Conference Proceedings

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://172.16.31.117:4000/handle/123456789/53

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 59

An evaluation of effect of provision of micro-finance on the performance of micro-enterprises: a study of youth micro enterprises under K-REP program, Kisii County, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2011-04) Otieno, Simeyo
Effects of Variety, Fertilizer Application and Harvesting Interval on Napier Stunting Disease in Western Kenya
(2013-01-01) Lusweti, F. N; Muyekho, F. N.; Lusweti, C. M.
In The Late 1990s a disease causing stunting of Napier was observed in western Kenya. Bungoma (LM2), Butere and Mumias (LM1) were the worst affected districts. The causal organism of the disease has been identified as a phytoplasma, transmitted by leaf hoppers. The objectives of this study were to quantify the effects of the disease on crop yield and to study the effects of plant nutrition on the disease using scores. In 2005, a study was set up at the Busia (LM1) and Mabanga (LM2) Agricultural Training Centres (ATC). Varieties used were Kakamega 1 and French Cameroon, compared to plots established from diseased Napier. Fertilizer treatments were: (1) nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), (2) N and P, (3) N and K, (4) farmyard manure (FYM), and (5) N only (control). The P, K and FYM were applied at planting, while N was applied as a top-dress 6 and 12 months after planting. At Busia ATC, K application resulted in the lowest disease scores, whereas P had little effect. At Mabanga ATC, FYM gave the lowest disease scores, while P had little effect. At Busia ATC, at the first cut Kakamega 1 seemed to have a higher disease score than French Cameroon, though by the second cut the two varieties had nearly the same scores. Kakamega 1 maintained low disease scores in the first two cuts at Mabanga ATC. At Busia ATC French Cameroon gave highest yields and lowest disease scores. At Mabanga however, Kakamega 1 had better yields than French Cameroon. At Busia ATC P+K, gave the highest total plot dry matter yields followed by FYM. Control plots gave the lowest yields. At Mabanga the best fertilizer was K followed by FYM. Thus, using K and/or P may have positive effects in increasing yields from infected plots.
Benthic Macro-invertebrate Diversity and Biomass Distribution in Relation to Canopy Cover and Organic Matter in River Njoro, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Mathooko, J. M.; M’Erimba, C. M.; Mbaka, J. G.
Field experiments to quantify benthic macroinvertebrate density, diversity and biomass and benthic organic matter (BOM) content in the River Njoro, Kenya, were conducted between January 2009 and April 2009 at four sites with varying canopy cover intensities: Njoro upstream with more than 90% canopy cover, Tree-tops with more than 60% canopy cover, Mugo with more than 50% canopy cover and Mill House with less than 1% plant cover. The sites were approximately more than one kilometre apart. Ten random samples for macroinvertebrate and benthic organic matter quantification were collected from every site using a Hess sampler during each sampling occasion. In the laboratory, all samples were washed through a series of sieves to separate extraneous materials from animals. Animals were sorted under a dissecting microscope, identified and enumerated. Collected litter was sorted into four categories: leaves, fruits, wood and plant fragments. There were significant positive linear correlations between plant particulate organic matter and macroinvertebrate density (Correlation analysis: r = 0.89, P < 0.05), diversity (r = 0.80, P < 0.05) and biomass (r = 0.79, P < 0.05). In conclusion, it can be said that plant particulate organic matter had a positive effect on the macroinvertebrate density, diversity and biomass. Removal of riparian vegetation from the banks of the River Njoro would alter the quantity of litter inputs to the river with attendant consequences to the energy budget of biocoenoses in the ecosystem.
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use and Their Association with Bullying in Secondary Schools A Case of Nakuru District, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kariuki, M.; Oteyo, J. S.
For schools to foster learning and promote health-enhancing behaviors among adolescents they must first be safe and drugs free. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Studies carried out during the past two decades show that exposure to bullying can have immediate and late negative outcomes for children and adolescents who are directly or indirectly involved. This study was designed to examine prevalence of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs (ATOD) use by secondary school students in Nakuru District and to measure its association with prevalence to exposure to bullying. Cross sectional survey design was used with a total of 1000 sampled students from a population of 6450. Multistage cluster, probability proportionate to size, purposive, stratified and simple random sampling methods was used to select the divisions, schools, streams and students. The study covered form one to four male and female students. Kenya Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) 2003 was used to collect data. Data was analyzed by frequencies, Chi-square and logistic regressions. 33.7% of students reported having been bullied in the last 30 days preceding the survey. Of the respondents surveyed, 15.9, 12 and 8% reported use of alcohol, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the last 30 days preceding the survey respectively. Cumulatively, 9.6% of students recorded having used other drugs. There was a significant relationship between alcohol and tobacco use with exposure to bullying. However, there was no statistically significant association between the use of other drugs and exposure to bullying. The prevention of ATOD behaviors and bullying among students represents an essential public health measure that may allow for total children’s development, qualifying them for a healthy and safe social coexistence. The researchers recommended that focus on prevention programs against alcohol and drug use in secondary schools in general should be mounted to reduce or eliminate bullying altogether.
Analysis of the Division of Labour and Decision-making for Selected Crop Farming Activities among Maasai Agro-pastoralists of Narok North District, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Oywaya-Nkurumwa, A; Kathuri, J. N.; Mwangi, J. G.
The Maasai have traditionally been pastoralists, but in recent years, they have been forced to diversify their livelihoods due to increasing pressures on pastoralism. Agro-pastoralism is one of the livelihood diversification strategies being adopted, whereby crop farming is being incorporated into pastoralism. The traditional division of labour has been based on a pastoralist economy, and, the cultivation of crops has introduced new activities and decision-making patterns into the Maasai communities. Few studies have been done to investigate how crop farming activities are distributed in the Maasai households and who makes decisions for crop farming activities, specifically in Narok North District. This is the gap that this study sought to fill. The purpose of the study was to find out who carried out the major crop farming activities of land preparation, planting, weeding, harvesting and marketing in the Maasai households and who made decisions about these activities. A cross-sectional survey research design was used, and data collected through personal interviews. The gender based study was carried out in three divisions, among 153 male household heads and 87 female household heads. The data were analysed through the computer based Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that more female respondents were involved in planting, weeding and harvesting as compared to male respondents while more male respondents were involved in marketing of the crop produce compared to the female respondents. Most of the decisions about the crop farming activities were made by men. The study concluded that the division of labour and decision-making among the Maasai was not very different from that in other agricultural communities, and inequity between men and women was clearly evident. The study recommended that more equitable distribution of labour and decision-making should be done.
Contribution of Tourism to Micro- and Small-Enterprise Growth
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Mshenga, P. M.; Richardson, R. B; Njehia, B. K.; Birachi, E. A.
Tourism is an increasingly important economic sector in many developing countries. In Kenya it represents the second greatest contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) after agriculture. Data from a survey of 449 micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in coastal Kenya were used in a modified Evans Growth Model to examine the contribution of tourism to the growth of farm and non-farm MSEs. We also examine the influence of entrepreneur and business characteristics on the growth of farm and non-farm MSEs along the Kenyan Coast. Age of the business, business income, marital status, number of employees, and form of business organization were found to significantly influence MSE growth. Tourist spending and activities were also found to have a significant effect on the growth of MSEs. The results have implications for the role of tourism in economic development, small business growth and poverty alleviation.
Efficacy of Boiled Tea Leaf Residues in Diets for Oreochromis niloticus and Its Effect on Liver and Whole Body Composition
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Obwanga, B. O.; Wathuta, E. M.; Liti, D; Magana, A. M.; Waidabacher, H.; Njoroge, R. W
Challenges facing production of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus(L.)in Kenya today lie in identification of cost-effective feeds. Proximate analysis on boiled tea leaf residues normally considered as kitchen waste showed a potential of using them in diets used for culture of O. niloticus. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of substituting freshwater shrimp meal as a protein source with boiled tea leaves residues from diets used to culture Nile tilapia, O. niloticus in aquaria (initial mean weight 12.36±1.1g fish-1; mean length 8.43±0.27 cm fish-1) and in hapas (initial mean weight 10.98±0.75g fish-1. and mean length 8.77±0.3 cm fish-1). The effects of the substitution were determined by assessing the fish growth performance, resulting whole body composition and effect on the Hepatosomatic index (HSI). Four isonitrogenous (300g/kg) practical diets were formulated to contain 0%, 25%, 50% or 100% boiled tea leaves residues meal (BTLR). 0% BTLR (Sagana diet) was used as the control. Diets were fed to fish in glass aquaria and in hapas in a pond. All fish were fed 10% of their body weight in triplicates. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the diets and the control up to 50% BTLR in hapas. However for fish cultured in the aquaria there was a significant (P<0.05) difference between the control diet and increasing inclusion in BTLR in the diet. The diet had the same effect (P>0.05) on the whole body chemistry (moisture, total ash and crude protein) in the fish raised in hapas. In glass aquaria total body ash increased (P<0.05) significantly with increase in BTLR inclusion. Crude protein decreased significantly at 100% BTLR. The HSI was significantly (P>0.05) high at 100% BTLR in hapas, while in the aquaria there was a significant increase in hepatosomatic index with increase in BTLR inclusion. The study concludes that boiled tea leaves residues can successfully substitute freshwater shrimps up to 100% in fertilized ponds without an adverse effect on the whole body moisture, crude protein and total ash. However in recirculating systems BTLR cannot substitute freshwater shrimps from diets used for culture of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. The study recommends the use of boiled tea leaf residues in formulated diets for culture of O. niloticus in fertilized ponds by small scale farmers to reduce on the cost of fish culture.
Effect of Transgenic Bt-cotton Variety Bollgard II® 06Z604D Containing cry1Ac and cry2Ab2 Genes on Arthropod Diversity in Confined Field Trials at KARI Mwea, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Njenga, G. K; Njinju, S. M; Wepukhulu, S. B; Wessels, W; Waturu, C. N; Kambo, C. M
A trial to establish effect of Bt-cotton variety, BG II 06Z604D on arthropod diversity was conducted in a confined field at KARI Mwea during 2006/07 cotton growing season. The experiment had nine treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Three out of the nine experimental plots were sprayed six times to control general sucking pests; three plots were sprayed six times for all arthropod pests and the remaining three received no pesticide treatment. The beneficial arthropod species considered in the current study included the ladybird beetles, parasitic wasp, hoverfly, honeybee, attendant ant, predatory mite and the spider on the other hand to assess the effect of transgenic Bt-cotton on general arthropod species diversity, water, sticky and pitfall traps were set up in four stations across the field, each made up of 3 traps. The results obtained from the trial revealed that the plots sprayed with pesticides to control sucking and general arthropod pests had a negative effect on the beneficial arthropod populations as shown by significantly lower mean arthropod counts in the sprayed plots. However, significantly high arthropod populations were recorded on unsprayed Bt-cotton varieties as compared to the treated isolines and the commercial variety, HART 89M which recorded relatively low populations of beneficial arthropods. The results obtained from this study confirm that transgenic Bt-cotton enhanced population growth of non-target beneficial arthropods and had no detrimental effect on general arthropod species diversity and the environment.
Change in Water Quality Index between Two Points in a Highly Impaired River in Eastern Mau, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kigen, C.; Shivoga, W. A.; Magana, A. M.
Benthic macroinvertebrate samples were collected between two points (Bora Milk and Njoro Bridge) in River Njoro, Kenya and used to evaluate the influence of riparian vegetation on water quality, by using BioMAT water quality index (BWQI). The BWQI was developed from the relationship between the taxa, number of benthic macroinvertebrates and their responses to habitat modification by awarding them sensitivity values. The extent of riparian vegetation within 100m strip of riparian land was analysed using GIS tools. The Bora Milk site had a mean of 33.05 BWQI and was 37.63 in Njoro Bridge which had significantly different (two-tailed paired sample t-test = -4.011, p < 0.05). The extent of riparian vegetation in the studied section was 64.24% at Njoro Bridge and in the upstream of Bora Milk was 30.66% coverage and were significantly different (two-tailed paired sample, t-test = -33.585, p < 0.05). This study indicates that, there is a significant natural cleansing by the riparian vegetation between the two points. With the increasing urbanization, demand for agricultural land and clearing of vegetation, the riparian land will be reduced and or disturbed leading to further water quality deteriorate. Reductions of pollutants load into the river, effective treatment of sewage and maintenance of intact riparian vegetation are needed to control further degradation of water in the river.
Effect of Bends on the Quality of the Output Signal Generated by CW Laser on Single Mode Optical Fiber
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Gwaro, J.O; Maweu, O. M.; Kirui, M. S. K.
The effect of bends on the quality of the output signal generated by CW laser on single mode optical fiber was investigated. A single mode optical fiber cable was subjected to macrobends in the order of 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm and 50mm bend radius. An optical signal from a CW laser emitting beams in the range of 800nm-880nm was transmitted through the cable. Transmission percentage and variation in peaks were noted and graphs plotted corresponding to each bend radius. Transmission percentage was found to be in proportional to the size of the bend radius.
Evaluation of Selected Kenyan Potato Cultivars for Processing into French Fries
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Abong, G. O; Okoth, M. W; Mathooko, F. M.
The demand for potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) with acceptable yield and processing characteristics is increasing in Kenya. However, most potato varieties and promising clones have not been adequately evaluated. In this study, three advanced potato clones (393385.47, 393385.39 and 391691.96) and five established Kenyan varieties (Tigoni, Desiree, Dutch Robyjn, Kenya Karibu and Kenya Sifa) were evaluated for processing into fresh and frozen French fries. All the 8 cultivars had acceptable physical tuber characteristics, dry matter content (≥ 20%) and specific gravity (≥ 1.070). A linear positive correlation was established between tuber specific gravity and dry matter content (r= 0.97). All the cultivars made highly acceptable French fries (freshly prepared or frozen), with clones 393385.47 and 393385.39 having lower acceptability scores. The four varieties Tigoni, Desiree, Dutch Robyjn, Kenya Karibu and Kenya Sifa and clone 391691.96 can also be used for processing fresh or frozen chips to supplement variety Tigoni that is currently the most preferred for processing in Kenya. This will reduce over reliance on a single potato variety for this rapidly expanding industry, and thus safeguard availability and quality of raw materials.
Effects of Soap Operas on Young Females’ Perception of Male-Female Relationships
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kimeu, M. N.; Mareri, L. A
Different ideologies can be formed and adhered to by various people in different cultural settings. In the modern Kenyan societal setting, there are many soap operas screened on television stations and are viewed religiously by many, including young women. Majority of the popularly watched soaps originate from Latin America (Mexico) and United States of America. Many of them perpetuate certain ideas about how women and young girls should relate to men whom they are engaged in personal relationships. The cultivation theory posits that media mediated messages shape how we view the world and it works hand in hand with facets of perceptions. This theory has been used by some researchers (Gerbner, 1994) to predict that the media will teach a common world view, common roles and common values. This paper presents and discusses results of a study undertaken on young women (20-26years) in 2008. The objective was to establish the kinds of male-female relationship ideologies commonly portrayed by the soap operas screened on Kenyan televisions and what effects they have on the young women’s perceptions about male-female relationships. The study population was 40 undergraduate female students of Egerton University, Nakuru Town Campus. The results obtained indicate that the ideas portrayed in the soap operas that were commonly watched perpetuated low economic status of females, certain gender stereotypes, high expectations in male female relationships and women insubordination. Majority of the respondents agreed that such ideologies have an influence on personal relations. The study therefore concludes that there is notable influence of the soap operas on the young females’ perceptions about male and female relationships. These are eventually adapted as yard stick ideologies for approaching and dealing with relationships that they engage in.
Challenges Facing the Beekeeping Industry in Southern Rangelands
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kagio, S; Musembi, D. K.
Agro pastoralists and pastoralists in the larger Makueni ,Kibwezi and Kajiado district Kenya live in a fragile and hostile environment. The area is semi-arid with crop farming and livestock keeping as the main activities. The Kamba community is agro pastoralists while the Maasai are mostly pastoralists. Crop farming in this area is difficult as experiences frequent and prolonged drought exposing the local communities to food insecurity, starvation and high poverty indices. Water for domestic and livestock use is a major problem in this region. On the other hand, the pastoralists keep cattle, sheep, goats, donkeys and indigenous chicken. They normally overstock resulting to overgrazing leading to environmental degradation and subsequently, desertification. The livestock keepers have many challenges of maintaining the animals during droughts resulting to nomadic and migration. Still, during prolonged droughts the pastoralists looses a lot of animals and in some cases, whole herds are wiped out leaving them with abject poverty. At such times the sharing of water and grazing grounds are sources of conflict between communities and also between the communities and wildlife. During transhumance it is women, children and the elderly who suffer most as they are left behind to take care of the homesteads. KARI with funding from the European Union is promoting and introducing alternative livelihoods options to the communities living in this region. Beekeeping is one of the alternative livelihood option selected for promotion and introduction in the region. This paper discuses the current status of the beekeeping industry in this region. The data was collected through interviews of 210 key informants and beekeepers through questionnaires on production, processing and marketing of hive products. The sampling was random with ecological and agricultural activities as variables. The marketing questionnaires were also administered in Nairobi as a major destination of Kenyan honey. The data was analyzed using excel spreadsheet using Sesotho results are discussed in this paper.
Dissemination of Energy Saving Technologies for Improved Rural Livelihood
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Wanjohi, P.
A firewood stove was developed and promoted in Kenya by the Ministry of Energy, GTZ, private practitioners, home economics branch of the Ministry of Agriculture, maendeleo ya wanawake and ITDG/Practical Action. About 97% of Kenyan households and cottage industries depend mainly on charcoal and firewood. According to MOE, Kenyan energy demand was 35,119,616, while supply was 15,024,510 indicating that 2.3 times was needed in 2002. The PSDA energy component contributes to increased use of firewood energy-saving technologies for energy and environmental conservation. Baseline assessment was done in 6 districts and adoption of stove was found to be 4.8%. Interventions mainly the kisasa/maendeleo with 35-50% efficiency and rocket with 50-70% efficiency were implemented in 12 districts. Intervention approaches were capacity building of community resource persons, production and dissemination of promotion materials using diverse media such as community resource persons, radio, TV, T-shirts, matchboxes, calendars, drama, songs, peer pressure and education. The project works at the grassroots with partners to build capacity and broaden knowledge. Sustainability is in-culcated in the project design whereby all stoves and services are paid for by the beneficiaries and all dealers in the chain gain some profit but competition is encouraged so that consumers get quality products at affordable rates. The first phase was between January 2006 and June 2007. The project surpassed targets by reaching 62,000 households against a target of 45,000 households, leading to extension t up to December 2008. By December 2007 the project reached 83,683 households with stoves. In November 2007 the project had registered more than 7-fold (5% to 38%) increase of stove adoption. Many dealers are now involved in marketing and installation of stoves at local levels, motivated through capacity building and the fee they charge in each installation. Majority were idle youths who now practice stove installation to earn income. The average monthly youth group income was 5,389/=. Firewood household stoves technology dissemination has been repackaged, resulting in 7-fold increase in stove adoption, job creation and women and children health improvement.
Characterization of Microbial Health Risk at Water Abstraction Points along River Njoro, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Yillia, P. T; Kreuzinger, N; Mathooko, J. M.; Ndomahina, E. T.
U.S. based models for recreational water quality were applied to characterize the potential health risk (PHR) of infection with gastroenteritis (GI) and highly credible gastroenteritis (HCGI) illnesses from single exposure at several water abstraction points (WAPs) along the River Njoro in rural Kenya. Ambient geometric mean densities of Escherichia coli (EC) and intestinal enterococci (IE) were generally high (2–4 log units of cfu/100ml) and risk levels were grossly in excess of acceptable health risk (AHR) levels for bathing and drinking. PHR was 2–3 times higher with the Cabelli (IE) model compared to the U.S. EPA (EC) model. Risk levels varied among WAPs in concomitance to the spatial and seasonal variability of ambient EC and IE densities. With the Cabelli (1983) IE model, PHR of HCGI illness on single exposure to the dry weather 95th percentile IE density for bathing was 2.5% of the exposed population at Logoman compared to 5.2% at Turkana Flats, 4.9% at Kenyatta or Nessuit and 4.6%, 4.5% and 4.2% at Treetop, Segotik and Njoro Bridge, respectively. PHR was ≥ 5% on exposure to the wet weather 95th percentile IE density at all WAPs, excepting Treetop with 4.3%. Relative risk levels increased by at least 30 and 70 times for GI and HCGI illnesses, respectively, from drinking (250ml) raw stream water, rising erratically in wet weather by > 80% of the dry weather risk at Logoman, > 30% at Njoro Bridge and Kenyatta and 10–15% at Segotik, Nessuit and Turkana Flats. By stipulating freshwater bathing water quality guidelines of 126 and 33 cfu/100ml for EC and IE, respectively, U.S. EPA upholds maximum AHR levels at 0.7% and 1.9% for EC and IE, respectively. Hence, reducing current PHR levels at the WAPs to the U.S. EPA bathing AHR levels would require at least 2–4 log reductions of IE and EC densities with even further log reductions to achieve the WHO recommended drinking water AHR level of 0.1%. This would necessitate specialized treatment, in particular point-of-use treatment at the household level, as well as the implementation of comprehensive catchment management measures to protect the stream and the WAPs.
Effect of Bulb Size and Spacing on the Quality and Yield of Arabicum (Ornithogalum saundersaie Bak)
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kihara, S. N.,; Muriithi, A. N; Kamau, E. M; Gateri, M.W
Arabicum, Ornithogalum saundersiae Bak, is one of the most popular flower crops among the small scale cut flower growers and florists in many countries including Kenya mainly because of its ease of cultivation and having regular stem form and white inflorescence which can be used in different floral arrangements. In a series of experiments to determine the most appropriate agronomic packages required for the growth of this crop, trials were conducted under on station trials at KARI-Thika in 2008 and 2009. The study investigated the effect of variable plant spacing, hence different plant densities, different seed bulb sizes big, medium and small (<18 cm, 18-23 cm and >23 cm diameter respectively) on the number of stems produced, stem length and stem weight and stem head size and also quantity of assorted sizes of lifted bulbs. The 2008 experiment parameters were evaluated in a split-plot design while that of 2009 experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment, each with three replications. The effects of both bulb size and spacing and their interactions were evaluated in the 2008 experiment. The small bulbs produced the largest number of big bulbs while the big bulbs produced the largest number of small bulbs. The results from the data collected showed that there were no significant differences (P<0.05) in the stem yields and stem length among the evaluated spacings, but the bulb size showed some significant differences (P<0.05) with big bulbs giving the highest stem yield, 1420 bulbs in total. The interactions between bulb size and spacing did not have significant difference (P<0.05) in big and total bulbs and stem weight but significant difference in medium and small bulbs and stem length. There were also significant differences in bulb-let yield with the big bulbs producing the highest number of small to medium bulbs while the small bulbs produced more of the big bulbs than the small ones. Bulb rot was almost uniform in all the treatments, for both spacing and bulb size. In the 2009 trial bulbs of different sizes, >23cm (big), 18> <23cm (medium) and <18cm (small) diameter were evaluated while planted each separately. The assessment was based on parameters; average number of stems produced for the whole harvesting period, average length of stems (10 randomly selected stems and head diameter and number of big, medium and small bulbs lifted from each bulb category, all per m2. The mean yield for the different categories of bulbs were: big size bulbs, 53 stems/ m2 of which 80% were above 60cm long (the minimum market acceptable length) while the lifted bulbs were 19 big, 147 medium and 325 small; medium size bulbs, 18.08 stems/ m2 of which 55% were above 60cm long while the lifted bulbs were 10 big, 62 medium and 78 small; small size bulbs, 8.98 stems/ m2 of which 20% were above 60cm long while the lifted bulbs were 10 big, 62 medium and 78 small. Big and medium bulbs were found to be superior in the production of both flower stems and bulbs. Spacing did not seem to affect any agronomic performance. Arabicum growers are, therefore, advised to sort out their seed tubers into big, medium and small and plant each category separately. We recommend farmers to use big and medium bulbs (>23cm, 18-23cm) at a spacing of 35 bulbs/m2 for commercial crop while the small ones can be used for seed bulb production
Characterization of Wetland Values for Sustainable Utilization in Kisii Central District, Kenya
(2013-01-01) Omweri, O. J; Obwoyere, O.; Moturi, W. N.
Wetlands cover approximately 4% of Kenyan surface area, but their total area has been declining. There were once abundant wetlands in Kisii Central District but now there are only isolated wetlands remaining. Wetlands are viewed as wastelands or dumpsites having little or no value. Wetland ecosystems play a critical role in supporting livelihoods and contributing to the sustainability of the Kenyan economy. The study surveyed wetland vegetation and characterized their ecological, socio-cultural and economic values for sustainable utilization in Kisii Central District, Kenya. A Multi-stage purposive sampling procedure was used in the research. Stage I: Kisii Central District; highly populated district was chosen, Stage II: Kiogoro, a Division with brick making, water abstraction and farming activities on wetlands. Households interviewed were proportionate to the total households within each sub-location. Households in close proximity to the wetlands were purposely selected through simple systematic random sampling. Vegetation sampling was performed along transects and set up preferentially on a North-South orientation. Analyses of qualitative and quantitative data was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Science. Qualitative data was recoded into numeric data sets for Chi-square and Pearson correlation while Microsoft Excel auto-sum mathematical functions were used to organize the outcome of vegetation sampling. Results from the study indicated that Cyperus latifolius and Typha domingensis had the highest importance value indices and could therefore be considered the dominant wetland vegetation species. All the three sites varied in terms of species composition. Using the Shannon Weiner diversity index, Nyaguta had the highest diversity index of 2.87 as compared to Kegati and Mobamba which had values of 2.44 and 2.39, respectively. Thus socio-cultural values were ranked relatively lower than economic and ecological values. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the Kiogoro wetlands could be considered as a source of livelihoods for the local communities. The study recommends the protection of water collection points at the wetland sites to help save wetlands from destruction. The maintenance of wetlands should be recognised and adopted as a water management approach.
Efficacy of Bollgard II® Variety 06Z604D Containing cry1Ac and cry2Ab2 Genes on the African Bollworm (H. Armigera) in Confined Field Trials at KARI Mwea, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Waturu, C. N; Wessels, W.,; Kambo, C. M.,; Wepukhulu, S. B.,; Njinju, S. M.,; Njenga, G. K; Kariuki, J.; Karichu, P. M.
A Confined Field Trial (CFT) was set up at KARI-Mwea with the objective of testing efficacy of Bollgard II® variety, 06Z604D on the African bollworm and non-target pests including the cotton lygus, thrips, aphid and red spider mite. The experiment had nine treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated four times. The Bollgard II® variety, (06Z604D) compared with the isoline (99M03) and local variety (HART 89M) effectively controlled the populations of the African bollworm. The Bt-cotton variety had no effect on egg laying of African bollworms and achieved less damage of squares. However, the Bt-cotton variety had no significant effect on the populations of the non-target cotton pests. Plots sprayed 6 times for sucking pests on one hand and all pests on the other had lower counts of aphids than the unsprayed plots while the unsprayed plots had lower counts of mites, suggesting that reduced spraying in Bt-cotton could also reduce the populations of mites. The results agreed with the previous results obtained with Bollgard I® Bt-cotton varieties, DP 448B and DP 404BG. Other studies conducted elsewhere with transgenic Bt-cotton also supported the results obtained in the reported work.
First Season Maize Performance in a Long-Term Farming Systems Comparison Trial at KARI-Thika, Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Muriuki, A. W; Musyoka, M. W.; Zundel, C.; Schulthess, F.; Mwangi, K.
Kenya’s smallholder farmers contribute 65% to total agricultural output in a predominantly mixed farming system where application of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides is minimal. By contrast, agriculture in developed temperate countries is dominated by large-scale farming and heavy reliance on fertilizers and pesticides to sustain high yields. Research conducted in temperate developed countries has shown that organic farming is superior to conventional farming in resource use efficiency, ecosystem functioning, soil fertility conservation and economic performance but results cannot be transferred directly to the tropics because of disparities in climate, soils and socio-economic environments. A long-term farming systems comparisons experiment was initiated at KARI-Thika in 2006 to assess the contribution of organic agriculture to food security, poverty alleviation and environmental conservation. Four treatments (Conventional High, Conventional Low, Organic High and Organic Low) were imposed in 8m x 8m plots using a randomized complete block design and replicated five times. The ‘High’ treatments received 118 kgN/ha and 66+5kgP/ha while the ‘Low’ treatments received 65 kgN/ha and 27 kgP/ha. Conventional treatments received the nutrients from farmyard manure, diammonium phosphate and calcium ammonium phosphate while compost, Tithonia diversifolia, and phosphate rock were applied in the organic treatments. Maize variety Pannar was planted at the onset of rains in April 2007 and harvested in August from a net plot area of 6m x 6m. The plots were hand weeded while stock borer was controlled using a Neem extract and ash/soil mixture in organic treatments and Bulldock® in conventional treatments. Stover dry weights were significantly higher in Conventional High than Organic Low (P=0.034) and indistinguishable from those observed in Conventional Low and Organic High. It was reasoned that availability of applied nutrients and the low poorly distributed rainfall received during the flowering and grain filling stages impacted negatively on grain yield.
Agricultural Land Use and Wetlands Conservation in the Lower Nyando River Basin, Western Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-01-01) Kareri, R. W.
The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of agricultural activities on the Nyando river wetlands. It is one of the eleven major sub-basins of Lake Victoria. This is a lowland region about 1135metres above mean sea level. Over the years this region has tended to attract dense human settlement. The main occupation of majority of the people is small-scale agriculture. Other gainful employment opportunities are limited. Consequently, rural poverty embodied in lack of reliable source of income, low levels of agricultural production, unemployment and lack of infrastructural facilities characterize the region. Furthermore, wet seasons are associated with extensive flooding and sub-merged arable land; resulting in massive displacement of people and destruction of property. The dry season introduces increased problems of food and animal feed scarcity. The wetlands in the lowlands provide alternative sources of water for crop irrigation and animal grazing. Thus, these ecosystems are continually being encroached, drained cleared of vegetation and converted into crop farming and grazing areas. The conceptual framework of this study was informed by the political ecology theory. These studies attribute underdevelopment and food insecurity in the poor countries, to their interaction with the dominant development model of the present-day market economy. Hence, land use changes that are influenced by both the government policies and the market forces are discussed and their significance on wetland degradation underlined. Questionnaire, in-depth interviews and personal observations were the main methods of gathering primary data. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished public and private documents. Socio-economic data analysis was done using SPSS computer package.

Browse

Browsing Conference Proceedings by Issue Date