th th 27 Soil Science Society of East Africa and 6 Africa Soil Science Society International Conference Theme: Transforming rural livelihoods in Africa: How can land and water management contribute to enhanced food security and address climate change adaptation and mitigation? Nakuru, Kenya 20-25 October 2013 Book of abstracts Conference papers are compiled in: Preface Africa is one of the continents mostly severely affected by climate change, for two main reasons. The first reason is because the geographical characteristics of the African continent make it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially from the projected changes in the rainy seasons and intensitivity of droughts, which in turn may affect agriculture and other human activities. The second reason for high vulnerability of African countries is related to their limited capacity to adapt. By not having access to required technological and financial resources that are needed to implement substantial adaptation programmes, many African nations are finding it difficult to handle the many challenges that climate change poses to them. Climate change is also one of the major challenges that the agricultural research community is facing in recent years. Compared to many other biophysical con- straints that the smallholder farmer is facing, climate change is a difficult problem to address for various reasons. First, climate change is a future problem and there are problems in assessing the magnitude and direction of these changes accurately, especially at local level. Second, while temperature projections seem to be fairly certain, changes in rainfall both in quantity and in variability are difficult to predict and rainfall is the major factor influencing productivity and profitability of the agricultural systems. Third, our understanding of impacts of projected changes in climate on crop growth and performance, especially the role of changes in carbon dioxide concentration, is limited. Despite these limitations, significant progress has been made in understanding the impacts of climate change on smallholder agri- cultural systems and in identifying appropriate management options to adapt. Unfortunately, much of the fieldwork carried out in many African countries remained inaccessible to the global community. The conference “Transforming Rural Livelihoods in Africa: How can land and water management contribute to enhanced food security and address climate change adaptation and mitigation?” organized by the Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) in collaboration with African Soil Science Society (ASSS) and held in Nakuru, Kenya during 20–25 October 2013 served as an important platform for scientists in the Eastern Africa region to share their findings and experiences. v vi Preface The targeted are researchers, policy makers, farmers, extension agents, among others, involved in and/or having interest in soil science and land and water management. This book contains various papers presented at the 2013 Nakuru Conference, as well as other contributions written by teams of African experts and/ or by international researchers working in Africa. Presentations at the conference covered a wide range of topics and presented a diverse set of viewpoints and perceptions on several of aspects of climate change and its impacts on agriculture. This book includes selected papers, based on their relevance and interest for the climate change research community, from the large number of presentations made during the conference. The papers are sequenced according to their focus in addressing a range of issues from methodological to technological and policy options for adapting agriculture to projected changes in climate. Progressive changes in climate are hard to predict and assessing impacts of these changes on performance and productivity of crops is still harder. Since crop per- formance is an outcome of a number of interrelated factors it is difficult to predict how these factors independently and interactively affect the performance of crops under different climatic conditions. One of the promising approaches is the use of analogue sites, which are locations whose climate today appears as a likely ana- logue to the projected future climate of another location. The paper by Leal Filho and De Trincheria outlines this approach. The overall aim of climate change research is to find options that contribute to reduced vulnerability to climate vari- ability and promotion of climate resilience in development investments, enhancing biodiversity, increasing yields and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The second paper by Stephen Kimani highlights some of the measures that can be put in place to improve incomes and livelihoods of farmers in the semi-arid regions of Africa. The paper by Kwena Kizito dwells on the issue of how research generated infor- mation is availed and used. Through a review, this paper assessed the extent to which scientific information has been used to inform climate change adaptation policies, plans and strategies in Kenya as well as the effectiveness of existing platforms for sharing climate change information in the country. The paper by Sospeter Nyamwaro is based on information about the climate change-related projects undertaken in Kenya over the past five years. It analyses the areas covered by these projects and identified the high and low focus areas. The next four papers deal with issues related to assessing and characterizing climate variability (Oscar Kisaka) and the potential impacts of climate variability and change on water resources (Sridhar Gummadi) and crop performance (Justice Nyamangara). One key aspect of climate change impact assessment studies is lack of information on how these impacts are felt differently by different gender, age and social class differentiated groups. The paper by Kumbiari Musiyiwa using the data collected through surveys conducted at analogue locations highlights this aspect of climate change and identifies gender sensitive adaptation options. Among the key options for adapting agriculture to climate change, soil and water management measures including irrigation figure prominently. This is mainly because of the expected increase in the demand for water by crops due to increased Preface vii evaporation and transpiration under warmer temperatures. The papers by Musyimi, Ngugi, Evans Mutuma and Geofrey Gathyungu provide some insights into the potential role of water conservation in mitigating the water stress on some important food crops. The study reported by P.N.M. Njeru tried to compare and contrast farmer and scientific evaluation of various climate change adaptation options that integrate soil water and soil fertility management practices aimed at improving productivity of sorghum. The final set of four papers explores the use of drought tolerant crops and varieties as an alternative adaptation strategy. Finyange N. Pole evaluated a number of maize genotypes to identify varieties that are efficient in both nutrient and water use. While Fabian Bagarama explored the performance of tomato as an alternate crop under warmer climates, studies reported by Cyrus M. Githunguri assessed the potential of traditional food crops as alternatives. Interest in research on issues related to climate change in Africa has been high over the past decade. It is important that this remains high and these efforts will be successful in identifying robust management options that help smallholder farmers make best use of the variable climatic conditions while helping in adapting to future changes. This book is also an output of the project Adapting agriculture to climate change: Developing promising strategies using analogue locations in Eastern and Southern Africa (CALESA), funded by the German International Agency for Cooperation (GIZ) and undertaken by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in collaboration with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), Zimbabwe Meteo- rological Department (ZMD), Midlands State University (MSU) and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW) in Germany. Using a combination of model-based ex ante analyses and iterative field-based research on station and in farmers’ fields, the project has tested potential agricultural adaptation strategies for rainfed agriculture in the semi-arid and dry sub-humid tropics. This has been achieved through choosing four currently important crop production zones (two in Kenya and two in Zimbabwe) and then identifying cor- responding ‘spatial analogue locations’ for each production zone, providing eight study locations in all. This book contains a set of chapters which describe some of the results achieved as part of the project. The editors wish to thank the GIZ, the CALESA project partners, the Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and the Africa Soil Science Society (ASSS), for their support to the conference, to the CALESA project and to this book. The ASSS and the SSSEA acknowledge, with appreciation, the efforts and contributions of the Kenyan government, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), ICRISAT, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovations (NACOSTI), MEA Ltd, The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), The Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA), Africa Soil Health Consortium (ASHC), the International Union of Soil Science (IUSS), SANREM Innovation Laboratory of Virginia Tech, Australian Agency for viii Preface International Development (AusAID), the University of Sydney and the Joint Research Commission (JRC) of the European Union (EU) for supporting the conference. Due to its scope, the actuality of the topic and its importance in documenting and promoting experiences of climate change adaptation in Africa, this book will provide timely assistance to the current and future adaptation efforts in the African continent. Walter Leal Filho Anthony O. Esilaba Karuturi P.C. Rao Gummadi Sridhar Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and Africa Soil Science Society (ASSS) Members of the Conference Organising Committee SSSEA Executive Committee Chairperson Dr. Anthony Esilaba Secretary Dr. Stephen Kimani Treasurer Ms. Fredah Maina Member Dr. Maina Muniafu Member Dr. Esther Gikonyo Member Dr. Mark Korir Sub Committees Editorial Sub Committee: Convener Dr. Cyrus Githunguri Member Dr. Stephen Kimani Member Dr. Anthony Esilaba Member Mr. Peterson Njeru Member Dr. John Lekasi Member Prof. C. Gachene Member Dr. Mary Baaru Member Dr. Anne Muriuki Member Dr. Sospeter Nyamwaro Member Ms. Fredah Maina Member Dr. Maina Muniafu Member Dr. Catherine Kibunja Member Dr. Nesbert Mangale Finance sub Committee Convener Ms. Fredah Maina Member Dr. Anthony Esilaba Member Dr. Maina Muniafu Member Dr. Stephen Kimani Member Dr. Cyrus Githunguri Member Dr. John Lekasi Member Mr. Peterson Njeru Member Dr. Barrack Okoba Member Prof. CKK Gachene Member Dr. Peter Macharia Logistics/Exhibitions sub committee Convener Ms. Elizabeth Nassiuma Member Ms. Fredah Maina Member Dr. Stephen Kimani Member Dr. Anthony Esilaba Member Mr. Peterson Njeru Member Ms. Mercy Gichuhi Member Ms. Virginia Wangare Member Dr. Cyrus Githunguri Member Ms. Edith Kinuthia Member Ms. Muta Muthoni Member Ms. Purity Kaburu Excursion sub committee Convener Dr. Peter Kamoni Member Dr. John Lekasi 7 Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and Africa Soil Science Society (ASSS) Member Ms. Elizabeth Nassiuma Member Mr. Mare Muya Member Dr. Joseph Miriti SSSEA Strategic plan development sub committee Convener Dr. Sospeter Nyamwaro Member Dr. Anthony Esilaba Member Dr. Stephen Kimani Member Dr. Cyrus Githunguri Member Dr. Maina Muniafu Member Ms. Fredah Maina Chief Rapporteurs: Anne Muriuki and Mary Baaru Compiled by: Anthony Esilaba Cyrus Githunguri Stephen Kimani Peterson Njeru John Lekasi Fredah Maina Mary Baaru Maina Muniafu Sospeter Nyamwaro Joseph Miriti Typesetting and design Nathan Maweu 8 Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and Africa Soil Science Society (ASSS) Conference at a Glance (MCH = Main Conference Hall; CH1 = Conference Hall 1; CH2 = Conference Hall2) Time Monday 21 Tuesday 21 Wednesday 23 Thursday 24 Friday 25 8.00-10.00 Session 1: MCH Session 6: MCH Field Session 13A: MCH Session 24: MCH Official Opening Ceremony Excursion Climate change Land use Welcoming Whole day Ceremony Introduction/ Official Opening of Session 16: CH1 Session 26A: CH1 Welcome Remarks Conference/exhibition: Soil Biology Integrated Principal Secretary (PS), Session 20: CH2 Nutrient Ministry of Agriculture Enhancing Applications of Management Adaptation and Mitigation to Session 27: CH2 Climate change Variability and Agronomy and Change Crop management 10.00-10.30 Health Break 10.30-13.00 Session 2: Session 7: MCH Session 13B: MCH Session 26B: CH1 Keynote Key note Presentations: Climate Change Integrated Presentations: Setting the Scene Session 21: CH2 Nutrient Setting the Scene Integrated Nutrient Management Management Session 17: CH1 Session 28: CH2 Organic resources Agronomy and Crop management 13.00-14.00 Lunch 14.00-16.00 Session 3A: MCH Session 8: MCH Session 14: MCH Session 29: Enhancing Land Use Climate Change Poster Session Applications of Session 15: MCH Adaptation and Session 12: CH2 Crop Management Mitigation to Socioeconomics Session 18: CH1 Climate Change Land Use Variability and Session 19: CH1 Change Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Session 22: CH2 Session 4. CH1 Session 10: CH1 Integrated Nutrient Management ASSS Business Integrated Nutrient Soil Biology (INM) Meeting Management SSSEA Business Meeting 16.00-17.30 Session 3B: MCH Session 11: CH1 Session 23: CH2 Session 30: MCH Outreach and Soil and Water Agronomy and ecosystem Closing Ceremony Partnerships, Management restoration Farmers Forum & Exhibitions Session 5: CH2 Session 12B: CH2 Crop/Soil Livestock Socio economics Interactions Session 9: MCH Launching Soil Atlas for Africa 17.30-18.00 Health Break 9 Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and Africa Soil Science Society (ASSS) PROGRAMME MONDAY 21 OCTOBER 2013 Time Event 8.30 -9.00 Registration of Participants Session 1: WELCOMING CEREMONY Venue: Main Conference Hall Chairperson: Representative African Soil Science Society (ASSS) Rapporteur: Dr. Anthony Esilaba Chair, Soil Science Society of East Africa (SSSEA) 9.00 - 10.00 Introduction/Welcome: Chair, Soil Science Society of East Africa Remarks: Chair, African Soil Science Society Opening Remarks: Director, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) 10.00-10.30 HEALTH BREAK 10:30-11:00 Media Briefing SESSION 2: KEY NOTE PRESENTATIONS: SETTING THE SCENE Venue: Main Conference Hall Chairperson: Dr. J. Wamuongo Rapporteur: A.O. Adaikwu 10.30-10:50 Enhancing Applications of Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change Variability and Change. KPC Rao 10.50-11.10 Exploring options for sustainable intensification and diversification of crop-soil- livestock systems in response to climate change. Mureithi, J.G 11.10-11.30 Tapping into agriculture to enhance agricultural intensification and diversification in Africa: the role of legacy of soils and farming systems research. Prof. I. Odeh 11:30-11:50 Developing Capacity to address Soil Health. B. Jama 11:50-12:10 Outreach and partnerships in Kenya. Dr. Felister Makini 12:10-1.00 ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS 1.00 -2.00 LUNCH BREAK SESSION3A. ENHANCING APPLICATIONS OF ADAPTATION AND MITIGATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE Chair: Dr. A. Esilaba Rapporteur: Dr. Kaizzi Kayuki Venue: Main Conference Hall 2.00 - 2.30 Keynote Presentation: Mitigation and adaptation of climate change: land and water management challenges. Prof. J Gathenya 2.30-2:42 Evaluation of rainfall data reconstruction techniques and variability indices in the drier zones of the central highlands of Kenya-Kisaka O.,Shisanya, C. and Makhoka, G. L. 2:42-54 Influence of agro-climatic conditions and fertilizer use on different pest mite management options in cassava production. Mutisya D.L.., Khamala P.M., Kariuki C.W. and Banhawy E.M. 2:54-3:06 Determinants of farmers’ choice of technological options for adapting to climate variability: a case of eastern Uganda. Kansiime K.M., Wambugu K.S. and Shisanya A.C. 3:06-3:18 Drought mitigating technologies: an overview of cassava and sweet potato production in Mukuyuni division Makueni County in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Githunguri, C.M and Amata R. 3:18-3:30 Situation analysis of climate change aspects in Kenya. Nyamwaro, S.O., Wamae, D.K., Kwena, K., Esilaba, A.O., Ndegwa, W., Matere, S.J., Wasswa, J.K., Ruttoh, R., Kibue, A.M 3:30-3:12 Characterization of seasonal rainfall variability and drought probability of the semi arid areas of Mbeere region in Embu County, Kenya. Kisaka O., Mucheru-Muna M., Ngetich, F.K., Mugwe J., Mugendi, D., and Mairura, F 3:12-3:24 Effect of temperature and rainfall on maize growth and yield under different fertilizer (Urea, NPK, compost) application. a case study of Rubengera and Busogo sectors in respective western and northern provinces of Rwanda. Disi D, Nahayoa and Ingabire N 10