Research Publications

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A Method for Selection of Coffee Varieties Resistant to Fusarium stilboides.
(Agronomy, 2023) Alworah G. O.; Ogendo J.O.; Mafurah J. J.; Gichuru E. K.; Miano D. W.; Okumu O. O.
Adapting to climate variability and change in rural Kenya: farmer perceptions, strategies and climate trends
(Egerton University, 2016) Ochieng, Justus; Kirimi, Lilian; Makau, Joyce
Climate change has had a significant impact on rain-fed agricultural production in developing countries. Smallholder farmers are the most vulnerable, and currently must make production decisions in a high risk and uncertain environment with regard to rainfall and temperature. This paper uses climate and household survey data to analyse farmer perceptions regarding climate change, adaptation measures taken in response to these changes, and how well these perceptions correlate with meteorological data in Kenya. We find that a significant number of farmers perceive climate change as real, and that they are particularly concerned about changes in rainfall and temperature. Changing crop varieties is predominantly used as an adaptation measure since extension messages often encourage adoption of drought-resistant varieties. Major factors influencing farmer perceptions include age of the farmer, which is often associated with more farming experience and subsequent extension service. Except in low potential zones, farmers’ perceptions of climatic variability are in line with climatic data records. Better education, access to extension messages, farm size and credit facilities are necessary for farmers to decide to adapt to climate change. The paper further assesses barriers to the adoption of various adaptation strategies, and lack of finances and knowledge have been found to inhibit adaptation response within the smallholder farming sector. Findings imply that effective adaptation to threats posed by climate variability and change requires a multi-dimensional collaborative approach, with different stakeholders playing key roles in providing support services in terms of education, extension, credit and meteorological information.
Africa’s changing farm size distribution patterns: the rise of medium-scale farms
(Egerton University, 2016-07) Jaynea, T.S. et. al.
waves of nationally representative population-based and/or area-based surveys. Analysis indicates that much of Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing major changes in farm land ownership patterns. Among all farms below 100 hectares in size, the share of land on small-scale holdings under five hectares has declined except in Kenya.Medium-scale farms (defined here as farm holdings between 5 and 100 hectares) account for a rising share of total farmland, especially in the 10–100 hectare range where the number of these farms is growing especially rapidly. Medium-scale farms control roughly 20% of total farmland in Kenya, 32% in Ghana, 39% in Tanzania, and over 50% in Zambia. The numbers of such farms are also growing very rapidly, except in Kenya. We also conducted detailed life history surveys of medium-scale farmers in each of these four countries and found that the rapid rise of medium-scale holdings in most cases reflects increased interest in land by urban-based professionals or influential rural people. About half of these farmers obtained their land later in life, financed by non farm income. The rise of medium-scale farms is affecting the region in diverse ways that are difficult to generalize. Many such farms are a source of dynamism, technical change, and commercialization of African agriculture. However, medium-scale land acquisitions may exacerbate land scarcity in rural areas and constrain the rate of growth in the number of small-scale farm holdings. Medium-scale farmers tend to dominate farm lobby groups and influence agricultural policies and public expenditures to agriculture in their favor. Nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia) show that urban households own 5–35% of total agricultural land and that this share is rising in all countries where DHS surveys were repeated. This suggests a new and hitherto unrecognized channel by which medium-scale farmers may be altering the strength and location of agricultural growth and employment multipliers between rural and urban areas. Given current trends, medium-scale farms are likely to soon become the dominant scale of farming in many African countries. JEL classifications: Q15, O13, O55, D30 Keywords: land; Africa; farm size distribution; medium-scale farms; land acquisitions; agricultural transformation
African Journal of Agricultural Research Physiological response of soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill] to soil moisture stress
(Egerton University, 2019-04) Ouma, Josephine P.; Kimutai, Erick
This study was done to determine the effects of varying soil moisture regimes on CO2 assimilation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in pots under greenhouse conditions during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 4 x 6 factorial treatment arrangement and replicated 3 times. Soil moisture regimes (80, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity) and cultivars (Gazelle, Nyala, EAI 3600, DPSB 8, Hill and DPSB 19) were first and second factors, respectively. Collected data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Linear Mixed Model in GENSTAT. Significantly different treatment means were separated using Tukey’s test at 0.05 significance level. Leaf relative water content, stomata conductance, photosynthesis rate and substomatal CO2 concentrations significantly (P < 0.001) declined with increasing soil moisture stress. Total leaf chlorophyll content increased (P < 0.001) with increased soil moisture stress. Cultivars DPSB 19 and DPSB 8 had relatively higher leaf relative water content and stomata conductance at reduced soil moisture regime at 20% moisture from field capacity indicating moisture stress tolerance potential of the cultivars. Key words: Flowering stage, podding stage, seasons, soil moisture regimes, soybean
Agricultural transformation in Rwanda: Can Gendered Market Participation Explain the Persistence of Subsistence Farming?
(Egerton University, 2018-11) Ingabire, Chantal et.al.
Despite the efforts to agricultural transformation in Rwanda, farming systems are predominantly still in subsistence production. Women are more involved than men, and their number has even increased in the past decade. The reasons for this remain unclear, given the country’s efforts for gender mainstreaming towards market-oriented agriculture. Guided by the current debate on feminization of agriculture, we base this study on the thesis that higher market participation among women farmers could contribute to the so-called transformation. The study uses the case of the Northern Province of Rwanda. It involved 368 smallholder dual-headed households among which 208 and 160 were respectively producing beans and potato. It used a mixed method approach by sequential exploratory design, involving a quantitative survey households followed by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Both Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Thematic Analyses were used. Findings showed a high degree of commercialization for potato, with 75% of farmers participating in output markets, and 72% among them being market oriented. In contrast, only 26% of bean farmers sold their production. The commercialization of potato is in the hands of men, while beans are mainly sold by women. This was also confirmed with the findings from FGDs. Three issues were identified as hindrances to agricultural transformation and likely to keep households in subsistence production: the low participation of women in input and output markets; their limited control over agricultural income; and their increased workload that combines on-farm and reproductive works. Therefore, despite the efforts at policy level, there are still gender inequalities within dual-headed farming households, and the agricultural transformation risks increasing the gap through all or some of the three identified issues. Removing these inequalities could increase households’ market participation and contribute in the process of agricultural transformation
Analysis of an emerging peri-urban camel production in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya
(Camelid Science, 2012-05) Noor, Issack Mohamed; Bebe, Bockline Omedo; Guliye, Abdi Yakub
A study was conducted to analyse an emerging peri-urban camel production system in Isiolo County (northern Kenya), using the traditional pastoral camel production system as reference. Data was obtained from camel keepers through cross-sectional surveys in both systems, complimented by a focus group discussion with camel producers and camel milk. The results indicate that periurban camel production in Isiolo begun early 1990s and evolved to the present market-oriented production system. The gender of the majority of camel keepers in systems were males, however, there were more male camel owners in the pastoral system. Most camel owners in both systems had no formal/secular education (63.3 and 85.7 % for peri-urban and pastoral, respectively). Camels ranked as the most important livelihood source in both systems followed by sheep and goats. Milk for sale was more (P<0.01) important amongst camel keepers in peri-urban than in the pastoral system, whereas sale of progeny, transportation and socio-cultural roles were ranked important (P<0.01, P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) in the pastoral system. The majority (60%) of camel keepers within the peri-urban production system built their herds through purchase of foundation stock, whereas those (81.4%) in the pastoral system built theirs mainly through inheritance. The camel herd structures in the two systems were similar, except breeding males were higher (P<0.05) in the pastoral systems. The major constraints facing camel producers in both systems were camel diseases, inadequate feed resources and milk spoilage. The significance of these findings in the two systems is discussed. It is concluded that camel production in peri-urban areas near towns like Isiolo is gaining significance as an economic activity due to commercialization of camel milk. Keywords: arid and semi-arid lands, camel, Kenya, peri-urban
Analysis of an Emerging Peri-Urban Camel Production in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya
(Journal of Camelid Science, 2012-05) Noor, Issack Mohamed; Bebe, Bockline Omedo; Guliye, Abdi Yakub
A study was conducted to analyse an emerging peri-urban camel production system in Isiolo County (northern Kenya), using the traditional pastoral camel production system as reference. Data was obtained from camel keepers through cross-sectional surveys in both systems, complimented by a focus group discussion with camel producers and camel milk. The results indicate that periurban camel production in Isiolo begun early 1990s and evolved to the present market-oriented production system. The gender of the majority of camel keepers in systems were males, however, there were more male camel owners in the pastoral system. Most camel owners in both systems had no formal/secular education (63.3 and 85.7 % for peri-urban and pastoral, respectively). Camels ranked as the most important livelihood source in both systems followed by sheep and goats. Milk for sale was more (P<0.01) important amongst camel keepers in peri-urban than in the pastoral system, whereas sale of progeny, transportation and socio-cultural roles were ranked important (P<0.01, P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) in the pastoral system. The majority (60%) of camel keepers within the peri-urban production system built their herds through purchase of foundation stock, whereas those (81.4%) in the pastoral system built theirs mainly through inheritance. The camel herd structures in the two systems were similar, except breeding males were higher (P<0.05) in the pastoral systems. The major constraints facing camel producers in both systems were camel diseases, inadequate feed resources and milk spoilage. The significance of these findings in the two systems is discussed. It is concluded that camel production in peri-urban areas near towns like Isiolo is gaining significance as an economic activity due to commercialization of camel milk. Keywords: arid and semi-arid lands, camel, Kenya, peri-urban
Analysis of microbial quality and safety of camel (Camelus dromedarius) milk chain and implications in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2013-02) Matofari, J. W; Shalo, P. L.; Younan, M., Nanua; Adongo, J. N.; Qabale, A.; Misiko, B. N
Camel milk is traditionally consumed raw by the pastoralists in Kenya. However, due to urbanization, population increase, search for alternative income sour- ces, and insecurity in the low lands where camels are concentrated, the demand for camel milk has increased. About 12% of the national milk in Kenya is camel milk. The bulk of it is sold raw in urban markets by informal milk traders (Field, 2001). Milk is an excellent culture medium for the growth of microorganisms. The rate of multiplication of microbes depends mainly on storage temperature and time, level of nutrients and handling conditions. The external sources of microbes include the equipment, the personnel and water. The ability of microorganisms to cause spoilage and disease depends upon the type present, the initial load of contamination of the milk, handling conditions and the time lapse from production before consumption (Bachmann, 1992). Common means of transporting camel milk in pastoral areas from production, about 10 to 20 Km away to bulking or market centres are bicycles, donkeys and occasionally vehicles. The ambient temperature in the production environment is about 39ºC. The milk reachesproduction environment is about 39ºC. The milk reaches the nearest bulking centres in 2 to 3 h and to major markets in cities in 6 to 8 h. The growth of contaminating microorganisms in raw milk therefore poses a threat to consumer health. The camel milk being marketed is of unknown microbial quality and safety to the public. This study investigated the microbial quality and safety and effect of developed acidity on microbial load along the chain of camel milk supply from production to the market. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sampling Composite samples of 10ml of milk were taken from the camel udder at production in the morning and evening at normal milking time. The samples were kept in a cool box maintained at 8-10ºC using iced accumulators. A total of 107 samples were collected at production. At bulking centres, 52 bulk milk samples were taken after pooling milk for storage or distribution to consumers or transportation to distant markets. Fifty nine (59) milk samples were collected from the city market and other sales outlets. All samples were transported to the laboratory within six hours.
Analysis of Technical Efficiency among Smallholder Farmers in Kisii County, Kenya
(IOSR Journal, 2015-03) Kiprop, Nyariki I. S.; Hillary, Bett K.; Mshenga, Patience; Nyairo, Newton
Land fragmentation is a major problem in most parts of the world as it restricts agricultural development, reduces productivity and opportunities for rural development. Kisii County shows a clear case of land fragmentation due to high population pressure and poverty. This study was conducted with the aim of examining the effect of land fragmentation on agricultural productivity by examining the technical efficiency of households in the area. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires and analysis done using a Cobb-Douglas production (Stochastic Frontier) function. On factors that influenced land fragmentation, age of the household head, education level of the household head, number of males and females, generations through land has been transferred, amount of output (maize), tillage method, land size, household income, membership to a group and access to extension services were found to be significant at different levels. The technical efficiency was found to be 36.82 with more than half of the households falling below 50%. The quantity of planting fertilizer used, certified seeds and fragmentation index were found to influence the level of technical efficiency.
Antibacterial potency of Pelargonium zonale and Psidium guajava against bacterial wilt of potato under greenhouse condition
(Egerton University, 2023-03) Okeyo, G. O.; Charimbu, M. K.; Nyaanga, J. G.; Mendes, T.
Pelargonium zonale and Psidium guajava plant extracts have demonstrated in-vitro antibacterial activity against Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. Nevertheless, their antibacterial effectiveness against this disease has not been examined under greenhouse condition. This study explored the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic leave extracts of P. zonale and P. guajava in management of R. pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. of potatoes under greenhouse condition. The experiment was set in a completely randomized design (CRD) of 2*6 factorial arrangements [2 varieties (Shangi (Highly susceptible) and Sherekea (Moderately resistant) and 6 treatments] with 3 replicates. The treatments comprised; 2 ethanolic leave extracts (P. guajava and P. zonale) at 50 mg/mL, 2 positive controls [ENRICH BM (Bronopol 27%w/w) and KOBE 1.2 SL (Chrysophanol 12g/l)] at commercial rates and 2 negative controls (Untreated control and 1% DMSO). The soil media was inoculated with 10 mL of bacterial suspension adjusted to 600 nm OD (approximately 107 to 108 cfu/mL) per pot. Data was collected on disease incidence, disease severity, plant heights, number of stems, yield (Kgs) and number of bacterial wilt colony counts. The study results revealed that all the treated plants exhibited significantly low disease incidences, low area under disease progress curves (AUDPCs), high number of stems, high stem heights, low bacterial wilt colony counts and high yield (Kgs) compared to negative controls. Potato variety Sherekea exhibited the highest average efficacy from the two plant extracts; 0.14 for disease incidence, 1178.21 for AUDPC, 1.84 for stem height, 2.66 for bacterial wilt colony counts and 0.28 for yield (Kgs) respectively. These results demonstrated the synergistic effect of host plant resistance and/or tolerance and botanicals in management of R. pseudosolanacearum sp. nov. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness and stability of the two extracts against the target pathogen in the field to enhance their adoption and commercialization in themanagement of bacterial wilt pathogen in infested potato production fields.
Antifungal activity of Leonotis nepetifolia extracts against Colletotrichum species causing bean anthracnose and their phytochemical analysis using LC-MS
(Mbega E., 2023) Christopher F.; Patrick Ndakidemi P.; Nyalala S.; Mbega E.
Antimicrobial activity of the root extracts of Tylosema fassoglensis Schweinf. Torre & Hillc (Caesalpiniaceae)
(Egerton University, 2012-07) Adongo, John Onyango; Omolo, Josiah O.; Njue, Alice W.; Matofari, Joseph W.
Petroleum-ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts from Tylosema fassoglenssis (Caesalpiniaceae) were investigated for their in-vitro antimicrobial properties. A total of six microbial organisms belonging to five bacteria and one yeast species were studied using a disk-diffusion assay and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) techniques. The result showed that none of the microorganisms tested was sensitive towards the petroleum-ether extract. The methanol and chloroform extracts exhibited anticandidal and antibacterial effects. Both the methanol and chloroform extracts, inhibited four isolates out of the five bacterial strains studied. The methanol extract showed a stronger antimicrobial activity than the chloroform extract judging from the sizes of inhibition zones. The minimim inhibition zones (MIC) of the methanol and chloroform extracts ranged from 125 to 250 µl/ml and 125 to 300 µl/ml, respectively. This study suggests that T. fassoglenssis, which is currently used in traditional medicine, is a potential source of antimicrobial compounds.
Assessing Lactation Curve Characteristics of Dairy Cows Managed under Contrasting Husbandry Practices and Stressful Environments in Tanzania
(World, 2022) Shija, D.S; Okeyo A. Mwai; Julie M. K. Ojango; Daniel M. Komwihangilo; Bockline Omedo Bebe
The ability of smallholder dairy farming systems (SHDFS) to achieve desirable lactation-curve characteristics is constrained or reduced by environmental stresses. Under stressful production environments in the tropics, the better lactation-curve characteristics in smallholder dairy farms are a result of improved dairy genetics and husbandry practices. Better husbandry practices improve animal health and welfare status, which is important to sustain SHDFS in the tropics where dairy cattle are constantly exposed to multiple environmental stresses of feed scarcity, disease infections and heat load. In this case, lactating cows in smallholder dairy farms labelled positive deviants are expected to express lactation curve characteristics differently from typical farms, regardless of the stress levels confronted. Thus, this study tested this hypothesis with Holstein–Friesian and Ayrshire cows in two milksheds in Tanzania classified them into low-and high-stress environments. A two-factor nested research design was used, with farm (positive deviant and typical) nested within the environment. Positive deviant farms were farms that performed above the population average, attaining ≥0.35 Mcal NEL/d energy balance, ≥6.32 L/cow/day milk yield, ≤1153.28 days age at first calving, ≤633.68 days calving interval and ≤12.75 per 100 animal-years at risk disease-incidence density. In this study, a total of 3262 test-day milk production records from 524 complete lactations of 397 cows in 332 farms were fitted to the Jenkins and Ferrell model to estimate lactation curve parameters. In turn, the outcome parameters a and k were used to estimate lactation curve characteristics. The lactation curve characteristic estimates proved the study hypothesis. Regardless of the stress levels, cows in positive deviant farms expressed lactation curve characteristics differently from cows managed in typical farms. The scale (a) and shape (k) parameters together with peak yield and time to peak yield indicated higher lactation performance in positive deviant farms than in typical farms under low- and high-stress environments (p < 0.05). Lactation persistency was higher in positive deviants than typical farms by 14.37 g/day and 2.33 g/day for Holstein–Friesian cows and by 9.91 g/day and 2.16 g/day for Ayrshire cows in low- and high-stress environments. Compared to cows managed in typical farms, cows in positive deviant farms attained higher lactation performance under low- and high-stress; Holstein–Friesian produced 50.2% and 36.2% more milk, respectively, while Ayrshire produced 52.4% and 46.0% more milk, respectively. The higher milk productivity in positive deviant farms can be associated with the deployment of husbandry practices that more effectively ameliorated feed scarcity, heat load and disease infections stresses, which are prevalent in tropical smallholder dairy farms.
Assessing the Determinants of Tissue Culture Banana Adoption in Western Kenya
(African Scholarly Science Communication Trust, 2016-03) Wanyama, JM; Obare, GA; Owuor, G.; Wasilwa, L
In this study cross-section data was used to analyze the effect of farmers’ demographic, socioeconomic and institutional setting, market access and physical attributes on the probability and intensity of tissue culture banana (TCB) adoption. The study was carried out between July 2011 and November 2011. Both descriptive (mean, variance, promotions) and regression analysis were used in the analysis. A double hurdle regression model was fitted on the data. Using multistage sampling technique, four counties and eight sub-locations were randomly selected. Using random sampling technique, three hundred and thirty farmers were selected from a list of banana households in the selected sub-locations. The adoption level of tissue culture banana (TCB) was about 32%. The results also revealed that the likelihood of TCB adoption was significantly influenced by: availability of TCB planting material, proportion of banana income to the total farm income, per capita household expenditure and the location of the farmer in Kisii County; while those that significantly influenced the intensity of TCB adoption were: occupation of farmers, family size, labour source, farm size, soil fertility, availability/access of TCB plantlets to farmers, distance to banana market, use of manure in planting banana, access to agricultural extension services and index of TCB/non-TCB banana cultivar attributes which were scored by farmers. Compared to West Pokot County, farmers located in Bungoma County are more significantly and likely to adopt TCB technology. Therefore, the results of the study suggest that the probability of adoption and intensity of the use of TCB should be enhanced. This can be done by taking cognizance of these variables in order to meet the priority needs of the smallholder farmers who were the target group. This would lead to alleviating banana shortage in the region for enhanced food security. Subsequently, actors along the banana value chain are encouraged to target the intervention strategies based on the identified farmer, farm and institutional characteristics for enhanced impact on food provision. Opening up more TCB multiplication centres in different regions will make farmers access the TCB technology for enhanced impact on the target population. Key words: Farmer, Adoption, Tissue culture banana, double-hurdle, model, West Kenya
Assessment of clonal stability of in vitro regenerated shoots of Macadamia tetraphylla by RAPD analysis
(Egerton University, 2007) Mulwa, Richard M. S.; Bhalla, Prem L.
Macadamia nuts constitute an important part of the world nut industry and are highly valued for their health- promoting properties. Macadamia is an open-pollinated crop that takes 8–12 years to bear fruit when multiplied via seeds. The yield and nut quality in seedling plantations are often highly variable, and grafting is currently the most common method for producing nursery trees with reduced variability. We have previously reported on the tissue-culture propagation of macadamia, and in the present study we assessed the clonal integrity of the regenerated shoots. The RAPD proﬁles of 3 macadamia stock plants and 10 in vitro regenerated lines from each stock plant were analysed to assess the clonal integrity of the shoots regenerated in vitro for micropropagation purposes. The extent of genetic variation between the stock plants and 9 randomly selected seedlings was also assessed. There was no difference in clonal identity between the stock plants and their micropropagated progeny, indicating that clonal micropropagation was possible using enhanced axillary proliferation in macadamia. In contrast, there was a large genetic variation among the seedlings and between the seedlings and stock plants, with genetic distance estimates ranging from 0.121 to 0.637 among seedlings, indicating rampant out-crossing of the macadamia plant.
An assessment of the effect of a national fertiliser subsidy programme on farmer participation in private fertiliser markets in the North Rift region of Kenya
(Egerton University, 2016-12) Makau, Joyce Mumbua; Irungu, Patrick; Nyikal, Rose Adhiambo; Kirimi, Lilian Wambui
This study evaluated the effect of the national fertiliser subsidy on farmer participation in commercial fertiliser markets in the North Rift region of Kenya. The study used primary data collected from 710 households. A double-hurdle model and descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The results show that the national fertiliser subsidy reduces farmers’ probability of participating in commercial fertiliser markets by 30%. On average, an additional kilogram of subsidised fertiliser displaces 0.2 kg of commercial fertiliser from the market. This implies that the national fertiliser subsidy has a displacement effect on commercial sales. The government therefore should consider changes in programme design and implementation by distributing subsidised fertiliser to areas with weak commercial fertiliser distribution networks. In addition, proper targeting of resource-poor households is recommended if the programme objectives are to be achieved. Key words: fertiliser subsidy; market participation; Kenya; double-hurdle model; displacement effect
Assessmentofcamelandcamelmilkmarketingpracticesinanemergingperi-urbanproductionsysteminIsioloCountyKenya
(Springer Open Journal, 2019-01) Noor, Issack Mohamed; Guliye, Abdi Yakub; Tariq, Muhammad; Bebe, Bockline Omedo
Pastoral camel management practices in Kenya, characterised by free herd mobility that enables efficient utilisation of rangeland resources, is progressively restricted to foraging within the vicinity of urban milk market outlets. The emerging peri-urban camel production system (PUCPS) has potential livelihood benefits to households, but adapting herd management practices responsive to market demands is a challenge with implications for its sustained development. This study assessed marketing practices in PUCPS, guided by two research questions. To what extent are (i) camel keepers involved in trading of camel stock and milk? (ii) milk hygiene practices responsive to market demands? Data was obtained from cross-sectional surveys complemented by focus group discussions. Compared to the pastoral production system, the peri-urban system exhibited greater market integration with more milk marketing opportunities, 2.4 times more (25.8% vs 62.8%) steer sales and 2.2 times more heifer purchases for breeding (12.3% vs 27.5%). Camels were sold to meet livelihood needs of the households as well as to raise cash for other direct investments. On the other hand, PUCPS growth is facing market barriers from poor milk hygiene practices. Compared to the pastoral system, the peri-urban system exhibits greater market-oriented production of camel stock and milk. Existing milk hygiene and quality practices are unlikely to meet the safety and quality requirements for urban consumers. Development of organised marketing channels and strengthening of processes that add value to milk would enable camel producers to earn more from their stock and guarantee safety and quality to urban consumers. Keywords: Peri-urban camel production; Market integration; Camel milk; Milk hygiene; Value addition
Associations between Milking Practices, Somatic Cell Counts and Milk
(Elsevier, 2017-04) Kashongwe, O.B.; Bebe, B.O.; Matofari, J.W.; Huelsebusch, C.G.
This study investigated the relationship between milking practices, mastitis as well as milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and the effects of high SCC on milk production and post-harvest losses (PHL) in smallholder dairy (n = 64) and pastoral camel (n = 15) herds in Kenya. Data collected included milking practices, mastitis test on udder quarters (n = 1236) and collection of milk samples for laboratory analyses: SCC, detection of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species. Production losses were computed as a proportion of cows and herds with SCC (>200,000 cells/ml) and PHL as quantity of milk exceeding 4 105 cells/ml. Practices associated with production herds included hands, udder washing and drying, and milk let down stimulation with calves suckling or manually (p < 0.001). Udder drying was only applied in peri-urban herds (100%). Herd level prevalence of mastitis was lower in smallholder than in pastoral herds (60.7% vs 93.3%). Mastitis positive samples had higher prevalence of S. aureus than of Streptococcus species in both smallholder (57.9% vs 23.7%) and pastoral (41.6% vs 36.5%) herds. SCC was significantly affected by presence of mastitis and S. aureus (p < 0.001). Milk PHL from high SCC was higher in smallholder rural herds (27%) compared to peri-urban (7%) and in pastoral peri-urban (81%) compared to rangelands (76%). Milking practices may have contributed to maintain mastitis pathogens in herds. This has led to substantial pre and postharvest milk losses in smallholder and pastoral herds. Therefore teat dipping, dry cow period and herd level mastitis treatment may complement current practices for lower SCC and milk PHL. 2017 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Bee populations, genetic diversity, conservation, marketing and contribution to rural households in Kenya
(International Journal of Tropical Insect Science, 2021) Sagwa, Caleb
Biosynthesis and Role of Dhurrin in Forage Sorghum
(Reviews in Agricultural Science, 2023) Ouma L.A.; Cheruiyot E.K; Ogendo J.O.

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