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Browsing by Author "Mwangi, M."

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Agronomic management of yellow passion fruit among farmers in Mbeere Sub-County, Kenya
(Horticultural association of Kenya, 2016-09) Mwirigi, P.; Mwangi, M.; Gweyi-Onyango1, J.
Yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) is emerging as an important high value horticultural crop in Kenya since its introduction five years ago. The fruit is gaining wide adoption in Mbeere Sub County due to its apparent adaptation to the hot arid conditions and tolerance to Fusarium wilt disease. However, the current production levels of the fruit are low due to poor water and nutrient management, erratic rainfall and poor agronomic practices. A study was conducted to assess the agronomic practices and main constraints among the farmers in Mbeere Sub County. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to collect data from 63 households from a total population of 170,950. Data was collected on household demographics, farm size, farming systems, planting materials, fertilizer use and irrigation types. This was carried out through personal interviews with members in each household responsible for management of passion fruit orchards using structured and semistructured questionnaires. The results indicate that the majority of the farmers (65%) grow yellow passion as an intercrop with other food crops. Nevertheless, passion contributes to <10% of the proportion of the farm, though this proportion is expected to increase with expansion in production. Major findings indicate that the main source of planting materials were seedlings from KARLO (44%), use of Yaramillar (44%) as the preferred planting fertilizers and irrigation of crops three times per week (49%). In conclusion, yellow passion is a fruit with potential for increased adoption but more detailed studies are needed to clearly identify and understand water and nutrient management.
Assessing and Enhancing the Impact of Cotesia plutellae in Management of Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella on Kale Brassica Oleracea var. acephala in Semi-Arid Areas of Kenya
(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2017) Kahuthia-Gathu, R.; Mwangi, M.
Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.) is a major pest of crucifers which can cause yield losses of up to 100% if left unmanaged. Classical biological control of DBM was adopted in Machakos and Kitui County through Cotesia plutellae imported from South Africa in 2002 and released in March 2004 in farmers’ fields where kale Brassica Oleracea var. acephala is one of the major leafy vegetables. Preliminary studies in 2004- 2006 showed that the parasitoid had not established in the release sites and augmentation releases were done in 2006. Monthly surveys were conducted (May 2012 to April 2013) to assess the spread and contribution of C. plutellae in the management of the DBM. Brassica oleracea var. acephala fields in twenty five randomly selected farms were sampled for number of DBM larvae and pupae, damage, parasitism and parasitoid guild. The data was recorded from 20 plants in each selected farm. The DBM larvae and pupae were placed in plastic containers and taken to the laboratory for DBM or parasitoid emergence. Results revealed that the mean number of DBM/plant in Kitui and Matuu ranged from 0.4 to 2.5 and 0.3 to 3.5, respectively. Mean damage score ranged from 1.2 to 1.6 in both regions, which was positively correlated to the number of DBM on B. oleracea var. acephala. Hymenopteran parasitoids recovered from DBM included Cotesia plutellae, Diadegma semiclausum, D. mollipla, Apanteles sp., Chelonus sp., Oomyzus sokolowskii and Itoplectis sp., while the hyper parasitoids included Mesochorus sp., Pteromalus sp., Notanisomorphella sp., Eurytoma rosae and Eurytoma sp., Brachymeria sp. and Pediobius sp. Cotesia plutellae was the most abundant parasitoid followed by D. semiclausum. Diversity of parasitoids varied between months and study sites. Cotesia plutellae had established and spread beyond the release sites contributing between 40 and 90% parasitism while the indigenous parasitoids Itoplectis sp., Apanteles sp., and D. mollipla contributed less than 5% parasitism. The results show the spread and establishment of C. plutellae in the study sites. In conclusion, there is need for continuous training and educating the farmers to conserve the parasitoids that have contributed in the reduction of the DBM and damage on the crop. This has contributed in the reduction on pesticides use, spraying regime and eventual reduction of cost of production and residues on the produce.
Assessing Effectiveness of Macropropagation Technology to Produce Healthy Seedlings of Banana Varieties with High Market Demand in Eastern and Central Provinces, Kenya
(2010) Mwangi, M.; Njau, N.; Kahuthia-Gathu, R.; Mbaka, J.; Kori, N.; Muasya, R.
Banana is an important food and cash crop in Kenya. However, its cultivation is hindered by scarcity of seedlings, pests and diseases, among other factors. Naturally regenerated seedlings which most farmers rely on are likely to carry pests and diseases. On the other hand adoption of tissue culture has been hindered by high capital and skill requirements. This study is investigating an alternative cost effective propagation method. Macropropagation is an inexpensive technology that can produce large quantities of high quality seedlings. However, this technology has not been evaluated to demonstrate its effectiveness to produce healthy seedlings with regard to local genotypes, pests and pathogen populations in Kenya. This is the focus of this study.
Assessment of passion fruit orchard management and farmers’ technical efficiency in Central-Eastern and North-Rift Highlands, Kenya
(2013) Mwangi, M.; Macharia, Ibrahim; Gichimu, C.K.
In Kenya, passion fruit (Passiflora edulis L.) has emerged as an important high market value horticultural crop over the last decade following the establishment and expansion of large scale processors of fruit juice and increasing population of health conscious consumers. This has led to increasing interest in the enterprise among farmers. However, many farmers have also withdrawn from passion fruit farming, citing low productivity of orchards. The objective of this study was to compare management and technical efficiency (TE) of orchards in Central-Eastern (Embu and Meru Counties) and North-Rift (Uasin Gishu County) Highlands of Kenya in order to determine opportunities for increasing and sustaining productivity. Cross-sectional data from 123 randomly selected farmers was collected using a personally administered structured questionnaire and subjected to managerial and stochastic frontier analysis. Management was assessed considering five practices; training of vines and pruning, weeding, watering, disease management and manure/fertilizer application. Meru County had the highest mean TE (65%) followed by Uasin Gishu (57%) while Embu was the least efficient (47%). Mean scores for the five management practices evaluated also followed a similar trend across the three Counties. The five management practices assessed significantly influenced TE. Therefore, the study established a relationship between orchard management practices and TE of farmers. The study recommends promotion of county cross-border farmer linkages as a platform for sharing ideas and success experiences. Further, increased emphasis on frequent farmer update on farming trends through participatory methods (lead farmer approach, training, farm visits and demonstrations) are recommended to increase farmer awareness on appropriate orchard management practices, which would eventually contribute to improved technical efficiencies and productivity.
Assessment of Purple Passion Fruit Orchard Management and Farmers’ Technical Efficiency in Embu, Meru and Uasin-gishu Counties, Kenya
(2014-02-24) Karani, Charles Gichimu; Macharia, Ibrahim; Mwangi, M.
Horticulture industry sustains millions of livelihoods in Kenya. Over the last decade, passion fruit has emerged as an important high market value horticultural crop following the establishment of new and expansion of existing large scale beverage producers that use local fruits for juice extraction. There has also been growing export markets and increasing numbers of health conscious consumers. Currently, the productivity levels are low, at 8 ton ha-1 compared to potential of 24 ton ha-1. Purple passion fruit production is mainly done by small scale farmers (with land holding as low as 0.04 ha). The primary objective of this study was to assess purple passion fruit orchard management and technical efficiency of small-scale farmers in Embu, Meru and Uasin-Gishu Counties. Cross-sectional data from 123 randomly selected farmers was collected using a personally administered semi-structured questionnaire. In the analysis, descriptive statistics, stochastic frontier and multiple regression models were used. The results showed that the purple passion fruit production input elasticity was 0.95 which represented decreasing returns to scale. Orchard age, credit amount used, non-passion fruit income and County variables significantly and positively influenced TE at 5% level. The level of education, extension advice use frequency and market access positively and significantly influenced technical efficiency at 10% level. The overall mean technical efficiency was 59%. This indicated production costs saving estimate of 32% for the average farmer in attaining the TE of the most technically efficient purple passion fruit farmer (86%). The gamma parameter (γ) was 0.86 which indicates that 86% of the total variation in purple passion fruit output was due to technical inefficiencies. Farmers in Meru had the highest technical efficiency (65%) followed by Uasin Gishu (57%) while Embu had the lowest (47%). Mean management scores for the five practices (training of vines and pruning, weeding, watering, manure/fertilizer and pest/disease management) evaluated also followed the above trend across the Counties. Based on the results, increased emphasis on farmer update on farming trends through participatory methods (lead farmer approach, training, farm visits and demonstrations) is recommended. There is need for up-scaling orchard management practices among farmers to reduce the orchard age effect and prolong their lifespan. Credit access and use could be enhanced through increased formation and operations of services provision oriented farmers‟ associations. Farm and non-farm income activities diversification should be encouraged to a level that farmers can adequately manage so as to promote enterprises monetary inter-dependence. The study further recommends promotion of County cross-border farmer linkages in tapping the economic potential from passion fruit. This is expected to offer a platform for sharing ideas and success experiences thus increasing farmers‟ production efficiency and improving livelihoods.
The background, social support and behavioural characteristics associated with health insurance coverage among the older population in Kisii County, Kenya
(2012-07) Nyagero, J.; Gakure, R.; Keraka, M.; Mwangi, M.; Wanzala, P.
Introduction: Universal health coverage has increasingly become the focus for improved health systems worldwide. In Kenya, the older populations are characterized by low health insurance coverage, resulting in either limited access to quality health care services or catastrophic expenditure on health. This paper seeks to assess the background, social support and behavioural characteristics that are associated with being insured among the older population. Methods: A two level random cluster sampling technique was used to select two rural sites in Kisii County and 1,104 older persons interviewed. The Pearson chi square and the adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval computed in the binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results: Only 5.9% of the older population had been insured. The multivariate regression model found that health insurance coverage was significantly associated with secondary school level of education (p<0.001, AOR 3.68, 95% CI 1.92 7.07), employment history (p=0.002, AOR 2.64, 95% CI 1.43 4.86); being a member of a social welfare group (p=0.002, AOR 3.03, 95% CI 1.51 6.08) and taking of alcohol (p=0.050, AOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.00 3.33). Conclusion: Health insurance coverage remains low among the older population in rural Kenya. Contrary to previous studies, social support such as from the adult children and relatives do not significantly influence being insured among the older population. There is need to enhance the number of older persons who are insured through strengthened sensitization of social support and health promotion.
Banana Distribution and their Seed Systems in Central and Eastern Kenya.
(African Crop Science Society, 2011) Mwangi, M.; Kasyoka, M.R.; Kori, N.; Mbaka, J.J.; Gitonga, N.; Tenywa, J.S.; Taulya, G.; Kawube, G.; Kawuki, R.; Namugwanya, M.; Santos, L.
Bananas (Musa spp.) serve as food, income resource and animal feed in addition to other environmental benefits. In Kenya, the crop is mainly grown and managed by smallholder farmers. Over the last two decades, banana production has been on the decline. Pests, diseases and limited access to adequate clean planting materials constitute priority problems. This study aimed to determine distribution of bananas varieties, and the availability and sources of planting materials in Central and Eastern provinces of Kenya. Use of naturally regenerated suckers as planting materials exceeded 90% and continuously perpetuated the spread of banana diseases and pests that substantially reduce yields. Prospects for increasing seedlings supply through micropropagation has not been successful due to high cost of tissue cultured seedlings leading to low adoption (<60%). There is a gap between farmers with varying resource capabilities in accessing and using good quality planting materials. This can be resolved by interventions that supply farmers with healthy and affordable banana seedlings. Macropropagation, which is a simple, cost effective method that has been used successfully in other countries has great potential to address issues.
Banana farming as a business: the role of tissue cultured planting materials in Kenya
(F.a.C.T Ltd, 2008) Mbaka, J.N.; Mwangi, M.; Mwangi, M.N.
Objective: To assess banana farming and the potential impact of Banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) spread to key production areas in Central and Eastern provinces of Kenya. Methodology and results: After the outbreak of banana Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) in Western Kenya in late 2006, a rapid spot check on banana production was conducted in parts of Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya, aiming to assess the potential impact if the disease spread to the area. BXW was not observed in all the surveyed areas. However, potential risk of disease spread was noted since trucks and traders that visit western Kenya, where BXW is present, were also trading in bananas from Central and Eastern provinces. Banana was confirmed to be an important cash and food crop in the surveyed regions, particularly in Mwea and Meru regions, where a good bunch fetches a farm gate price of at least Ksh. 500 ($7.5). Despite the earlier adoption of the TC banana technology many farmers had reverted to obtaining suckers from their own or neighbours’ farms for planting. Conclusion and application of findings: It will be necessary to put in place measures to prevent BXW spread to banana producing areas within the eastern and central provinces as the disease would have a significantly adverse impact on livelihoods. The low uptake of tissue cultured planting materials needs to be investigated to forestall reversion to utilisation of low quality and potentially infected planting materials from existing plantations and other traditional sources. An overview of farmers’ perception of tissue culture bananas and possible interventions to ensure sustainable banana farming is discussed.
Banana Farming in Kenya: Options for Rejuvenating Productivity
(Ruforum, 2010) Mwangi, M.; Mbaka, J.; Adipala, E.; Tusiime, G.; Majaliwa, J.G.M.
Bananas constitute an important component of farm enterprises in the mid altitudes of central and eastern provinces of Kenya. In recent years the crop has steadily gained importance over traditional cash crops, e.g. coffee, and various short season horticultural crops grown mostly for export markets. Despite its increasing importance, the crop’s production faces intractable constraints. Interventions have previously focused on increasing availability of healthy seedlings and strengthening farmer capacity to manage pests. Recent indications are that there is need to re-think current approaches to enhancing productivity. Interventions should consider creating micro-financing and value addition opportunities, and extending technologies to cope with climate change effects.
Banana Tissue Culture and Nutrient Enhancement for Food Security and Income Generation among People Living With AIDS in the Lake Victoria Basin
(Ethnobotany and Health, 2013) Wamue-Ngare, G.N.; Mwangi, M.; Ng'ang'a, Z.; Wamono, E.; Muyonga, J.; Manyama, A.
This was a survey in Rachuonyo (Kenya), Bukoba (Tanzania) and Rakai (Uganda) Districts to assess the contribution of bananas to the households for food security and nutrition of PLWHA as well as the potential nutritional benefit of providing nutrient enhanced banana to PLWHA. Data were collected through interviews with 373 PLWHA and key informants (local agricultural support staff and personnel from PLWHA support agencies) and using focus group discussions. A banana-based nutrient enhanced food supplement made by blending banana flour (61%) with soybean flour (39%) and multi-nutrient fortificant premix (0.2% of mixture) was distributed to 15 respondents and their nutrient intake estimated. Majority (71.5%) of survey respondents were females aged 20-50 years; most had no higher than primary level education and were small scale farmers (with gardens <1 acre). Most of the respondents produced and consumed bananas as the study population was generally food insecure. Banana contributed substantially to household food intake for PLWHA in the 3 Districts. Based on the energy and nutrient intake data, PLWHA required supplementary food. The product obtained from banana nutrient enhancement contained 459.7 kcal, 15% protein and substantial levels of vital vitamins and minerals. The product was well accepted and increased energy and nutrient intake by the recipients. At the recorded intake level (average of 66 g per person per day), intake of energy and a few nutrients was still below recommended daily allowances (RDA) as about 204 g of the nutrient enhanced banana flour was required to achieve RDA.
Banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) reduces availability of corms for seedling production through macropropagation technology
(2012-09-24) Kahuthia-Gathu, R.; Jesca, Mbaka; Reuben, Muasya; Mwangi, M.; Njeri, Njau
Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the most important fruits in Kenya for food security and income generation for major smallholders who own less than 10 hectares of land. The weevil (C. sordidus) is a devastating pest of banana especially in the warm regions. The larva is the most damaging stage of the weevil and causes tunnelling in the corm. Macropropagation technology is a cost effective method for mass production of banana seedlings from the corm. Heavy attacks by weevils on corms reduce their suitability of selection for propagation, leading to rejection. In this study, selected farms (in Central and Eastern regions of Kenya) were assessed for certification as sources of healthy banana corms for Macropropagation. In Eastern region, some plantations were heavily infested with weevils leading to a rejection rate of over 20% where the temperatures are warm, (25°C - 30°C ) and favour thriving of the weevil. Although weevils are not transmitted from the corm to the suckers generated through macropropagation, the results show that chemical and cultural control measures should be taken to reduce weevil attacks and thereby increase availability of higher quality corms for propagation. The corms that are lightly infested should be well pared to remove all larvae and cured fully before placing in the propagation chamber.
Banana Xanthomonas Wilt in the DR Congo: Impact, Spread and Management.
(FACT Limited, 2008) Mwangi, M.; Ndungo, V.; Komi, F.
Objective: Since 2001 Xanthomonas wilt (BXW) has drastically reduced banana productivity in over 8000 km2 of farmland in Nord Kivu Province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Banana constitutes the major source of income and staple diet for 700 000 residents of the affected area and an additional approximately 5 million people who depend on banana in the neighbouring regions. This paper focuses on some of the factors that have contributed to disease spread and presents strategies that could contribute to effective management. Methodology and results: The paper is based on a review of existing published literature, technical reports and some outcomes of disease surveys carried out in the eastern DRC. The dominant banana cultivar grown is Pisang Awak which is highly susceptible to BXW. The affected region is in the high altitude agroecological zone and disease appears to be transmitted through a combination of mechanisms including insect vectors and natural factors, e.g. water splash. Mechanical tools have less importance in disease spread, largely due to low effort made by farmers to management of banana plantations. In threatened areas, disease management has focused on training farmers to recognize disease and effective preventive measures. In affected areas, efforts have been mostly directed to reducing inoculum and halting disease spread by destroying infected mats. Conclusion and applications of findings: Poor and inconsistent implementation of management measures, either due to lack of knowledge, persisting civil instability or lack of resources among other factors continue to limit success in managing the disease. Recent surveys show that the disease is spreading westwards, with increased risk of further spread through the Congo basin to key Musa-producing regions in central and west Africa. Some of the factors that could slow down the westward spread of BXW include sparse human populations in the forest zone, warmer and more humid agroecological conditions presented by the forest, and higher plantain densities in western DRC.
Baseline report on the status of Agricultural training in higher education institutions in Zimbabwe
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Musundire, R.; Mwangi, M.; Mugabe, F.T.; Maboreke, K.M.
Resource constraints in Sub Saharan Africa universities necessitate interventions to strengthen quality of teaching to produce qualified agricultural graduates. The objective of this study was to identify opportunities and ways to improve curricula and teaching capacity for agriculture training in Zimbabwean universities. Data were collected from nine universities from 30 randomly selected students and teaching staff members who responded through self administered questionnaires specific for each category. Most students (90%) studying agriculture were below the age of 25 years. Female students (80%) preferred non-field based specializations such as Food Sciences and Agribusiness. Across all universities 60% of teaching staff had master degrees as highest qualification with 80% being males. Overall, 59% of academics were involved in reviewing curriculum at departmental level. However, 49 % were not adequately capacitated in pedagogy despite the fact that 66 % of respondents acknowledged presence of training programmes at their institutions. In conclusion, effective agricultural training in Zimbabwean universities is limited by gender bias which is in favour of males compared to females leading to preferential selections of disciplines by female students and lack of adequately trained staff members both in their academic disciplines and pedagogy.
Biotic constraints to banana production in Eastern and Central Provinces of Kenya
(2010-09) Mwangi, M.; Njau, N.; Mbaka, J.; Kahuthia-Gathu, R.; Muasya, R.
Banana is an important crop whose production faces major challenges, especially pests and diseases. A banana pests survey was carried out in Eastern and Central Provinces of Kenya. Results showed Fusarium wilt as the most widespread disease, especially where variety Gros Michel dominated. Sigatoka, cigar end rot and Armillaria corm rot appeared not to significantly reduce yields. A new potentially devastating disease was observed and is under investigation. Weevils and nematode effects were observed, but most farmers were probably not aware of their impacts. Use of uncertified seedlings is a major factor in spreading these pests and pathogens
Biotic Constraints to Passion Fruit Production in Central and Eastern Provinces of Kenya
(2010-09) Mwangi, M.; Wangungu, C.W.; Mbaka, J.; Kori, N.; Kahuthia-Gathu, R.
Passion fruit is an important crop in Kenya for income generation. However, passion fruit production faces major challenges due to pests and diseases that have led to yield losses of 50-100%. To support development of effective integrated management measures, a survey was carried out in July 2010 in Central and Eastern provinces. Results showed that >70% of farmers in the surveyed area had abandoned passion fruit farming due to dieback, fusarium wilt, brown spot, phytophthora canker and woodiness virus infections and pests like thrips and mites.
Challenges in Strawberry Seedling Production in Kenya
(FACT Limited, 2009) Mwangi, M.; Mwaura, S.
Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is a high value crop with great potential for income generation and employment creation through employment and application in value added products including yogurt, fresh juice and jam. The fruits can also contribute to household nutrition through availability of vitamins. Although a ready market exists with high demand especially in urban areas, strawberries are in short supply and highly costly in Kenya's markets. Besides local demand substantial markets exist for strawberries in foreign markets, especially in the European Union. The scarcity is partly due to limited production, since many prospective farmers are have not been able to engage in full-scale production. Production constraints include scarcity and high cost of planting materials, lack of knowledge on appropriate planting and crop management practices. There is also low awareness on the huge potential of the crop and available market opportunities. This study investigated availability of seedlings and challenges associated with production of the fruits around Nairobi area.
Challenges to Training Stakeholders for Management of Banana Xanthomonas Wilt
(2007-10) Mwangi, M.; Nankinga, C.; Karamura, E.
Xanthomonas wilt of banana (BXW) is having a major adverse effect on banana pro-duction in the Great Lakes region of East and Central Africa. Equipping farmers with knowledge to recognise the disease and take appropriate management measures is viewed as the most important component of integrated management of this disease. The Crop Crisis Control Project (C3P) is a regional initiative to address BXW in six affected countries including Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo and Tanzania, mainly through education, training and communication programs. Half of the countries are French spea- king and the other half are English speaking. The C3P training programme was initiated with two regional training workshops carried out in September/October 2006, each lasting one week long. One workshop was on production of healthy banana planting materials through newly introduced macro-propagation technology while the second workshop was on diagnosis and management of BXW. The participants from each country were selected to represent technical, extension, and policy making institutions and upon return to their countries the participants were expected to organise training for more people to further spread knowledge for BXW management downwards to farmer level. In addition to lectures and field visits, additional course materials were provided to participants as handouts and electronic copies (CD and flash sticks). The major challenge in executing a regional training programme was in communicating simultaneously to a combined audience of French and English speakers. In one workshop this challenge was addressed by having a bilingual trainer while in the other a simultaneous translation system was used. When a bilingual trainer was used the sessions took twice as long while field sessions faced difficulties since the simultaneous translation system could not be used under field conditions. However, even without efficient translation, there was a significant improvement from ≈60 to >85 % in understanding of BXW after field demonstrations. Additional challenges are identified as course notes available only in one language (≈70 % of French speakers) and lack of access to computers hence low utilisation of electronic training materials (≈60 %). The paper examines challeng
Characterization and Profitability Assessment of Dairy Farms in Central Kenya
(GLOBEEDU Group, 2014) Mwangi, M.; Mugambi, David Kimenchu; Wambugu, Stephen Kairu; Gitunu, Antony Macharia
A study to characterize and document information on dairy farms and their profitability in central Kenya was carried out with the view to addressing concerns raised by stakeholders on the country’s inability to supply affordable milk at both the local and export market. Data were collected from 135 randomly selected farms in Central Kenya. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Results revealed that farmers owned cattle of high milk production potential in terms of their genetics, but which produced low (9.2 kg) quantities daily. The reasons attributed to underperformance were; overstocking, underfeeding, poor housing and sub-optimal animal husbandry. The size of land owned could not supply enough roughages, and both the concentrates and mineral supplements were inadequate. Farms averaged about 2 acres on which mixed livestock-crop farming was practiced. They employed 2.2 hours per cow per day against the standard 1.6, a situation attributed to ownership and management of small land parcels in different places. Only 23.7% of the farms had chaff-cutters. Animals were uncomfortable in the feeding area resulting from poorly constructed zero-grazing units. Extension service was inadequate. Among the entire farmer characteristics assessed; age, education level, experience, group membership, and attendance to business related courses; none showed a significant relationship with milk yield. The average cost of milk production (Ksh. 37) was higher than its farm-gate price (Ksh. 25.5), a condition that was attributed to relatively high input prices and farm level resource utilization inefficiency. Only a few farms made any profits from dairy farming. It was recommended that a policy regarding minimization of household land sub-division be put in place. Additionally, there was a felt need for providing inducements that encourage agricultural enterprises specialization. Dairy farmers require improving on dairy and fodder crop husbandry, as well as farm level feed resource utilization efficiency. Policies targeting reductions in the cost of farm inputs were also recommended. Researchers require developing drought resistant fodders.
Climate Change Effects on Rainfall Patterns and It’ S Implications on Sorghum and Millet Production in Kenya: A Review
(The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge, 2016-08) Ogolla, A. Egesa; Njau, N.; Mwirigi, P.; Muui, W. C.; Kibet, N. Korir; Mwangi, M.
Climate change is greatly affecting precipitation resulting to the recent startling trends of variation in amount, period and distribution. This causes incidences of high rainfall intensity within a short time leading to flash floods and soil erosion. The high temperatures that often follow, cause decreased soil moisture. This severely affects weather dependent agriculture in Kenya. Heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture, elevates vulnerability, especially with unpredictable cessation of rain during the growing season causing significant loses to smallholder famers. This hindrance to optimum productivity is being addressed by uptake of hardy crops. Sorghum and millet are super cereals which have high potential to buffer the losses experienced in the more vulnerable but highly popular maize farming. Sorghum and Millet are small grained cereals that exhibit tolerance to water stress, display the water efficient C4 photosynthetic pathway, superior in utilizing water during flash flood phenomena and are highly adaptive in high temperatures. They have good growth in resource deficient environments and soils whose nutrient capacity is prone to depletion. This makes them highly valuable in coping with climate vagaries. In addition, they are highly nutritious grains, which are gluten free, an excellent characteristic against celiac diseases. This review illustrates sorghum and millet as feasible alternatives against climate change effects. This is through outlining the lags in varietal improvement of these cereals and addressing value addition components which are crucial for sustainability.
Cost-effective Nutrient Sources for Tissue Culture of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
(Academic Journals, 2012-08) Mwangi, M.; Ogero, K.O.; Gitonga, N.M.; Ombori, O.; Ngugi, M.
Application of tissue culture technology is constrained by high costs making seedlings unaffordable. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using locally available fertilizers as alternative nutrient sources for cassava micropropagation. A Low Cost Medium (LCM) whereby the conventional sources of four Murashige and Skoog (MS) macronutrients had been replaced with locally available fertilizers was developed. Stanes Iodized Microfood® from Osho Chemical Industries in Nairobi was used as the alternative source of micronutrients. Modified conventional MS medium was used as the control. Both media were supplemented with 30 g/l of table sugar and 3 g/l of gelrite. Two cassava varieties, Muchericheri and KME 1 were regenerated on the two media. Node, leaf and root formation patterns plus plant height were determined and compared. A reduction of 95.50% in nutrient cost was achieved. The two cassava varieties had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher number of nodes on the conventional medium compared to LCM. There were no differences in node formation by the two varieties on the low cost medium during both initiation and multiplication. KME 1 produced significantly more leaves on the LCM compared to Muchericheri during both initiation and multiplication. Acclimatization of plantlets was successful; hence, this protocol can be adopted in cassava regeneration.

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