CW-Department of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

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Intercropping Potato with Grain Legumes for Enhanced Productivity and Climate Change Adaptation in Smallholder Farms, Kenya
(Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture, 2018) Nyawade, Shadrack; Gitari, Harun I.; Karanja, Nancy N.; Gachene, Charles K. K.; Geldermann, E.; Parker, M.
This study evaluated the effect of potato-grain legume intercropping systems on best land equivalent yield ratios, crop water productivity and net profits in field trials conducted in three agro-ecologies of Kenya: upper highland with seasonal rainfall of 592 mm and altitude of 2550 m, lower highland (505 mm, 1879 m) and lower midland (356 mm, 1522 m) in 2017 rainy seasons. Shangi and Unica the most common potato variety in Kenya, and a drought and heat tolerant variety, respectively, were grown alone and intercropped with the deep rooting legumes, Dolichos (Lablab purperous) and Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus). Whereas the potato varieties had similar yields in the traditional highland growing zone, the heat and drought tolerant Unica performed significantly better in a typical semi-arid midland agro-ecology. Intercropping systems with lima bean and Unica potato variety increased crop water productivity by 38% compared to the pure Unica cropping system and maintained soil moisture content above 33% during flowering and tuberization stages at all sites. This resulted in significantly higher dry matter equivalent yields of 3.21 ± 0.12 ha-1 compared to pure stands (1.98 ± 0.21 ha-1) and when intercropped with Dolichos (1.11 ± 0.23 ha-1) in the low midland zone. This system (Unica + Lima bean) recorded the highest net profits of USD 3,324 ± 143 ha-1 across the three agro-ecologies. These results reveal a strong effect of Unica potato genotype and environment interaction, and show that intercropping a heat and drought tolerant potato variety with lima bean is an excellent option for improved resource use efficiency in non-mechanized smallholder farming systems. This strategy can diversify potato production to mid-elevation agro-food systems and mitigate events of climate change in traditional growing regions.
Unlocking Legume Intercropping Technology in Smallholder Potato Farming Systems for Climate Change Adaptation
(University of Montenegro, 2020) Nyawade, Shadrack; Gitari, Harun I.
A large portion of sub-Saharan Africa is situated in belts of uncertain rainfall and is characterized by low soil fertility with limited capacity to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. A study was conducted in semi-humid potato growing belt of Kenya to test the effect of legume intercropping and water soluble silicon (Si) on soil erosion control, and on use efficiency of light and water. Two forage legumes, Dolichos (Lablab purpureus L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia sativa L.), were intercropped with a heat and water stress tolerant potato (Unica) in a 2: 2 row arrangement. Silicon was applied to each cropping system in granular form at planting and as foliar at vegetative stage of potato growth and compared with no Si treatments. Intercropped potato subjected to Si application maintained significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) relative leaf water content, higher concentrations of chlorophyll and greater leaf area index. These treatments accumulated significantly higher proline content and thus alleviated heat load on potato. Intercropping reduced soil loss by up to 80% compared to sole potato. Yield measured in terms of potato equivalents was 2–3 fold greater in intercropping relative to sole potato. Productivity of water and light were 35–75% greater in intercropping than in sole potato and increased with Si application. Combined application of Si and legume intercropping is a novel technology to conserve soils, increase resource use efficiency, and thus adapt farmers to adverse effect of climate change
Silicon Exerts Additive Effects on Phosphorus Acquisition by Potato Intercropped with Chickpea
(University of Montenegro, 2020) Nyawade, Shadrack; Gitari, Harun I.; Kamau, Solomon
The role played by silicon (Si) and legume intercropping in nutrient acquisition by potato crop has been neglected in most studies. A field trial integrating potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in intercropping system was conducted over six (6) growing seasons in the upper midland (1552 m above sea level) agro-ecological zone of Kenya. The intercropped chickpea secreted enzyme phosphatase into the rhizosphere (5.1–27.1 mol g–1 fwt h–1) thus mobilizing organic (4.2–18.9 mg kg–1 soil) and inorganic phosphorus (6.9–42.8 mg kg–1 soil). This increased phosphorus availability and acquisition by the intercropped potato. Chickpea took up more cations than anions, resulting in net proton efflux (43–105 mmol kg soil–1) with a significant decrease in rhizosphere pH. This acidic medium enhanced Si solubilization, increasing Si+ ions, which competed with Fe3+ and Al3+ ions for specific soil phosphorus sorption sites. Provision of sustainable seed supply systems for chickpea and market linkages for water-soluble silicon are necessary for adoption of this innovation.
Crop Water Productivity and Economic Return of Rain Fed Potato-Legume Intercropping Systems
(University of Montenegro, 2020) Gitari, Harun I.; Kamau, Solomon; Nyawade, Shadrack
Reliance on rain-fed potato-legume intercropping systems among resource constrained smallholder farmers is usually ineffective without considering their economic viability. A field experiment conducted at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, in the growing seasons of 2014 to 2016 evaluated the effect of intercropping potato with legumes on soil moisture content (SMC), evapotranspiration (ET), potato equivalent yield (PEY), net income and crop water productivity (CWP) based on PEY (CWPPEY) and economic returns (CWPE). The treatments comprised of pure potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) stand (PS), potato-dolichos (Lablab purpureus) (PD), potato-garden pea (Pisum sativum) (PG) and potato-bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (PB). Results showed significantly higher SMC values at tuber initiation stage: 77, 69, 67 and 62 mm in PD, PG, PB and PS, respectively. Fresh tuber yield was highest in PS (36 t ha−1) and PD (35 t ha−1) and lowest in PG (29 t ha−1). PEY was higher under intercropping than monocropping systems. The lowest ET values that were recorded in PS (630 mm) and PG (631 mm) differed significantly from those in PB (636 mm) and PD (642 mm). Potato-dolichos was the most profitable cropping system with a net income of 9,174 US$ ha−1 and a BCR of 5.7 compared to PS (7,436 US$ ha−1) with a BCR of 5.1. CWPPEY varied significantly between cropping systems in the order of PD (6.2 kg ha−1 m−3) > PB (4.7 kg ha−1 m−3) > PG (4.3 kg ha−1 m−3) > PS (2.3 kg ha−1 m−3). A similar trend was observed for CWPE with values of between 1.3 US$ ha−1 m−3 for PD and 1.5 US$ ha−1 m−3 for PS. The study shows that dolichos is a viable legume crop that could be integrated into potato cropping systems to improve their CWP without compromising the tuber yield.
Soil and water conservation and nutrient use efficiencies in smallholder potato-legume intercropping systems
(APA, 2019) Nyawade, Shadrack; Karanja, Nancy; Gachene, Charles K. K.; Gitari, Harun I.; Kamau, Solomon; Atieno, Elly; Sharma, Kalpana; Schulte-Geldermann, Elmar; Parker, Monica L.
Water Use Efficiency and Yield of Potato in Potato-Legume Based Intercropping Systems in a Semi-Humid Region, Kenya
(European Association for Potato Research, 2017) Gitari, Harun I.; Gachene, Charles K. K.; Karanja, Nancy; Schulte-Geldermann, Elmar
2nd biennial international conference on enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems
(Kenyatta University, 2016-11) Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Willy, Daniel Kyalo; Nguhiu, Purity; Gichaga, Cyrus
PREFACE The agricultural sector remains a key pillar to economic development in SubSaharan Africa and other developing regions. In Kenya for instance, agriculture is one of the key sectors, accounting for 25% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The sector also accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya’s total exports and provides more than 18% and 75% of formal and informal employment respectively. The growth of the national economy is therefore highly correlated with agricultural growth and development. The sector is however faced by a battery of challenges, limiting its potential to play this critical role. The challenges include limited use of modern agricultural technologies extreme weather events, deterioration in soil fertility, post harvest losses and poor access to agricultural extension services. As a result of these challenges, agricultural productivity has been low and agriculture dependent households continue to be impoverished. It is therefore critical that efforts by the government of Kenya in collaboration with other key stakeholders such as research institutes, universities and other collaborators should focus on addressing these challenges. In line with this agenda, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED), Kenyatta University organizes a Biennial Conference every two years. This offers an opportunity to various stakeholders in Agricultural sector to share and exchange knowledge and experiences. The SAED Biennial conference also provides a platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development and address the challenges affecting the Agricultural sector. The second conference was organized in collaboration with World Vision Kenya. It brought various stake holders in agriculture from Kenya and other African countries. The deliberations centered on the theme “Enhancing sustainable agricultural production and marketing systems through science, technology and innovation”. We are therefore pleased to present the book of proceeding of the 2nd SAED Biennial Conference which was held form 29th November to 2nd December, 2016 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. The conference received an overwhelming number of scientific papers cutting across varied themes. These papers are contained in this book of proceedings and therefore will be of interest to wide readership.
1st biennial international conference proceedings on bridging the gap between society, science and industry
(Kenyatta University, 2014-11) Wanjohi, Waceke J.; Kariuki, George; Mwangi, Maina; Gichaga, Cyrus
PREFACE Africa’s greatest hope for development and freedom from poverty is closely linked to the performance of the agriculture sector. Agricultural higher education institutions (HEIs) have critical roles to play in developing well trained manpower to support a thriving agriculture sector that effectively addresses Africa’s needs for food, employment, income and other benefits derived from agricultural activities. However, African HEIs face the common challenges of diminishing resources, diminishing interest in agriculture careers, weak linkages to industry and other stakeholders of the development process, and a constant need to remain relevant and responsive to the needs of society. To extend efforts in addressing the challenges facing agriculture higher education institutions, the School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development (SAED) at Kenyatta University resolved to organise and host a Biennial Conference (every two years). This is an important forum for various stakeholders to share and exchange their knowledge and experiences, and a platform for developing networks between individuals and institutions, through which capacity and expertise can be shared to spur development. This first conference was organised in collaboration with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Horticulture Association of Kenya (HAK), with support from the German Academic Exchange Foundation (DAAD). The conference brought together local and international Scholars, Researchers, representatives of public and private sector, development partners, Non-governmental organisations, and Community based organisations, industry and development practitioners, farmers associations and representatives, among others. The deliberations centred on innovative approaches for strengthening the interaction of academia, researchers and industry to more effectively address the needs of African small scale farmers, consumers and other members of society. Core to the theme of the conference was recognition of a need to develop a generation of agricultural researchers and agroentrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century. This book presents the Proceedings of the 1st SAED Biennial International conference that was held from 30th November to 5th December, 2014 at Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya. It is therefore with great pleasure that we launch the Proceedings of the 1st School of Agriculture and Enterprise Development International Biennial Conference that was held in Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya from 30th November to 5th December, 2014. The five days Conference under the theme “Bridging the gap between the Society, Science and Industry” featured a rich mix of keynote addresses, technical papers and poster presentations, exhibitions, plenary panel discussions and field excursion. The organizing committee members representing Kenyatta University, AGRA, the University of Nairobi, Horticulture Association of Kenya, DAAD, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization and other stakeholders worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the conference. The commitment, diversity of ideas and resources contributed by the various stakeholders in the committee significantly increased the quality of deliberations and eased the task of organizing the conference. The opportunity to host celebrated Pan-African and global scholars, the next generation of young researchers, policy makers and opinion shapers, innovators and industry practitioners was a great motivation to deliver a high quality conference. The committee greatly thanks Kenyatta University Management, Conference Organizers, Collaborators, Sponsors, Participants, Government of Kenya and all other stakeholders for their valuable contributions towards the success of the forum. We particularly thank the then Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Felix Koskei for officially opening the conference. We are delighted to have worked together to organize this conference successfully.
Strategies of African Indigenous Vegetables to Cope with Phosphorus Deficient Soils
(Tropentag, 2016) Nyaga, Elizabeth Kabura; Nambafu, Godfrey N.; Anyuka, Enos W.; Bessler, Holger; Hoeppner, Nicolai; Andika, Darius O.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Mwonga, Samuel; Engels, Christof
Food production in smallholder farming systems of sub-Saharan Africa is often constrained by low soil contents of plant-available phosphorus (P). An option to increase food production is cultivation of species with high P efficiency. Plant strategies to improve growth and P acquisition on low P soils include root foraging strategies to improve spatial soil exploitation, P mining strategies to enhance desorption, solubilisation or mineralisation, and improving internal P utilisation efficiency. The aim of this study was to measure plant responses to low P availability in soil and to determine if there is variation among African indigenous vegetables (AIV) in their ability to use organic phosphate and sparingly soluble P forms. Six AIV species (Spider plant Cleome gynandra, African nightshade Solanum scabrum, Amaranthus Amaranthus cruentus, Cowpea Vigna unguiculata, African kale Brassica carinata, Common kale Brassica oleracea) were cultivated under controlled conditions in pots on a low P substrate. The substrate was amended with P using four different forms (highly soluble K2HPO4, sparingly soluble FePO4 or phosphate rock, phytate). Measurements included biomass and P concentration in shoots and roots, morphological root traits (root length and diameter, root hair density) and substrate characteristics (pH, content of soluble P) after harvest. The AIV species significantly differed in morphological root traits and rhizosphere pH, and in the responses of morphological root traits to different P treatments. For example in average of all P levels rhizosphere pH varied from 3.9 in Amaranthus to 6.0 in African kale. All species were able to use P from phytate as effectively for biomass formation as P from K2HPO4. The efficiency for utilisation of sparingly soluble P forms (either FePO4 or rock phosphate) was low in African nightshade and Spider plant, and high in Amaranthus and African kale. Cowpea was efficient in utilisation of P from rock phosphate but not from FePO4. The data indicate large variation among AIV species in root traits relevant for P acquisition and their ability to use soil P from different sparingly soluble P forms. This information may be used for site-specific recommendation of species best adapted to low P soils.
Plant Residue-Derived Organic Carbon Input into Soil in African Indigenous Vegetable Production Systems
(Tropentag, 2016) Onyuka, Enos; Nambafu, Godfrey; Bessler, Holger; Adam, Anna; Andika, Darius O.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Mwonga, Samuel; Engels, Christof
Food production in sub Saharan Africa is constrained by low soil fertility, whereby soil organic matter (SOM) is key factor regulating many soil functions that determine the yielding ability of soils. SOM content is influenced by the mass and quality of organic carbon input into soil. In smallholder farming systems manure and composts are scarce, and only small fractions are allocated to soil amendment due to alternative use as feed and fuel. Therefore, organic matter input into soil is often restricted to plant residues remaining in the field. In this study, we quantified the effects of species and harvesting method on the mass and quality of plant-derived carbon input into soil with the aim to improve soil fertility management in African indigenous vegetable (AIV) production systems. Five AIV species (amaranthus - Amaranthus cruentus, cowpea - Vigna unguiculata, African kale - Brassica carinata, African nightshade - Solanum scabrum, spider plant - Cleome gynandra) and common kale (Brassica oleracea acephala) were grown in a field experiment. Plants were harvested by two different methods, which are both commonly used in Kenya: Plants were either pulled out with some coarse roots adhering to the stems or cut about 5 cm above the soil surface. Leaf litter, above-ground plant residues and below-ground residues (coarse root, fine roots in 0–0.3m and 0.3– 0.6m soil depth) were quantified and analysed for C content. The humification efficiency of plant residues was determined in incubation studies under controlled conditions. Input of plant residue-derived organic carbon into the soil significantly differed among species with minimum of 0.3 kg C m−2 for cowpea and maximum of 0.8 kg C m−2 for amaranthus. In all species, input with leaf litter was negligible, while the contribution of fine roots to C input varied between about 40% in spider plant and 80% in cowpea. Pulling out instead of cutting plants reduced carbon input by 14% in cowpea and nearly 60% in African kale and spider plant. It is concluded that in AIV production systems with low availability of organic fertilisers species selection and harvesting method are important determinants for soil C dynamics and fertility.
Nutrient fluxes from soil to market in African indigenous vegetable production systems
(Tropentag, 2017) Nambafu, Godfrey N.; Adam, A.; Onyuka, E.A.; Bessler, H.; Andika, D.O.; Mwonga, S.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Engels, C.
Iron Concentrations in Roots and Edible Organs of African Indigenous Vegetable Species
(Tropentag, 2015) Eckhardt, Ulrich; Beer, Julius; Bessler, Holger; Nambafu, Godfrey N.; Onyuka, Enos; Mwonga, Samuel; Andika, Darius O.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Engels, Christof
Iron (Fe) deficiency is among the 10 leading human health risks causing “hidden hunger” in sub- Saharan Africa. Iron concentrations and bioavailability are often higher in leafy vegetables than in staple crops like maize and sorghum. Therefore, increasing food diversity through vegetable production and consumption is an option to mitigate Fe deficiency. The aim was to quantify Fe uptake and distribution between roots, stems and leaves in selected African indigenous vegetable (AIV) species, and to compare species responses to different rates of Fe supply. Plants of five leafy AIV species (African night shade Solanum scabrum, amaranth Amaranthus cruentus, cowpea Vigna unguiculata, spider plant Cleome gynandra, Ethiopian kale Brassica carinata) and a standard species commonly grown in Kenya (kale Brassica oleracea acephala group) were grown in nutrient solution at three rates of Fe supply (sub-optimal to induce Fe deficiency responses, optimal for growth, supra-optimal to test if Fe density in edible organs can be enhanced by additional Fe fertiliser application). Leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD-meter) and pH of the nutrient solution were measured at regular intervals to quantify shoot and root responses to Fe deficiency. At harvest, biomass and mineral nutrient concentrations were measured separately for roots, stems and leaves. The species markedly differed in their early root responses to Fe deficiency. Whereas in amaranth, proton extrusion from roots was significantly increased at low Fe supply compared to medium and high Fe supply, in spider plant and kale proton extrusion was not influenced by Fe supply. Fe concentrations in the plant dry mass strongly varied among plant organs and decreased in the order roots >> leaves > stems. In all organs, Fe concentrations were significantly affected by species. Concentrations in shoots varied from 17 (Ethiopian kale) to 39 mg Fe kg−1 dry mass (amaranth) at low Fe supply, and from 42 (Ethiopian kale) to 127 mg Fe kg−1 dry mass (cowpea) at high supply respectively Responses of Fe density in edible plant organs indicate that the potential for increasing the nutritional value of leafy vegetables by Fe fertilisation (biofortification) is largest in cowpea and spider plant.
Cadmium Uptake and Distribution to Edible Organs in African Indigenous Vegetables
(Tropentag, 2015) Onyuka, Enos; Husen, Wilhelm van; Nambafu, Godfrey N.; Bessler, Holger; Andika, Darius O.; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.; Mwonga, Samuel; Ulrichs, Christian; Engels, Christof
Cadmium (Cd) is toxic to humans. The most important source for dietary intake is consumption of plant products, whereby Cd concentrations in leafy vegetables are particularly high. In periurban areas, soils are often contaminated with Cd. Thus, recommendations to increase vegetable consumption should consider species-specific uptake and allocation to edible plant organs. Cadmium uptake and distribution within plant was compared in various species to derive recommendations for vegetable production on contaminated soils. Four African indigenous vegetable species (African Nightshade Solanum scabrum, amaranth Amaranthus cruentus, cowpea Vigna unguiculata, spider plant Cleome gynandra), and a standard species commonly grown in Asia (Pak Choi Brassica rapa chinensis) were grown in nutrient solution at three Cd-concentrations: 0.1 (low), 1.0 (moderate) and 2.5 μM Cd (high contamination). Biomass and mineral nutrient concentrations were measured in roots, leaves, stems and lateral branches. Growth was little affected by Cd supply with the exception of amaranth and cowpea. In these species, growth of shoot organs was substantially reduced at moderate and high supply. Growth depression was associated with low leaf iron concentrations indicating Cd-induced iron deficiency. In all species Cd concentrations were higher in roots than in shoot organs, which is in accordance with xylem loading being an important barrier for Cd distribution within plants. At moderate and high supply, Cd concentrations in shoot organs strongly differed among species. Concentrations were particularly low in cowpea, and high in amaranth and African Nightshade. Low Cd concentrations in shoot organs of cowpea were associated with low apparent uptake and translocation rates of Cd from roots to shoots. At all rates of Cd supply, Cd density in edible organs was significantly influenced by species. Cadmium density was particularly low in cowpea and Pak Choi. Based on a vegetable dish of 250 g fresh mass, best choice of species reduced Cd intake by 0.1 mg at low supply (amaranth versus African Nightshade), 0.7 mg at moderate (cowpea versus African Nightshade) and 1.7 mg at high Cd supply (cowpea versus
A Mechanism to Discover Hidden Markets and to Improve Information Flow Towards Food Producers: A Case of Kiambu District, Kenya
(Tropentag, 2012) Nyaga, Elizabeth Kabura; Muriithi, Anthony Gikandi; Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph P.
Food insecurity in many regions in Kenya is mainly attributed to changes in rainfall patterns, lack of markets to sell agricultural produce from regions with surplus and poor infrastructure to distribute to regions facing deficits. Small scale farmers are in desperate need of markets to sell their produce at a good price. They require information on credit and input markets. This paper discusses the methodologies to improve farmers’ access to these markets and enhance access to relevant information that they may find useful in making decisions. The study argues that providing a platform for farmers to interact and transact business directly with buyers, sellers, researchers and other relevant stakeholders in agribusiness would provide market for the farmers. This interaction may facilitate exchange and dissemination of update information on changes in the markets and, changes in consumer needs and taste. Many studies have shown that networking among individual or groups either in social or professional networks may help in development of the members. This paper argues that providing farmers and agricultural extension agents with access to current information and communication technologies (ICT) could be instrumental in finding new markets for the farmers and in dissemination of relevant information. By facilitating the agricultural extension agents to have access to internet, mobile phone and rural radio, hidden markets can be discovered and new information and technology can reach the farmers before they become obsolete. Many businesses have grown through advertising their products online. A national website managed by extension agents can help farmers advertise their produce so that anyone willing to buy can contact the farmer directly. Agricultural based businesses can also advertise their products in the website. Consumers can use the website to buy fresh produce directly from the farmers. Although internet is not available to most households in Kenya, agricultural extension agents can post information of buyers and sellers in village boards and in the market place. This paper discusses how ICT can be implemental in finding new markets and reducing food insecurity in Kenya
Effects of companion crops on population dynamics of maize lethal necrosis disease vectors in Bomet County, Kenya
(2015-06) Namikoye, E. S.; Kariuki, G.; Kinyua, Z. M.; Githendu, M. W.; Kasina, M.
Maize is the most consumed staple food crop in Kenya with a per capita of 110kg. It is equally an important commercial crop particularly in high potential areas. Currently, the presence of Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) has constrained its production. The disease is challenging to manage because it is a co-infection of maize by two viruses, the Maize chlorotic mottle virus and Sugarcane mosaic virus, which are vectored mainly by C0111 thrips iFrankliniella Williamsi) and C0111 leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis), respectively. This study was carried out to assess the potential for companion crops to act as traps or repellents for these vectors, thus contributing to vector management. Trials were carried out in fanners' fields in Bomet County. Treatments included Napier, coriander, millet, sorghum and maize, arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates for two seasons, November 2014- April 2015 and April-August 2015. Each crop was planted either as an intercrop or a border crop with maize as the main crop. We present results from the first season. There were significant differences (P
Influence of Priming, Dressing and Agroecologies on Storage of Selected Soyabean Genotypes
(Egerton University, 2016) Chirchir, J.G.; Mwangi, M.; Nyamongo, D.; Gweyi-Onyango, P.J.
Enhancing access to disease-free sweetpotato planting materials through low cost tissue culture for food security and poverty alleviation in Eastern Africa
(ABIC, 2014) Ogero, K.O.; Mwangi, M.; Gitonga, N.M.; Ombori, O.; Ngugi, M.
Sweetpotato is a major food staple in Eastern Africa because of its ease of cultivation and ability to thrive in marginal areas. However, limited supply of disease-free planting materials constrains production. Tissue culture technology offers a solution to this but it is very costly. Hence, it is necessary to have low cost options for production of clean planting materials. In this study, two low cost media were developed and used to regenerate two sweetpotato varieties, KEMB 36 and Tainung. In the first low cost medium (LCM 1), 2g/l of Easygro® vegetative fertilizer (27:10:16 (N: P: K) + microelements) supplemented with table sugar (30g/l) and agar (9g/l) was used as an alternative source for the conventional Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal salts. In the second medium (LCM 2), the conventional sources of four MS macronutrients were substituted individually with locally available fertilizers while Stanes Iodized Microfood® was used as the low cost source of micronutrients. Conventional MS medium (CM) supplemented with 30g/l of table sugar and 3g/l of gelrite was used as the control. The numbers of nodes, roots, leaves and plant height were recorded at 14 days interval for a period of six weeks. A cost reduction of 96.9% in nutrient sources was realized with LCM 1 while LCM 2 led to cost reduction of 94.4%. KEMB 36 had a regeneration index of 7.8 nodes per plantlet on LCM 2 during initiation while Tainung had a mean of 3.8 nodes per plantlet after the sixth week of culture. The two sweet potato varieties recorded regeneration indices of 3.3-7.1 nodes per plantlet during multiplication. This study has shown that it is possible to reduce the cost of sweetpotato tissue culture by adopting alternative nutrient sources
Evaluation of Hyk® foliar fertilizer on growth, yield and quality of French Beans (cv. Organdi)
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Ignatius, S.; Mwangi, M.
French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are a major vegetable export crop in Kenya and a significant income earner to small scale farmers. French beans are grown for processing, including canning and freezing, and demand is steadily increasing. Poor growth vigor is one of the factors that hinder the realization of high yields and pods of high quality. There is therefore need to develop/ identify new products to increase productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate a newly introduced concentrated inorganic formulation (Hyk®), for its effect on growth vigor, yield and quality of French bean variety Organdi. Hyk® was applied to the plants at different stages of plant growth in Kirinyaga and Murang’a Counties and evaluated against the commonly used foliar fertilizers Nitro spray® and Calmabon®. The study was laid out in complete randomized design and was replicated three times. Data was collected at 50% flowering and included number of flowers, height of the plant, length and width of the leaves. The Hyk® treated plants had a higher growth rate attaining an average height of 39 cm compared to the control’s 37 cm. Hyk® treated plants also had improved yield and quality of the pods, producing over twice the yield of the control treatments. Cost benefit analysis showed that application of Hyk® to French beans yielded a positive net return. The results show that Hyk® foliar fertilizer can be recommended for use in French bean production. Key words: Hyk®, French beans, foliar fertilizer, flowering
Baseline report on the status of Agricultural training in higher education institutions in Zimbabwe
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Musundire, R.; Mwangi, M.; Mugabe, F.T.; Maboreke, K.M.
Resource constraints in Sub Saharan Africa universities necessitate interventions to strengthen quality of teaching to produce qualified agricultural graduates. The objective of this study was to identify opportunities and ways to improve curricula and teaching capacity for agriculture training in Zimbabwean universities. Data were collected from nine universities from 30 randomly selected students and teaching staff members who responded through self administered questionnaires specific for each category. Most students (90%) studying agriculture were below the age of 25 years. Female students (80%) preferred non-field based specializations such as Food Sciences and Agribusiness. Across all universities 60% of teaching staff had master degrees as highest qualification with 80% being males. Overall, 59% of academics were involved in reviewing curriculum at departmental level. However, 49 % were not adequately capacitated in pedagogy despite the fact that 66 % of respondents acknowledged presence of training programmes at their institutions. In conclusion, effective agricultural training in Zimbabwean universities is limited by gender bias which is in favour of males compared to females leading to preferential selections of disciplines by female students and lack of adequately trained staff members both in their academic disciplines and pedagogy.
Networking Skills
(Kenyatta University, 2016) Maina, Mwangi

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