Effective rainfall and bean yield in a tropical semi-arid environment: a case study of south eastern machakos district; Kenya
Abstract
The importance of understanding crop water requirements, effective
rainfall and rainfall variability after onset date in the semi-arid areas of
Kenyacarmot be underestimated in pl.anningand implementingpolicies geared
to increasing food production. This is more so in the areas of South Eastern
Machakos where rainfall hardly averages 800mmarmually and with high
variability from one season to the other, yet farmers have to grow food crops
for their dietary and other special needs. The two bean varieties namely,
Mwezi Moja and Bean I are becoming quite popular in South Eastern Machakos
probably due to their being able to complete their life stages at a relatively
shorter time than other varieties grown in the area.