Possible genetic solutions to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production constraints in Western Kenya.
1990
Rachier G.O.
Western Kenya (Bungoma, Busia and Kakamega Districts of Western Province and Nandi and Siaya Districts of Nyanza Province) covers an area of more than 13 thousand km(2) with a population of nearly 3 million. It has high potential for agriculture and is one of the major bean producing areas of Kenya. The climate is mainly humid, sub-humid and semi-humid but the soils (Nitosols, Acrisols, Vertisols, Luvisols and Ferralsols) are relatively infertile. The agriculture is at subsistence levels, producing maize, bean, banana, sweet potato and local vegetables, with some sorghum, finger millet, groundnut, sugar cane, fruit trees, coffee and tea. Bean is found in pure stand or in association with other crops, mainly maize but also with sorghum, cassava, cotton, sugar cane, coffee or banana. The main constraints to bean production include diseases, insects, poor soil fertility, excessive and inadequate rainfall, inappropriate cultivars and labour shortage. Breeding offers the most appropriate solution to these constraints and the improvement of bean production in western Kenya.
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