Golden sorghum and cowpea fields in Central Kenya, symbolizing sustainable agriculture.

Smart Farming: How Traditional Crops Can Save Central Kenya's Food Security

Samir D’Costa in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlocking the potential of sorghum and cowpea using integrated soil fertility management."

In the heart of Central Kenya, smallholder farms face a significant challenge: unreliable rainfall and declining soil fertility. These factors make it difficult to sustain rain-fed agriculture, especially in semi-arid lands. A recent study investigated how farmers' perceptions align with scientific data when using water harvesting and integrated soil fertility management techniques to grow sorghum and cowpea.

The study aimed to bridge the gap between agricultural science and practical farming. By understanding what farmers observe and value, researchers can develop more effective and sustainable agricultural practices. This approach ensures that new technologies are not only scientifically sound but also practical and appealing to the people who depend on them.

Focusing on sorghum and cowpea is crucial. These traditional crops are well-suited to the region's climate and offer a promising alternative to more resource-intensive crops. By improving the productivity of these staples, Central Kenya can enhance its food security and support local livelihoods.

What Farming Methods are Proven to Work?

Golden sorghum and cowpea fields in Central Kenya, symbolizing sustainable agriculture.

The study involved 371 smallholder farmers who evaluated 36 different plots. These plots were arranged using a Partially Balanced Incomplete Block Design (PBIBD), replicated three times, to test various combinations of water harvesting and soil fertility management techniques. The goal was to determine which methods farmers perceived as most effective and to compare these perceptions with actual yield data.

Farmers assessed the plots based on a simple scale: 'good,' 'fair,' or 'poor.' This straightforward evaluation allowed them to use their practical knowledge and experience to judge the effectiveness of each treatment. Their feedback provided valuable insights into what works best in real-world conditions.

Here are the water harvesting techniques that were tested:

Tied Ridges: Ridges that are tied at intervals to prevent water runoff.
Contour Furrows: Furrows that follow the contour of the land to conserve water.
Conventional Tillage: Traditional farming practices used by local farmers.

The study revealed that the treatment farmers ranked as 'good' involved their standard practices but added external soil amendments, specifically 40 kg of phosphorus per hectare (P/ha) and 20 kg of nitrogen per hectare (N/ha). This method resulted in a mean score of 2.78 and a yield of 3.5 tons per hectare (t/ha) for sorghum alone. Tied ridges and contour furrows, combined with similar soil amendments and manure, also received high ratings.

Embracing Local Knowledge for a Sustainable Future

The study underscores the importance of integrating scientific research with farmers' practical knowledge. By understanding and valuing local perceptions, researchers can develop more effective and sustainable agricultural practices. This collaborative approach not only boosts crop yields but also contributes to food security and improves the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Central Kenya. As climate change continues to impact agricultural regions, these integrated strategies become ever more critical for ensuring a resilient and food-secure future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/jssem2013.0378, Alternate LINK

Title: Integrating Scientific And Farmers Perception Towards Evaluation Of Rain-Fed Agricultural Technologies For Sorghum And Cowpea Productivity In Central Kenya

Subject: General Materials Science

Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: N. M.

Published: 2013-11-29

Everything You Need To Know

What farming methods have proven effective for boosting sorghum yields in Central Kenya, according to the study?

The study in Central Kenya demonstrated that integrating farmers' standard practices with external soil amendments significantly boosts sorghum yields. Specifically, the addition of 40 kg of phosphorus per hectare and 20 kg of nitrogen per hectare to their existing methods resulted in a mean score of 2.78 and a yield of 3.5 tons per hectare for sorghum. Tied ridges and contour furrows, when combined with similar soil amendments and manure, were also highly effective.

What does integrated soil fertility management entail, and how was it applied in the Central Kenya study?

Integrated soil fertility management involves combining traditional farming practices with external soil amendments to enhance crop yields. In the Central Kenya study, this included using farmers' standard practices and adding 40 kg of phosphorus per hectare and 20 kg of nitrogen per hectare. Water harvesting techniques like tied ridges and contour furrows were also integrated with soil amendments and manure.

Why are sorghum and cowpea considered important crops for enhancing food security in Central Kenya?

Sorghum and cowpea are well-suited to the climate of Central Kenya and offer a sustainable alternative to more resource-intensive crops. By focusing on improving the productivity of these traditional crops, the region can enhance its food security and support local livelihoods. The study aimed to identify effective methods for growing sorghum and cowpea, thus promoting their use as staples.

Why are water harvesting techniques like tied ridges and contour furrows important for farming in Central Kenya?

Water harvesting techniques like tied ridges and contour furrows are crucial because they help conserve water in the soil, which is essential in semi-arid regions with unreliable rainfall. Tied ridges prevent water runoff by creating barriers at intervals, while contour furrows follow the land's contour to maximize water absorption. These methods, when combined with soil amendments and manure, can significantly improve crop yields and resilience to drought.

How was the Partially Balanced Incomplete Block Design (PBIBD) used in the Central Kenya study, and why was it important for the research methodology?

The Partially Balanced Incomplete Block Design (PBIBD) was used to systematically evaluate different combinations of water harvesting and soil fertility management techniques across 36 plots, replicated three times. This design allowed researchers to test multiple methods simultaneously while accounting for variations in soil and environmental conditions. By using PBIBD, the study could determine which specific combinations of techniques farmers perceived as most effective and compare these perceptions with actual yield data, ensuring a robust analysis of the results. The use of PBIBD allowed for structured data collection, and minimized bias by comparing treatments in smaller blocks. This approach enhanced the statistical power and reliability of the study's findings, ultimately informing more effective and sustainable agricultural practices.