Faculty of Agriculture

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://172.16.31.117:4000/handle/123456789/38

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Browsing Faculty of Agriculture by Subject "Agriculture"

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Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Effect of Extrusion Feed Parameters on Physicochemical, Sensory and Shelf-Life Properties
    (Egerton University, 2021-08) Otondi, Everlyne Akinyi
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    Factors influencing adoption of coffe production practises in Kieni West and Mathira divisions of Nyeri District Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2004-08) Kagiri, Martin Mwangi
    Smallholder coffee farming picked up after Kenya's independence in 1963. Mathira and Kieni West Divisions recorded recognized difierences in coffee produce yet they share similar agro-ecologic conditions. This study sought to detcnnine farmers‘ adoption of Coffee Research Foundation's recommended production practices and document the factors that have influenced adoption of the practices (beside price fluctuations) by smallholder farmers in Mathira and Kieni West division of Nyeri district. Ex-post facto survey design was used. A sample of 200 coffee farmers was selected. Four strata were formed. two from each division. From each stratum. 50 farmers were randomly. Pre-test of the research instruments was carried out involving Tumutumu coffee farmers. The instruments had a reliability coetficient of 0.7422 using Cronbach alpha coefiicient method. Data was collected using validated interview and observation schedules and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics set to give results at alpha 0.05 level. Mean adoption of the Coffee Research Foundation recommended practices was 40.8%. Kieni West division had lower adoption (30.46%) while Mathira division had a higher adoption (53.15%). The most poorly adopted coffee production practices were fertilizer application (82% non- adoption). use of Ruiru ll coffee variety (97% non-adoption) and use of herbicides and pesticide chemicals (97.5% non-adoption). Independent variables which had significant relationship with adoption of Coffee Research Foundation recommended practices were: knowledge of recommended practices. cost of coffee production practices. farmers‘ education levels and frequency of extension services delivery to farmers. There was a significant difference in adoption between Kieni West and Mathira Divisions. The study concluded that there was need for farmers‘ advisory services to improve adoption of recommended practices and consequently improve coffee production output. The study therefore recommends improvement in frequency of delivery of extension services to farmers. Policy makers should design strategies of reducing costs of farm inputs make cost of production affordable to coffee farmers.
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    Modelling and forecasting of climate variability impact on spatio- temporal distribution of stream flow in Njoro River Catchment ,Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2021-11) Otieno,Amisi Edwin
    Climate variability continues to alter hydrological regimes and response of many catchments globally thus threatening water security. Njoro River catchment has not been an exception, there is a steady recognition of climate variability adverse influences like deterioration of ecosystems, surface and groundwater sources. Therefore, the study focused on modelling and forecasting the impact of climate variability on spatial and temporal distribution of stream flow in Njoro River catchment, Kenya. Trends in climate variables from Egerton University weather station (ID: 09035092) were first analysed by the use of Mann-Kendall test for the period (1978 -2017). Then, modelling of stream flow response to climate variability using SWAT was carried out based on USGS/NASA downloaded Digital Elevation Model, FAO soil data, Landsat (MSS 1-5) LULC of 1978, and meteorological data for the period (1978 - 2017). Simulation of spatial and temporal impacts of climate variability then followed, and finally, a hybrid modelling technique of coupling SWAT and ANN models were then applied to forecast climate variability impact on stream flow for the period (2018-2037). Trend results for the period (1978-2017) showed that annual precipitation had a positive trend that was not significant at p < 0.05. Solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperatures had significant positive trends. Relative humidity had a negative trend that was not significant. Wind speed had a significant decreasing trend. Based on SWAT modelling, the most sensitive parameter was CN2 while the least was CANMX. Overall uncertainty analysis results indicated a good model performance value of P-factor (0.72) and R-factor (0.38). The values of R2, NSE, and PBIAS for calibration and validation of monthly stream flow using observed data from Water Resources Authority were 0.88 and 0.77, 0.86 and 0.74, and 5.51 % and -15.42 % respectively. Spatio-temporal impacts of climate variability on stream flow revealed that on average, stream flow reduced by 30.91 % in the 2"“ and increased by 5.47 % and 63.63 % in the 3"’ and 4"‘ decades respectively. The annual average temperatures and precipitation were forecasted to increase from the baseline values by about 0.6 °C and 18.99 %, and 0.85 °C and 28.26 %, respectively for the period (2018 - 2027), and (2028 - 2037). From the SWAT and ANN coupling approach, the forecasting stream flow model indicated an overall better performance of (R2 5 0.92) and (NSE = 0.89). The average annual stream flow was forecasted to increase from the baseline values by about 83 % and 130 % for the periods (2018-2027) and (2028- 2037) respectively. These findings provide pertinent insights, which may perhaps enlighten decision-making in designing adaptable mitigation measures, catchment rehabilitation, and strategic initiatives for the integrated management of water resources.
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