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Crops Grown In Semi-Arid Areas In Kenya

Crops Grown In Semi-Arid Areas In Kenya

November 13, 2022 10:01 pm

Wamugunda Anne

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The population of Kenya is rapidly increasing and so should be the rate of food production to enable a stable food supply. However, the amount of land that is fertile and support crop growth is shrinking due to the growing population. This has left Kenyans with no option other than reclaiming the arid land and putting it under crop production. Not all crops will survive the adverse conditions experienced in these semi-arid areas, and this is the reason for the establishment of the Dry Seed Limited (DSL) in 2004. The company produces and sells crop seeds that thrive in dry parts of Kenya.

Dry Seed Limited in cooperation with Kenya agricultural Research institute (KARI) develops the seeds which are then certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspection Services (KEPHIS). Dry Land Seed Company, located in Machakos, is mandated to establish superior dry land crop varieties that meet the farmers’ needs. The crop seeds produced by the Dry seed Limited are mainly indigenous crops that able to survive in low and medium altitude arid and semi-arid areas and include: pigeon peas, maize, beans, green grams, sorghum and cowpeas.

The followiBeansng crop varieties are grown in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya:

– KatB1, KatB9 and Kat x56
Maize- KH500-21A, KDV1, KDV2 and KDV4
Sorghum- Kari Mtama1, Seredo and Gadam.
Cowpeas- K80 and M66.
Green Grams-N26
Pigeon Peas- Kat 60-8 and Mbaazi 1

About the Author

Wamugunda Anne

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Hailing from the fertile highlands of central Kenya, Wamugunda-Anne's life has always been intertwined with the land. Born into a family of farmers, her earliest memories are of verdant fields, changing seasons, and the rhythm of nature. These formative experiences would later shape her academic and professional pursuits.

Wamugunda-Anne's passion for agriculture was not just about the practice but understanding its deeper implications — the sociological, environmental, and economic intricacies of farming in Kenya. This passion drove her to one of Kenya's prestigious universities, where she pursued a degree in Agricultural Sciences. Throughout her academic journey, she became renowned for her insightful articles on sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the balance between modern techniques and traditional Kenyan agricultural wisdom.

After university, Wamugunda-Anne transitioned into a full-time career in agricultural journalism. Her works have since been published in numerous national and international journals. Beyond just writing, she has played a pivotal role in shaping agricultural policies in Kenya by collaborating with policymakers, researchers, and local farmers. Her articles often focus on the challenges faced by Kenyan farmers, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative solutions to boost food security in the region.

Today, Wamugunda-Anne stands as a beacon of inspiration in Kenyan agricultural circles. With every article she writes, she hopes to enlighten, inspire, and pave the way for a sustainable agricultural future for Kenya and the African continent at large.