Authors: Eric Muthama, Namikoye Everlyne Samita, Najma Dharani, Rebecca Karanja.
Pulses and African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are essential food crops farmed mostly by small-scale farmers in Kenya. Pulses and AIVs are essential in the fight against malnutrition and food insecurity. Additionally, pulses are essential for the nitrogen fixation in the soil. The production of African Indigenous Vegetables and pulses in Kenya is severely affected by climate change and the current surge in insect pest populations. Despite the numerous agricultural methods implemented, increasing soil fertility and controlling pests still pose a significant challenge. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence and diversity of AIVs and pulses, their pests’ incidences and farmers’ pests’ management practices in Murang’a County, Kenya. Secondly, the study was conducted to assess the availability and practice of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in AIVs and pulses cultivation. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from a sample of 226 respondents. Farmers were interviewed in their farms and open-ended questions were used to evaluate practices. Data analysis were performed using statistical software IBM SPSS Version 28. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The findings indicate that farmers have been growing pulses and AIVs for subsistence purposes. Farmers employed a number of climate-smart farming techniques, including the use of organic manure, intercropping, conservation agriculture, the use of cover crops, agroforestry as well as minimal and zero tillage. The AIVs and pulses were significantly present in the study area, and farmers were aware that insect pests were attacking their crops. The logistic regression analysis showed socio-demographic variables such as the level of education, marital status and age had significant positive effect on farmer’s knowledge levels on CSAPs and pests control strategies. Cultivation of AIVs and pulse requires easily available and reasonably priced pest control and soil fertility enhancement products. The study recommends that farmers adopt sustainable farming methods that manage pests, safeguards soil fertility and improves on the yield of AIVs and pulses. There is a need for policies that promote and improve sustainable farming methods.
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