Browsing by Author "Maina, Mwangi"

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    Agri food efficiency marketing systems: a case study of efficiency of market organizational structures of macadamia industry in Central Kenya Highlands
    (2016-08) Muroiga, Wilfred M.; Wanderi, Peter M.; Maina, Mwangi; Mwai, Wangari
    The macadamia industry in Kenya is a complex one with many diverse interested players, all fighting for the control of Macadamia market, which is assumed to be very profitable against a background of few drying and processing factories having being closed in the last few years. This study assessed the risks and costs involved in marketing while trading on macadamia nuts in the various stages within the long chain which alsoaffects the efficiency of macadamia marketing systems .The study indicated how low quality levels of nuts affects processors ability to enter into contract in the international market, which in turn affects both large and small-scale farmers decreasing market share further. The research found that the future of macadamia industry in Kenya will not depend on the increasing production of raw nuts alone but rather on the ability to develop efficient marketing systems across the whole chain .It is necessary for the country to regain export global market position number two having moved to current position number four in the last few years. This calls for better and relevant educational training to farmers to meet the international market quality standard requirements. International trade in relations to the macadamia industry is important as more than 60% of all processed nuts (Kernel) are exported. The average Sound Kernel Recovery (SKR), of between 18% and 20% for Kenya raw nuts is far too low compared to 30 and 33 percent for Australia and South Africa respectively, which makes Kenya kernel to have comparatively very low market value in the international market. The Government of Kenya ban on export of Nuts in shell (NIS) clearly indicates that there is a major problem of market, which has not been addressed to by a labialized market. Hence there is need to study market systems of the macadamia with the aim of establishing their efficiency. This study relied on primary data from five market channels; farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, which were collected using multi-stage sampling system from the five stratified counties. Information was collected from 292 respondents using 32 market centers and structured questionnaires to supplement econometric tests, which could reflect factors that inhibit market efficiency. Various methods which included regression analysis, price transmission, integration, price correlation, margins and structure conduct and performance (SCP) analysis were used to measure and analyse the efficiency of market systems of macadamia in the central Kenya Highlands. The data was analysed further using SPSS version 12 and Microsoft excel to determine whether macadamia price movements between the five market channels and five counties reflected a competitive market system, which was used as an indicator of market efficiency. The analysis carried indicated that market efficiency of macadamia was low. The study was to benefit traders who would get properly analysed data to assist in making informed decisions. The Government of Kenya was also to benefit by using the same data in the policy formulation.
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    Application of molecular and biotechnological techniques in plant disease management: A review
    (Academic Journals, 2018-08-01) Dayou, Olivier; Maina, Mwangi; Egesa, Andrew Ogolla; Muteti, Peter Munyao; Chumba, Careen Ihazano
    Plant diseases are a major challenge in crop production. They are caused by nematodes, bacteria, fungi, viruses as well as plant nutritional factors. Diseases interfere with the normal physiological and metabolic processes of plants. This results in various effects including wilting, stunting, yellowing and death of plant tissues and organs. Crop losses due to diseases manifest in form of reduced yield, poor quality produce, and reduced post-harvest storage. Past research has brought to the limelight the continuous capacity of pathogens to revert to new pathotypes and strains, some that break resistant varieties or are less sensitive to chemical control products. Currently, farmers are advised to combine several plant disease management practices, a strategy known as integrated plant disease management. Such strategies include crop rotation, use of disease free planting materials, field sanitation, and chemical methods as well as use of resistant varieties. However, some of these methods are expensive and substantially increase the cost of production. Development in molecular biology and biotechnology found application in plant disease management. This ranges from identification, diagnosis to control through gene transfer, mutation breeding and RNA interference, among others. In this paper, the current developments in the application of molecular techniques and biotechnology to manage plant diseases, outlining their possible future application and potential for enhanced plant disease management.
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    Networking Skills
    (Kenyatta University, 2016) Maina, Mwangi
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    Occurrence, Farmer’s Knowledge and Current Management Practices of Alternaria Leaf Spot in Kales, Kiambu County, Kenya
    (International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR), 2025-04) Ngaiza, Victor; Runo, Steven; Maina, Mwangi
    Alternaria Leaf Spot (ALS) significantly impacts kale production in Kenya, with high-quality and quantity losses reported in Kiambu County. This study assessed ALS occurrence, farmers' knowledge, and management practices in the Githunguri and Lari sub-counties. Data on demographics, farm characteristics, ALS incidence, and management were collected. Results showed ALS prevalence in 82% of fields, with 42.2% of farmers indicating it affects all growth stages. Most farmers (60% in Githunguri, and 54% in Lari) relied on synthetic fungicides for control, yet 35.6% in Githunguri and 40% in Lari found them less effective. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that household head age, disease incidence, and total farm size were significant negative predictors of farmers' knowledge about ALS. Conversely, factors like the number of farming seasons per year, years of kale farming experience, training reception, and household members involved in farming positively influenced knowledge levels. The study concludes that while ALS is prevalent, reliance on chemical fungicides is common despite reported ineffectiveness, possibly due to improper use. Enhancing farmers' knowledge is essential for sustainable ALS management.
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    What affects efficiency of small holder dairy enteprises in rural Kenya?
    (FaCT Publishing, 2010) Wambugu, Stephen K.; Maina, Mwangi; Mugambi, D.K.; Gitunu, A.M
    Dairy cattle farming is a major economic activity in Kenya contributing 3.5% of the national gross domestic product (GDP), and income, employment and food to many small-scale farmers. The country’s dairy herd size is the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya enjoys preferential market access for its products in the eastern and southern African region. However, the country’s milk consumption level is low, at 76Kg per capita against the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 210Kg. Kenya’s milk is not sold in economic quantities beyond its borders; partly due to comparatively low per cow average daily production of 6 kg and unsustainably high cost of production. Questions on the milk production efficiency especially technical and cost efficiencies arise. These issues are being investigated in an ongoing study whose objective is to assess and document the technical and cost efficiencies of dairy farmers, and relate these parameters to the farm gate price of milk and how this affects demand