Cropping Systems of East Africa: A review

Abstract

Agriculture is the most important economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) supporting over 67 percent of the population. Annual rainfall in East Africa range from about 150 mm in the arid and semi-arid areas to over 2,000 mm in the wet, mostly highland regions. East Africa is a geographic region covering 10 countries. Mono cropping, Crop rotation, Mixed cropping, inter cropping, Sequential cropping, Terracing are some the well adapted cropping systems in east Africa. Now a day innovative and indigenous technologies are applying to achieve improved yields in east Africa. These have involved a wide diversity of interventions, ranging from integrated soil fertility management, soil and water conservation, rainwater and runoff harvesting systems, integrated pest management, tillage and soil management systems, and innovative agronomic practices.