Maize is the most grown and staple food in Kenya, The top African countries producing maize in Africa are are South Africa, Nigeria Ethiopia and Egypt. In Kenya, top maize growing counties include; Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Bungoma, Narok, Nakuru, Kakamega, and Nandi, they both combined account for approx 50% production.
Maize varieties in Kenya
In Kenya maize are planted in lowlands and highlands, choosing the right variety for your area is crucial.
Highland maize varieties
These kind of maize varieties matures and are ready for harvesting after almost 7months with most farmers depending on rainfed production rather than irrigation. They are high yielding upto 50 bags per acre on optimal production
Recommended growing areas for highland hybrid varieties include; Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Nakuru, Laikipia, Kisii, Narok, Bungoma, Kakamega, Nandi, Kericho, Nyahururu, Southern Highlands of Tanzania, Mt. Elgon slopes. Bungoma, Slopes of Mt. Kenya Bomet, Nyeri, Kiambu and Meru. The varieties include;
- Pioneer Maize Seed 30G19
- P3812 Maize Variety
- SC Twiga 81 Maize Variety
- FreshCo 600-16A
- Hybrid Seed Maize H6213
- Hybrid Seed Maize H6218
Lowland maize varieties
Most of the lowland varieties are have drought resistance are Short, and matures fasterwithin 3 months. They are low yielding compared to highland varieties with expected 20 bags per acre.
The recommended growing areas include lowland areas of Kirinyaga, West Pokot, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Kerio Valley, Kagio, Mwea, Makueni, Kitui, Marakwet, Baringo and Koibatek. Here is a list of lowland maize varieties:
- H513
- PH1
- PH4
- H6243
- H520
- H517
- H516
- H522
- H515
Land preparation for maize
Land for planting maize is prepared by ploughing and tilling, this depends on the size of land or amount of maize you need to plant. Large scale farmers prepare land by either ploughing then harrowing or Killing weeds and vegetation using herbicides then harrowing. Small scale farmers prefer manual or mechanical, means. Manual land preparation involves using jembes, or slashers to cut down weeeds.
Planting of maize
In Kenya most maize farmers depend on rainfed production that’s why almost all farmers plant on the onset of rains which is very suitable. Higland varieties are planted once while most lowland varieties can be planted twice or thrice depending on farmers efforts and availability of rains or presence of irrigation systems.
For maize spacing planters used have precision which can be adjusted easily but those farmers using manual means can use spacing of 75cm between rows and 30cm between plants with depth of 5 to 10cm. However, the spacing can be adjusted depending on the variety, soil fertility, and rainfall. Yo will need 10kgs seeds of maize in an acre.
For manual methods dibbling, digging holes or furrows is used to plant maize. dibbling is using just sticks to drill and place seeds on soil.
Nutrition and irrigation of maize
50kg of DAP or NPK fertilizer is used in 1 acre during planting maize, a teaspoonful (DAP or NPK) fertilizer should be placed into each planting hole, then seeds placed and covered.
DAP contains phosphorus, which is essential for root development. A phosphorous-rich foliar fertilizer can be applied to promote early crop establishment and should be applied to the young maize plants.
Top dressing with Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertilizer 50 to 100kg per acre is done twice after 4-6 weeks after planting and when the crop is 45cm high. UREA can be applied before tasseling in high rainfall.
Vegetative foliar fertilizer can be applied during vegetative growth to promote vigor and Foliar Fertilizer Application During Flowering and Grain Filling Stages.
Timely application of fertilizers is crucial for successful maize production.
For irrigation, I had earlier stated that maize production in Kenya is mostly rainfed hence not needing irrigation but that does not rule out irrigation in some areas where drip or rain guns are used for production.
Weeds control for maize
Weeds are one of the major challenge in maize farming, and they can significantly deplete yields if not controlled. Weed management involves the use of traditional and chemical methods. Weeding manually should be done twice 4 weeks after planting and before 2nd topdressing. Preemergence and post emergence herbicides are used to control maize weeds. Failure to control weeds leads to almost 50% loss or more.
Pest and Diseases management for maize
In Kenya, maize is affected by a variety of pests and diseases that significantly impact yield. One of the most devastating pests is the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), which feeds on maize leaves, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Stem borers are another common pest that bore into the maize stems, causing the plants to weaken or die. Among the diseases, Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) is a severe viral disease that leads to rapid wilting and plant death.
Other common diseases include Grey Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae-maydis), which causes lesions on the leaves, and leaf rust, which weakens the plants and reduces yield. Maize streak virus (MSV) and ear rots, such as Fusarium and Aspergillus, also pose significant threats, affecting grain quality and sometimes rendering it unsafe for consumption due to aflatoxin contamination. These pests and diseases necessitate timely interventions such as the use of resistant maize varieties, pest management practices, and disease monitoring to safeguard maize.
Harvesting and storage for maize
Maize is a major staple crop in Kenya with the prices even controlled by the government and is harvested after 3-4 months for the short season varieties and up to 10 months or more for the long season highland varieties.
Harvesting can be done either for silage or green maize while the maize is green or for grains when dry. The choice of harvesting method depends on the intended use of the maize or profits suitability that farmer intends to have.
Maize is harvested manually in Kenya by stooking and leaving them to completely dried after which they are shelled packaged and sold or mechanically using combine harvesters that harvest and shells directly leaving packaging and marketing to farmers.
Before storing ,maize in gunny bags ensure they are completely dried either sundried or by mechanical means using dryers.