Faculty of Agriculture

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    Establishment of an avocado innovation platform to enhance smallholder farmers’ capacity in avocado production and marketing in Gisagara District, Rwanda
    (Egerton University, 2025) Zaninka Marie Chantal
    Avocado is a high-value crop with increasing global and local demand due to its nutritional and health benefits. In Rwanda, despite favorable agro-climatic conditions, the production of high-quality avocados remains low for the local and international markets. Moreover, there is inadequate knowledge among farmers on avocado quality and varieties. The purpose of this study was to develop an innovation platform for building the capacity of smallholder farmers in avocado production and marketing in Gisagara District, Rwanda. The study employed participatory action research and survey research designs. A simple random sampling method was used to select 143 farmers to participate in the survey. A purposeful sampling method was used to select the four sectors in Gisagara District. The sample size per sector was allocated proportionately. A household questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data from household heads. Focus group discussions were held to get information from key informants including six extension staff, four input suppliers, six traders, two processors, and two exporters all of whom participated in the avocado innovation platform. The instruments were validated by the experts in the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension. Thirty farmers from Gatare Sector of Nyamagabe District were randomly selected for a pilot survey to pre-test the survey instruments and their reliability. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the instrument’s internal consistency and a reliability coefficient of 0.79 or higher was accepted. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and NVivo. Quantitative and qualitative tests were used to analyze data. Analyzed data was presented descriptively using frequency, percentages, standard deviation, and means. Thematic analysis was used in qualitative data. chi-square and T-test statistics were used to test the hypotheses at α = 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated that the main challenges faced by the smallholder farmers in avocado production and marketing were the lack of access to land for avocado growing, (M=4.21, SD=.72) Obtaining quality avocado seedlings (M=4.12, SD=.74), the low quality of avocado fruits (M=4.16, SD=.71), and Low prices for avocado fruits in the market (M=3.97, SD=.79). The level of knowledge and skills acquired by the participants during the AIP process was found to be significantly higher statistically (t=-13.57, df=64, p <.001). The study found that innovation platforms significantly improved farmers’ knowledge of pruning, grafting, pest management, post-harvest handling, and market access. The study recommends the continuity of the established Avocado Innovation Platform in Gisagara District and to scale it up in other districts of the country.
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    Influence of innovation platform-based capacity building on farm-level milk losses among smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-county, baringo county, kenya
    (Egerton University, 2025-08) Siele Joseah
    Smallholder farmers constitute 80 percent of dairy producers and 56 percent of the milk production in Kenya. The income generated from milk for many smallholder farmers is their only income. Furthermore, many farmers experience significant farm-level losses of milk, which negatively impacts their income. Decreasing farm-level milk loss through the use of an interactive innovation platform is important in increasing the income of smallholder dairy farmers and actors along the dairy milk value chain. This study aimed to help decrease farm-level milk loss through an innovation capacity development and platform-based approach of smallholder dairy farmers in the Mogotio Sub-County of Baringo County. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population was 2500 smallholder dairy farmers, and the accessible population was 840 members of the Mogotio Dairy Cooling Plan. A sample of 120 farmers was selected from a baseline survey, and probability sampling was employed to select the sample of farmers. Capacity building was rendered to dairy farmers by the researcher and KALRO staff in 8 weeks. At the end of the project, 120 farmers were sampled in an end-of-project survey to measure the effect of the capacity-building intervention. Thirty of the farmers selected were purposefully sampled for focus group discussions. Data were collected from smallholder dairy farmers via a questionnaire and focus group discussion guides. Stakeholder data were collected via a key informant study guide. To maintain reliability, instruments were piloted at Marigat Ward. The Cronbach‘s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the data; a reliability of 0.781 was found, which is above the acceptable limit of 0.7. SPSS and NVivo were used for data analysis. For study hypothesis testing, bivariate statistics were used; Pearson chi-square and t-test were conducted at the α = 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive statistics used measures of central tendency, dispersion, and proportions analysis. The study surfaced high levels of farm-level loss of milk, low levels of milk production, and high spillage, spoilage, and contamination of milk for smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-County. The capacity-building intervention positively affected the reduction in farm-level loss of milk for smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-County. The use of the platform provided farm-level handling practice innovation for smallholder dairy farmers. The intervention also added to the traditional government extension service with changes in their agricultural extension services. Based on this study, I recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development help with the advocacy to integrate innovation platforms, digital platforms, smallholder dairy farmers, and dairy value chain actors into the traditional extension.
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    Integrated management of agrobacterium tumefasciens cavara; the causal agent of crown gall disease in roses (rosa hybrida)
    (Egerton University, 2025-10) Opisa Mary ,Oniang’o
    Crown gall caused by Agrobacterium tumefasciens is one of the major diseases currently threatening the flower industry in Kenya. The disease significantly reduces production of roses by 50 – 100 % on susceptible rose varieties. Currently, there is limited understanding on the effectiveness of various cultural, biological and chemical control measures used by the flower growers in Kenya. The main objective of this study was to contribute to the increased productivity and quality of marketable roses through integrated management of A. tumefasciens. The specific objectives were to test the effect of various biostimulants such as foltron, biozyme, alexin, hicure and codamine radicular through spray or drench in suppressing A. tumefasciens in roses. The effect of sterilizing agents such as Dettol 0.5 ml / L, 1.0 ml / L and hydrogen peroxide1.0 ml / L, agrowipe (botanic neem extract) undiluted and vegetable oil (fresh fri) undiluted were tested in suppressing crown gall growths. Biological agents: Trichoderma asperellum 0.25 Kg / Ha and 0.5 Kg / Ha and Bacillus subtilis 0.2 L / Ha and 0.4 L / Ha were also tested in suppressing A. tumefasciens in roses. The effect of selected pesticides at various rates as control agents of A. tumefasciens in roses was also tested. Experiments were conducted at James Finlay Kenya LTD Tarakwet farm Kericho County in greenhouse F36 planted with rose variety tropical amazon. Ten galls located 15 cm above the growing media – pumice, were tagged on each treatment replicate and the initial gall diameter measured using a Vanier caliper. The galls were cut using a sterilized roll cut, treatments applied, and the new crown galls growths were measured once a week for twelve months, then cut and weighed using servo weighing balance. The number of fresh crown gall growths on each plot were counted, removed and the diameter measured once a month for twelve months. The number of marketable stems was counted daily from each treatment replicate for a period of twelve months to determine the yield. The quality of stems was determined by sampling 30 stems once a week from each treatment replicate and stem length, weight, and head size measured. Similar experiments were also conducted in pots under controlled environment. Results showed that the various biostimulants increased yield and quality of roses. Botanic neem extract and vegetable oil suppressed crown gall growths and had a higher yield and quality of roses than copper oxychloride. Previcur energy and enrich BM did not suppress A. tumefasciens. Bacillus subtilis and T. asperellum suppressed crown gall growth under controlled environment. It was concluded that integrated management of A. tumefasciens using biologicals, biostimulants and plant extracts increased yield and quality of roses and therefore recommended for use in the flower industry.
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    Drivers of Compliance with Food-Safety Measures and their effects on the Profitability of Smallholder Dairy Farms in Central Uganda
    (Egerton University, 2025) Andrew Kizito Seruma
    The majority of milk production in Uganda is in controlled by smallholder farmers (90% contribution) and the informal sector who face challenges in ensuring food safety. Though food safety compliance can facilitate commercialization and profitability, adoption is low. The foucs of this study was to determine food safety compliance and its profitability effect among smallholder dairy farmers. The study's specific objectives were to determine the level of compliance with food safety measures (FSMs); determine the effect of perceived behavioural control, attitudes, and subjective norms on farmers’ food safety practices; determine the leading drivers of FSMs compliance; and determine the effect of FSM adoption on the profitability of smallholder dairy enterprises in the region. Central Uganda was chosen for the research where 757 smallholder farmers were interviewed using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using SPSS, SMART PLS, and STATA. To address objective one, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed; for objective two, structural equation modeling was chosen; to address objective three, ordered logit regression was employed; and for objective four, ordered logit endogenous switching regression (ESR) was utilized. This research examined the adoption of 42 food safety measures which related to milk hygiene, storage, premises hygiene and animal health. Total adoption of FSMs was 62.88 per cent. Among the practices, milk storage was adopted to the maximum extent (73.5%) and animal health was adopted to the least extent (53.3%). Dry cow therapy and hand sanitization were adopted by less than 10%. Findings from objective two show that both behavioral control and attitude are significant predictors of the adoption of safety and hygiene control practices. In particular, they have a positive and significant effect on the outcome variable. On the other hand, subjective norms have a negative effect on safety and hygiene control practices. With respect to objective three, it was found that education of farmers, familiarity of farmers with FSMs and awareness of HACCP were important drivers of adoption. Further, the adoption significantly improved profitability by enhancing the quality of milk and market access. It was lack of farming experience, small farm size and compliance costs that were cited as barriers. The findings of objective four show that the profitability improves significantly with an increase in the adoption of FSM. This is majorly due to improvements in both, the quality of milk and premium market access. Improving the success and profitability of FSM practices requires the introduction of capacity-building, premium pricing incentives, better access to credit and supportive policies.
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    Influence of innovation platform-based capacity building on farm-level milk losses among smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-County, Baringo County, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2025) Siele Joseah
    Smallholder farmers constitute 80 percent of dairy producers and 56 percent of the milk production in Kenya. The income generated from milk for many smallholder farmers is their only income. Furthermore, many farmers experience significant farin-level losses of milk, which negatively impacts their income. Decreasing farm-level milk loss through the use of an interactive innovation platform is important in increasing the income of smallholder dairy farmers and actors along the dairy milk value chain. This study aimed to help decrease fann- level milk loss through an innovation capacity development and platforin-based approach of smallholder dairy farmers in the Mogotio Sub-County of Baringo County. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population was 2500 smallholder dairy farmers, and the accessible population was 840 members of the Mogotio Dairy Cooling Plan. A sample of 120 fanners was selected from a baseline survey, and probability sampling was employed to select the sample of farmers. Capacity building was rendered to dairy fanners by the researcher and KALRO staff in 8 weeks. At the end of the project, 120 farmers were sampled in an end-of-project survey to measure the effect of the capacity-building intervention. Thirty of the farmers selected were purposefully sampled for focus group discussions. Data were collected from smallholder dairy farmers via a questionnaire and focus group discussion guides. Stakeholder data were collected via a key infonnant study guide. To maintain reliability, instruments were piloted at Marigat Ward. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to measure the reliability of the data; a reliability of 0.781 was found, which is above the acceptable limit of 0.7. SPSS and NVivo were used for data analysis. For study hypothesis testing, bivariate statistics were used; Pearson chi-square and t- test Were conducted at the ct = 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive statistics used measures of central tendency, dispersion, and proportions analysis. The study surfaced high levels of farm-level loss of milk, low levels of milk production, and high spillage, spoilage, and contamination of milk for smallholder dairy fanners in Mogotio Sub-County. The capacity- building intervention positively affected the reduction in farm-level loss of milk for smallholder dairy farmers in Mogotio Sub-County. The use of the platform provided farm- level handling practice innovation for smallholder dairy farmers. The intervention also added to the traditional government extension service with changes in their agricultural extension services. Based on this study, I recommend that the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development help with the advocacy to integrate innovation platforms, digital platforms, smallholder dairy farmers, and dairy value chain actors into the traditional extension
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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