🥬 KALE PRODUCTION NOTES (SUKUMA WIKI)

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1. Introduction

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), commonly known as Sukuma Wiki in Kenya, is a leafy vegetable grown widely for both domestic consumption and income generation.

It is a fast-growing crop and can be harvested over a long period.

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2. Importance of Kale Production

1. Source of vitamins (A, C, and K) and minerals (iron, calcium).

2. Income source for small-scale and commercial farmers.

3. Employment for farmers, traders, and transporters.

4. Provides fodder for livestock when leaves are surplus.

5. Plays a role in food security due to continuous harvest.

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3. Ecological Requirements

Factor Requirement

Altitude 1,500 – 2,800 m above sea level

Rainfall 600 – 1,000 mm well distributed

Temperature 15°C – 25°C

Soil Type Deep, fertile, well-drained loam soil

Soil pH 6.0 – 7.5

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4. Varieties of Kale

Common varieties grown in Kenya include:

1. Thousand Headed – high yielding and hardy.

2. Mfalme F1 – hybrid, tolerant to pests.

3. Copenhagen Market – high quality leaves.

4. Collard Greens (Georgia) – widely grown, drought-tolerant.

5. Southern Georgia – resistant to leaf yellowing.

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5. Land Preparation

1. Clear the land of weeds and stumps.

2. Plough deeply (15–20 cm) and harrow to a fine tilth.

3. Incorporate well-rotted manure (10–15 tons/ha) to improve soil fertility.

4. Prepare seedbeds or nursery trays for seed sowing.

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6. Nursery Management

(a) Nursery Site Selection

Near a reliable water source.

Well-drained and fertile soil.

Protected from strong winds and animals.

(b) Nursery Preparation

Make raised beds (1 m wide, any convenient length).

Mix soil with fine compost or manure.

Sow seeds in rows 10–15 cm apart and cover lightly with soil.

Water regularly (daily in the morning or evening).

Provide shade using grass or banana leaves.

(c) Transplanting

Transplant when seedlings are 4–6 weeks old or 10–15 cm high.

Transplant during cool, cloudy weather or in the evening.

Water the nursery before uprooting seedlings.

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7. Field Transplanting

Activity Details

Spacing 60 cm × 45 cm (rows × plants)

Planting hole 15 cm deep

Manure Mix 1–2 handfuls of well-rotted compost per hole

Planting depth Same as nursery depth

Watering Immediately after transplanting

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8. Fertilizer Application

At planting: Apply DAP or NPK (10:26:10) at 200 kg/ha.

Top dressing: Apply CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) at 100–150 kg/ha, 3–4 weeks after transplanting and repeat every 4–6 weeks.

Always apply fertilizers 5–8 cm from the plant and cover lightly with soil.

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9. Field Management Practices

(a) Weeding

Weed regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Use hand hoes to avoid damaging roots.

(b) Irrigation

Water regularly especially during dry periods.

Avoid waterlogging to prevent root diseases.

(c) Mulching

Conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth.

(d) Roguing

Remove diseased or pest-infested plants immediately.

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10. Pest and Disease Control

Common Pests

Pest Damage Control

Aphids Suck sap, cause leaf curling Spray with insecticides or neem extract

Cutworms Cut seedlings at ground level Use ash around plants, spray insecticides

Diamondback moth Eats holes in leaves Spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or pyrethrum

Cabbage worm Chew leaves Handpick and destroy or use recommended insecticides

Common Diseases

Disease Symptoms Control

Black rot Yellowing and wilting of leaves Use disease-free seed, rotate crops

Downy mildew Gray mold under leaves Use fungicides, avoid overhead irrigation

Damping off Seedlings collapse in nursery Avoid overwatering, sterilize nursery soil

Leaf spot Brown spots on leaves Use copper-based fungicides

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11. Harvesting

Start 8

–12 weeks after transplanting.

Harvest outer mature leaves first, leaving inner leaves to grow.

Continue harvesting weekly or biweekly for 3–4 months.

Use clean hands or knife to avoid damaging the plant.

🐟 FISH FARMING (AQUACULTURE) NOTES

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1. Meaning of Fish Farming

Fish farming, also called aquaculture, is the rearing of fish under controlled conditions (in ponds, tanks, cages, or dams) for food, income, and other purposes.

It involves breeding, feeding, and harvesting fish to produce high-quality protein for human consumption.

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2. Importance of Fish Farming

1. Provides a source of animal protein for humans.

2. Creates employment and income for farmers.

3. Helps in poverty reduction and food security.

4. Supplies raw materials for industries (fish oil, fish meal).

5. Can be practiced on small land areas (suitable for rural communities).

6. Improves nutrition in households.

7. Reduces overfishing in natural water bodies.

8. Provides manure for crops when pond water is used for irrigation.

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3. Common Fish Species Farmed

Fish Species Type Characteristics

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Warm-water fish Hardy, fast-growing, commonly farmed in Kenya

Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Warm-water fish Fast-growing, survives in low oxygen, good for mixed culture

Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Cold-water fish Requires clean, cold, running water

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Warm-water fish Tolerant to different conditions, omnivorous

Mudfish Warm-water fish Found in swamps, resistant to harsh conditions

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4. Systems of Fish Farming

1. Extensive System

Fish depend on natural food in the pond.

Low stocking rate.

Requires less management.

Example: Traditional earthen ponds.

2. Semi-Intensive System

Combination of natural and supplementary feeding.

Moderate management and stocking rate.

Common in rural Kenya.

3. Intensive System

Fish depend entirely on formulated feeds.

High stocking density.

Requires aeration and water quality control.

Examples: Tanks, cages, raceways.

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5. Types of Fish Ponds

1. Nursery pond – for young fish (fry and fingerlings).

2. Rearing or growing pond – for fingerlings until market size.

3. Breeding pond – for mating and egg laying.

4. Storage pond – for temporary holding before sale.

5. Hatchery pond – for hatching eggs into fry.

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6. Site Selection for Fish Pond

Before constructing a fish pond, consider:

1. Water supply: Reliable and clean source (river, spring, borehole).

2. Topography: Gently sloping land for drainage.

3. Soil type: Clay or loamy soils that can retain water.

4. Accessibility: Easy to reach for feeding and management.

5. Security: Safe from thieves and predators.

6. Sunlight: At least 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.

7. Vegetation: Avoid areas with many tree roots or weeds.

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7. Construction of a Fish Pond

Steps:

1. Survey and design – Determine pond size, shape, inlet, and outlet.

2. Clearing the site – Remove vegetation and obstacles.

3. Excavation – Dig to desired depth (usually 1–1.5 m).

4. Building dykes (embankments) – Compact soil to hold water.

5. Install inlet and outlet pipes – For water inflow and outflow.

6. Compact and level the pond bottom.

7. Fill with water and test for leaks.

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8. Pond Preparation Before Stocking

1. Drain and dry pond for 1–2 weeks.

2. Remove predators (snakes, frogs

, birds).

3. Apply lime to disinfect and improve pH (200–300 kg/ha).

4. Apply organic manure (cow dung, compost) to promote plankton growth.

5. Fill pond with water gradually.

🌾 CROP PRODUCTION NOTES

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1. Meaning of Crop Production

Crop production is the science and practice of growing plants (crops) for food, feed, fiber, fuel, and raw materials.

It involves all the activities carried out from land preparation to harvesting and storage.

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2. Importance of Crop Production

1. Provides food for humans (e.g., cereals, vegetables, fruits).

2. Provides feed for livestock.

3. Source of income to farmers.

4. Provides raw materials for industries (e.g., cotton for textiles, sugarcane for sugar).

5. Contributes to national and household food security.

6. Creates employment opportunities.

7. Helps in land utilization and soil conservation.

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3. Classification of Crops

(a) According to Use

Type of Crop Examples

Food crops Maize, rice, beans, potatoes

Cash crops Coffee, tea, sugarcane, cotton

Fodder crops Napier grass, Lucerne

Industrial crops Sunflower, sisal

Vegetable crops Cabbage, tomatoes, onions

Fruit crops Mango, banana, avocado

(b) According to Life Cycle

Type Description Example

Annual crops Complete life cycle in one season Maize, beans

Biennial crops Two seasons to complete life cycle Carrot, onion

Perennial crops Live for many years Coffee, banana

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4. Factors Affecting Crop Production

1. Climatic factors: rainfall, temperature, sunlight, wind, humidity.

2. Soil factors: soil type, fertility, pH, drainage.

3. Biological factors: pests, diseases, and weeds.

4. Human factors: farming skills, technology, labor, and capital.

5. Topography: slope affects drainage and soil erosion.

6. Government policy: subsidies, extension services, and land laws.

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5. Land Preparation

Land preparation involves clearing, ploughing, harrowing, and leveling the land before planting.

Objectives:

1. To loosen the soil for aeration and root penetration.

2. To remove weeds and previous crop residues.

3. To improve water infiltration.

4. To facilitate planting and seedling emergence.

Stages:

1. Clearing: removing vegetation.

2. Primary tillage: breaking hardpan by ploughing.

3. Secondary tillage: harrowing to break large clods.

4. Leveling: preparing a smooth seedbed.

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6. Planting

Planting is the process of placing seeds or planting materials into the soil.

Methods:

1. Broadcasting – scattering seeds by hand.

2. Drilling – placing seeds in rows.

3. Transplanting – moving seedlings from nursery to field.

4. Dibbling – placing seeds in holes by hand.

Factors to consider:

Time of planting

Spacing

Depth of planting

Seed rate and seed quality

Soil moisture

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7. Crop Management Practices

1. Weeding – removal of unwanted plants.

2. Thinning – reducing excess seedlings for proper spacing.

3. Gap filling – replacing missing seedlings.

4. Mulching – covering soil with dry leaves or grass.

5. Pruning – cutting unwanted branches or shoots.

6. Irrigation – providing water to crops during dry periods.

7. Fertilizer application – supplying nutrients to crops.

8. Staking – supporting weak or climbing plants (e.g., tomatoes).

9. Pest and disease control – using cultural, chemical, or biological methods.

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8. Fertilizer and Manure Application

Types of Fertilizers:

Organic: compost, farmyar

d manure, green manure.

Inorganic: chemical fertilizers (DAP, CAN, NPK).

Methods of Application:

1. Broadcasting

2. Spot application

3. Top dressing

4. Side dressing

5. Foliar spraying

SHEEP PRODUCTION NOTES

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1. Meaning of Sheep Production

Sheep production is the rearing and management of sheep for the purpose of obtaining meat (mutton), wool, milk, skin, and manure.

It is an important livestock enterprise especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

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2. Importance of Sheep Production

1. Source of meat (mutton) and milk for human consumption.

2. Produces wool and skins used in the textile and leather industries.

3. Provides manure that improves soil fertility.

4. Source of income to farmers through sale of products.

5. Used in cultural and religious ceremonies.

6. Suitable for small-scale and mixed farming systems.

7. Helps in weed control through grazing.

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3. Breeds of Sheep

(a) Hair Sheep (Meat breeds)

Dorper – hardy, fast-growing, common in Kenya.

Red Maasai – indigenous breed, resistant to diseases and parasites.

Black-headed Persian – good for arid areas, fat-tailed breed.

(b) Wool Breeds

Merino – produces fine, high-quality wool.

Rambouillet – dual purpose (meat and wool).

(c) Dual-Purpose Breeds

Corriedale – good for both meat and wool.

Romney Marsh – adapted to wet areas.

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4. Characteristics of Good Breeding Sheep

1. Healthy, active and well-developed body.

2. Strong legs and good conformation.

3. Early maturity and high fertility.

4. Resistant to local diseases and parasites.

5. Good mothering ability.

6. Produces high yield of meat, wool or milk.

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5. Sheep Housing

A good sheep house should:

1. Protect animals from rain, wind and direct sunlight.

2. Be well ventilated and dry.

3. Have raised floors in wet areas.

4. Contain feeding and watering troughs.

5. Be easy to clean and disinfect.

6. Provide enough space (approx. 1.2–1.5 m² per adult).

7. Be fenced to prevent predators and theft.

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6. Feeding of Sheep

Sheep are mainly grazers feeding on grasses and legumes.

Feed Types:

Roughages: pasture grass, hay, silage, crop residues.

Concentrates: grains, bran, oil cakes, mineral blocks.

Water: Provide clean water daily.

Feeding Management:

1. Practice rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing.

2. Supplement during dry seasons.

3. Provide salt licks for minerals.

4. Avoid moldy feeds.

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7. Breeding in Sheep

Age at maturity: 6–8 months (ewes), 8–10 months (rams).

Gestation period: 5 months (about 150 days).

Oestrus cycle: 17 days on average.

Signs of heat in ewes:

Restlessness

Frequent bleating

Swollen vulva and mucus discharge

Stands to be mounted by ram

Mating Ratio: 1 ram for 25–30 ewes.

Breeding Systems:

Natural mating

Controlled breeding (hand mating or flock mating)

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8. Management of a Pregnant Ewe

1. Feed adequately (especially in the last 6 weeks).

2. Provide exercise.

3. Deworm and vaccinate before lambing.

4. Keep in a clean, dry lambing pen.

5. Watch for signs of lambing.

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9. Management of a Newborn Lamb

1. Clear mucus from the nose and mouth.

2. Ensure it sucks colostrum within the first 6 hours.

3. Cut and disinfect the navel cord with iodine.

4. Keep lamb warm and dry.

5. Identify (ear tagging or tattooing).

6. Castrate unwanted males (at 2–3 weeks old).

7. Vaccinate and deworm as scheduled.

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10. Health Management

Common diseases and parasites in sheep include:

Disease Cause Prevention / Control

Foot rot Bacterial infection Keep pens dry, footbath with copper sulphate

Sheep pox Virus Vaccinate

Enterotoxaemia Bacteria Vaccinate, avoid sudden diet changes

Internal parasites Worms Regular deworming

External parasites Ticks, lice Dipping or spraying

General Practices:

Regular inspection

Isolation of sick animals

Maintain hygiene in housing

Control vectors and parasites

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11. General Management Practices

1. Deworming – every 3–4 months.

2. Vaccination – against common diseases.

3. Castration – to control breeding and improve meat quality.

4. Docking – cutting the tail to maintain hygiene.

5. Tagging / Tattooing – for identification.

6. Shearing – for wool breeds once or twice per year.

💧 WATER CONSERVATION NOTES

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1. Meaning of Water Conservation

Water conservation is the wise and careful use of water resources to reduce wastage and ensure there is enough water for current and future needs.

It involves protecting, managing, and using water efficiently for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes.

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2. Importance of Water Conservation

1. Ensures continuous supply of water during dry seasons.

2. Reduces soil erosion and flooding.

3. Promotes crop and livestock production.

4. Helps in maintaining natural vegetation and wildlife.

5. Reduces the cost of water supply and treatment.

6. Prevents environmental degradation.

7. Supports industrial and domestic activities.

8. Encourages sustainable development.

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3. Sources of Water

Rainwater

Rivers and streams

Lakes and ponds

Springs

Wells and boreholes

Dams and reservoirs

Underground (groundwater)

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4. Causes of Water Shortage

1. Deforestation – reduces rainfall and increases runoff.

2. Overgrazing – leads to soil compaction and poor infiltration.

3. Pollution – contaminates water sources.

4. Overuse or wastage – from irrigation or domestic misuse.

5. Climate change – irregular rainfall and prolonged droughts.

6. Poor storage facilities – loss of rainwater as runoff.

7. Rapid population growth – increases demand.

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5. Methods of Water Conservation

A. In the Farm

1. Terracing – reduces runoff on slopes.

2. Contour ploughing – follows land contours to retain water.

3. Mulching – covers soil to reduce evaporation.

4. Cover cropping – protects soil and improves infiltration.

5. Strip cropping – alternates crops to control erosion.

6. Minimum tillage – conserves moisture and organic matter.

7. Agroforestry – trees reduce evaporation and hold moisture.

8. Irrigation scheduling – applying water only when needed.

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B. In Water Catchment Areas

1. Planting trees and vegetation to reduce runoff and increase infiltration.

2. Protecting riverbanks and wetlands from human activity.

3. Controlling grazing in catchment zones.

4. Constructing check dams and gabions to slow runoff.

5. Preventing pollution of water sources.

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C. At Home and Urban Areas

1. Repair leaking taps and pipes.

2. Harvest and store rainwater using tanks or ponds.

3. Use water-saving devices like low-flow taps.

4. Reuse greywater (from washing) for irrigation.

5. Avoid leaving taps running unnecessarily.

6. Use bucket baths instead of showers.

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6. Methods of Rainwater Harvesting

1. Roof catchment system – collecting rainwater from roofs into tanks.

2. Surface runoff harvesting – building ponds, dams, or pans.

3. Rock catchment – directing water from rocky surfaces to reservoirs.

4. Underground tanks – for storage and protection from evaporation.

5. Sand dams – constructed across seasonal rivers to trap water in sand.

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7. Water Storage Structures

Earth dams

Concrete tanks

Plastic or metal tanks

Water pans

Underground reservoirs

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8. Factors to Consider When Selecting Water Conservation Method

1. Topography of the land

2. Soil type and structure

3. Rainfall amount and pattern

4. Availability of materials and funds

5. Purpose of water use (domestic, irrigation, livestock)

6. Technical knowledge required

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9. Water Conservation in Irrigation

1. Use drip or sprinkler irrigation for efficient water use.

2. Avoid over-irrigation to prevent waterlogging.

3. Irrigate early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

4. Line canals and ditches to prevent seepage losses.

5. Maintain irrigation systems regularly.

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10. Dangers of Poor Water Conservation

1. Desertification – loss of vegetation and fertile soil.

2. Flooding and erosion – from uncontrolled runoff.

3. Reduced crop and animal productivity.

4. Waterborne diseases due to pollution.

5. Drying of rivers and wells.

6. Conflict over limited water resources.

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11. Government and Community Efforts in Water Conservation

1. Afforestation and reforestation programs.

2. Public education on water conservation.

3. Construction of community dams and boreholes.

4. Regulation of water use through policies (e.g., Water Act).

5. Formation of water

 user associations (WUAs).

6. Promotion of sustainable irrigation practices.

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12. Summary

Water conservation is essential for sustainable agriculture, health, and economic growth.

Everyone must take responsibility to protect and use water wisely to ensure future availability.