RP-Department of Agricultural Resources Management (ARM)

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A Double-Hurdle Model Estimation of Adoption and Intensity of Use of Poultry Production Technologies in Machakos County, Kenya
(Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-03) Kamau, Christopher N.; Majiwa, Eucabeth B.; Otieno, Geoffrey O.; Kabuage, Lucy W.
ABSTRACT Poultry production technologies adoption, such as improved Indigenous Chicken (IC) breeds and fabricated brooders, remain a viable option for enhancing IC productivity. However, the uptake of improved IC technologies remains low, especially in developing countries. This study investigated the adoption and intensity of the use of IC technologies in Machakos County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey to collect data from 374 households selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussion were employed, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Double-Hurdle model. The double hurdle results revealed that farmer experience, land size, non-farm activities, group membership, access to credit, awareness of IC technologies, and use of intensive/semi-intensive production systems were positively associated with IC technology adoption. However, household size was negatively associated with IC technology adoption. The intensity of use of IC technology was positively associated with gender, active labor, credit access, distance to the weather roads, and intensive production system. The study recommends that there is a need for agricultural stakeholders to promote membership in farmer associations and credit access, create awareness of IC technology, and improve opportunities for non-farm activities to help improve the adoption and intensity of the use of IC technologies. PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT The integration of improved Indigenous Chicken (IC) technologies plays an essential role in bridging the existing demand for white meat in developing nations. The present popularity of the indigenous chicken is due to the ease of feed conversion, the organic nature of production, scavenging ability, and delicious products. Despite the increased demand, the rate of uptake of the improved IC technologies remained low. The findings underscore the crucial role of human-specific, economic, and institutional factors in determining the decision and intensity of IC technologies in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya. The focus should be on targeted interventions such as programs suited to the requirements of the region’s farmers, increasing access to credit and extension services, and campaigning for supporting government policies and programs that stimulate the use of improved IC technologies.
Microbiological Quality of Free-Range Chicken Carcasses from a Non-Regulated Slaughter Facility In Kenya
(JVMAH, 2021) Kuria, Joseph K. N.; Ngethe, Esther W.; Kabuage, Lucy W.
This study assessed the microbiological quality of meat from free rage-produced chicken processed in an informal slaughter facility. The total viable counts (TVC), total coliform counts, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Salmonella species and Campylobacter species were used as indicators. A cross-sectional sampling of chicken carcasses at informal slaughter facility was carried out. Whole carcass rinse fluid was prepared from 40 randomly obtained freshly dressed carcasses. Fluid samples were cultured in selective media to isolate and enumerate the specific bacteria. S. aureus was further identified by coagulase test, Streptococci by serotyping into Lancefield groups, Campylobacter by DNA analysis and Salmonella by biochemical tests and serology. Bacterial concentrations in the carcasses were calculated as colony forming units (CFU) per ml and CFU/cm2 . The mean carcass CFU/ml concentration was 1.59 × 107, 1.44 ×105, 3.2 × 104 and 1.06 × 104 for TVC, Coliforms, S. aureus and Streptococci, respectively. All the mean concentration values were higher than the limits recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus was isolated from 12 (30%) carcasses and Streptococci from 35 (87%). Majority Streptococci were Lancefield Group D (48.57%) followed by Group G (17.14%), and Group F (14.28%). Campylobacter genus was identified in 11 carcasses (27.5%) and Campylobacter jejuni in three (7.5%). On the other hand, Salmonella was not isolated from any carcass. The results of the study indicated that the low hygienic standard in non-regulated slaughter houses exposed the chicken meat to microbial contaminants which may pose a risk to the consumers. Improvement of slaughter infrastructure and capacity-building of slaughter personnel is therefore critically required to ensure food safety and enable access to high value markets.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Palm Oil Production in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Nigeria
(IJEBAS, 2023) EGWU, Patricia Ngozi; ODOH, Ngozi Ekunyi; Eze, Anayochukwu
Extant studies have established that Nigeria has lost its place as the global largest producer of palm oil. However, there seems to be a dearth of studies on how the socioeconomic variables of producers affect palm oil production. Consequently, this study analysed the socioeconomic determinants of palm oil production in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, Nigeria. Combinations of multi-stage random and purposive sampling procedures were used to select 120 small-scale palm oil producers. The data collected using a structured questionnaire was analysed with the aid of descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentage, and inferential statistical tools of OLS regression and principal component factor analysis. The results reveal that more women (74.2%) dominated palm oil production in the area. The age bracket of most (41.7 %) palm oil producers was between 46-65 years. The overwhelming proportion (70.8%) of the respondents were married with 50.8 percent of them having a household size of between 1-4 persons. The educational level attained by most of the respondents (70.8%) was primary education. 62.5 percent of the respondents had been involved in palm oil production for over 10 years. While the overwhelming proportion (80.8%) of the respondents were not members of cooperative societies. The study found age, education attainment, household size, farming experience, income, and extension contact as the socioeconomic determinants of palm oil production. The study identified financial and institutional factors as the principal factors and constraints to palm oil production in Igbo Etiti LGA of Enugu State. The study concludes that these variables are critical to improving the output of palm oil production in the area. Thus, this should form part of the critical issues to be included in any policy development that targets improvement in palm oil production.
Nitrogen Forms in Three Kenyan Soils Nitisols, Luvisols and Ferralsols
(International Educative Research Foundation and Publisher, 2016) Karukua, G.N; Mochoge, B.O
The nitrogen cycle in soil is an integral part of the overall cycle of N in nature. The primary source of N is the atmosphere where the strongly bonded gas molecule N is predominately gas (78.08%). Total N content in soils ranges from 0.02% in the subsoil and more than 2.5% in peats; ploughed layers of most cultivated soils contain between 0.06 and 0.5%. The amount present in each case is, however determined by climate, type of vegetation, topography, parent material and activities of man. Over 95% of TN in surface soils is organically bound while the portion of non-exchangeable N is high in subsurface soil. Knowledge concerning the nature of organic N in soils is based on studies involving identification and estimation of N forms released by treatment with hot acids. Organic N forms were determined in three soils by acid hydrolysis. The total hydrolysable organic N for the 0-15 and 15-30cm layers were 57.2 and 59.3% for Gituamba andosols; 56.9 and 61.9 for Kitale ferralsols; 39.0 and 42.1% for Katumani luvisols, respectively. Amide N ranged from 11.6 to 21.4% of total N; Hexosamine from 5.2 to 10.1% and Amino acid N from 26.2 to 37.1%. Amino acid N therefore formed the highest portion followed by Amide N of the hydrolysable organic N.
Nitrogen Mineralization Potential (No) in Three Kenyan Soils: Andosls, Ferralsols and Luvisols
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2018) Karuku, George N; Mochoge, Benson O
Nitrogen mineralization potential is important so as to prevent over-fertilization that could lead to groundwater contamination or under-fertilization that could lead to poor nutrient provision by crops leading to low yields. Three soil types were selected on the basis of groups, agro-ecological zone, organic matter content and land use. The soil samples were taken from the 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth. The samples were placed in incubation bags, water added to field capacity, sealed and incubated in laboratory at room temperature. The bags were opened at intervals of two weeks and soil sub-samples taken for analysis of mineral N for a period of 17 weeks. The calculated mineralizable N was 138.8 μg N and 116.4 μg N/g for Gituamba andosols, 46.0 μg N and 46.4 μg N/g for Kitale ferralsol and 260.1 μg N and 197.3 μg N/g soil for Katumani luvisols in the 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. These calculated values compared well with the actual cumulative mineralizable N for Gituamba andosols at 127 μg N and 74.1 μg N/g, for Kitale ferralsols at 48.0 μg N and 64.1 μg N/g and for Katumani 80.6 μg N and 47.7 μg N/g soil in the 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. The time taken for 50% of potentially mineralizable N to be mineralized (t½) ranged from 6.3 weeks for Katumani luvisols 15-30 cm to 30.1 weeks for Kitale ferralsols 0-15 cm soil depths. The soils with highest rate constant (k) had the least. For example, 15-30 cm depth of Katumani luvisols with of 6.3 weeks had the highest k of 0.112 week-1 compared with Kitale ferralsols 0-15 cm depth with t½ of 30.1 weeks and the lowest k of 0.023 week-1. The observed data indicates that 50% of N would be mineralized in all the soil types with the exception of Kitale ferralsols (0-15 cm depth) within the growing period of the crops which is approximately 20 weeks
Integrated Soil Fertility Management Prospects for Soil Productivity and Food Security in Machakos County
(EAAFJ, 2022) Wamalwa, S. W.; Danga, B.; Kwena, K.
Integrated soil fertility management is the most costeffective and time-efficient method of restoring soil fertility and increasing per capita yields on Sub-Saharan African smallholder farms. However, low acceptance has resulted from a lack of knowledge about the prospects of these strategies prior to promoting them. In 2016, the Mwania watershed in Machakos, eastern Kenya, was surveyed to fill this void. About 174 household heads were chosen using the “farmer-led adoption approach and a pretested structured questionnaire to obtain primary data on their household gender, education level, food security, cultivated land size, soil fertility practices, and constraints to determine the potential use of integrated soil fertility management practises at the watershed level. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 22 computer program for descriptive attributes. Relationships between dependent and independent variables were determined using the tobit regression model. According to the findings, 85% of households are headed by men, with over 82% being postprimary graduates, who are the main decision makers. The majority (83%) cultivate 2 ha and 57% acknowledged food insecurity, with 89.1%, 73.1%, and 45.1% blaming it on climate variability, limited soil moisture, and a lack of input access, respectively. Low fertility scored 40% at medium level with labour at 40% in low cluster constraints, could be because of high unemployment rates. Animal manure and chemical fertiliser use were reported at 95.5% and 76.6%, respectively, although they were using them separately, probably due to high cost, increased labour requirements, and accessibility problems resulting in continuous low yields. Therefore, huge prospects of integrated soil fertility management practices’ use exist in the Kenyan semi-arid, especially when promoted at community level.
Sorghum Production Challenges in Drought Areas of Siaya and Baringo Counties, Kenya
(East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal, 2022) Njinju, S. M; Gweyi, J; Mayoli, R.N
Sorghum bicolor (L.) is an important food in Sub-Saharan Africa where drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that limit its productivity. In Kenya production is low despite having a rich diversity in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). A cross section survey was conducted between 12th and 21st January, 2021 with the objectives of collecting different sorghum accessions, identifying preferred traits, identifying production constraints and finding out challenges faced by farmers in sorghum production in Siaya and Baringo counties. The respondents interviewed from the two counties included 43 sorghum farmers who provided 48 sorghum accession. Results from this study indicated that majority (80%) of farmers acquired primary education, while 79% of farmers listed sorghum as their first priority crop among maize, beans, green grams, groundnuts, cassava and bananas due to its drought tolerance, resistance to pests, less labour and fertilizer requirements and its ability to ratoon. Most respondents grew sorghum landraces from their own saved seeds (46%), local market (21%) while less than 20% planted certified seeds. In addition, 90% of the farmers in the two counties grew sorghum for food, sale (72%) and fodder (23%). Consumers in these counties preferred taste, good germination, early maturity, bird resistance, colour (non-red) and drought tolerance while farmers identified drought, pests (birds), diseases, striga weed, marketing and low yields as the key constraints in sorghum production. Evaluation of the collected sorghum accession would help to identify suitable ones for increased yields.
Economic Viability of Value-Added Cashew Products Processed In Southeast Zone, Nigeria
(ScienceDirect, 2023) Eze, Anayochukwu Victor; Macharia, Ibrahim; Ngare, Lucy
The "Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016-2020)" is an initiative of Nigeria's government, designed to create jobs and wealth for participants in the agricultural value chains through value addition to export crops such as cashew. However, it is not known how cashew processors have exploited this opportunity to improve their economic returns from value-added cashew products, processed in the Southeast zone, Nigeria. Consequently, this study analysed the economic viability of value-added cashew products processed in the Southeast zone of Nigeria. Specifically, the objective was to determine the cost-benefit analysis, rate of return on investment, net income, and variability of value-added cashew products processed in the Southeast zone, Nigeria. A descriptive research design involving a cross-sectional survey of 353 randomly sampled participants was administered with a structured questionnaire. Ratio statistics, gross margin, benefit-cost ratio analysis, rate of return and ANOVA were applied to analyze the data. The results show that variable cost constitutes >96 but ≤98% of the total cost of cashew value addition. The average net income from 1 kg of value-added cashew products is profitable with cashew kernel yielding the highest net income (N2,724.4 (US $7.6) > cashew nut (N2,547.9 (US $7.1)) > both cashew products (N2,340.4 (US $6.5)). The benefit-cost ratios for 1 kg of value-added cashew nut and cashew kernel were slightly higher (1:1.4) respectively than that of both cashew products (1:1.3), suggesting that value-added cashew products deliver positive net income to the processors. Equally, the rate of returns (RORs) for 1 kg of value-added cashew products yield the highest (38.1%) in cashew kernel > cashew nut (37.4%) > both cashew products (34.1%). The coefficient of dispersion (COD) in revenue and cost of value-added products shows the least risk in cashew kernel (0.097) and the highest risk in both cashew products (0.122). The study provides empirical evidence for potential small and medium-scale investors to make an informed investment decision about value addition to cashew products. It is recommended that government should encourage people to engage in value addition to cashew products because of its high rate of return, and assist processors with credit to procure modern processing equipment to enhance profitability and income generation.
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.
Lime, Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Effects on Soil Chemical Properties, Maize Yield and Profitability in Acidic Soils in Central Highlands of Kenya
(Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2021-09-21) Kimiti, W. Winnie; Mucheru-Muna, M. W.; Mugwe, J. N.; Ngetich, K. F.; Kiboi, M. N.; Mugend, D. N.
In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), acidic soil covers 29% of the total area. About 13% of the Kenyan total land area has acidic soils, widely distributed in croplands of the central and western Kenyan regions. The high soil acidity, coupled with soil nutrient depletion, negatively affects crop productivity in the region. We conducted an on-farm experiment to determine the effect of lime, manure, and phosphatic fertilizer application, either solely or combined, on soil chemical properties, maize yield, and profitability in acidic soils of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The treatments were different rates of manure, lime, and P fertilizer. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design replicated ten times in farmer’s fields. Soil sampling was done at a depth of 0-20 cm prior to the start of the experiment, after crop harvest of SR2016 and LR2017 seasons. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory following standard methods. Results showed that lime significantly increased soil pH by 10.6% during the SR2016 and by 17.7% during the LR2017. Similarly, treatments with lime reduced exchangeable acidity and increased soil available P. Treatments with inorganic fertilizers had significantly higher maize grain yield in comparison with treatments with the sole application of lime, manure, and lime + manure. Lime + fertilizer + manure treatment gave the highest average maize grain yield (5.1 t ha−1 ), while control gave the lowest (1.5 t ha−1 ) during the LR2017 season. Economic returns were low due to the prevailing low rainfall experienced during the study period during the SR2016 season. Lime combined with inorganic fertilizer treatment recorded the highest returns (128.75 USD ha-1 ) followed by sole inorganic fertilizer (105.94 USD ha-1 ) during the LR2017 season. The study recommends a combination of both lime and inorganic fertilizer for enhanced maize production and profitability in Tharaka-Nithi County, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Integration of Ground Magnetics and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Ilmenite Prospection in Magaoni, Kenya
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2016) Otieno, George Oduor; Githiri, John Gitonga; Ambusso, Willis Jakanyango
The geology of Magaoni area is associated with the presence of heavy minerals [1]. Magaoni’s neighbours Maumba and Nguluku where ilmenite was discovered by Tiomin Resource Inc. in 1996, using drilling and chemical analysis [2]. Ilmenite mineral is known to be magnetically weak, but provides observable magnetic response [3]. In this study, ground magnetic survey method was carried out to map magnetic anomalies of established stations, associated with ilmenite bearing formations. The magnetic contour map plotted showed weak and shallow magnetic signatures spread throughout the study area. 2D Euler deconvolution solutions revealed presence of magnetised formations from near surface to a maximum depth of about 450 m at some points. The weak magnetic formations of near surface indicated presence of ilmenite. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was done on soil samples collected randomly from the study area to determine the percentage of iron and titanium oxides. The results showed elevated values of titanium dioxide, ranging from 1.5% to 13% which is way above the global average of about 0.7% [4]. The percentage of iron oxide was low, ranging from 1.5% to 4%, this being the reason for weak magnetisation of the study area
Rural Community Coping Strategies with Drought- Driven Food Insecurity in Kwale County, Kenya
(Science and Education Publishing, 2015) Makoti, A.; Waswa, F.
This paper discusses how households in Kwale in Kenya cope with drought-driven food insecurity and also provides suggestions to inform sustainable mitigation planning. This area was purposively selected because it suffers the most severe food insecurity levels in Kwale County. The main respondents were 120 households selected using stratified random sampling and 20 key informants selected purposively. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and environmental observation checklists. Since the goal was to determine general trends, data analysis focused on descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that major droughts tend to occur every 10-15 years while minor ones after every 3-4 years. Failure of staple food crops and livestock losses elicits severe negative impacts on the community’s well-being. Further, technical mitigation measures perceived as effective were not necessarily the most popular with the community. For instance growing drought resistant crops was ranked first by 90% of the respondents, perception on its effectiveness placed it 4th rank in favour of water reservoirs, whose priority ranking was 7th by 25% of respondents. Similarly, diversification of income was prioritized by 71% of respondents, yet placed as second in effectiveness in favour of engaging in waged labour, whose priority ranking was 3rd by 58% of respondents. By implication, decision-making for lasting mitigation measures requires the input of farmers. In conclusion, short to medium term drought coping mechanisms should focus on diversifying food and income opportunities for households. As such farmers need to be empowered to access financial credit for investment. At the county level, investing in water resources development for irrigation agriculture and improvements in livestock management remain key long-term mitigation measures. The requisite community capacity building calls for coordinated public-private-civil society partnerships.
Effects of Returnees Re-Integration on the Livelihoods of Host Communities in Leer County, South Sudan
(IISTE, 2015) Barasa, M.; Waswa, F.
Although international press has covered the conflicts in the Sudan region extensively, the effects of returnees’ reintegration on sustainable livelihoods of host communities have not received much attention. Findings from Leer in South Sudan indicated that contrary to expectation, host communities play a leading role in the returnees to socio-economic reintegration than government, the international community and civil society organisations. Immediate support provided by host communities centred on the provision of basic needs like food, water, shelter, productive assets and start-off money, all of which are hinged on established traditional kinship ties and relationships of trust and reciprocity. Nevertheless, the influx of returnees resulted into competition for various scarce resources creating conflicts and tensions that threatened the realization of durable peaceful co-existence between the returnees and their hosts. Although a burden in the short term, reintegrated returnees collectively participate in community activities and make their contribution to the improvement of their conditions and general development of the area using diverse skills that they possess and or acquire over time in the displacement and or refugee camps. National and international effort on sustainable returnee re-integration should focus on strengthening the participation of host communities, provision of critical basic needs and services, accelerated access to land, and decisive internal political stabilization.
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.
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.

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