The farming system in the coffee area, Kyeni South Location, Embu District, Kenya

A field study was carried out during the period April-July 1985 in Kyeni South Location, Embu District, Kenya (located on the eastern footslopes of Mount Kenya at 1250-1500 m altitude) by a multidisciplinary team from the 4th. International Course for Development oriented Research in Agriculture (ICRA),. The purpose was to describe and analyse the farming system, to identify constraints and to make proposals for research and development. The area is of medium potential and comprises a "main" and a "marginal" coffee zone. The principal constraints identified were the low proportion of cash income which is invested in farming, labour constraints at particular times of the year, and the inadequacy of conservation measures. Since it is not seen as possible to greatly increase the quantity of resources employed, the interventions proposed are mainly directed at improved management practices and environmental protection. A more integrated approach to research is recommended, particularly one which considers coffee in its place in the farming. (ATA 12(3):57937. 1987.)