Growing Maize in zai pits in Kenya: New technology for arid and semi-arid areas

Maize is the most important staple and food security crop in Kenya. Zai pit technology is a water harvesting technology, suitable for areas with unpredictable rains and subsequent crop failure.

ZAI PITS DIMENSIONS AND LAY OUT: While growing Maize in Zai pits in Kenya, dig circular or square holes 30cm (1ft) deep. A square hole measuring 75 x 75 x 30 (cm) will accommodates nine maize plants. The top soil is mixed with farm yard manure at a ratio of 4:1 and returned. Manure ratio can be reduced while growing maize in zai pits in Kenya depending on soil quality, and use of artificial fertilizers.

ECONOMICS OF THE TECHNOLOGY: One acre will accommodate 1778 plant pits each measuring 75 x 75 x cm which gives plant population of 16000. One pit will yield a minimum of 1.5 kg giving 30 bags of maize from one acre.

TECHNOLOGY EFFICIENCY: The right maize variety must be planted early enough to benefit from the rainfall available. Plant using Phosphorus fertilizers for early crop root establishment.

INCOME FROM GROWING MAIZE IN ZAI PITS IN KENYA

Yield per acre is 30 bags @ KES 2000 = Gross income of KES 60,000
Cost of 10 kg seed	@140	1,400
Cost of 1778 Zai pits distributed into 6 seasons	@30	8,890
3 x 50 kg fertilizers	@2500	7,500
593 debes of FYM (each debe serves 3 pits)	@10	5,930
8 m/days of weeding	@200	1,600
Insecticides	Assorted	2,000
8 m/days of harvesting	@200	1,600
2 m/days dusting and spraying	@200	400
30 gunny bags	@50	1,500
10 m/days threshing and winnowing	@200	2,000
Total variable costs	32,820	60,000-32,820
Gross margin for growing maize in Zai pits in kenya	27,180

Growing Maize in Zai pits in Kenya is a worthwhile technology for achievement of Millenium Development goals and Kenya Vision 2030.