WEBSITE CONTENT TEMPLATE FCRC MUGUGA

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

Overview of the Centre (FCRC Muguga):

The Agricultural & Livestock Research Centre-Muguga South is mandated to conduct research that aims at developing scientific innovations and technologies required to improve and stabilize crop and animal production. Research activities at the centre are conducted within the following programmes; Plant Genetics and Physiology (Maize breeding), Crop Protection (Biological control) Land and Water Management, Animal Production, Socio-Economics & Applied Statistics and Adaptive Research. Other programmes are Outreach & Partnerships, and Agricultural Research Investment Services (ARIS).

 

Mandate Counties

The Centre has both National and Regional mandates. The National mandate for Research & Development is based on the 4 programmes, namely Plant Genetics and Physiology (Maize breeding of disease resistant varieties), Crop Protection (Biological control of major plant pests & diseases), Collection, conservation & multiplication of plant genetic resources (Gene bank) and Land & Water (natural resources management for humid and sub-humid areas). Its regional mandate for Adaptive Research covers Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyandarua and Nairobi Counties.

 

The Centre is situated in Kikuyu sub-county (within Kiambu county) about 27 km northwest of Nairobi. It has a bimodal rainfall pattern with annual precipitation about 995 mm and temperatures range from 10.8 to 20.90 C. The centre falls under agro-ecological zone III (LH3).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Centre Structure

                       
   
 
     
     
             
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environment and Natural Resources Management

Research Areas

  1. Participate in development of one climate change mitigation technology

 

Core Functions

  1. Research and Development:

ENRM aims to develop, validate and promote seven climate change mitigation technologies in KALRO’s strategic plan.

Achievements and Impact

  1. Achievement: Research and Development of Firewood-Saving Cook Stoves

Under the KCSAP project, the department conducted extensive research and development through the project titled “Performance Evaluation of Selected Cook Stoves from Baringo and West Pokot Counties of Kenya.” This initiative successfully identified eight efficient cook stove models capable of saving 40% to 60% of firewood compared to traditional three-stone open fires. These findings contribute significantly to promoting sustainable energy solutions, reducing deforestation, and enhancing livelihoods in the target regions.

 

Picture 1: Project Principal Investigator demonstrating to Extension Officers how to extract soil portions from locally available soil for mud stove construction

  1. Achievement: Capacity Building in Carbon Markets and Emissions Trading

The department successfully participated in a masterclass organized by Netfund and ECAS on “Carbon Markets and Emissions Trading Schemes”. This training equipped team members with critical skills for accurately accounting for cook stoves as a climate mitigation technology. The knowledge gained will enhance our capacity to develop and implement sustainable climate action initiatives, aligning with global carbon reduction goals.

Future Direction include ;

  1. Sustainable Practices: Promoting selected improved cook stoves for climate change mitigation through national special interest groups
  2. Youth and Women Empowerment: Design and fabrication of firewood saving cook stoves for youth and women empowerment

 

 

 

Crop protection Program

Research areas

Generation and promotion of crop health knowledge and information through technologies and innovations that are demand driven.

Core Functions

  1. Research and Development

     – Biological control for improved pest management and plant health

     – Introduction of new natural enemies on new invasive crop pests

          -Mass rearing and releases of natural enemies with emphasis on crop pests

          -Developing and disseminating sustainable IPM technologies

         – Offering advisory services to farmers on pest management

  1. Capacity Building

   -Training of students from tertiary institutions under attachment program           

   – Farmers’ trainings both on station and in the field through open days and field demos

   -Training students on educational visits

    Achievements and Impact

  1. Sensitization and training of farmers on biocontrol approaches
  2. Mass releases of natural enemies in target areas
  3. Training of extension staff
  4. Establishment of demo plots in counties
  5. Mass rearing of lab colonies established and maintained
  6. Participation in open and field days

Impact: Increased crop productivity and income generation through cheaper, sustainable and eco-friendly pest management interventions.

Partnerships and Collaborations

  1. CABI – Crop biological control Project
  2. County Governments

Future Directions include ;

  1. Enhanced Research: Focusing on eco-friendly sustainable research to address emerging pests’ challenges.
  2. Digital Agriculture: Leveraging digital technologies for timely intervention measures and data-driven decision-making on pest invasions
  3. Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable pest management practices to minimize crop losses.
  4. Youth and Women Empowerment: Engaging youth and women at grass root levels in implementation and sustainability of technologies that address pest challenges

 

 

Infographics

                           

Farmers training session on FAW management                 FAW baculovirus treated demo plots

              

Effect of baculovirus on FAW larva                    FAW on maize

 

Natural enemy of papaya mealybug                       Papaya mealybug

 

Different types of pests on  pawpaw,mango,cocoa etc

 

Fall armyworm larvae

Demonstration set-up and data collection  and Fall armyworm rearing at frc-Muguga

Symptoms of Tuta absoluta damage on tomato

 

Release of Acerophagus papyae parasitoids of papaya mealybug

Damage pawpaw by papaya mealybug

 

 

 

Research Areas

  1. Horticulture
  2. Digital agriculture

3.Seed Multiplication and Commercialization

  1. Roots and Tubers
  2. Post-harvest and value addition

Core Functions

  • Research and Development
  1. Horticulture (Vegetables: tomato, cabbage; Fruits: underutilized fruits, avocado, mango, apples, strawberry; Banana tissue culture multiplication)

 

  1. Digital agriculture including smart greenhouses, weather stations, sensors, urban agriculture technologies, satellite and ground truth mapping to help farmers make informed decisions.

 

3.Seed Multiplication and Commercialization: Beans, maize, ALVs, sunflower, Boma Rhodes

 

  1. Roots and Tubers – Cassava multiplication using semi-autotrophic hydroponics.

 

  1. Post-harvest and value addition for tomatoes, UFT, cocoa, veggies, mango, and avocado.

 

  1. Capacity Building:

 

  • Training for trainers and small-scale farmers on producing and commercializing tomatoes, cassava, sweet potato, and bananas.
  • . Training stakeholders in urban agriculture and smart greenhouse growing practices.
  • Training contracted bean farmers on effective agronomic methods.
  • Small-scale farmers in Kwale, Kilifi, Machakos, Tharaka Nithi, and Baringo counties were trained on biological control training for papaya mealybug.
  • Training students on UFT production and commercialization.

 

 

 

Others …….

  1. Technology transfers –dissemination and adoption of research output through demonstration plots, field days, stakeholder engagement, documentaries, print media and onsite trainings.
  2. Community outreach –farmers, schools, church and vulnerable communities.

Achievements and Impact

1.Reduction of post-harvest losses; Designing and dissemination of key crops preservation technologies such as tomatoes and UFT,

  1. Development of value added products such as wet and dry products for fruits and vegetables
  2. Designing and dissemination of storage coolers and dryers

4.Training of at least 1000 farmers on Morden agricultural techniques in crops production and commercialization

  1. Promotion of bio fertilizers and soil amendments such cocoly, Pre and Pro-plant foliar fertilizers leading to 20% improvement in soil health and 10% increase in yield realisable.
  2. Promotion of multi-faceted crop varieties of crops such beans, tomatoes and maize resilient to climate change and enhanced productivity.

7.Release of parasitoids such as TrichogrammaCA for control of Tuta absoluta and Acerophagus papaya in control of papaya mealybug in coastal and eastern counties of Kenya

8.Dissemination of sustainable micro-organism of Baculo-virus against Fawlarmy worm with efficacy 0f 50% and yield increase of 20%.

 

Partnerships and Collaborations

Local organization

  1. Université of Nairobi-Crop health
  2. Kenyatta University, -Crop health
  • Jomo Kenyatta Univerty-Post-harvest
  1. Kephis –Plant phytosanitary regulation and certification

 

International Organisation

CABI-Crop biological control Project

SHA –Self Help Africa (Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics)

Bear Machine west-africa Cocoa Production and commercialisation

Private Sector – ETG-Agri-input

 

Future Direction include;

  1. Enhanced Research: Focusing on cutting-edge research to address emerging agricultural challenges.

To develop climate smart and resilient crop Value chains TIMPS for small scale farmers 

  1. Digital Agriculture: Leveraging digital technologies for precision farming and data-driven decision-making.

To harness potentials of digital agriculture low-cost technologies such as Integrated weather station with DSS tools as well as GIS, sensor based and Artificial intelligence.

  1. Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity.

To conserve biodiversity through research on alternative pests and disease management techniques such as biological control.

Reduction of food loss and food waste through proper post-harvest management practices.

  1. Youth and Women Empowerment: Engaging youth and women in agricultural research and development activities.

To create agricultural innovation platform across value chain, to catalyse youth and women engagement in agriculture.

 

Handheld soil analysers tool kit                  Banana value addition

Post-harvest management  handling of tomato in Kajiado County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farmers training on value addition of tomatoes

Tomato training and commercialization in Kajiado County

 

 

 

 

Training of students on KALROs research advancement in crop protection

Technical students from Eldoret technical training institute training session

Youth in agriculture during training at kalro fcrc-Muguga