Faculty of Agriculture

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    Economic evaluation of irrigation system used in vegetable production in Koulikoro and Mopti regions, Mali
    (Egerton University, 2018) Kane, Abdoullah Mamary
    Majority of households in Mali depend on rain-fed agriculture for their food production. Overreliance on rain-fed agriculture limits the production output due to unreliable rainfall in the country. To mitigate this, the government has invested in rehabilitation of irrigation schemes. Due to increasing problem of water shortage as a result ofclimate change, irrigation water input in vegetable production must be economically efficient. Although the Malian govemment has promoted different types of irrigation systems, it is unclear if these technologies are economically efficient and viable for vegetables production. This study determined the contribution of different irrigation systems to produce vegetables on household welfare in rural communities. The objectives of the study were to characterize the production systems and small scale irrigation technologies, to evaluate the economic efficiency of water use in the small scale irrigation systems, to determine the economic viability of the alternative small scale irrigation systems and to determine the technical efficiency of small scale vegetables production under different irrigation systems among smallholder farming households in Koulikoro and Mopti regions. This study was guided by the production theory. Primary data \\ as collected from 273 farmers selected from four wards (Fanafiecoura and Tieman, in Koulikoro region and Mopti and Dialango, in Mopti region) using face-to-face interviews. Secondary data from literature reviews was also used. Statistical analysis such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), Benefit Cost Ratio analysis and Stochastic Frontier production functions were used. This study found that the irrigation systems as used in production of the three main crops were characterized by 24% inefficiency. With respect to the vegetable production of potatoes, shallots and tomatoes, the technical efficiency scores were higher in drip irrigation (9l.68%) and sprinkling irrigation (90.56%) than in Califomian irrigation system (76.87%). This means that drip and sprinkling irrigation systems were relatively more economically efficient as compared with the Californian system. The excess benefits (compared to costs) was realized more with drip irrigation system (BCR = 2.579) with the second best being sprinkler (BCR = 2.118) and the third being California (1.890). With respect to the production of potatoes, shallots and tomatoes, technical efficiency scores were highest in drip (9l.68%) and sprinkling (90.56) and lowest in Californian (76.87) irrigation systems. This study recommends more training and capacity building to the farmers with an aim of reducing their levels of inefficiencies in production of potatoes, shallots and tomatoes. Drip, sprinkling and Califomian irrigation systems presents a good opportunity for superior technical efficiency in vegetable production and should be promoted.
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    Diversity of banana streak virus in Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2009-04) Laura, Shali Karanja
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    Enhancing quality and safety of indigenous chicken meat processing in Kenya
    (Egerton university, 2021-07) Oloo, Benard Odhiambo
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    Modelling Engine Performance and Emissions Fueled By Biodiesel Blends for Optimal Operation
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Ngelechei, Vitalis Kibiwot
    Engines fueled by diesel play a pivotal role in today's economy, especially in agriculture and transport sectors. However, concerns over diesel-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its depletion of reserves has spurred interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel. Biodiesel blends were introduced to address reduced engine power and efficiency due to poor fuel atomization. However, determining optimal biodiesel blend level for engine performance has proven a challenge due to their diverse properties and combustion behaviors since they are sourced from different oils. This research aims to model engine performance and emission fueled by biodiesel blends to optimize the engine operation. Use of biodiesels blends could significantly reduce dependence on imported oil, stimulate the economy by creating jobs and reduce vulnerability and decreasing reliance on global oil. The research developed mathematical models using Buckingham pi-theorem for brake thermal efficiency (Bte), specific fuel consumption (Sfc), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission for an engine fueled by different biodiesel blends. The performance and emission tests were carried out using a 3.5 kW one cylinder four stroke engine on a test rig connected to an eddy current electric dynamometer. The fuels used for experiments were WVO, canola, oleander, sunflower and coconut biodiesels blended at 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% with diesel, to run the engine operated at speeds of 1500 rpm and loaded at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 kg. Finally, the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA II) method was used to determine the biodiesel blending for optimal engine operation. The study established that biodiesel; densities ranged between 872 to 925 kg/m3; kinematic viscosity of 4.2 to 5.2 mm2/s and Lower heat value from 36200 to 39400 kJ/kg The results observed lower Bte and CO emissions, while Sfc and NOx emission were higher for engine fueled with biodiesel blends as compared those of diesel fuel. The developed mathematical model predicted Bte, Sfc, CO and NOx with error margins of 1.65%, 15.98%, 4.69% and 2.78 % respectively as compared to the experimental results. The study successfully developed a mathematical model to predict Bte, Sfc, NOx, and CO emissions for CI engines fueled by biodiesel blends. It also identified optimal blend levels to be 22.5, 21.9, 20.6, 19.98 and 19.6 percent for biodiesel; WVO, canola, oleander, sunflower and oleander which gave the Bte as 21.9, 23.6, 23.3 23.7 and 23.0 while NOx as 139.0, 135.3, 135.9, 134.9 and 136.5 respectively. While the model provides a foundation for simulating biodiesel blend combustion in CI engines, future studies should expand its inputs to cover a broader range of biodiesel properties, engine types, and real-world operating conditions is essential, enhance the model's accuracy and reliability, making it a more versatile tool for optimizing biodiesel blends.
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    In-Vitro Regeneration, Genetic Transformation and Evaluation of Maize (Zea Mays L.) For Resistance to Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Obara Justus Anyieni
    Maize (Zea Mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in the world and over 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa depend on it for food. The majority of Kenyan population, approximately 85%, directly depends on maize for food. However, since the emergence of maize lethal necrosis disease (MLN), Kenya has experienced losses of about US$ 140 million annually. Most of the existing MLN management approaches are ineffective. Gene silencing through transgene induced ribonucleic acid (RNA) is simple and rapid, where small RNA molecules pair with messenger RNA (mRNA) eliciting nuclease degradation or silencing. The method has been adopted for plant disease management. The objectives of this study were to: optimize a regeneration protocol for the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center maize lines (CML) CML442 and CML444 inbred maize lines; transform maize with the P1, HC-Pro, or VPg transgenes of sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), identify transgenics and confirm transgene integration via conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction digestion, respectively and assay for MLN response. Plant regeneration from immature embryos was tested at 0, 2, 3 and 4 mg/L of 2, 4-D in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media in a completely randomized design. The best in-vitro regeneration performing maize inbred line was transformed with the P1, HC-Pro, or VPg transgenes. The presence of transgenes was confirmed by PCR and restriction digestion with restriction endonucleases; AscI, BfmI and AsuII for the VPg, P1 and HC-Pro, respectively. Resistance for MLN was conducted via detached leaf assay (DLA). Disease severity was scored on a CIMMYT scale of 1-5. Both CML444 and CML442 were not significantly different at (p≤0.001) during regeneration with CML442 recording a mean of 8.90 as compared to 6.85 in CML444. The lines were significantly different at (p≤0.05) during rooting with CML444 recording a mean of 35. 67 as compared to 28.67 in CML442 leading to selection of CML444 for transformation downstream. Digestion products of 303, 227; 535 bp, 169 bp; 1222, 163 bp for VPg, P1 and HC-Pro genes were detected, respectively. The DLA assay indicated that the VPg transgenics had a minimum disease severity score of 1.44, followed by 3.82 and 4.01 for the P1 transgenic and HC-Pro transformants, respectively. Based on our findings, the VPg transgenic indicated that gene silencing through transgenic induced RNA could be the solution for MLN management
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    Influence of Genotype, Growth Stage and Temperature Variations on Anti-Nutritive Properties of Potential Fodder Sorghum in Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Ouma, Lilian Atieno
    Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is a fodder crop that thrives well in tropical climates and can offer solution to the feed shortage in Kenya. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of genotype, stage and temperature variations on major anti-nutritive quality attributes of selected fodder sorghum genotypes. Three experiments were conducted in the field, greenhouse and growth chamber to obtain data for evaluating the effect of temperature on lignocellulose and Hydrocyanic acid potential (HCN-p) of selected fodder sorghum cultivars. In the field experiment, twenty sorghum cultivars obtained from ICRISAT, commercial varieties and farmers‘ collections were evaluated in a randomized comple block design in 3 locations with vatying temperatures {(Egerton-cool), and (Marigat-hot) respectively} in 2019 nd 2020. Sorghum plants were sampled at booting and dough stages of development to determine the lignocellulose content and hydrocyanic acid potential (HCN-p). The second experiment, which was conducted in and outside a greenhouse under natural light was laid out in a CRD with three replicates, was set up to determine the effect of varying temperature on the HCN-p of sorghum genotypes using five sorghum genotypes. The third experiment consisted of three potted sorghum genotypes: IS11442, IESV91105LT and E6518 grown in the greenhouse then later transferred to a growth chamber. The three genotypes were subjected to controlled temperature and relative humidity. The temperature settings were 35oC/15oC, 25oC/10oC and 18oC/8oC). Analysis of variance was done through generalized linear model in R statistical software version 4.3.0. Treatment means were separated through Tukey‘s honest significant difference (HSD) test at P≤0.05. There was a significant increase in HCN-p and lignin content from a cooler region (Egerton), to a warmer region (Rongai) through to a hotter region (Marigat). HCN-p in the test material ranged from 83 – 147 ppm. The lowest values of HCN-p were obtained from the brown mid-rib (bmr) genotypes; IS 23787, EST 36 and EST 37 whose content were 86.58, 86.24 and 84.43 ppm, respectively, in 2019 and 85.13, 85.73 and 83.79 ppm in 2020. Temperature had a significant effect on HCN-p of sorghum as shown by higher HCN-p in sorghum that was grown in the greenhouse (117.5 ppm) compared to that grown outside the greenhouse (101.5ppm) as well as sorghum held at high temperature (35/15oC) in the growth chamber. Based on lignin content and HCN-p, EST 20, B 35, IS23787 and EST 37 sorghum lines are recommended for safe sorghum fodder provision when harvested at dough stage and grown in cool or warm environments.
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    Effects of Digital Systems and Climate Smart Agriculture on Domestication and Productivity of Cape gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.) Among Farming Families in Baringo County, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Kandagor, Jonathan Chebor
    Cape Gooseberry fruit has documented nutritional, medicinal and industrial values. In Kenya, the level of domestication of the crop is low, despite the fact that it grows naturally in many parts of the country, including Baringo County. The purpose of this study was to introduce the crop in Baringo County for cultivation, and determine its acceptance levels. The study, also, documented the eco-physiological characteristics of the crop in situ. The study examined the deployment and use of documentary audio-visuals, online training and mobile app on Cape Goosberry productivity. In addition, the study incorporated climate smart agriculture, the selected practices being organic manure and intercropping with beans. The research designs used were quasi-experimental and participatory learning and action research. The sample size for the study was 120. Three Sub-Counties in Baringo County were purposively selected. From each Sub-County, one ward was, also, purposively selected. The sample was distributed equally among the three wards. Random sampling was used to select 40 farming families from each ward. Within each ward, sampled farming families were assigned to four treatments as follows: The first group received crop technologies through digital systems and incorporated climate smart agriculture; the second group received technologies through digital systems; the third group incorporated climate smart agriculture and relied on regular extension services; and the last group relied on regular extension services. The farming families grew the crop and at maturity, they harvested and weighed the fruits. The data collection instruments used were interview schedules, observation schedules and crop productivity templates. Experts examined the validities and reliabilities of the instruments and the recommended improvements effected. Triangulation and KR-21 were used in determining the instrument reliabilities, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.94. Productivity data were analysed to determine the effects of digital systems and climate smart agriculture. Content analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysis. The inferential statistics used were t-tests and analysis of variance. The tests were at 0.05 level of significance. The major findings are that: Cape Gooseberry performs well under clay loam soil; farmers in Baringo County are willing to engage in production of the crop; and productivity levels improved when technologies were disseminated using digital systems in combination with climate smart agriculture. The conclusions from the study are that: Cape Gooseberry is a viable crop for Baringo County. The study recommends provision of training of extension staff on integration of digital systems and climate smart agriculture on extension systems.
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    Diversity of banana streak virus in Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2009-04) Karanja, Laura Shali
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    Native Rhizobia and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria as Potential Biofertilizers for Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Korir, Hezekiah
    Soil fertility decline is one of the major factors that constrains the production of common bean. The use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) including rhizobia and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) positively impact common bean production by enhancing nodulation, nutrient uptake, growth and grain yield. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of the native rhizobia and PSB to solubilize phosphates and produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and their potential to enhance common bean growth in the greenhouse. Additionally, the study investigated the suitability of sugarcane filter mud and liquid yeast extract mannitol broth as carrier materials for the survival of bacterial strains under refrigerated and room temperature storage conditions. Field experiments were set up to assess the response of common beans to selected rhizobia-PSB co-inoculation and the efficiency of different inoculant carrier materials. Results from the in vitro studies showed that the tested rhizobia strains have different IAA producing ability and phosphate solubilization efficiency with Rhizobium pusense (S5) and R. phaseoli (B3) produced higher levels of IAA with absorbance values of 1.33 and 1.14 respectively. Similarly, R. pusense (S5) had the highest solubilization efficiency (648), followed by Bacillus megaterium (HK2) (322.3). In the greenhouse study, specific rhizobia-PSB co-inoculation (R. pusense (B2) + B. aryabhattai, R. pusense + B. megaterium and R. phaseoli + B. aryabhattai) significantly increased the number of nodules compared to single rhizobia or PSB inoculation. The highest shoot biomass was observed when R. phaseoli was co-inoculated with P. polymyxa (4.3 g plant-1) compared to the single R. phaseoli inoculation (1.1 g plant-1). The inoculant stored under low temperatures (4℃) had a significantly higher (3.73 x 109 CFU per gram/ml of inoculant) survival than those stored at room temperature (16±2℃) with 2.87 x 109 CFU per gram/ml of inoculant. Storage under low temperature (4 °C) sustained higher viable bacterial cells than at room temperature particularly for liquid inoculant, while filter mud sustained higher population under room temperature. Significantly higher yield (1.64 Mg ha-1) was obtained with the filter mud as carrier materials for the bacterial strains while there was no significant difference in the yield of common bean between peat moss (1.56 Mg ha-1) and YEMB (1.54 Mg ha-1). From this study, it is concluded that co-inoculation of common beans with the specific rhizobia and PSB using sugarcane filter mud as a carrier material significantly enhances nodulation, nutrient uptake, shoot biomass, and grain yield of common bean. This study recommends adoption of co-inoculation of common bean with specific rhizobia and PSB using sugarcane filter mud as a carrier material to maximize common bean growth and yield.
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    Sustainable Use of Estrus Synchronization and Artificial Insemination in Sahiwal Cattle for Improved Performance of Pastoral Herds in Semi-Arid Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Agutu, Fredrick Odiwuor
    Fixed timed artificial insemination and use of high-grade Sahiwal cattle breed are technologies that can increase herd reproductive performance. However, their sustainable use as breeding interventions are uncertain in pastoral rangelands where preference is high for natural bull service. The study determined: pastoral herd owners’ willingness to pay for artificial insemination service delivery post subsidy; influence of sire and dam mating criteria on conception rates; preferential use of bull calves and benefit-cost of utilizing artificial insemination amongst pastoral herds. The study sampled 130 herd owners in Trans Mara West Sub-County of Narok County and accessed cattle records from the project database, direct on-farm observations and personal interviews for data sources. Willingness to pay was estimated from double bounded dichotomous contingent valuation model based on hypothesized bid levels. Conception rate was calculated as a ratio of total number of confirmed to conceptions ascertained by rectal palpations 90 days’ post-insemination. Preferential use of bull calves was assessed in a choice experiment based on perceived bull calve associated attributes. Economic viability was assessed using three key financial parameters involving Net Present Value, Benefit-Cost Ratio and Internal Rate of Return. Willingness to pay amount averaged Kenya Shillings 3,643, equivalent to 21.4% premium with reference to base market price of Kenya Shillings 3,000. Seven in ten (67%) of the pastoral herd owners expressed willingness to pay above the hypothesized market price. Conception rate averaged 61% and was higher among cows (P <0.05) than heifers (72% versus 54%), second parity cows (76%) than first parity (69%) or third parity cows (66%). Majority (54%) of the pastoral herd owners preferred retaining the progeny bull calves within their herds for future breeding purposes relative to immediately selling for income (44%). In Benefit-Cost analysis, optimal husbandry practices had 45% more Net Present Values than low input husbandry practices (Kenya Shillings 9,966 versus 5,462). Sensitivity analysis indicated that application of the technology is not a viable investment under low input husbandry practices when milk prices decreases (-10%), inflation rate increases (+3%) and feeding and watering costs increases (+10%). The study results show a higher likelihood of herd owners continuing to use the technology at market price. In Sahiwal upgrading, higher conception rates can be attainable with low parity cows, sires of foundation and appendix upgrading class; and with sexed semen. It is economically viable for pastoral herd owners to use the technology while applying optimal husbandry practices. Implications are that improved extension service to pastoral herd owners is necessary to improve husbandry practices in scaling and upgrading of Sahiwal farming. Policy interventions need to be directed to enabling private sector deliver synchronization protocol and insemination efficiently.
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    Effect of Land Tenure Security on Household Food Security and Women Empowerment among Small-Holder Maize Farmers in Narok County, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Joseph Jabu Mbudzya
    Land tenure security is key to the development of any country since it incentivizes land investments, increases maize productivity and household food security and improves women's empowerment. Despite these potential benefits of land tenure security, there is inadequate literature in Kenya, especially in areas experiencing land-related conflicts and cultural bias against women's rights, such as Narok County. This research, therefore, provides empirical evidence on (i) determinants of land tenure security, the effect of land tenure security on (ii) maize productivity, (iii) household food security, and (iv) women empowerment among small-holder maize farmers in Narok County, Kenya. A multistage sampling technique was used to obtain a sample size of 366 small-holder maize farmers. Cross-sectional primary data were then collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using STATA computer software. For analysis of the four objectives, the Ordered probit model, conditional mixed process method (CMP), endogenous switching probit regression (ESR), and two-stage least square method (2SLS) were used. The findings of the study indicate that age, marital status, education level of the household head, number of years the household had stayed on the land, land fertility and size, land purchase, distance from the household to the parcel, and household size were the main determinants of land tenure security. Results also show that the sex, marital status, and education level of the household head, as well as the presence of land disputes, soil fertility, and land purchase, significantly influenced land tenure security. Findings further confirmed the relationship among land tenure security, credit access and maize productivity. Land tenure security significantly and positively influenced credit access, and the farmers with access to credit increased maize productivity by 2001.902 Kg/Ha. Furthermore, land tenure security positively and significantly affected household food security. Land tenure insecure households would have increased their food security by 38% if they were land tenure secure. In comparison, land tenure-secure households would have decreased their food security by 4% if they were land tenure insecure. Findings further suggest that possession of land rights increased women empowerment by about 0.25%. Other factors affecting women empowerment were marital status, education level gap, oxen ownership, polygamous marriage, off-farm income, group membership, and credit access. The findings of this study underscore the need for governments and other stakeholders to develop additional policies that would facilitate access to secure land rights by the rural population to increase maize productivity and food security. Further, additional policies that facilitate women's access to land rights to improve their economic, social and political power should be prioritized.
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    Effect of entrepreneurial competency and agrienterprise farm capability on performance of smallholder irish potato farmers in Nyandarua county, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) Juma, Fahad Luttah
    Increase in agricultural productivity and profits are some of the key drivers in Irish potato farming and therefore is a clear priority for smallholder farmers. Yet little is known about how entrepreneurial competencies and agrienterprise farm capabilities may be linked with Irish potato productivity. Thus, this study sought to fill this knowledge gap by; exploring the levels and determining factors influencing entrepreneurial competencies and agrienterprise farm capabilities of smallholder Irish potato farmers in Nyandarua County, Kenya. The study also sought to determine the effect of entrepreneurial competencies and agrienterprise farm capabilities on farm performance. Data was collected through multistage sampling by cross sectional survey using a sample of 249 smallholder Irish potato farmers. The three objectives were analysed using Principal Component Analysis, Multivariate Multiple Regression and Structural Equation Modelling. Based on the findings, entrepreneurial competencies that were found to be exhibited by the farmers ranked from the highest to lowest in terms of levels possessed are as follows; personal strength competency (83%), relationship competency (73%), strategic competency (69%) and finally, opportunity competency (47%). It can be concluded that most farmers were not opportunity driven. With regards to profiling farmers’ farm capabilities ranked from the highest to lowest in terms of levels possessed; the highest exhibited capability was networking capability (71%) followed by, technology management capability (60%) followed by, market linking capability (53%) and finally, technology integration capability (47%) and marketing capability (47%). It can be concluded that farmers did not adopt new technologies in Irish potato production and were not proactive in marketing. Findings identified factors that influence development of entrepreneurial competencies as; attending entrepreneurship trainings, produce price, accessing government extension, accessing private extension, mechanizing production and, direct selling of produce at local market and non-local market. Finally, the results reveal that agrienterprise farm capabilities; technology management, market linking and, technology integration fully mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and performance. The study recommended offering agribusiness capacity building and support services to smallholder Irish potato farmers which emphasise on marketing, technology adoption and mechanization.