Maize–Cassava Intercropping: An Effort to Increase Food and Feed Security and Incomes in Coastal Lowland Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) Centre at Mtwapa to assess the effect of shade on the productivity of a maize–cassava intercropping system and on the contribution of the intercropping system to food and feed during the dry season, as well as to income. Maize and cassava crops were established in two plots measuring one hectare each. One plot was established in the shade to mimic crop production under tree crops, which is characteristic of coastal Kenya. The second plot was established in an open area. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the yields in the shaded and unshaded plots for all cassava products with the exception of cassava leaf yield, which was higher (p < 0.05) in the shade, (1.67 vs 1.25 t ha−1). In contrast, all the maize products differed (p < 0.05) between the shaded and unshaded treatments. Shade reduced maize grain and bran yield by 48% and stover by 29%. It was estimated that the grain yield in the shade (2.38 t ha−1) would feed a family of 10 people and leave a surplus of 1.4 t ha−1 for sale. The marketable cassava in the shaded and unshaded treatments (19 and 22 t ha−1) could be sold for KES 317 720 and KES 323 600, equivalent to US$ 3 488 and US$ 3 553, respectively. The unmarketable cassava roots (8.5 and 9.59 t ha−1), plus the maize bran (0.11 and 0.21 t ha−1) from the shaded and unshaded treatments could be an adequate energy supplement for seven to eight cows (400 kg live weight) annually. Maize stover (1.5 to 2.1 t ha−1) could be fed to 7–9 cows for 53 to 65 days. The cassava leaves would provide protein supplement for one to two cows per year. Maize–cassava intercrop systems would, therefore, contribute to food and feed security and increase incomes in coastal Kenya.