Targeting Appropriate Grain Amaranth Production Technologies for Improved Productivity, Household Nutrition & Income Security in Semi-Arid Eastern Kenya.

Abstract

Grain amaranth (A. creatus L. and A. hypodriacus) is a nutritious, relatively drought tolerant high value crop, whose production in Kenya outstrips the demand. Due to its tolerance to drought it is an ideal choice for the semi-arid region especially under conditions of climate change. Amaranth production in semi-arid eastern Kenya is however, at its infancy with limited production and utilization know-how. Trials were planted in two locations in Kitui and Makueni Counties of eastern Kenya during long rain and short rain seasons of 2013 with the aim of evaluating appropriate production technologies for validation and dissemination under semi-arid conditions. Objectives of these trials were: to determine ideal amaranth plant spacing for optimal yield performance and suitable and economic fertilizer levels for production under semi-arid conditions of eastern Kenya. Treatments were two inter-row spacing (90cm and 75cm) and four fertility levels (zero, 5 t farmyard manure (FYM)/ha, 10 t FYM/ha and 20 kg P205 /ha) in a randomized complete block design. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in yields between locations with yields being higher in Kitui in long rains 2013 than Kiboko in short rains 2013. No significant difference was found between different spacing and fertility levels within locations although highest yields were obtained at spacing of 90 x 30 cm and 20 kg P205 at Kiboko and 90 x 30 cm with 10 t FYM at Kitui. More work requires to be done across locations for precise conclusions and recommendations.