Impacts of selected Climate Smart Agricultural Practices on African Indigenous Vegetables in Kenyan drylands

Abstract

Climate change has had significant impacts on the cultivation of African Indigenous Vegetables (AIVs) resulting in insufficient yields and food insecurity. African indigenous vegetables are important food crops used in combating malnutrition and food insecurity. The AIVs have the potential to provide nutrition and sustain smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, little is known about the impacts of Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs) on the yield levels in AIVs. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the impacts of selected CSAPs on the yield levels in cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata. L) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum. L) in Kenyan drylands. Six treatments consisting of organic manure, commercial organic fertilizers, irrigation, mulching, inorganic fertilizers and controls were used. Research plots measuring 3m by 3m were set out in a randomized complete block design and sowed with certified cowpeas seeds and well-established black nightshade seedlings. Treatments were applied at land preparation and at 7 days after crop germination. Data was collected on plant height at vegetative stage and the overall primary yield at crop maturity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the quantitative data collected and analyzed using Genstat software. Post hoc analysis was carried out for significant means using Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test at p≤0.05. The results revealed significant differences in both the plant height and primary yield across all treatments (p≤0.05). The AIV yield levels were significantly influenced by the CSAPs products used. Plots treated with organic manure, mulching and commercial organic fertilizers had significantly higher yields. Control plots had the least amount of yields.

Key words: ANOVA, Climate change, food security, malnutrition and soil degradation.