RP-Department of Agricultural Resources Management (ARM)

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Adoption Intensity of Selected Organic-Based Soil Fertility Management Technologies in the Central Highlands of Kenya
(Frontiers, 2022) Mwaura, George G.; Kiboi, Milka N.; Bett, Eric K.; Mugwe, Jayne N.; Muriuki, Anne; Nicolay, Gian; Ngetich, Felix K.
Soil fertility decline continues to be a major challenge limiting agricultural productivity globally. Despite the novelty of organic-based technologies in enhancing agricultural production in Kenya’s central highlands, adoption is low. Therefore, we carried out a cross-sectional household survey of 300 randomly selected smallholder farmers to determine the specific organic-based practices by farmers; and the socioeconomic factors that influence the adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We used descriptive statistics to summarize the data and the Tobit regression model to evaluate the socioeconomic determinants of adoption intensity of selected organic-based technologies. We identified nine organic-based technologies that had different adoption rates among the farmers. The majority of the farmers had adopted manure (97%) and manure combined with fertilizer (92%) in Murang’a and Tharaka-Nithi, respectively. Manure was applied to the largest land in Murang’a with 31% of the cultivated land. In comparison, manure combined with fertilizer had the highest adoption intensity in Tharaka-Nithi applied to about 25% of the cultivated land. Gender, age of the household head, level of education, household size, access to external labor, training, Tropical Livestock Unit, agriculture group membership, access to credit, land cultivated, and farming experience influenced the adoption intensity of organic-based technologies among smallholder farmers. Based on the smallholder farmers’ adoption behavior, this study can be used to disaggregate the farming households better in order to tailor specific organic-based soil fertility technologies solutions that meet their unique needs. One group would be those households that face specific constraints, as reflected in their low adoption rates, women-headed households and older farmers, and thus require more targeted / intensive efforts to overcome these barriers. The other group would be those households that require less focus because, when confronted with the technologies, they are more likely to adopt them easily, for example, the male-headed households. Hence, the smallholder farmers’ adoption behavior, can enable policymakers to form a base for designing appropriate policies that encourage the adoption of organic-based soil fertility technology by smallholder farmers.
Aflatoxin Contamination Detected in Nutrient and Anti-Oxidant Rich Edible Stink Bug Stored in Recycled Grain Containers
(Public Library of Science, 2016) Musundire, R.; Osuga, Isaac M.; Cheseto, Xavier; Irungu, Janet; Torto, Baldwyn
Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentallyfriendly source of food for the ever increasing human population especially in the developing countries. However, food quality and safety concerns must first be addressed in this context. We addressed these concerns in the present study using the edible stink bug Encosternum delegorguei, which is widely consumed in southern Africa. We analysed for mycotoxins, and health beneficials including antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Qtof-MS) and coupled gas chromatography (GC)-MS. We also performed proximate analysis to determine nutritional components. We identified the human carcinogen mycotoxin (aflatoxin B1) at low levels in edible stink bugs that were stored in traditonally woven wooden dung smeared baskets and gunny bags previously used to store cereals. However, it was absent in insects stored in clean zip lock bags. On the other hand, we identified 10 fatty acids, of which 7 are considered essential fatty acids for human nutrition and health; 4 flavonoids and 12 amino acids of which two are considered the most limiting amino acids in cereal based diets. The edible stink bug also contained high crude protein and fats but was a poor source of minerals, except for phosphorus which was found in relatively high levels. Our results show that the edible stink bug is a nutrient- and antioxidant-rich source of food and health benefits for human consumption. As such, use of better handling and storage methods can help eliminate contamination of the edible stink bug with the carcinogen aflatoxin and ensure its safety as human food.
Agrobiodiversity Endangered by Sugarcane Farming in Mumias and Nzoia Sugarbelts of Western Kenya.
(2010-07) Waswa, F.; Maina, L.; Netondo, G.W.; Naisiko, T.; Masayi, N.; Ngaira, J.K.
Commercial sugarcane farming has been practised in western Kenya for nearly forty years. This monocultural land use is associated with loss of natural vegetation and cropland, thus undermining food security status of a place. Further, sugarcane farming is a major contributor to loss of biodiversity in western Kenya. This study was therefore aimed at determining the long-term effects of sugarcane farming on indigenous food crops and vegetables in Mumias and Nzoia sugarbelts of western Kenya. Up to 188 respondents in three divisions of Mumias and 178 respondents of three divisions in Nzoia were purposively selected. These included small-scale and large-scale farmers. Data were collected using questionnaires, Participatory Rural Appraisal tool, interviews and field observations. Secondary data were obtained from documented materials. Land under indigenous food crops and vegetable has been declining since the introduction of sugarcane. Indigenous food crops and vegetable cultivation by farmers in the sugarbelts has been declining. Furthermore, some farmers have abandoned the growing of these crops altogether. Our results imply that sugarcane farming is a major contributor to agrobiodiversity erosion, but that there are also other important reasons such as change of consumer preference, land fragmentation, climate variability among others. In order to curb further loss of biodiversity, efforts should particularly focus on food crops and livelihood diversification and adoption of farming technologies such as agroforestry.
Agronomic and Economic Performance of Maizesoybean Intercrop under Rhizobia and Soil Amendments in Western Kenya
(ResearchGate, 2018) M. A. Onyango, M. A; Danga, B; Odendo, M
Low crop responses to N and P fertilizer application among small holder farms are common phenomena in degraded acidic soils of western Kenya. An on-farm trial was established in Shianda sub-location in Mumias District, Western Kenya during two seasons in 2011 to determine the effect of inoculation (Bradyrhizobium japonicum), lime (CaCO3) and inorganic P (Single Super Phosphate) on soil chemical properties and yield components of soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was a 23 factorial with 4 replicates laid out in a randomized complete block design giving a total of 32 plots. Experimental treatments were Lime (0 and 2.5 tons lime ha-1 ), P fertilizer (0 and 30 kg P ha-1 ) and Inoculation (soybean inoculation and no inoculation). Lime application at 2.5 t ha-1 led to a significant increase in soil pH from 4.85 to 5.58 (P =.05) after two cropping seasons. Increase in soil available P was in the order of lime > P > inoculation (9.35>6.50>5.10 mgkg-1 ). A combination of Lime + P + inoculation recorded the highest maize Original Research Article Onyango et al.; JEAI, 27(6): 1-9, 2018; Article no.JEAI.30636 2 (4490 kgha-1 , 3470 kgha-1 ) and soybean (970 kgha-1 , 830 kgha-1 ) grain yields during the long rain (1st) and short rain (2nd) seasons respectively. Sole P treatment gave higher average number of nodules per plant and average plant biomass, (7.7 and 21.8 g) respectively than both sole inoculation (4.3 and 19.2 g) and sole lime treatments (2.3 and 16.8 g) during the 1st cropping season. On average, across the treatments during the two seasons benefit-cost analysis indicated that the lime + P + inoculation treatment gave the highest net benefit (Ksh. 107,518.60) with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.7. These results indicate that a combination of lime + P + inoculation offers a better option for increasing maize and soybean grain yields in the degraded soils of western Kenya.
Analysis of Consumer Preference in Product Attributes: A Case of Indigenous Chicken Eggs in Kenya
(IISTE, 2017) Ndenga, Charles; Kabuage, Lucy W.; Bett, Eric K.
Indigenous chicken eggs are highly preferred in Kenya by majority of both rural and urban consumers. In the recent past, research has focused on improving productivity levels resulting to Improved indigenous chicken eggs with less focus on consumer preferences. Despite their efforts, Indigenous chicken eggs dominate the market and the country is egg deficit. This study sought to identify and analyze preference attributes of indigenous chicken’ eggs that influences choice and consumption. The specific objectives were to; identify and rank indigenous chickens’ eggs attributes that influences choice and consumption and analyze the influence of these attributes on price of eggs. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 180 respondents in Nairobi and Makueni counties. Kendall coefficient of concordance test was used to identify and rank the attributes of indigenous chicken’ eggs while semi-logarithmic functional form of hedonic pricing model was employed to analyze the influence of eggs attributes on price. Results indicated that consumers buying indigenous chicken eggs prefer and are willing to pay premium prices for brown shelled, non oval eggs. Small and medium sized eggs were also more preferred and received price premiums compared to the larger sized eggs. Small and medium sized eggs were perceived to be organically produced with less chemical components. The study recommended for incorporation of this attributes by breeders. Farmers can enhance the preferred egg attributes by adopting better production systems while retailers can use the attributes in formulating appropriate marketing strategies in indigenous chicken eggs business.
Antileishmanial activity of Aloe Secundiflora plant extracts against Leishmania Major (2013).
(IISTE, 2013) Ogeto, T.K.; Odhiambo, R.A.; Shivairo, R.S.; Muleke, C.I.; Osero, B.O.; Anjili, C.; Ingonga, J.M.; Osuga, I.M.
Human leishmaniases are a spectrum of diseases caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. In this study antileishmanial activity of the methanolic and water leaf extracts from Aloe secundiflora plant were analysed by determining the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), nitric oxide (NO) production stimulation, infection rates (IR) and multiplication index (MI). Cytotoxicity of these plant extracts was also assessed. The MIC levels of water and methanolic plant extracts, amphotericin B and pentostam were 2000 μg/ml, 1000 μg/ml, 125μg/ml and 250 μg/ml respectively against Leishamnia major promastigotes. This study revealed that water and methanolic plant extracts significantly inhibited the growth of Leishmania parasites (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to amphotericin B with respect to the parasite infection rates and MIC levels. The IC50 for the water and methanolic plant extracts was 279.488 μg/ml and 42.824 μg/ml respectively. The elevated inhibitory activity observed in this study against Leishmania major parasites provides evidence and basis for their potential use as therapeutic agents against leishmaniasis.
Applicability of Conservation Agriculture for Climate Change Adaptation in Rwanda’s Situation
(Academic Journals, 2015) Kabirigi, M.; Musana, B.; Ngetich, F.; Mugwe, J.; Mukuralinda, A.; Nabahungu, N. L.
Improving food security and environmental conservation should be the main targets of innovative farming systems. Conservation agriculture (CA), based on minimum tillage, crop residue retention and crop rotations has been proposed against poor agricultural productivity and soil degradation. This paper discusses the applicability and potential benefits of CA in Rwanda under the unfolding climate change scenario. The potential and benefits from CA may vary with rainfall regime. In high rainfall areas (For example North and West of Rwanda), the soils are susceptible to soil erosion and face fertility decline while in low rainfall areas (For example East of Rwanda) crops fail due to sub-optimal water use efficiency. Furthermore, low organic carbon content lower fertilisers response and government targets of increasing production through Crop Intensification Program, is limited. It has been shown that CA can: Reduce soil loss from 35.5 to 14.5 t/ha/year, have 50-70% greater infiltration and increase 42% of organic carbon. Long term analysis using Agricultural Production System Simulator showed that CA can increase yield from 3.6 to 4.4t/ha in areas having >770 mm. Based on the evidence from regional research, CA has a good potential for climate change adaptation in both high and low rainfall areas of Rwanda. However, decreased yield observed in high rainfall areas, increased labour requirements when herbicides are not used and lack of mulch due to priority given to feeding of livestock constrained CA adoption. We conclude that there is a need for critical assessment under which ecological and socio economic conditions CA is suited for smallholder farming in Rwanda.
Are the Water Trips in the Dryland Kenya for Sustainable Development, Journeys in Vain or Trips to Oblivion
(2013) Danga, B. O.; Afullo, A. O.
Kenya’s households’ (HH) water access status is appalling. As a gender based task, women and children make billions of trips to satisfy HH water needs, taking a heavy toll on societal growth and development. Kenya’s 4872 randomly sampled HHs from six Arid and semi-Arid land (ASALs) counties were studied using interviews and focused group discussions. The aim was to determine the burden of water fetching in Kenya-ASALs. On a daily basis, HHs make 3.06 water trips of 49.42+0.36 minutes, largely shouldered by females (2.69 trips); males (0.22); women (2.51); men (0.12) and children (0.43 trips). The 2.5 million Kenyan-ASAL households make 7,658,500 trips daily (2,795,352,500 annually). Of these, children make 395,477,500; women (2,287,637,500); and men (112,237,500 trips). With this kind of burden, the children and women are denied opportunity for self-development. Water supply mainstreaming is an urgent priority in Kenya-ASALs. Key words: Water Supply, Sustainability, Gender, Development, Kenya ASALS
Assessment of erosion damage in Ndome and Ghazi, Taita Taveta, Kenya: Towards an integrated erosion management approach
(GeoJournal, 2002-01-02) Waswa, F.; Gachene, C.K.K.; Eggers, Helmut
Aerial photograph interpretation on erosion trends from 1961 to 1998 showed that by 1998, approximately 17 and 50% of agricultural land in Ndome and Ghazi respectively had been permanently lost due to the combined effect of rill, inter-rill, and gully erosion, and sand deposition. Although abnormally heavy rains received between 1996–98 caused much of the present land damage, the severity of the damage was enhanced by inappropriate and persistent human perturbations in the land-system notably through vegetative degradation and destruction of soil structure through inappropriate tillage practices. With soil organic matter contents of 1.6 and 1.9%, and clay ratios of 10.1 and 10.6 for Ndome and Ghazi, respectively, the areas inherent erodibility was considered as high thus pointing to the need for careful use and management of the soil resource. That farmers appreciated only land quality indicators that were visible to the naked eye and that directly affected their subsistence, revealed a knowledge gap that saw damages from intrinsic processes like rill and inter-rill erosion proceed unnoticed. This paper argues that the spread of erosion damage in rural agro-ecosystems is survival-driven. And as a remedy to this problem, there is need for the diversification of livelihood endeavours to alternative off-farm income sources to reduce pressure on the already fragile land resource. Further, being the ultimate implementers of conservation technologies and by virtue of the multiplicity and inter-relation of rural household needs, adoption of an integrated erosion management approach with food security as paramount presents the most practical entry point for sustainable land management in such rural agro-ecosystems.
Assessment of profit efficiency among sweet yellow passion fruit farmers in Mbeere south Embu county, Kenya
(Elewa Biosciences, 2016) Mwita, A. C.; Maina, M.; Nyairo, N. M.; Ramasawmy, B.
The main purposes of this research was to assess the profit efficiency of sweet yellow passion fruit farmers and also determine the socioeconomic and institutional determinants to profit inefficiency of sweet yellow passion farmers located in Mbeere south district, Embu County in Kenya. A stochastic profit frontier approach was adopted. The study used primary data obtained by administering a structured questionnaire to 79 randomly selected sweet yellow passion fruit farmers. The study showed that the profit efficiency levels ranged from 23% to 90% with a mean of 76% implying that an estimated 24% profit loss was being made due to a combination of both technical and allocative inefficiencies. The study also found out that the frequency of farming experience, group membership and access to market information influence profit efficiency significantly. Therefore, it is recommended that extension education investments should be scaled up through producer organizations to improve agricultural productivity and agricultural marketing through proper search and use of marketing information
Biophysical and Socio-economic Frame Conditions for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources
(2009-10-06) Bekele, N.A.; Mithöfer, D.; Amudavi, D.; Obare, G.
Horticulture is a key sector of the Kenyan economy. It improves household welfare through providing income, satisfying domestic food needs and improving human nutrition. Next to market access pests and diseases are the major constraints. With the adoption of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and Common Interest Groups (CIG) as information sources in horticultural production, it is not yet understood how effective the two approaches en- hance environmentally and health friendly production practices such as integrated pest management (IPM). It is expected that IPM information is to a greater extent communicated among farmers belonging to farmer groups because of the enhanced interaction among group members. This paper presents findings of farmer preferences in the choice of information sources and assesses factors that influence IPM information reception and sharing. The analysis applies a bivariate probit regression model for reception and sharing of IPM information to survey data from a random sample of 487 smallholder horticultural producers who are either FFS members, CIG members or non-group based farmers. IPM information and knowledge in this paper is defined as a range of practices including scouting, sanitation, crop rotation, mixed cropping, hand picking, solarisation, planting resistant varieties, applying plant extracts and selective pesticide application. Findings show that government extension staff, NGOs, friends, and neighbours are the three most important information sources for horticulture production and IPM. FFS farmers have more knowledge on IPM practices than CIG and non-group based farmers. Regression results show that membership in farmer groups, gender, education, locality, household size, landper capita, distance to extension service, frequency of listening to radio and literate hou- sehold members significantly influence information flow. FFS farmers are more likely to receive IPM information than individual farmers whereas CIG farmers are not distinguishable from individual farmers with respect to receiving IPM information. Unlike FFS and non group based framers, CIG farmers are more likely to share IPM information. Implications may be that the intensive training of FFS farmers promotes information reception and knowledge accumulation but promotes close knit interaction in the group which prevents information leaving the group. This is being further tested.
Cellular Immune Response and Abomasum worm burden in Goats Vaccinated with HC58cDNA Vaccine against H. contortus Infection
(www.iiste.org, 2013) Osuga, Isaac M.; Muleke, C. I.; Yan, Ruofeng; Sun, Yanming; Osuga, I.M.; Shivairo, R.S.; Li, Xiangrui
Abstract Vaccination with DNA vaccines derived from adult H. contortus induces significant level of protection against homologous infection in goat. To date however, mechanism of protection is not well understood, especially in goat. In this study, HC58 DNA vaccinated goats were artificially infected with 5, 000 dose of infective H. contortus L 3 (third larval stage), and cellular immune responses and abomasum worm burden examined. The results showed that peripheral CD4+, CD8+ T and B lymphocytes for nematode challenged
Chickpea Residue Properties Controlling Decomposition Dynamics and nitrogen Availability in Some Tropical Acid Soils
(Taylor & Francis; NISC (Pty) Ltd, 2013) Danga, B. O.; Hadas, A.; Wakindiki, I.; Ouma, J. P.; Bar-Tal, A.
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) grown in a rotation can contribute significant nitrogen (N) if its decomposition and nutrient-release dynamics are known and synchronised with the maximum demand by the succeeding crop. The aims of the study were to investigate the decomposition rates of two chickpea residues, mature (CHR) and green manure (GM), and use their properties to predict N dynamics in acid soils. The N dynamics were predicted by the NCSOIL model using neutral and acidic detergent fibres (NDF and ADF, respectively) measured by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for defining residue pools. The GM released 50–60% of total N in 84 d, whereas CHR immobilised N. Simulations based on the two residue pools indicated that NIRS predicted the carbon (C) and N dynamics reasonably well for both residues. The decay rate constants of the NDF − soluble pool varied between 0.5 and 0.2 d−1. Adding an intermediate pool NDF  ADF improved the prediction of C and N dynamics for CHR but not for GM. Therefore, successful prediction of N dynamics required the search of N partitioning among pools by NCSOIL, as long as no chemical analysis of N was suitable for this purpose.
Client focused extension approach for disseminating soil fertility management in central Kenya
(ESci Journals Publishing, 2014) Mugwe, J. N.; Muna, M.W.M.; Muchai, Serah W.K.; Mugendi, D.N.; Mairura, Franklin S.
Land degradation and soil nutrient depletion have become serious threats to agricultural productivity in sub- Saharan Africa. To improve agriculture production, research has led to recommendation of a range of integrated Soil fertility Management (ISFM) options, of proven effectiveness, for soil fertility improvement. Although many factors contribute to the low adoption of ISFM by farmers, communication gaps between extension agents and farmers lie at the heart of the problem. Hence, the study sought to investigate factors considered by agricultural extension agents in selection of communication channels to disseminate soil fertility information in the central highlands of Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used to elicit information from 105 extension agents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. In choosing the communication method to be used in dissemination of soil fertility management (SFM) practices, target group was scored as the most relevant factor followed by type of SFM, time available then number of staff sequentially. Education was perceived to highly influence the selection of workshop (M= 3.4) while age was perceived to highly influence the selection of video showing (M= 2.8) as extension methods in dissemination of SFM. The implication of the study is that diverse communication channels should be utilized to get to farmers of different socio economic characteristics.
Complementary effects of organic and mineral fertilizers on maize production in the smallholder farms of Meru South District, Kenya.
(2012-10-19) Mutegi, E. M.; Kung'u, J.B.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Pieter, P.; Mugendi, D.N.
Low soil fertility is a major constraint to maize production in the small holder farms of Meru South District. This is mainly attributed to the mining of nutrients due to cropping without external addition of adequate nutrients. Mineral fertilizers are expensive hence unaffordable by most small holder farmers. The use of organic matter to increase and maintain soil fertility is being considered as a solution to help the low-income small holder farmers. A study was conducted in Mucwa location, Meru South District to determine the levels of complementarity between organic and mineral N amendments on maize yields and their influence on soil chemical properties. The experiment was set in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. The treatments were compared with the response obtained from control. The general soil fertility parameters changed slightly with Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium increasing in all treatments. The organic Carbon and total Nitrogen was higher in treatments that received sole organic N sources than in sole mineral N and a combination of organic and mineral N sources. The highest maize grain yield of 4.8 t.ha-1 and 4.2 t.ha-1 were realized from sole application of calliandra during the 2005 Short rains and 2006 Long rains cropping seasons. Generally the maize grain yields were lower in treatments with mineral N alone compared to the treatments with organics. Treatments with sole calliandra and sole tithonia had the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR), followed closely by manure treatment. More so, integration of organic and mineral N sources resulted to higher net benefit and BCR than the application of the recommended rate of mineral fertilizers. Results obtained indicated that the use of either organic or combined organic/mineral N soil amendment appear to be superior to using mineral amendment sources alone.
Consumers’ Preference Attributes for Indigenous Chicken in Kenya
(Academic research journals, 2017-01) Ndenga, Charles; Bett, Eric K.; Kabuag, Lucy W.
Indigenous chicken (Gallus domesticus) are an important source of livelihoods and food for majority of households in Kenya. Consumers appreciate Indigenous chicken(IC) more due to its nutritional value and health benefits. The Kenyan chicken market is dominated by indigenous chickens, an indication of consumer preferences. This is despite recent improvements by research institutions resulting to development of Improved Indigenous Chicken (IIC) which has higher productivity levels. Consumer preference assessment gives important information on acceptability of a commodity by consumers. The primary objective of this study, therefore, was to analyze consumer preference attributes for indigenous chickens in Makueni and Nairobi counties. Specifically, the study sought to; identify and rank attributes of indigenous chickens that influences choice and consumption and to; analyze the influence of IC attributes on price. A Cross-sectional survey research was used to obtain 200 respondents with the aid of semi-structured questionnaires. Hedonic pricing model in STATA 11.0 was fitted to estimate the influence of attributes on observed prices. Results indicated that consumers pay a premium of Ksh 30/kilogram for yellow skin and Ksh. 30 kg for low fat content live IC. Dressed IC with white meat colour received a price premium of Ksh. 43 kg while red meat colour received premium of Ksh. 62 kg. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that government supports breeding and improvement programs to ensure IC of preferred attributes are available and affordable to the farmers. This would enhance acceptability and utilization by consumers.
Contract sugarcane farming and farmers’ incomes in the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya
(Journal of Applied Biosciences 5, 2012-04) Onyango, J. P.; Waswa, F.; Mwamburi, M.
This paper reports on one of the findings of a study to establish the relationship between contract sugarcane farming, poverty and environmental management in the Lake Victoria basin. Methodology:A social survey design was adopted. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from 37, 40 and 40 household heads representing sugarcane farmers from Lurambi, Koyonzo and Chemelil respectively. Data on farmer incomes were obtained from individual farmer payment statements. Descriptive statistics focusing on frequency distributions and step-wise backward regression were used to derive income models as platforms for future decision-making in sugarcane agri-business. Results: Results from Lurambi, Koyonzo and Chemelil showed that on average farmers retained only 32, 31 and 34% respectively of the gross income from contract sugarcane farming. Although net income was influenced differently by conventional input costs, yield appears to be a key determinant of gross income across the sites. Net income was significantly depressed by company-driven deductions for which farmers had no control. Such skewed sharing of income, where the sugar companies retain at least 60% of the gross income raises sustainability concerns that need to be addressed through a participatory approach involving all key stakeholders.Implications:To profit from contract sugarcane farming, farmers need to at least double their current mean yields per unit area, assuming that available land devoted to sugarcane excluding land for subsistence farming is at least 5 acres. Where this option is not possible, farmers should be encouraged to diversify their livelihoods to other cash crops through sustainable intensive systems. A more pro-active extension service involving the farmers, companies and ministry of agriculture will be required. Key words: Contract sugarcane farming, Livelihoods, Western Kenya
Declining Wood Fuel and Implications for Household Cooking and Diets in Tigania Sub-county Kenya.
(Elsevier, 2020) Waswa, Fuchaka; Mcharo, Mwamburi; Mworia, Millicent
Research on rural energy has in the past focussed on access and environmental effects. Little is however documented on the relationship between declining availability of wood fuel, household cooking and eating patterns, which ultimately impact people's nutritional status. A 2016-2017 cross-sectional survey in Tigania, Meru County in Kenya, targeting 239 respondents, showed that about 81% of the households respond to energy shortages by cooking composite meals instead of single meals, effectively reducing the number of cooking sessions per day. Further, cooking food that takes less time is preferred. Such foods, however, often have low nutritional value. Rich traditional foods that take longer to cook are soaked as an attempt to reduce their energy demand. While cooking composite meals and skipping meals saves energy and time, there are negative health impacts that can, however, be lessened by ensuring that one or two meals per day are balanced diets. Although firewood is the most important and popular energy source, it is becoming scarce. Integrated measures that guarantee a supply of wood fuel at the farm level while at the same building household capacities on energy use efficiency and balanced dieting demand national policy interventions. Ultimately, lasting solutions to declining wood fuel may lie in the adoption of energy-efficient cooking stoves and value addition on available energy options. Expanding income generation options at household levels will also make access to clean energy more possible and ultimately reduce the indignity of poor feeding habits caused by energy shortages within poor rural communities. Future research needs to also focus on increasing the shelf-life of cooked food types where households are too poor to afford refrigeration.
Determinants of Household Decision to Join Community Forest Associations: A Case Study of Kenya
(ISRN Forestry, 2013) Mugwe, J. N.; Musyoki, J.K.; Mutundu, K.; Muchiri, M.
Forests contribute significantly to the livelihoods of forest adjacent communities. Under the Kenya's new Forest Act (2005), community participation in forest conservation is provided for through formation of Community Forest Associations (CFAs). This study focused on Ontukigo and Ngare Ndare CFAs involved in participatory management of Ontulili and Ngare Ndare forests in North Central Kenya. It aimed at identifying household factors associated with decision to participate in PFM and the differences between CFA and non-CFA members in their participation in forest conservation activities. Semi structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected 80 CFA and 80 non-CFA members. Factors influencing household decision to join CFA included household size (, ), age (, ), number of cows () and sheep () owned by CFA (6.6) and non-CFA (4.2), farm size () and forms of land tenure. Other factors included distance of homestead from forest (,), sources of fodder (, ), access to forest products (, ), crop land (), and awareness of Forest Act 2005 (). Participation in forest conservation was positively influenced by CFA membership (). Majority of CFA members (80%) participated highly in forest patrol, fire control, tree nurseries, and tree planting activities.
Determinants of the decision to adopt integrated soil fertility management practices by smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Kenya
(Cambridge University Press, 2009-01) Mugwe, J. N.; Mugendi, D.N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Merckx, R.; Chianu, Jonas; Vanlauwe, B.
Declining soil fertility is a major cause of low per capita food production on smallholder farms of sub-Saharan Africa. This study attempted to provide an empirical explanation of the factors associated with farmers' decisions to adopt or not to adopt newly introduced integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies consisting of combinations of organics and mineral fertilizer in Meru South district of the central highlands of Kenya. Out of 106 households interviewed, 46% were ‘adopters’ while 54% were ‘non-adopters’. A logistic regression model showed that the factors that significantly influenced adoption positively were farm management, ability to hire labour and months in a year households bought food for their families, while age of household head and number of mature cattle negatively influenced adoption. The implication of these results is that the adoption of ISFM practices could be enhanced through targeting of younger families where both spouses work on the farm full-time and food insecure households. It is also important to target farmers that lack access to other sources of soil fertility improvement. Examples include farmers that do not own cattle or those owning few and who, therefore, have limited access to animal manure.

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