended questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses from 79 members of the Othaya Coffee Society Management and 30 nearby households, focusing on their perceptions of the contaminating effects of honey water on surface waters. The findings revealed that coffee processing operations by the Othaya Coffee Society had detrimental effects on the local communities by polluting nearby surface waters with untreated coffee waste. The physicochemical analysis indicated that the water sources had elevated acidity, high organic matter content, increased chemical oxygen demand, and elevated concentrations of nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), as well as suspended solids—all of which contributed to deteriorating water quality. The analysis further confirmed that the effluents discharged by the wet coffee processing industry did not meet the World Health Organization's standards for treated effluent released into surface waters. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Othaya Coffee Society and other coffee industries in the region implement proper wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that only treated effluent is discharged into water bodies. Furthermore, continuous enforcement of wastewater discharge regulations by authorities such as the National Environmental Management Authority is essential. The study also called for further research to examine the effects of coffee pulp on water contamination and to evaluate the role of urban planning policies in managing industrial wastewater in areas like Othaya town.

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamud Most farmers pursue poultry farming on a small scale as a hobby rather than as a business, thus they are unable to take advantage of the accompanying economic benefits. This is especially true of indigenous poultry. The purpose of this research was to establish the factors that influence commercial indigenous chicken production in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effects of supplementary feeding, disease control, technical knowledge, market availability and credit access on commercial indigenous poultry production in Mandera County. The study's philosophical foundation was positivist. The study targeted 3971 households in Mandera North, Banisa and Mandera west sub counties in Mandera County, who constituted the population. A sample of 363 respondents, one from each sampled household was selected to represent the population. Primary and secondary data were used. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules were used to gather the main data. Preliminary confirmatory tests for reliability showed that the data collection tool was reliable with a Cranbach Alpha coefficient above 0.7. for most variable constructs. To determine the strength and nature of the independent variables impact on the dependent variable, multivariate regression analysis was carried out. The response rate was at 94% where 344 respondents answered and returned the questionnaire out of 363. The correlation results indicated that the independent variables; credit availability, disease control, market availability, poultry feeding and technical advisory services were strongly and positively correlated to indigenous poultry production as indicated by Pearson Correlation coefficient values of 0.584, 0.612, 0.827, 0.661 and 0.796 respectively. The results of ANOVA revealed that the F calculated value was 736.785, while F critical was 2.76, at a 5% level meaning significant at that level. Tests of hypotheses indicated that the independent variables were significant for poultry feeding (p=0.000), credit availability(p=0.000), disease control (p=0.000), market availability (p=0.000) and technical knowledge (p=0.000). Recommendations were made for policy makers to create an enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive in terms of improving on infrastructure and providing technically qualified support staff. It was further recommended that commercial poultry producers would pool resources to leverage on economies of scale and group dynamics in credit and market access

Perceived Effects of Selected Factors on Camel Productivity in Mandera County, Kenya

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Perceived Effects of Selected Factors on Camel Productivity in Mandera County, Kenya Ali, Issadin Maalim Camels contribute to the diet of pastoralists by producing food, especially milk, which is considered naturally imperfect but nearly complete. However, the amount of camel milk produced in Mandera County has decreased over time, and to make matters worse, only about 9% of that milk is traded, with most of it being sold at fairly low prices locally and only about 4% being processed. This served as the basis for this study to establish perceived effects of some selected factors on productivity of camels in Mandera County. Particularly, the study sought to establish whether and how camel breeds, animal care, road conditions and government extension services affected camel productivity in Mandera County. The study was guided by the Basic Needs Theory, Resilience and Food Production Theory and Livelihood Diversification Theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 43,691 camel keeping households in Mandera County from which a sample of 396 households was established through Slovin Formula. However, since only three of the six sub counties in the county were purposefully selected for the study, the sample size was reduced to 300 respondents, one per household. The distribution of the questionnaires was guided by the perceived level of engagement of respondents in camel rearing. Further, to corroborate the responses from camel dealers on the variables of study, qualitative studies were carried out through interview schedules from government officers in animal production and veterinary care that normally assisted camel dealers. Data was collected through drop and pick and analyzed by use of SPSS version 26. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire constructs was confirmed before its use. Tests for normality, autocorrelation and absence of multicollinearity were conducted before multivariate regression analysis. A reliability coefficient of Cronbach alpha of over 0.7 was returned for all constructs of the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the findings while information from government officers was analyzed qualitatively through in-depth and contextual insights. The study achieved a response rate of 74.3 percent. All the key variables tested against camel productivity returned mean scores above 3.5 with a standard deviation ranging from 0.08 to 1.08. These data implied that the respondents agreed with most of the statements on the 5-point Likert type scale. The low standard deviations below 2 meant low variability in the responses. Correlation analysis revealed that camel breed, animal care, road conditions and government extension services were positively and significantly correlated to camel productivity. Regression analysis results indicated that the factors under study explained 62.9% of the variation in camel productivity in Mandera County with effects of camel breeds being statistically significant (β=0.201; p=0.032) as were effects of animal care (β=0.370, p=0.005) and those of road conditions (β=0.305; p=0.000) and government extension services (β=0.413; p=0.000). The ANOVA results confirmed that the model was significant in predicting camel productivity. It was concluded that all the independent variables singly and collectively influenced camel productivity which was corroborated by government officers. It was recommended that government at national and county levels invest in improved camel breeds and availability of adequate breeding bulls, provide more animal care services and an enabling environment for private sector to provide other services through road access and cold storage for camel milk and meat among other interventions. Future research should consider other aspects of camel productivity, diseases, nutrition, vii marketing, value addition and even promotion of trade. Also, it would be useful to carry out the same type of research in other counties and compare results

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Agropastoralism in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: A Case of Mandera County, Kenya

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Agropastoralism in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: A Case of Mandera County, Kenya Ibrahim, Issack Gababa Whereas Mandera County government, the National Government, and other development partners have invested heavily in youth employment, food provision, and poverty reduction through, the county's youth are still hesitant to be involved in it. Even though it has been shown to be beneficial in the arid and semi-arid regions, little research has been done on the reasons why young people avoid it despite the fact that they are unable to find work in other fields. The aim of this study was to assess the factors that influence young people's involvement in Mandera County. The objectives were to find out how youth involvement in Kenya's Mandera County was influenced by insecurity in the region, technological factors, access to loans, cultural norms, and youth perceptions of the rewards they would expect from the business. The study was anchored on Push and Pull theory and the Integrative Threat Theory. The study adopted a combination of descriptive research design and explanatory research design. The target population consisted of 2900 youth from 145 registered youth organizations in Mandera County. Sloven's formula was used to sample 351 youth from the general population, and the sample proportions of young people in the sub-counties were calculated using the proportionate to size formula. The questionnaire's validity was tested during piloting in the neighboring county of Wajir, and before the real study, reliability was assessed using a Cronbach alpha coefficient. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25 was used to analyze the data after it was gathered using the drop-and-pick questionnaire approach. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. To draw conclusions, the findings were presented in a variety of ways including frequencies, percentages, tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. Model significance was assessed using F-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 95%, confidence interval. Multiple correlation helped to determine the nature and strength of factors that influenced youth participation in the findings indicated that the null hypothesis for insecurity was rejected because the regression coefficient was significant and negative (β=-0.454, P=0.000), and the null hypothesis for credit access was also rejected because the regression coefficient was significant and positive (β=0.51, P=0.000). The findings for technological factors revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.365, P=0.000), youth perception on anticipated gains from the practice revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.551, P=0.000), and cultural factors revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.603, P=0.000) meaning all had an effect on youth participation in hence rejection of the null hypotheses. The study concluded that insecurity, access to credit, technological factors, attitude of the youth and cultural factors influenced youth participation in the study recommends that the county government and the national government dialogue on how to improve on security in Mandera County in order to encourage youth participation in. Furthermore, financial institutions would be persuaded to ease the process of credit access and allow many types of collateral when giving credit facilities geared towards. There is need for awareness on benefits of for youth through educational forums, workshops and sensitizations campaigns. Finally, both young men and women should be sensitized on technological factors to help them practice that align to the climatic conditions in Mandera like drought resistant crops and livestock

Influence of Agroforestry on Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme in Laikipia County, Kenya

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Agroforestry on Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme in Laikipia County, Kenya Kirugumi, Winfred Gathoni Agroforestry adoption has shown potential in providing better environment benefits, food and energy, and enterprise development. Nevertheless, the agroforestry adoption is hindered by numerous factors among them, unreliable rainfall, lack of resources and lack of enough land space. The purpose of this research was to determine how agroforestry affects livelihoods of small holder farmers in the recently established Solio Settlement Scheme. The specific research objectives were three: to determine the environmental benefits of agroforestry to the small holder farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme, to measure food and energy diversification associated with agroforestry adoption small holder farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme and to assess the benefits of agroforestry adoption to enterprise development in Solio Settlement Scheme. The study distributed questionnaires 368 farmers who provided numerical data for statistical analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted by use of SPSS to answer the research questions. Results were further presented by use frequency tables. During the entire investigation the researcher adhered to the relevant research ethics. The study established that 92.6% of the Solio Settlement Scheme practice agroforestry. Majority of the respondents moderately agreed that practicing agroforestry resulted to environmental benefits as indicated by the mean of 3.09 and standard deviation of 0.25. It was also found that many of the respondents moderately agreed that agroforestry is the source of food and energy diversification as depicted by the mean of 3.15 and standard deviation of 0.49. It was further established that 97% of the respondents agreed that agroforestry created enterprise development. The correlation results indicated that there exist a positive and significant association between environmental benefits and livelihoods of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r =.636** p= .0005). The study deduced that food and energy diversification had a positive and significant association with livelihood of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r= .725**, p=.0005). The study further established that enterprise development had a positive and significant association with livelihood of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r=.789**, p= .0005). The study concluded that farmers are capable of providing an adequate food diet for all household members throughout the year after implementing agroforestry through increased crop production. It also noted that agroforestry adoption reduced scheme temperature, soil erosion, water runoff, water floods, and wind speed while also providing habitat for a variety of animals. It further concluded that adoption of agroforestry has resulted in the establishment of numerous businesses. The study recommended that households need to plant agroforestry trees species that can conserve and restore ecological ecosystems. Agroforestry was established to be effective in supporting crop diversification because of the stable and favorable conditions there. Farmers ought to be trained on biogas production, organic manure preparation, bee keeping and tree nursery commercial practices by extension officers. The national government in conjunction with Laikipia County Government, Kenya forest services and Solio Settlement Scheme local leaders can organize agroforestry awareness trainings pertaining the importance agroforestry and how it should be undertaken.

Effect of Phosphorus Application on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of Phosphorus Application on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County Wanja, Mugai Tabitha Sweet potato is among the drought-resistant crops that take a short period to mature. Therefore, sweet potato plays a significant role in food security in Kenya because of its high degree of flexibility. Embu West Sub County's main economic activity is agriculture, which is the economic pillar of Embu County. Most farmers at the grassroots level have not been able to access proper fertilization on their farms because of a lack of adequate and authentic knowledge. This study focused on the sweet potato fertilization regime, especially the application of phosphorous. The of study's objectives were; to determine the yield potential of three sweet potato varieties, to determine the effect of P levels on growth and yield of sweet potatoes and to evaluate the effect of interaction between the sweet potato varieties and P levels. The study was carried out in Embu west at KARLO EMBU farm in two different seasons season 1 during the long rains (April to September2016) while season 2 was carried out during the short rains (November 2016 to April 2017). Land was cleared, dug and harrowed to fine tilth manually. Using RCBD, land was divided into three blocks. Each block had twelve plots each measuring three meters by three meters. Each plot received a combination of two treatments that is sweet potato variety and a specific level of P. Treatments was randomly assigned on the experimental units. The sweet potato varieties used were SPK004(V1), Kenspot 3(V2) and Kenspot 4(V3).The P fertilizer levels used were 0 kg/ha(P1), 25 kg/ha(P2), 50 kg/ha(P3), and 75 kg/ha(P4). Data on specific growth and yield parameters was collected throughout the study period, the collected data was summarized using excel. SPSS version 23 was used for ANOVA, at α=0.05.For treatment means that were significantly different LSD as Post hoc test was used to separate them. The study showed significant yield potential difference in all yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of both marketable tubers yield and biomass above the ground. The study showed that the amount of P applied significantly affect growth and yield of sweet potatoes with a P level of 50 kg/ha being the recommended rate. According to this study, interaction between the variety of sweet potatoes and the P levels applied had no significant influence on the growth and yield of sweet potato

Evaluation of the Effects of Fertilizers on the Productivity of Selected Potato Varieties Grown On the Taita Hills, Kenya

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of the Effects of Fertilizers on the Productivity of Selected Potato Varieties Grown On the Taita Hills, Kenya Haro, Thomas Geoffrey Potato is an important food and cash crop whose yield is limited by biotic and abiotic factors. Of these factors, poor soil fertility and recommendation of nutrients matched with the respective suitable variety at specific agro ecological zone is rare as the case in the Taita Hills in Kenya. Thus, this study evaluated various NPK 17:17:17 fertilizer rates of 250, 500 and 750 kg ha-1 with or without cattle manure on four popular potato varieties (Tigoni, Shangi, Kenya Mpya and Dutch Robjin) for two seasons to establish the suitable high-yielding climate smart variety and fertilizer rate for the Taita Hills.The varieties indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in the yields in both seasons.The Shangi achieved high yields of 22 tons per hectare, compared to Kenya mpya that had the lowest tuber yield of 12 tons per hectare low. Generally, the potato grown in the long rains season of March to June performed better than the short rains season crop of October to December, thus long rains season being more suitable for higher tuber yields. The tuber yield was significantly different between the seasons (p≤ 0.000), among the varieties (p ≤0.000), among the treatment (p ≤ 0.002) and application of significantly increased the yields by 2.5 tonnes at 250 kg/ha, 3.4 tonnes at 500 and 4.3 tonnes at 500kg/ha. Shangi variety generally showed higher yields as compared to the other varieties. Shangi performed better than Dutch Robjin with about 6000kgha-1 and NPK application of 250kg, 500kg NPK increased the yields of potato by about 2500 and 3400 kg respectively as compared to no fertilizer. The application of 750kgha-1 NPK plus 7000 kgha-1 of cattle manure led to higher yield as compared to the application of 7000kgha-1 cattle manure alone, 250kgha-1 fertilizer alone or no fertilizer respectively. Hence, fertilizer use together with cattle manure practice is recommended for the Taita hills and Shangi variety is the most appropriate for the Taita hills