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Abstract
The biophysical and climatic characteristics of the arable pockets of
northern Kenya are different from other arable parts of the country.
The mountain and oasis areas of northern Kenya, where crop farming is
practiced are characterized by heterogeneity. The suitable pulse crops
for these zones are not well understood, which has led to promotion of
pulse varieties which are not suitable in mountain and oasis areas of
northern Kenya. This study evaluated pulse varieties in these regions.
Beans, cowpeas and green grams were tried in mountains, foot slopes
and lowlands areas of northern Kenya. The focuses of the study were
the crop yields, communities’ preference and gross margins. For yield
comparison experimentation, a randomized complete block design was
done and data analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). To gauge
community preference, pair-wise ranking was used. Gross margins
were determined from total inputs and outputs. Results showed that
all pulses performed best in irrigated lowland and mountains, with no
significant difference between lowlands and mountains. Foot slopes
performed poorest across pulses. Beans were highest yielding while
green grams were lowest yielding across sites. Cowpeas and green
grains were affected severely by sucking pest mainly aphids especially
in foot slopes and irrigated lowlands. Across the sites, beans were most
popular mostly due to their better marketability, locally and outside.
Green grams had the highest gross margins despite having the lowest
yield. It is concluded that in areas of lowlands and mountains, all the
three pulses are viable crops and should be pursued. Bean pulse is recommended for food security and green grams are recommended
for commercialization across the sites.