Effective Adoption of Striga Control Technologies in Maize by Association and Non-Association Farmers in Bungoma County

Abstract

Striga species also known as witchweeds decimate agriculture in most parts of Africa, attacking the major cereal grains and legumes, and halving the already very low yields of subsistence farmers in Kenya, Bungoma County in particular. Several researchers have provided promising technologies and a range of potential control options for striga based on the fundamental biology of the parasite host associations, for dealing with this scourge. The question however still remains on whether these methods have been effective in the control of the striga weed. This paper thus describes and discusses some of the control options with a focus on technology adoption. The study identified use of herbicides, seed selection, proper land preparation, compost fertilizer and proper weeding as weed control methods in order of preference. The findings of this study hoped to help extension officers in Bungoma County in providing information on the preferred forms of striga control strategies in maize production.