Climate-Smart Cereal Crops
12-12-2024Reviving Food Security in Drought-Stricken Lower Eastern Region-Kenya
Written by Esther Mwende Kalanza, Cooperative Advisor in Kenya
Farmers in Machakos and the entire lower eastern region, a semi-arid and arid region of Kenya, have continuously planted their traditional food crops at the onset of every long or short rains with the hope of good harvests to sustain them. However, in the recent past, they have continuously suffered major crop losses due to prevailing harsh climatic conditions leading to food and nutrition insecurity.
Despair among farmers is steadily turning into hope as they shift to planting drought-tolerant, high-yielding varieties of pigeon peas, cowpeas, and green grams—crops that have proven to thrive in the region. Recently, farmers in Kenya's Eastern Region embraced two new pigeon pea varieties: ICEAP 01552, also known as 'MPESA,' and 'Mituki.' MPESA, developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), is a high-yielding, fast-maturing variety. Scientists at KALRO have also introduced Mituki, an early-maturing variety, as part of the ongoing effort to combat climate change.
Mpesa and Mituki pigeon peas varieties
These varieties underscore a crucial point: while harsh environmental conditions contribute to crop failure, the lack of improved, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant varieties—and their certified seeds—has been the primary challenge to agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). In collaboration with Agriterra under the Acting Now project, Farmers Care Cooperative Society has begun developing reliable systems to source certified seeds and multiply clean, drought-tolerant varieties of pigeon peas, cowpeas, and green grams through a centralised approach in its catchment. They aim to secure an out-grower license in the coming year from KEPHIS, the certifying body in Kenya.
In the past, farmers grew recycled pigeon pea varieties that took nearly a year to mature, planted in October, and harvested the following July to September—yielding only one harvest annually. The new varieties mature in just four months, allowing farmers who plant in October to sell their crops by February or March when prices peak. This shift presents a significant opportunity for farmers, enabling them to harvest at least two or three times a year.
Transforming Agriculture
Farmers Care Cooperative Society located in Wamunyu, Machakos County is beaming hope for hundreds of smallholder farmers in that area who rely on pigeon peas, cowpeas, and green gram production for their livelihood. Despite the challenges of erratic rainfall and harsh climatic conditions, the cooperative has been striving to transform its member's fortunes.
Green gram demonstration farm
The cooperative has also set up demonstration farms to practically showcase and train the farmers the Good Agricultural Practices in cultivating the three crops. Farmers have marveled at the increased resilience of their crops and improved yields, especially the pigeon peas, which flowers three times a year, allowing for multiple harvests.
The cooperative’s agrovet has also been well-stocked with certified seeds and other agricultural inputs hence farmers no longer have to travel far to find reliable seeds. They can now purchase high-quality certified, and locally produced seeds directly from their cooperative in a flexible manner.
Thresher and Tarpaulin for post-harvesting
Supporting Resilience Through Post-Harvest Management
Through the project intervention, the cooperative has purchased post-harvest handling equipment, including threshers and tarpaulins, which have significantly reduced losses caused by poor post-harvest handling. With these tools, farmers can now efficiently thresh and dry their pigeon peas, cowpeas, and green grams, ensuring better quality and minimizing spoilage. The volume of cereal produce aggregated by the cooperative has increased from 5T-7T in the previous season and the cooperative’s goal is to aggregate more than 30T by the end of 2025.
“I planted the Mpesa and Mituki varieties as pure stands during the March-April rains, and I successfully harvested both green and dried pigeon peas," says Dorcas Wambua, a farmer in Machakos County, proudly pointing to her bountiful produce. "These varieties have not only adapted well to the unpredictable weather but have also given me a consistent yield, helping me secure both food and income for my family. Thanks to the training and support I’ve received from the cooperative on improved farming practices, I now feel confident in continuing to grow these resilient crops and expand my production in the future."
Today, Farmers Care Cooperative Society stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when farmers are empowered with knowledge, resources, and the right partnerships. With Agriterra’s continued support, the cooperative has not only increased its productivity but also built resilience in the face of climate change, positioning itself as a leader in the pulses value chain in the region.
