Faculty of Agriculture

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    THE ROLE OF FIELD MARGIN VEGETATION AND NATURAL ENEMIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BEAN APHIDS ON DOLICHOS BEAN (Lablab purpureus L.)
    (Egerton University, 2024-08) OBANYI, NYAGUCHA JANET
    Bean aphid (Aphis fabae) is a major pest of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus L.) in Kenya. The over-reliance on synthetic insecticides to manage this insect pest poses serious risks to human health and the environment. Use of natural enemies in biological control provides a sustainable option of controlling aphids in dolichos. However, lack of diversity and abundance of natural enemies is a key constraint in effecting biological control. There is need for conservation of natural enemies to increase their diversity and abundance and enhance their ability to regulate pest populations below economic threshold levels. The objectives of this study were to determine the; i) effect of diverse field margin vegetation and cropping systems on bean aphids and their natural enemies in dolichos, ii) effectiveness of planted field margin vegetation species in supporting natural enemy populations and reducing bean aphid damage in dolichos and iii) diversity and abundance of floral resources that support natural enemies outside the main crop growing season. Field and cage exclusion experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of field margin vegetation in conserving and enhancing the diversity and abundance of bean aphid natural enemies. The on-farm experiments were conducted in two agro- ecological zones: Njoro (LH3) and Rongai (LH4) while the on-station trials were carried at the Agronomy Field Station, Egerton University, during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Results from on station trials showed that maize-dolichos intercrop had 15.5% lower abundance of natural enemies than the lablab monocrop. Dolichos monocrop showed a higher bean aphid abundance 54.4, incidence 27.1% and severity of damage 9.1% compared to doichos-maize intercrop at 26.0, 15.6% and 5.9% for aphid abundance, incidence and severity of damage, respectively. On farmer’s fields dolichos monocrop, a higher grain yield was observed in 2019 (2.8 tha-1) compared to 2020 (2.0 tha-1). Similarly, for maize-dolichos intercrop a higher land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.27 was observed in 2019 compared to 1.02 in 2020. In the cage experiment, a local annual weed, Bidens pilosa, was associated with the highest number of aphid mummies (8.3) whereas the lowest number of mummies were observed in cages with Tagetes minuta (3.4). Through molecular identification, Aphidius colemani was found to be the most abundant parasitoid responsible for bean aphid control. During the off-season, results showed a positive significant correlation of natural enemy abundance and plant diversity (P=0.002). These results demonstrate the potential of plant-rich field margins to conserve and support natural enemy populations for natural pest regulation of aphids.
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    THE EFECTS OF MAGNETIC INDUCTION ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL, NUTRITIONAL, GLYCOALKALOIDS, ANTIOXIDANTS, AND POSTHARVEST LOSSES OF STORED POTATOES
    (Egerton University, 2024-08) IRUNGU, GICHUHO FRANCIS
    Worldwide, post-harvest losses (PHLs) of potatoes are predicted to be between 10% and 15% per year. However, losses resulting from inadequate storage techniques may reach 30% in underdeveloped nations. There is, therefore, the need to innovatively identify affordable and sustainable storage mechanisms that can reduce PHLs and prolong the shelf life of potatoes without compromising on their quality. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of magnetic fields (MF) in reducing PHLs in potatoes during their storage. The effects of test variables: sources of magnetic fields (direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC)), magnetic field intensity (1.00 mT, 2.00 mT, and 3.00 mT), and exposure time (20, 40, and 80 seconds) on the physicochemical, nutritional, glycoalkaloids and antioxidants quality of stored potatoes were investigated. Selection of range values for both magnetic field intensities and exposure times were based on prior experimental trials Double Helmholtz coils were used to generate MF. The coils were supplied with either DC or AC. Potatoes were then exposed to MF and stored in either the control or the commercial store for eight weeks. At the end of the storage period, analyses were done following standard methods. In this study, shangi potato variety was used due to its dominance in the Kenyan potato market. The AC MF resulted in significant (ρ < 0.05) higher specific gravity, dry matter, starch, and the number of sprouts per tuber but lower weight reduction, total sugars, reducing sugars, and non-reducing sugars than DC MF. Exposing potatoes to 3.00 mT of both DC and AC MF resulted in significant (ρ < 0.05) lower weight reduction, internal and external greening, sprouting, and the number of sprouts per tuber than in potatoes that were not exposed to MF. Exposing potatoes to 2 mT of DC MF with subsequent storage in the control store resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher quantities of potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese, chromium, cobalt, and boron. The use of AC MF with an intensity of 2 mT resulted in a significant (ρ < 0.05) reduction in α-chaconine, α-solanine, and TG. Exposing potatoes to 3 mT of AC MF and storing them in the control store significantly increased the content of ascorbic acid by 37% in comparison to the fresh tubers. Exposing potatoes to 3 mT of DC MF with storage in the control store and 3 mT of AC MF with storage in the commercial store resulted in an 11% and 21% increase in carotenoids, respectively. The antioxidant activities of potatoes that were exposed to DC MF were comparable to that of fresh tubers. Hence, findings from this study reveal that MF can be used to reduce PHLs in potatoes and thus contribute to sustainable potato agrifood systems.
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    EFFECT OF INFORMATION LINKS AND FLOW THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORKS IN EXPOSING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO CAGE FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGIES IN UGANDA
    (Egerton University, 2024-10) MUTYABA, JOHN LIVINGSTONE
    Globally, cage fish farming technologies are intensive production systems highly promoted under the blue economy and seen as sustainable sources of income and employment, especially for smallholder farmers in fish-dependent communities. Despite their potential, adoption of such technologies by smallholder farmers in Uganda is still low. In addition, limited extension services in the country further challenge the sector in terms of accessing agricultural information, particularly for smallholder fish farmers. As a result, many smallholder farmers rely on social network platforms to access information about cage fish production and market. However, these platforms face challenges in adopting new technologies and accessing information on best agricultural practices and research findings from institutions. Therefore, this study was conducted to contribute empirically to the existing knowledge and to enhance adoption of cage fish farming technologies among smallholder fish farmers practicing along the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, ultimately aiming to improve their livelihoods. The results showed that out of the 384 sampled smallholder farmers, 98% were rearing Nile Tilapia fish species in cage technologies, while only 2% were rearing catfish. Moreover, the majority of respondents (82.8%) used metallic cage units to rear fish, while 11.5% used wooden and only 5.7% used HDE plastics. The Multinomial Logit (MNL) results indicated that age, gender, farming experience, education level, wooden cage type, extension visits, social capital, television access, and distance to the nearest market were statistically significant and associated with knowledge, attitude, and perception outcomes. The relative risk ratio values were 1.0, 12.6, 1.99, 1.0, 0.17, 0.28, 1.89, 7.32, and 1.06, respectively. Furthermore, the Double Hurdle (DH) results revealed that an increase in the experience and group membership of a cage fish farmer by one-unit change increased the probability of using social networks by 0.43 and 0.70 units, respectively. Additionally, a unit increase in extension visits and credit access decreased the probability of using social networks by 0.59 and 1.06 units, respectively. The results from Propensity Score matching (PSM) estimated an average treatment effect (ATT) of 4539.21 kilograms of fish annually over the control group and was statistically significant at t=2.32; p=0.006. The treated group harvested an average of 24627.71 kilograms of fish annually, compared to 20088.5 kilograms for the untreated group. Therefore, integrating social networks into existing policy interventions can empower smallholder farmers and facilitate sustainable agricultural development in Uganda's agricultural sector.
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    MANAGEMENT OF BACTERIAL WILT (Ralstonia solanacearum) OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum) USING PLANT EXTRACTS AND HOST PLANT RESISTANCE
    (Egerton University, 2024-08) GIDRAF ONDURU OKEYO
    Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is ranked second after maize among Kenya's most grown food crops. However, its production is constrained by bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) disease. The objectives of this study were: to evaluate different potato genotypes for resistance to bacterial wilt in the field; to determine in-vitro antibacterial activity of different plant extracts against R. solanacearum of potatoes; to elucidate the bioactive compounds effective in managing R. solanacearum and to determine the synergistic effect of plant extracts and host plant resistance in the management of bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) of potatoes under greenhouse conditions. Thirty potato genotypes were screened for resistance to R. solanacearum in the field at Turi, Nakuru County and Kiandu, Nyeri County using an alpha lattice design with 3 replicates for 2 seasons. In-vitro screening of antibacterial activity of plant extracts against R. solanacearum was conducted using disk diffusion technique and the experiment was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The bioactive compounds from the most effective plant extracts were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Greenhouse experiment was arranged in a CRD of 2*6 factorial arrangements with 3 replicates. Data was collected on disease incidence, disease severity, plant growth and yield parameters, colony counts and growth inhibition zones. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at p<0.05 using R software, version 4.3.1 and the treatment means separated using Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). Field screening results ranked genotypes CIP 515004.535 and CIP 515008.561 as highly resistant and Shangi, Asante, Tigoni, Arka and CIP 515008.535 as highly susceptible. In-vitro results revealed that Pelargonium zonale leaves extract as the most effective extract with growth inhibition zone of 18.73mm followed by Psisdium guajava with growth inhibition zone of 14.27mm. Both P. zonale and P. guajava had 7 similar antibacterial compounds; Fumaric acid, Pyrogallol, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Shikimic acid, Protocatechuic acid, 3, 4, 5-Trihydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester but P. zonale had Lactic acid as an additional compound. 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 from the greenhouse experiment. These results revealed effective synergistic effect of botanicals and host plant resistance in management of potato bacterial wilt and hence should be promoted as integrated disease management option.
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    EVALUATION OF PEANUT GERMPLASM FOR Aspergillus spp. RESISTANCE AND VITAMIN E CONTENT FOR AMELIORATION OF AFLATOXICITY IN KENYA
    (Egerton University, 2026-05) SALANO, NYANGWESO ELSIE
    Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus contaminate peanut with aflatoxins, resulting in adverse health effects in humans. Evidence from the literature shows that the ingestion of vitamin E, one of the antioxidants found in peanut, reduces the harmful effects of aflatoxin by acting as an antioxidant against the reactive oxygen species produced during the metabolism of aflatoxins. The current study characterised selected peanut germplasm based on resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and vitamin E production to ameliorate aflatoxicosis. The genetic diversity of the peanut as well as Aspergillus isolates was also determined. A total of 25 peanut accessions were sourced from the Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Germplasm Collection and farmers from Busia, Kakamega, Baringo, and Migori Counties of Kenya. Phylogenetic relationships of the germplasm were determined using 30 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers and computation of Shannon information index, Nei’s genetic distance, cluster analysis, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Genetic diversity of Aspergillus isolates from peanuts was determined by the amplification of the ITS1 and ITS4 regions, subsequent sequencing, and cluster analysis. Resistance to aflatoxin accumulation was determined by inoculating the germplasm with a known toxigenic strain of A. flavus and testing for aflatoxin accumulation using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), while expression of vitamin E was assayed High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean vitamin E and aflatoxin production among the different peanut germplasm. Tukey's hsd test was used for means separation where there were significant differences (p< 0.05). Phylogenetic analysis of Aspergillus isolates showed that A. flavus was the predominant contaminating species in all regions and that these species were genetically similar, suggesting the great capacity of these strains to be dispersed and the persistent risk of contamination. There was low polymorphism between the sampled accessions, which indicated a genetic bottleneck. The phylogenetic analysis of peanut produced three genetic clusters, each showing some correspondence with geographic origin, suggesting patterns of seed exchange and localized selection. The study identified peanut germplasm with high vitamin E production and resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. There was no significant correlation between aflatoxin resistance and vitamin E levels, indicating separate inheritance patterns of the traits. These findings are expected to pave way for future initiatives to improve peanut germplasm through breeding studies to inform future breeding initiatives and contribute towards food safety and nutrition thereby improving food security.
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    ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF GUM ARABIC FROM Acacia senegal var. kerensis ON THE TECHNO-FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF MAIZE AND CASSAVA FLOURS AND STARCHES
    (Egerton University, 2024-09) KIPROP, JEPKOGEI VIRATE
    Chemical, enzymatic, physical or natural modification of starches and flours of food crops to achieve particular, intended functional qualities is a common protocol in food processing. Unmodified flours and starches display limited functionality due to low resistance to shear stress, decomposition upon heating and high deterioration rate when subjected to different processing conditions. Hydrocolloids are currently being utilized to modify starches and flours due to the market demand for natural, safe and economical food ingredients. This study aimed at examining the the effect of utilizing gum Arabic (GA) from Acacia senegal var. kerensis on the techno-functional qualities of cassava and maize flour and starch. Milled GA powder was substituted in both starch and flour of maize and cassava at 0 %, 0.5%, 2.0 %, 4.0 %, 6.0 % and 8.0 % g/g based on dry weight. The starch/flour-gum mixtures were analyzed for pasting properties using a Brabender Viscograph-E® at 85 rpm and 700cmg torque, textural properties were measured using Texture Analyzer® and the data analysed at 95% confidence level. The findings revealed that increasing the level of GA significantly decreased peak viscosity, final viscosity, breakdown and setback values in both maize and cassava starches. However, there was no significant effect of GA on the pasting temperature 71.8-72.1oC for maize starch and 68.7-68.9oC for cassava starch. Increasing the level of GA (0 % to 8%) in both cassava and maize flours significantly decreased the peak, final and setback viscosities. The breakdown viscosity of cassava flour reduced significantly (426 to 262 BU) while maize flour recorded a zero breakdown (7.5 to 0 BU). Unlike in starches, the pasting temperature in flours significantly decreased with increasing gum levels 64.2-63.6oC and 87.1-84.9oC for cassava and maize flour respectively. The degree of gel firmness (894g) and consistency (21060gs) was significantly greater in native maize starch than in native cassava starch (89g and 2095gs respectively) however as the levels of gum increased from 0.5 to 8% there was a significant reduction on the firmness and consistency of maize starch gels as compared to cassava starch gels that showed no marked difference. Increasing the level of GA substitution in both starches significantly decreased the bulk density but significantly increased water solubility index, swelling capacity, absorption index and water holding capacity (WHC) but no significant difference was observed for WHC in both flours. These findings demonstrate that gum Arabic can be used to modify flours and starches for specific applications in the food industry. This is the first time this type of empirical data is being reported on the techno-functional properties of maize and cassava starches and flours containing GA from Acacia Senegal var kerensis
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    STABILITY AND GENETIC ANALYSES OF COMMON BEAN (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) FOR ROOT TRAITS AND SEED YIELD IN MARGINAL ENVIRONMENTS IN CENTRAL MOZAMBIQUE
    (Egerton University, 2024-06) CASTIANO, LEVENE BINAISSA UASSALEIA
    Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production is predisposed to extreme weather variability occasioned by effects of climate change. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited access to suitable improved varieties adapted to marginal environments. Root system architecture is central to adaptation of common bean to adverse growing conditions and contribute to enhanced yield. Understanding genetic architecture of root traits and seed yield accumulation is a key step towards successful improvement of common bean for adaptation to marginal environments. The objectives of this study, were to: i) determine stability of common bean genotypes for root traits and yield in marginal environments, ii) determine combining ability and estimate genetic correlations of root and agronomic traits iii) determine the root traits associated with water deficit. The study was carried out under field conditions at three locations in Mozambique and in a greenhouse in Kenya. For the field experiments, forty-nine bean genotypes were evaluated in a simple lattice design with two replications for two cropping seasons. Four elite genotypes were selected and crossed to four local cultivars using North Carolina II design. The F2s derived by selfing F1s without selection, were evaluated for adaptability to multi-environments. Residual maximum likelihood estimates revealed significant (P<0.01) genotype-by-environment interaction effects for root traits and seed yield, demonstrating significance of environment on genotypic expression. Acute angles between vectors of different years at the same locations, established repeatability of environments in evaluating genotypes for root traits and yield. Genotype main effect plus genotype-by-environment biplots established stability of genotypes for root traits and seed yield across locations. Genotypes DAB256, DAB398, AFR398 and Guropequeno had superior overall performance and stability for root traits and seed yield across environments. Significant positive correlation between yield and both deep roots and deep root angles and seed yield was recorded. General and specific combining ability mean squares were significant (P<0.05) for all traits measured. General predictability ratios ranged from 0.47 to 0.68 across locations suggested the significance of both additive and non-additive gene action modulating root traits and seed yield. Significant (P<0.05) bivariate and genetic correlations revealed significant association between root traits and yield. Genotypes AFR398 displayed significant positive GCA effects among its crosses for both root and agronomic traits hence was revealed as a potential germplasm for inclusion in a bean yield improvement programme. Moderate to high narrow sense heritability estimates ranging from 0.43 to 0.67 were obtained, signifying likelihood of good response to selection.
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    PERFORMANCE OF CAMEL CALVES IN KENYA FED ON MILK SUBSTITUTE FORMULATED FROM LOCALLY AVAILABLE FEED INGREDIENTS
    (EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2023-04) ISAKO, TURA.
    Poor nutrition is one of the biggest problems in raising camel calves in Kenya. A study was conducted in Marsabit County among rendille camel keeping community with a view to improve camel calf performance through improved nutrition. The study had four specific objectives; 1) To evaluate existing indigenous knowledge and practices on camel milk substitutes in rearing camel calves 2) To determine the proximate composition of common locally available feed resources used as substitutes to camel milk 3) To evaluate the effects of feeding a commercial (CMS) and plant-based locally formulated milk substitute (PBMS) and 4) To compute the cost /benefit analysis of feeding commercial and a calf milk substitute formulated from locally available feed resources. Key informant questionnaires (KI) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect data for evaluation of existing knowledge and practices on camel milk substitutes. Data was analysed using the SPSS (Version, 2019). Proximate composition, fibre and tannins data were analysed using ANOVA by the GLM procedures of SAS. Data on evaluation of effects of feeding CMS and PBMS, Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and Dry Matter Intake (DMI) were collected and analysed using SAS. Economic costs and gains for feeding the milk substitutes were computed in a Cost Benefit Analysis whereby, Net Present Values were calculated. The results showed that mortality rates were 35.2 and 4.3% in pastoral and periurban system, respectively. Diseases, drought, predation, parasites and competition for milk were the five major causes of calf mortality and retarded growth. Pastoralists use locally available feed resources such as forages, animal fats, camel blood and maize meal as substitute to milk feeding. Crude Protein, Dry Matter and Metabolizable Energy were highly variable, with significant (P<0.05) differences among the local feed resources used by camel keepers. Calves on CMS and PBMS had a higher ADG, 0.7614 Kg and 0.5663 Kg respectively compared to calves on pastoral management regime at 0.4537 Kg. It was more economical to feed calves using PBMS (5) compared to CMS (3) or pastoral feeding regime (3). It was concluded that pastoralists supplement calves with plants, animal fats and camel blood at times of feed deficit. Local feed resources have a great potential as ingredients for formulation of camel calves‟ plant-based milk substitute. Use of PBMS would contribute to improved calf performance and economic empowerment of the pastoral communities.
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    Effect of blockchain technology on the performance of barley farmers in Eastern Uganda
    (Egerton University, 2025-10) Racheal, Ninsiima
    Barley has the potential to significantly boost smallholder farmers' gross margins in Uganda due to its diverse applications in animal feed, bakeries, and pharmaceuticals, with the highest demand from the local brewing industry. However, productivity remains low due to poor- quality output, limited access to inputs, and a lack of transparency and trust in the value chain. To address these challenges, the Ugandan government and barley value chain stakeholders introduced BanQu (Bank You) blockchain technology. Despite this, adoption remains low, and value chain challenges persist. Limited research exists on blockchain adoption barriers, its effect on barley productivity and gross margin, and its effectiveness in addressing value chain challenges. This study addressed the gap by 1) determining farmers‘ behavioural intentions to adopt blockchain; 2) examining the factors influencing adoption and usage extent; 3) determining blockchain‘s effect on productivity and gross margins; and 4) developing a suitable implementation framework for Uganda. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used, involving a survey of 491 barley farmers, 2 group discussions, and 8 key informant interviews. Data were analysed using SMART PLS (objective 1), STATA (objectives 2 and 3), and XLSTAT (objective 4). Findings showed that the technology acceptance model and social norm analysis sufficiently predicted farmers‘ behavioural intentions at 49.9% and 42.5%, respectively. Key factors positively influencing blockchain adoption included frequency of blockchain training, network stability, production costs, land size, compatibility, and phone ownership, while marital status, training costs, land tenure, distance to buying centres, initial cost of blockchain, and marketing costs hindered adoption. Extent of blockchain use was higher among farmers with greater training frequency, lower training costs, higher education, and group membership but lower among those with larger land sizes, higher initial costs, and greater distances to buying centres. Blockchain adoption increased barley productivity and gross margins by 0.91 and 0.93 units, respectively. The priority challenges to implementation were farmer-related, followed by those linked to the barley buying company, middlemen, regulatory issues, and technology-related challenges. A fishbone diagram framework was developed to guide in addressing these challenges. The study recommended collaboration between the government, the barley buying Company, and other stakeholders to train farmers and middlemen on blockchain benefits, and a cost-sharing approach to lower blockchain implementation costs. Adoption of the proposed framework was advised to
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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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    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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