Books, Book Reviews and Book Chapters (BC)

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Access to credit by women's groups in Kenya
(Arise publishers & distributors, 2008) Wawire, N. H. W
Active Learning with Technology Tools in the Blended/Hybrid Classes
(IGI Global, 2015) Murungi, Catherine Gakii; Gitonga, Rhoda K.
Blended/hybrid classrooms technological tools and resources in this paper refers to: Personal and public computers, Projectors (LCD), E-learning management system, E-journals, Interactive CD or DVD, Video cameras, search engines and video conferencing. Universities in Kenya are buying computers, for departments, lecturers' offices and equipping computer labs for the students while increasing bandwidth and internet connectivity. But is the investment in technology translating to faculty and student use in blended classrooms? This chapter seeks to find out the answer to this critical question. A sample of 231 students and 219 lecturers from universities within Nairobi metropolitan was selected. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that the universities made available blended/hybrid education and its technological tools and resources to students and lecturers for interaction in the teaching/learning process but they were less aware of the online technical resources and tools that can be used in the blended classrooms
Adoption and adaptation of nutrient replenishment technologies by farmers in Kirege sub-location of Central Kenya
(African Crop Science Society, 2003) Mucheru-Muna, M.; Muriu, F.; Kung'u, J.B.; Karega, R.; Njuki, J.
Soil erosion, continuous cultivation, reduced land productivity, population pressure on land, low income, inappropriate and inadequate use of farm inputs such as fertilizers are some of the interrelated problems experienced by smallholder farmers in central Kenya highlands. These problems have been manifested in increased food insecurity in the area over the years. In an effort to address these problems research on soil nutrient replenishment technologies has been widely carried out in the area. Positive results(soil fertility improvement) have been reported from the use of tithonia, calliandra, leucaena, mucuna and crotalaria biomass. These technologies have been introduced to farmers in this area through participatory demonstration trial and on-farm trials to ensure that farmers benefit from knowledge generated through research. By the end 2003 short rains, two hundred and six (206) trained farmers had tested the soil nutrient replenishment technologies. A research was conducted to establish the criteria used by trained farmers of varying age and gender in their decision to adopt soil nutrient replenishment technologies. The study found out that farmers had adopted and adapted the soil replenishment technologies that were initially introduced to them. Use of calliandra and leucaena asincorporation materials had increased by 11% from the testing stage while 16% of the farmers preferred using the two tree species asfodder supplements. Preference of using calliandra had increased from 7% at the testing stage to 17%. Increased crop yield and otherfarmers’ experiences on improved soil fertility significantly influenced the farmers’ overall rating of the soil nutrient replenishmenttechnologies
Advocacy in Reproductive Health a Kenyan Situation and Reflection
(LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2012-11-20) Okello, A. B. M.
Sustained advocacy on sexual and reproductive health in Kenya is of paramount importance in the fight of maintaining the human race and dignity. Advocacy plays an important part in shaping the local policy and funding allocation in reproductive health in Kenya. In recent years the concept of advocacy has grown in importance in civil society organization in shaping policy process in local and international governments and institutions. Advocacy is influencing other people, building support, promoting commitment to issues and directing decision makers towards solutions. Successful advocates usually start by identifying the people they need to influence policies and planning the best ways to communicate with them. They dwell on issues and build persuasive cases. Advocates organize networks and coalitions to create grounds well of support that can influence key decision makers. They work with the media, the third estate, to help communicate the message. Women’s Health Advocacy champions women’s health, rights and development unlike men, women’s health is a complicated issue, which needs a well coordinated approach to solve.
African Drama and Theatre: A Criticism
(Focus, 2013) Mugubi, J.; Kebaya, C.
The African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility: New Challenges and Opportunities
(Academy Science Publishers, 2004) Mugendi, D.N.; Bationo, A.; Kimetu, J.; Ikerra, S.; Kimani, S.; Odendo, M.; Silver, M.; Swift, M.J.; Sanginga, N.
Soil fertility degradation has been described as the single most important constraint to food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Soil fertility decline is not just a problem of nutrient deficiency but also of 1)Inappropriate germplasm and cropping system design. 2) Interactions with pests and diseases. 3) The linkage between poverty and land degradation. 4) Often perverse national and global policies with respect to incentives, and 5) Institutional failures. Tackling soil fertility issues thus requires a long-term perspective and a holistic approach. The African Network for Soil Biology and Fertility (AfNet)of Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility institute of CIATwhose ultimate goal is to strengthen and sustain stakeholder capacity to generate, share and apply soil fertility management knowledge and skills to contribute to the welfare of farming communities is devoted to overcoming this challenge. This African-wide network has over 200 members from National Agricultural Research and Extension Services (NARES) and universities from vanous disciplines mainly soil science. social science and technology exchange. This paper is an highlight of AfNet's main activities which include: Network field research activities. information and documentation. training and capacity building.
Agroforestry for Land and Water Management in Kenya
(School of Environmental Studies and Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, 2007) Mugendi, D.N.; Waswa, B.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Mugwe, J. N.
A groforestry is an age-old practice that contains a strong element of r\management. It is a collective name for land-use systems and technol . where woody perennials are deliberately used on the same land-management u as agricultural crops and/or animals. This can either be in a spatial arrange or in rotation, with economic and ecological interactions between the trees crops. In a review by Franzel (2002), agroforestry is defined by Leaky (1996)as dynamic, ecologically based, natural resource management system that sus ' and diversifies production for improved economic, social and environme benefits for farmers, through the integration of trees in the agricultural landsc Trees in this system provide fuel wood, fodder, fruit (productive functions) as as fencing and shade (service functions). A strict scientific definition of agrofore should stress two characteristics common to all forms of agroforestry and sepa .from other forms of land use, i.e., Deliberate growing of woody perennials in the same unit of land as agricult crops and/or animals There must be significant interaction (+ve or -ve) between the woody and non-woody component (either ecological or economical)
An all-round primary education in Kenya: Theory and practice
(Weaver Pr, 2003) Bunyi, G.
Allegory to Allegorization: The Development of Shaaban Robert's Prose
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2014) Wafula, R. M.
Analysis of Contamination Points of Milk through the Whole Value Chain Process and the Quality of Milk Products in the Dairy Industry
(Avid Science, 2016) Chege, P.; Ndungu, Z.
Analysis of Essential Trace Elements in Selected Medicinal Plants Used In Kenya
(Kenyatta University) Njenga, Isaac Kariuki
Kenya is endowed with nature where hundreds of medicinal plants are available. During photosynthesis and respiration process in plants, animals and other organisms, ions of metal elements play a major role with a few of the elements being essential to the body as nutrients. Trace elements Zn, Cr, V and Se with known immunological response and healing properties were analysed from selected medicinal plants available in Kenya. These plants were; Prunus africana, Urtica massaica, Maytenus obscura, Maytenus putterlickiodes, Azadiracta indica (Neem), Mondia whytei, Zanthoxylum usambarense, Maerua edulis, Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) and Glycyrrhiza glabra. The concentrations of elements were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (EDXRF). The levels of zinc varied from 25.94±1.89 to 70.58±4.70 mg/kg (mean 45.94± 12.42 mg/kg). Vanadium from 1.69±0.18 to 9.99±0.86 mg/kg with an average level of 5.89± 2.09 mg/kg. Chromium from 1.44±0.30 to 6.94±0.59 mg/kg with a mean of 3.49±1.32 mg/kg. For selenium the levels varied from 53.21±5.45 to 124.01±4.41 μg/kg with a mean of 90 ±19.17 μg/kg. The levels of the trace elements were compared with recommended dietary intake (RDI) and were found to provide these essential elements as part of therapeutic utility. The levels in different plant parts were found not to be statistically significantly different (P>0.05) except for vanadium levels in urtica massaica (P=0.05). The results of this study will be used to sensitize the public on the presence of essential trace elements in the studied medicinal plants and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Application of Ecosystem Modelling in Environmental Management in Kenya
(School of Environmental Studies and Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, 2006) Olukoye, Godfrey Alati
Ecosystems are dynamic entities made up of several interactive biotic and abiotic factors that determine their production and productivity levels. Equally complex are the ecological processes that govern ecosystem structure and function, the inherent variability in biophysical processes and the interactions between ecological, economic and social processes. Models that seek to guide policy decisions need to capture this complexity. Equally important, managers should give due consideration to the prevailing economic, socio-cultural, legal and political factors that may be relevant when making appropriate management decisions. Although the management of ecosystems is difficult, various models have been developed that aid in decision making for sustainable ecosystem management. For example, conceptual models that incorporate the interactions of climate, plants and herbivory are important in understanding land use dynamics. Further, establishing a balance in ecological and economic functioning of resources such as vegetation in an ecosystem is difficult but ecosystem models have the capability to simulate such complex scenarios to arrive at appropriate resource management. Simulations help in the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses of an ecosystem and compare it with other alternatives so that improvements may be prescribed (Upton, 1989). Despite this advantage, simulations and their use in resource management especially in developing countries is rare
Aspirations and Educational Challenges of Kenya's Street Children
(VDM Verlag, 2009-07-10) Njoroge, Martin C.
Assessment of farmers' perceptions of soil quality indicators within smallholder farms in the central highlands of Kenya
(Springer, 2007) Mairura, F.S.; Mugendi, D.N.; Mwanje, J. I.; Ramisch, J. J.; Mbugua, P. K.
A study was conducted to determine farmers' perceptions of soil quality and soil management practices that influenced soil fertility within farmers' fields in Chuka and Gachoka divisions in central Kenya highlands. Soils were characterized by farmers after which they were geo-referenced and sampled at surface depth (0-20 ern) for subsequent physical and chemical analyses, to determine differences within farmers' soil quality categories. Special attention was given to agricultural weed species. Indicators for distinguishing productive and non-productive fields included crop yield, crop performance, soil colour and soil texture. A total of 18 weed species were used to distinguish between high and low soil categories. Significant differences among soil fertility categories implied that there were qualitative difference in the soils that were chacterised as different by farmers. Fertile soils had significantly higher pH, total organic carbon and exchangeable cations, with available-N being significantly different in Gachoka. Factor analysis on 15 soil properties identified 4 factors that explained 65% of the total variance in soil quality. Soil fertility and crop management practices that were investigated indicated that farmers understood and consequently utilized spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability in soil quality status within their farms as a resource to maintain or enhance agricultural productivity.
Assessment of Occupational Safety Concerns in Pesticide Use Among Small-Scale Farmers in Sagana, Central Highlands, Kenya
(Springer, 2011) Mureithi, P.; Waswa, F.; Kituyi, E.
Small-scale farmers in Sagana area of central Kenya constitute a population at risk due to intensive use of pesticides in the production of mainly horticultural crops for commercial purposes. This chapter examines the main causes of pesticide hazards and risks, barriers to taking risk reduction measures and cues to adopting safety behaviour when dealing with pesticides. Data were collected by the use of interviews conducted in 2006/2007 from a sample of 140 farmers. Perception scales were developed from interview items and were ranked along a modified three-point Likert scale. Analysis of the items and scales showed that farmers had fairly high levels of perceived risk, perceived severity and perceived benefits of taking action to mitigate pesticide hazards. Results from this study showed that farmers are still susceptible to pesticide-related dangers notably due to resignation to fate, perceived high cost of purchasing protective gear and lack of adequate training in the use and handling of pesticides. Further, contrary to conventional thinking, farmers' education had limited positive effect to safety behaviour when handling pesticides. The challenge to policy and practice towards safe use of pesticides lies in issues of farmers' economic survivability, perceptions and attitudes, along the whole chain from pesticide procurement, storage, farm application and disposal.
Athari za Sera ya Lugha Afrika Mashariki na Nafasi ya Kiswahili Afrika na Ulimwenguni
(RealText Printers and Publishers, 2024) Osore, Miriam; Minyade, Sheril
Sera ya lugha ni kipengele cha mpango lugha. Haya ni maamuzi katika maandishi kuhusu jinsi lugha zinavyopaswa kutumika katika jamii ili kutekeleza majukumu mbalimbali. Maamuzi haya yanaweza kutolewa katika katiba ya nchi husika. Sera ya lugha Afrika Mashariki imepitia mabadiliko kuanzia enzi za ukoloni hadi sasa. Hata kabla ya ukoloni, Kiswahili kilikuwa tayari kinatumika kama lugha ya mawasiliano mapana katika biashara kati ya Waarabu na Waafrika. Wamishonari waliofika eneo la Afrika Mashariki walikuta Kiswahili kimeenea wakakitumia kueneza dini. Hatua za mwanzo za usanifishaji wa Kiswahili zilichukuliwa na wamishonari walioona haja ya kusanifisha Kiswahili ili kukitumia kwa mafanikio zaidi ya kueneza injili. Kiunguja kiliteuliwa kama msingi wa kusanifisha Kiswahili. Kiswahili sanifu ndicho kilitumiwa katika .maandishi. Wakoloni walipofika katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki pia walianza kukitumia Kiswahili katika shughuli za utawala na elimu. Kila nchi ilikuwa na sera tofauti za lugha: Uganda, chini ya Waingereza haikukipa Kiswahili nafasi ya kuenea. Waingereza waliotawala Kenya walisisitiza matumizi ya Kiingereza na lugha ya kwanza. Tanzania ilitawaliwa na Wajerumani na Waingereza. Kiswahili kilipewa kipaumbele; kilitumika katika shughuli zote za elimu na utawala fakala hii inalenga kubainisha jinsi sera tofauti za lugha katika nchi hiziwakati wa ukoloni na baada ya ukoloni zimeathiri kuenea kwa Kiswahili Afrika na ulimwenguni.
Athari za Ulevi katika Mshikamano wa Kijamii: Uchanganuzi wa Wahusika Teule katika Riwaya ya Dunia Mti Mkavu (S. A. Mohamed) na Rosa Mistika (E. Kezilahabi)
(Moi University Press., 2019) Mutugu, Beth N.; Osore, Miriam Kenyani
Kwa mujibu wa Swegan (2011), pombe ni mojawapo ya vinywaji ambavyo vinatumiwa katika tamaduni nyingi. Kinywaji hiki hutumiwa na watu wengi kama njia ya kujistarehesha, lakini ikiwa kitatumiwa kwa muda mrefu bila tahadhari, kinamfanya mtu kupata uraibu hasa iwapo hawezi kukaa kwa muda mrefu bila kukitumia. Kwa mujibu wa Kimble na wengine (1980), tabia ya unywaji pombe kupindukia huwaathiri watu wa kila tabaka: walioelimika, werevu, wasioelimika, matajiri, na maskini. Robin (1983) anasema kuwa pombe ni kinywaji ambacho kimekuwa kikimburudisha na kumtatiza binadamu kwa kame nyingi. Hata hivyo, unywaji wa pombe kupindukia ni maradhi yaliyofichika na hayatambuliki kwa urahisi. Kulingana na Torr (2000), kwa miongo kadha iliyopita kumekuwa na mwamko mpya ambapo uraibu wa pombe umetambulika kama swala la tiba badala ya suala la kimaadili arnbapo wataalamu wa tiba wamefumbua kuwa uraibu huu unaweza kukabiliwa kwa kutumia njia za kimatibabu. Katika mwaka wa 1951, Shirika laAfya Ulimwenguni (WHO) lilitambua uraibu wa pombe kama mojawapo ya magonjwa yanayoathiri wanajamii. Kwa mujibu wa Buckham (1971), matumizi ya pombe kama zilivyo dawa zingine za kulevya hurnfanya mtu kuwa na mazoea kiasi kwamba hawezi kujizuia kuitumia. Hali hii huathiri afya yake, utekelezaji wa majukumu na uhusiano wake na wanajamii wenzake. Robin (1983), anasema kuwa uraibu wa pombe ni ugonjwa. Kadhalika, matumizi mabaya ya pombe yanaweza kuhusishwa na visa vya mauaji, ugomvi wa nyumbani, kuzorota kwa afya na kutokea kwa ajali za aina mbalirnbali.K wa kuzingatia maoni ya wataalamu hawa, inabainika kuwa pombe huchangia katika kuzorotesha mshikamano na I' utangamano miongoni mwa wanajamii. Katika sehemu inayofuata athari za ulevi katika mshikamano wajamii zitachanganuliwa kwa kurejelea wahusika mahsusi katika riwaya ya Dunia Mti Mkavu (S.A. Mohamed) na Rosa Mistika (E. Kezilahabi).
Available technologies to replenish soil fertility in East Africa
(Springer Netherlands, 2007) Mugendi, D.N.; Okalebo, J. R.; Othieno, C. O.; Woomer, P. L.; Karanja, N. K.; Semoka, J.R.M.; Bekunda, M. A.; Muasya, R. M.; Bationo, A.; Mukhwana, E. J.
Low inherent soil fertility in the highly weathered and leached soils largely accounts for low and unsustained crop yields in most African countries. But in particular, the major nutrients, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), are commonly deficient in these soils. This scenario of nutrient depletion is reflected in food deficits and hence the food aid received continuously, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa. Undoubtedly, substantial efforts have been made in the continent to replenish the fertility of degraded soils in attempts to raise crop yields, towards self-sufficiency and export. Such efforts consist of applications of both organic and inorganic resources to improve the nutrient status of soils and enhanced nutrient uptake by crops, provided that soil moisture is adequate. Overall, positive crop responses to these materials have been obtained. Thus in the East African region, maize (staple) yields have been raised in one growing season from below 0.5 t/ha without nutrient inputs, to 3–5 t/ha from various nutrient amendments at the smallhold farm level. However, in spite of the positive crop responses to nutrient inputs, farmers are generally slow to adopt the soil fertility management technologies. In this paper we review the impact of some technologies, focussing the use of nutrient resources of different characteristics (qualities) in relation to improved crop yields, with an overall goal to enhance technology adoption. Thus, inorganic resources or fertilizers often give immediate crop responses, but their use or adoption is rather restricted to large-scale farmers who can afford to buy these materials. Organic resources, which include crop residues, water hyacinth and agroforestry shrubs and trees, are widely distributed, but they are generally of low quality, reflecting the need to apply large quantities to meet crop nutrient demands. Moreover, most organics will add N mainly to soils. On the other hand, phosphate rocks of varying reactivity are found widely in Africa and are refined elsewhere to supply soluble P sources. The recently developed soil fertility management options in East Africa have targeted the efficient use of N and P by crops and the integrated nutrient management approach. Some people have also felt that the repackaging of inputs in small, affordable quantities, such as the PREP-PAC described in this paper, may be an avenue to attract smallhold farmers to use nutrient inputs. Nonetheless, crop responses to nutrient inputs vary widely within and across agroecozones (AEZs), suggesting specificity in recommendations. We highlight this observation in a case study whereby eight soil fertility management options, developed independently, are being tested side- by-side at on-farm level. Farmers will be empowered to identify technologies from their own choices that are agronomically effective and economically friendly. This approach of technology testing and subsequent adoption is
Banana production, constraints and their propagation methods
(FaCT Publishing, 2010) Kasyoka, Martha Rhoda; Mwangi, Maina; Mbaka, J.; Gitonga, N.; Kori, N.
Banana (Musa species) is an important food crop worldwide (Robinson, 2007). About 70 million people in East and West Africa are estimated to derive more than one quarter of their food energy requirement from plantains (Rowe, 1998). Bananas are chiefly eaten raw as desert fruit, because in the ripe state they are sweet and easily digested. In their unripe state they are used as starchy fruits cooked before eating. They are usually boiled, fried or roasted. The unripe fruits are peeled, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. They are then pounded into a porridge and eaten, the starchy dish being called Matoke`. Unripe or ripe fruits may sometimes be baked, roasted or fried. In Uganda and Tanzania a nutritious beer is also brewed from plantains and large quantities of this are consumed in the region. Plantains and cooking bananas also form part of the daily diet of people in the Caribbean and Latin America .Apart from their major uses as desert fruits eaten raw, or as starchy fruits cooked before eating, only a relatively small proportion of bananas and plantains are processed to other products. Bananas and plantains do not lend themselves readily to processing because the lack of acidity makes preservation difficult and the year-round availability of fresh fruits also makes preservation unnecessary (Gowen, 1988). In addition there must be sufficient surplus fruits available as rejects from the fresh fruit market, steady supply of such fruits at low price maintained throughout the year, a viable alternative market because fresh fruits are available throughout the year, processed products must receive value-added return compared to fresh fruits because factory infrastructure and labor costs have to be covered. The different products which can be processed from bananas and plantains, and the different procedures involve canning, drying, freezing,extraction, drying or fermentation.
Basic Education Provision in Kenya's Urban Informal Settlements
(IGI Global, 2020) Malenya, Francis Likoye
The provision of basic education in urban informal settlements in Kenya has invariably been described as poorly organized, less equitable and hence, one that is in crisis. This chapter examines the state of basic education as a function of the policies and approaches that guide its provision. It is argued in this chapter that the manner in which educational policy has been designed and resources distributed over time exhibits a tendency towards marginalizing children in urban informal settlements in terms of access to quality education compared to their counterparts elsewhere. Considering the socio-economic and socio-historical contexts of informal settlements in Kenya, it is concluded that while government efforts towards the provision of education are appreciated, it has not been sufficiently sensitive to the circumstances of the children learning in institutions in these settlements.

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