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.