RP-Department of Agribusiness Management and Trade (AMT)

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Adoption of Climate-Smart Droughttego® Varieties in Kenya
(ajfad, 2019) Muinga, G; Marechera, G; Macharia, I; Mugo, S; Rotich, R; Oniang'o, RK; Obunyali, CO; Oikeh, SO
African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) promotes DroughtTEGO® drought-tolerant maize hybrids developed by Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) project in partnership with CIMMYT, Monsanto and five National Agricultural Research Systems for Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa to address the impact of drought occasioned by climate change. To determine the level of adoption and use of DroughtTEGO® maize hybrids in Kenya, a survey was conducted involving 642 farming households from six counties. The results indicated a high rate of awareness of at least one of the DroughtTEGO® varieties (61%). The adoption rate stood at 26% with WE1101 maize hybrid being the most widely known and adopted due to its availability and high yields. Expected adoption was calculated at 89% with about 65% new farmers adopting the DroughtTEGO® hybrids. Lack of full information on the productivity, non-availability of the seed when required and the varieties being expensive compared to other locally available varieties were found to be key barriers to its adoption. The econometric results reveal statistical differences between the variables that influence awareness and adoption of DroughtTEGO® hybrid seed. Variables that determined adoption included age of the household head, fellow farmers and demonstration sites as the primary main source of seed information. Other variables were record-keeping, women’s control of household resources, perception of food security, price, and location. Well-thought-out strategies that target these variables can be effective in attracting new adopters. Thus, the study recommends, promotional messages and extension approaches appropriate to both the young and the aged, better seed pricing strategies, women’s control of household resources to be encouraged, and specific locations with low probability of adoption should be given priority. Steps could include the promotion of the varieties through on-farm demonstrations with wider coverage, strengthening of the extension service and allocation of resources for extension activities in Kenya. Other broad recommendations that emanated from the study included timely availability and delivery of quality DroughtTEGO® seed and availability of credit facilities. It is important to investigate the case of adopters who discontinued using these varieties.
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.
Analysis of collective action: the case of indigenous chicken farmers from Makueni County, Kenya
(ESci Journals Publishing, 2014) Ayieko, D.M.O.; Bett, E.K.; Kabuage, L.
Farmer groups in the world provide farmers with economies of scale, access to information, credit and markets. These farmer groups are an important intervention in Africa, due to the structural adjustment programmes (SAPs) initiated in the eighties. As a result Kenya has experienced market liberalization and reorganization in agriculture services delivery. Consequently small scale farmers are constrained in production and marketing. However, few farmers in Makueni County belong to farmer groups. In addition there is little information on why this situation persists. Therefore the objectives of the study were to assess participation of farmer in groups and determine the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on this participation. A total of 130 households were sampled in a survey, using a multistage sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire then analyzed using descriptive statistics and Tobit regression in STATA11. The results showed that:- group activity, age of group, access to market information, sex of household head, education of household head, land size, off farm income and distance to the nearest market had a significant effect on joining groups. Policy must focus on financing groups, provision of market information and improvement of infrastructure.
Analysis of Determinants of Market Channel Choice among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya
(GLOBEEDU Group, 2015) Mutura, James K.; Nyairo, Newton; Mwangi, Maina; Wambugu, Stephen K.
This study sought to analyse determinants of market channel among smallholder dairy farmers in Lower Central Kenya. Multistage sampling technique was used and data was collected from 288 small holder dairy farmers Kiambu County. Multinomial logit regression model (MNL) was used to analyse factors influencing the choice of dairy market outlet by the small holder dairy farmer. Processing and analysis of the survey data was carried out using SPSS version 20 and STATA version 12. Level of education, milk output, access to information and transaction costs influenced the choice of marketing channel. There was a positive relationship between choice of farm gate over cooperative societies and farmers training. It is recommended that programmes relating to information on milk marketing be made accessible to farmers. There is need to profile farmers on the basis of production, spatial location and education level and encourage them to use specific marketing channel.
Analysis of Determinants of Vertical and Horizontal Integration among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya
(Science target, 2016) Mutura, James K.; Nyairo, Newton; Mwangi, Maina; Wambugu, Stephen K.
This study sought to analyze the determinants of vertical and horizontal integration among smallholder dairy farmers in Lower Central Kenya. Integration leads to high gross margins, influences choice of marketing channel and improves market participation, encouraging commercialization of dairy smallholder farming. A logit regression model was used to determine the likelihood of a household to integrate vertically or horizontally in its dairy enterprise. A multistage sampling technique was used, and data was collected from 288 small holder dairy farmers in Kiambu County. Processing and analysis of the survey data was carried out using SPSS version 20 and STATA version 12. Fixed investment cost, storage type, milk cost share, percentage of milk sold and dairy enterprise turnover were hypothesized to be key factors in explaining a household’s likelihood to vertically integrate in its dairy enterprise. An increase in total fixed investments, turnover and volume of output contribute to the probability of a household integrating vertically. Horizontally integrated farmers were willing to pay more for market information and had higher monthly margins. The paper recommends that farmers should establish and strengthen existing associations and integrate vertically and horizontally on the basis of their spatial location and milk output.
Analysis of economic efficiency among smallholder sorghum producers in Kenya
(Academic Journals, 2020) Mwangi, Backson; Macharia, Ibrahim; Bett, Eric
This study used Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Profit Frontier to analyze economic efficiency of sorghum farmers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Using a multi-stage stratified sample of 259 farmers, results depicted a wide range of profit efficiency between the best (0.96) and the worst (0.12) farmer with a mean of 0.17. The actual and potential profit was USD 164.88 ha-1 and USD 969.87 ha-1 respectively. This indicates that, sampled farmers incurred profit-loss of approximately USD 804.99 ha-1. Family labour and fixed capital base were the major contributing factors to sorghum profitability. Drivers of profit efficiency pointed out that, farmers who had more experience in sorghum farming, accessed agricultural credit, attended trainings, lived closer to the market and agro-dealers were likely to be more efficient. To increase profit efficiency, this study therefore advocates for policy strategies targeting these factors. Further, policy move targeting increase in uptake and correct application of fertilizer and other inputs should be reinforced.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Microfinance Credit Uptake among Smallholder Coffee Farmers in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(International Scholars Journals, 2018-03) Mbuba, Anderson, K.; Bett, Eric K.; Ndenga, Charles; Nyairo, Newton
Microfinance institutions play a critical role in improving production and productivity of smallholder farmers by availing necessary financial resources when needed. Despite the benefits of microfinance credit on production, its uptake and use in the study region is still low. Consequently, it’s not known what factors influence the uptake and use of microfinance credit among smallholder coffee farmers in Tharaka Nithi county. The objective of this study was to find out the factors that influence the uptake of micro finance credit among smallholder farmers in Tharaka Nithi County. A total of 390 smallholder coffee farmers were selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. Primary data was collected by the use of structured questionnaires. Both descriptive and probit regression methods were used to analyze data. Results indicated that coffee farming experience, gender of the household head, number of coffee trees and access to extension services had significant influence on the uptake of microfinance credit. In conclusion any agricultural policy intervention on financing smallholder coffee farmers should focus on these factors to enhance uptake and efficiency in management.
Analysis of Improved Indigenous Chicken Adoption Among Smallholder Farmers: Case of Makueni and Kakamega Counties, Kenya
(IJAE, 2019) Kamau, Christopher N; Kabuage, Lucy W.; Bett, Eric K.
Indigenous chicken (IC) production is a source of food security and income among smallholder farmers within high potential areas and semi-arid lands (ASAL). The demand for IC eggs and meat is anticipated to increase threefold by the year 2020 by health conscious consumers. However, potential of IC to contribute to household incomes and poverty alleviation in ASAL is constrained by slow maturity of IC and low productivity. Hence, to address these constraints improved indigenous chicken (IIC) technologies have been developed and introduced to smallholders in high potential area and ASAL. However, only a few smallholder farmers have adopted the IIC technologies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of farmer socioeconomic characteristics on adoption and intensity of adoption the IIC technology in Makueni and Kakamega counties. A total of 384 households were sampled using multi-stage sampling to collect data through interviews. The collected data was analysed using a double hurdle model. The results suggest that sex of the household head, farm size, group membership, which had not been previously identified in IIC studies as a significant variable, distance to training centre, off-farm activities and IIC awareness significantly affected adoption decision of improved IC. On the other hand, education of the household head, household size, farm size, source of information on IIC and awareness on IIC had significant effects on the level of adoption. The recommendations from this study have an implication on extension policy, land use policy, food policy, collective action and pricing policy in the context of technology adoption in Kenya.
Analysis of indigenous chicken marketing participation decisions: the case of producers from Makueni County, Kenya.
(Taylor & Francis, 2015) Ayieko, M. O. D.; Bett, E. K.; Kabuage, L. W.
Indigenous chickens are important in Kenya for food security, income generation, employment and improved livelihoods. However, despite these benefits producers are constrained from participating in the high value markets. A purposive multi-stage sampling was used to sample 130 households from Makueni County. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. These data were then analysed using descriptive statistics and a probit econometric model. The decision to participate in the indigenous chicken high value market was influenced by the education level of the household head, processing, the age of the household head, group membership, the flock size and region. Therefore, it is recommended to form farmer groups for increased productivity, collective marketing and enhanced value addition.
Analysis of Integration among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Lower Central Kenya
(GLOBEEDU Group, 2016) Mutura, James K.; Mwangi, Maina; Nyairo, Newton M.; Wambugu, Stephen K.
In Kenya dairy farming accounts for four percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and fourteen percent of total value of agricultural output thus making it a significant economic activity. Market-oriented smallholder dairy farms in the country tend to be concentrated close to urban centres because the effects of market forces over-ride many production factors. Urbanization creates competition for alternative land uses thus leading to land fragmentation which has a potential negative impact on dairy farming especially in Lower Central Kenya. The resultant diminishing land sizes implies that periurban smallholder dairy farmers have to integrate vertically and horizontally. Integration leads to high gross margins, better choice of market channel and improved market participation thus encouraging commercialization of dairy smallholder farming. Multistage sampling technique was used in collecting data from 288 farmers in Kiambu County in 2012.‘T’ statistics was used to analyze the mean differences of the socio-economic characteristics that distinguish integrated and non-integrated smallholder dairy farmers. Dairy enterprise turnover, percentage of milk sold and external sourcing of milk reveal significant differences between vertically and non-vertically integrated dairy farmers. There are significant differences between horizontally and non-horizontally integrated smallholder dairy farmers in respect to: distance from markets, land parcel sizes, level of formal education, dairy herd size, training willingness to pay for information and cost of production. It is recommended that farmers should establish and strengthen existing associations and integrate vertically and horizontally on the basis of their spatial location and milk output
Analysis of Organic Product Consumption Trends among Urban Consumers in Nairobi, Kenya
(Tropentag, 2013-09) Bett, E.K.; Kiarii, E.
Organic product food trade represents one of the fastest growing food chains globally. Consumption of organic products in Kenya has increased. This is evidenced by the emergence of products labeled organic in the market, specialised organic green grocer shelves stocking organic products in major supermarkets, organic menus and specialised organic restaurants in major cities. While the main drivers for organic demand in developed countries have been documented, this is not the case for Kenya. There is a dearth of knowledge on why consumers opt to consume organic products, yet, such information is important for informing the policy making processes, consumer education and informing producers so that they produce to meet consumer's expectations. Most organic farmers are small scale producers and for them to benefit from economic opportunity provided by increased demand for organic products there is need to understand the key drivers of organic consumption. This will help to develop good strategies to match production with consumer requirements and expectations. This study analysed organic consumption trends among urban Consumers in Nairobi metropolitan. The main objective was to determine the key drivers of organic food consumption. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 308 consumers. Following the Lancaster consumer's demand theory the study assumed that consumer's utility depends on product characteristics instead of the product itself. Thus, consumers will choose the product (organic versus conventional) that possesses the combination of attributes that maximises their utility. Consumer's choice for organic foods was thus analysed within a specified random utility discrete choice model. Findings indicate that economic and socio-demographic factors (income, employment, education, household size and age) influence organic consumption in Kenya. Consumers' perceived benefits of organic food (health and nutrition) promote demand for organic products. It is thus recommended that consumer awareness through provision of information on organic food products. This is crucial to expand demand since this information will increase consumer's organic knowledge and the higher the organic knowledge the higher probability to buy organic foods. These findings are useful to the government, organic consumers, producers and development agencies in developing strategies to match production and consumption.
Analysis of Technical Efficiency of Sorghum Product ion in Lower Eastern Kenya: A Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) ap proach
(2014) Kizito, Kwena; Nyamwaro, Sospeter O.; Bett, E.K.; Chepng’etich, Evaline
There has been an increase in food insecurity probl em in ASALs of Kenya and this has necessitated a re newed interest in promoting drought-tolerant crops such a s sorghum, among smallholder farmers in these regio ns. Promotion of such crops as sorghum has been emphasi zed in these regions but the yields are low. Using a field survey data of randomly selected sample of 143 smal lholder farmers in Machakos and Makindu districts i n Kenya this paper used DEA approach to estimate thei r technical efficiency scores. Results showed that the average technical efficiency was low, 41%. Innovati ve arrangements should be enhanced to increase farm ers’ capacity to efficiently use the available resources in sorghum production.
Analysis of the effects of corporate social responsibility on product extension among listed companies in Kenya
(RS PUBLICATIONutelip, 2015) Njehia, Bernard K.; Khamah, Ali Hassan; Njanja, Lilly Wanjiku
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the marketing strategies that are widely used in the industrial arena for the purposes of creating customer awareness, enhancing product penetration into the market and boosting firm‟s profitability. The study mainly examined the extent to which CSR affect product extensions in organizations. The study was in CSR because it is so rich, current, on going and challenging. In one way or another, organizations are involved in the CSR as they continue to do business. Many at times, marketers and CSR practitioners in general of various companies have been looking at CSR as just a mere tool for „social concern‟ that is, doing it to be seen as “a good neighbour”. This perception needs to be erased off from the marketers‟ minds and a different approach on in handling the CSR must enter the stage with the resolve of strengthening their firms‟ brand equity
Antecedents to Kenyan Coast Hotels’ Purchases of Agricultural Products
(International Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Systems, 2011) Mshenga, Patience M.; Richardson, Robert B.; Njehia, Bernard K.; Birachi, Eliud A.
The paper investigated tourism and agriculture linkages by determining the local agricultural products purchased by hotels, purchase considerations and antecedents to purchase of agricultural products. The study was conducted in Coastal Kenya which is a major tourist destination. A census survey of the hotels was undertaken. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and logit model. The results indicate that the local agricultural products purchased by hotels were eggs, meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits and milk. The purchase considerations were price, quality and supply reliability. Age of the hotel, bed capacity and number of employees influenced the proportion of local agricultural products purchased by the hotels. The results have implications for enhancing tourism and agriculture linkages to improve rural livelihoods.
Assessing Economic Viability of Pasture Enterprise as Adaptation Strategy in Dry Land Ecosystems - A Case of Ijara, Kenya
(IISTE, 2015-11) Mwaura, J; Koske, J; Kiprotich, B
To adapt to impacts of climate change and variability that outwit traditional coping mechanisms, communities in the semi-arid Ijara, spontaneously took to pasture enterprise strategy. The spontaneity translated into unclear costs and benefits that impeded management of the scarce resources. The study clarified costs and benefits by isolating them for analysis and measuring the strategies’ viability for adaptation. The objective was to measure costs incurred and benefits gained from avoided damages through adoption of the strategy at community farm-level. Costs-benefit-analysis was the design used, complemented by the financial market-driven 15% discounting rates and net present values. Also co-ordinated regional downscaling experiment models were used to ascertain climate performance and projection. Household questionnaire was administered to 240 sample size calculated from 9000 farmer population. Fifty-seven per cent pastoralists had embraced agro-pastoralism to incorporate on-farm rainfed Sudan grass, whose input costs were US$ 1333/ha/season with estimated yields of 1.8 tons/ha of dry matter. Cash flow across three rain-fed seasons netted US$21390, US$45214 and US$67820 per hectare from one, two and three seasons respectively. Overall net present value was US$ 2000p.a. Equal to 50.5% agro-pastoralists produced fodder that cushioned against the high costs on inter-county importation. Land size inadequacy and the communal tenure upset 86.26% producers whereas 47.5% were concerned that drought raised production costs the most after that lack of skills 53.08%, feed deficit at 30.41%, and diseases 20.41% in that order. Overall benefits from the strategy exceeded costs, making the investment viable for adaptation. Going forward and considering the limited adaptation capacities, disease control and feed deficit costs, policies need to focus on formulating livestock improvement guidelines to include revitalizing traditional grazing management practices. Other pertinent investment opportunities include strategic value-chain linkages and infrastructure, promotion of rain-fed and irrigated fodder production technologies incorporating climate-smart water harvesting, supporting post-harvest feed reserves technologies, reviewing land tenure system and investing in local farmer-friendly weather data collection and application
Assessing the potential impact of biological control of Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) in cabbage production in Kenya
(Crop Protection, 2005-11) Macharia, Ibrahim; Löhr, Bernhard; Groote, Hugo De
This study assessed the potential economic impact of the introduction of Diadegma semiclausum, an exotic parasitoid of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella, DBM), on cabbage production in Kenya. The study first established yield losses caused by DBM through two methods: measurements from farmer-managed fields and through farmers’ interviews. Crop losses were calculated at 31% from farmer-managed fields, and at 36% from farmer interviews. With a crop loss of 31%, yield loss was estimated at 6.8 tons/ha or US$ 452.9/ha, and at US$ 7.9 million per year for the whole country. Control costs as provided from the interviews, amounted to US$ 118.9/ha. The project costs amount to a net present value of US$ 1.2 million. Based on an annual cabbage production of 256,524 tons, a cabbage price of US$ 66.3/ton, a 30% abatement of yield losses, a 7.9% reduction in cost of production, a supply and a demand elasticity of 0.9 and −1.4 respectively, and an annual increase of consumption of 2.6%, the economic surplus produced by the release of the parasitoid was estimated at US$ 28.3 million for 25 years. Consumers were estimated to get 58% of the benefit and producers 42%. The benefit–cost ratio was estimated at 24:1, with an internal rate of return of 86%, indicating a high return to the investment. Keywords Economic impact; Biological control; Diamondback moth; Parasitoid
Assessment of the structure and performance of the milk market in western Kenya
(2014) Njehia, Bernard K.; Wanjala, S. P. O.; Ngichabe, Christopher
This study sought to assess the structure and performance of the milk market in Western Kenya. Quantitative data was collected from 385 milk consumers in four counties, while qualitative data was obtained from officials of selected cooperatives, Ministry of livestock and Kenya Dairy Board. Frequencies, percentages, means, correlation and chi square tests were used to analyze data. The findings of this study revealed that farmers and traveling traders supplied 58% of total milk traded, with 70% of the milk passing through the informal channel. Problems associated with milk suppliers included adulteration with water (65.5%), addition of chemicals (18%) and physical dirt (13.5%). There was a significant correlation between channel and contamination of milk (p<0.05). The region’s milk deficit was 177million litres/year, with demand estimated to be 392 million litres against a production of 215 million litres. The main milk markets included households, hotels, institutions who bought raw milk at USD 0.70 per litre while cooperatives bought at between USD 0.37 and USD 0.65. Consumers surveyed preferred quality (56%), price (27%), quantity (9%), packaging (5%) and reliability (3%) as attributes influencing choice of milk supplier. Based on these findings, milk marketing strategy in the region should prioritize quality and pricing. Though households, hotels and institutions offered good prices, they were unsustainable, scattered and unable to absorb increased volumes in an upgrading strategy designed to increase milk production. It is recommended that cooperatives, though comparatively buy milk at lower price, are the better option.
Association of a native predator Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) with a new exotic mango pest, Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Ethiopia
(The Entomological Society of Israel, 2017-07) Djirata, Ofgaa; Getu, Emana; Kahuthia-Gathu, Ruth
White Mango Scale Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead, 1906 was reported for the first time in 2010 from mango orchards belonging to Green Focus Ethiopia Ltd in western Ethiopia. It was hypothesized that the pest could enter Ethiopia with mango seedlings imported by the same company. The present study surveyed natural enemies of the pest and their population dynamics in western Ethiopia. Larvae of Chilocorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinelidae) were found feeding ravenously on live mango scales. There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive correlation between the A. tubercularis and Chilocorus sp. populations in both orchards, implying that the predator was not suppressing the pest population. There was no significant difference in the mean numbers of the predatory larva populations between Arjo and Bako orchards (p>0.05). Populations of White Mango Scale and its predator showed remarkably similar fluctuations, with their abundancies reaching peaks during same months. It has been concluded that the native predator got associated with the exotic insect pest recently, and its population may gradually build up. It is suggested that implementation of Chilocorus sp. as a biocontrol agent would be a sound strategy in the management of White Mango Scale in western Ethiopia, together with other control options
Big Opportunities for Tiny Bugs: Rush to Boost Laying Hen Performance Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal
(Oxford University Press, 2023-12-29) Wamai, Linus K.; Munga, Leonard M.; Osuga, Isaac M.; Munguti, Jonathan M.; Subramanian, Sevgan; Kidoido, Michael K.; Ghemoh, Janice C.; Mwendia, Charles M.; Tanga, Chrysantus M.
Rising feed cost challenges due to expensive conventional protein sources continue to make headlines in Africa causing drops in profit margins. We assessed the impact of insect (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus larvae meal, HILM) protein as a substitute for soybean meal and sunflower seed cake on layer chicken performance and profitability. Our results showed that apart from the growers, chicks (12.37 g/bird) and layer hens (2.02 g/bird) fed diets with 75% HILM inclusion levels had significantly higher average daily weight gain. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) varied significantly when the chicks and layer hens were provided with the HILM-based diets. For the chicks and layer hens, the lowest ADFI and FCR were observed in birds subjected to diets with 75% and 100% HILM compared to the growers fed diets with 50% HILM. Significantly higher egg production was observed for layer hens fed diets containing 75% of HILM throughout the first (87.41%) and second (83.05%) phase production cycles. Layer hens fed HILM-based diets had a 3–10% increase in egg laying percentage. There was higher profit margins when birds were fed diets containing 75% of HILM (~1.83 and 5.98 US$ per bird), which mirrored the return on investment estimated at 63.95% and 33.36% for the pullets (growers) and laying hen, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that diets with 75% HILM provided optimum growth performance, reduced feeding costs, increased weight gain and egg production as well as improved economic returns for commercial on-farm poultry production systems.
Business training evaluation: Application and effects on trainee competencies
(IOSR, 2015) Njehia, Bernard K.; Guyo, S. Huka; Mbugua, Zachariah Kariuki
This study was designed to assess the effects of business training evaluations on the competencies of business trainees in Marsabit Central and South Districts of Marsabit County, Kenya.The researcher used descriptive survey research design alongside simple random,proportionate and census sampling techniques. The study had 345 business trainees and 81trainers respondents. The study used structured survey questionnaires to elicit responses from sampled respondents coupled with secondary data. A regression model was developed and used to compute the effects of training evaluation techniques on the competencies of the business trainees in the study areas. The study revealed that business trainers in the study areas moderately evaluated the reaction and the skills and knowledge levels of their trainees. However, they least evaluated behavioural and impact factors of the business training on the trainees. The business trainers also use mainly experimentation and observation evaluation techniques as opposed to popularly used four-factor and three-factor comparison methods. It was further established that at 95% level of confidence all the training evaluation techniques used by the business trainers in the study areas did not have significant effects on the competencies of the business trainees. Thus, other training evaluation techniques could be explored for use in the study areas. In addition, further research can be carried out to establish reasons why the training evaluation techniques did not have significant effects on the competencies of the business trainees in the study areas.