Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
ASSESSMENT OF SUSCEPTIBILITY OF GARDEN PEA (Pisum sativum L.) VARIETIES TO ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT AND EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL (Trichoderma spp.) FUNGICIDES IN NAKURU COUNTY, KENYA
(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2025-06) OMWANSA, OMWENGA DANIEL
Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a nutritionally and economically important legume widely
cultivated for its high protein content and nitrogen-fixing capability. However, its productivity
is significantly constrained by Ascochyta blight, a fungal disease favoured by cool and moist
conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of four garden pea varieties; Nano
Progress 9 (Grano), Peas Plum, Peas Kelvedon, and Peas Greenfeast to Ascochyta blight, and
to assess the efficacy of selected chemical fungicides (mancozeb, chlorothalonil, benomyl, and
carbendazim) and the biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum in disease management under
field and laboratory conditions in Nakuru County, Kenya. Field trials were conducted in Molo
Sub-county using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with ten replicates, where
soil fertility served as the blocking factor. Laboratory experiments followed a Completely
Randomized Design (CRD). Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA for field data, and
one-way ANOVA for laboratory data. Means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant
Difference (LSD) test. Although varietal differences in disease severity were observed, they
were not statistically significant (p = 0.107), with Peas Nano Progress 9 exhibiting marginally
lower severity compared to Peas Plum, Peas Kelvedon, and Peas Greenfeast. All tested
fungicides significantly reduced disease severity compared to untreated controls (p < 0.001),
with chlorothalonil showing slightly higher efficacy. In vitro dual culture assays demonstrated
that Trichoderma harzianum significantly inhibited the growth of Ascochyta pisi, achieving a
90.9% reduction in radial colony diameter (p = 0.001). These results highlight the effectiveness
of chemical fungicides and the potential of T. harzianum as a biocontrol agent. However, the
limited resistance among varieties underscores the need for breeding programs targeting
disease-resistant cultivars. Further research is recommended to validate the efficacy of T.
harzianum under field conditions and to explore broader genetic resources for resistance
breeding in garden pea varieties. Determination of resistant garden pea varieties coupled with
synthetic fungicides and T. harzianum warrants further research, as it presents a promising
approach for the sustainable management of Ascochyta blight disease in garden pea.
VEGETATION AND ADJACENT CULTIVATED AREAS: CASE OF KIPINI AND OZI LOCATIONS, TANA RIVER DELTA, KENYA
(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2025-10) RABURU, FABIAN AWUOR
Tana delta is a critical ecosystem providing multiple ecological and economic services and hosting
several riparian vegetative mosaics. As a deltaic system, its’ ecological functions are influenced
by the freshwater and sea water dynamics. The delta has arable land that supports the livelihoods
of local communities through rice, banana farming and pastoralism. However, reduction in river
water volume especially during dry season has resulted in movement of seawater upwards in the
river channel and into low lying arable cultivated areas, negatively affecting Agriculture and
Livelihoods in the area. This study assessed the extent of sea water intrusion and its effect on
riparian soils, vegetation and adjacent cultivated areas in Kipini and Ozi locations. Land cover
changes were assessed using Landsat, Aster and Sentinel satellite imageries acquired for the years
between 1999 and 2021. Water physico-chemical parameters were measured insitu while soil
physico-chemical parameters were analyzed at Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)
laboratory in Gede, Malindi. To get the local farmers and administrators’ perspectives, nineteen
key informants were interviewed in the two villages using an interview schedule. Data was
analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Between the year 1999 and 2021,
mangrove area increased by 10.8%, area under water (Tana river) by 2.7%, human occupied area
increased from 11 ha to 20 ha, area under grassland and non-vegetated area reduced by 1.8% and
20% respectively. The mean pH in the mangrove sediment was 7.028±0.127, while adjacent
cultivated soils, the pH was 6.608±0.133. Other mangrove soil parameters’ means were; Salinity
(0.941±0.556 ‰), Nitrate-Nitrogen (3.127±1.107 ppm) and Phosphorus (106.818±68.317 ppm).
The means of farmland soil parameters were; Salinity (0.491±0.071‰), Nitrate-Nitrogen
(2.592±0.809 ppm) and Phosphorus (89.928±37.739 ppm). Water salinity (‰) decreased as one
moved from the mouth of the delta significantly. Due to the recent El Nino rains that caused
dilution of the saline levels, the existing water and saline conditions favored growth and
development of crops and young mangrove seedlings. The key informant interviews indicate an
increasing trend in frequency and extent of salt water intrusion where farmlands in Ozi village
located approximately 9.7 km away from the mouth of the river have been affected, indicative of
perhaps frequent droughts disrupting the local soil health, ecological conditions and livelihoods.
The findings of this study can be used by the county and national government as a premise upon
which to sensitize mixed cropping system and prescribe new varieties and technologies that are
adaptive to the changing saline conditions in the future
EFFECTS OF ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES ON PRODUCTIVITY AND INCOME OF SMALLHOLDER MAIZE FARMERS IN NORTH EAST SUB-DISTRICT, BOTSWANA
(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2025-10) MPINDA, OOKEDITSE MOITLAMO
Smallholder maize farmers in Botswana experience major constraints from climatic variability,
resulting in low production and productivity. The climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices are
promising options to increase productivity and income, but there is poor adoption due to some
constraints. The objective of this study was to identify the CSA practices practiced by farmers,
analyse factors that influence the adoption of these practices, and assess the impact on productivity
and income. Based on utility maximization and innovation diffusion theories, a multistage
sampling technique was utilised for data collection from 384 maize farmers by using semistructured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including, multivariate probit
model (MVP) for adoption factors and the multinomial endogenous switching regression model
(MESR) of impact, were used in the analysis. We analysed four main CSA practices: crop rotation,
maize-legume diversification, improved seeds, and fertiliser application. Results showed that
maize-legume intercropping was the highest practice adopted (70%), and application of fertilisers
ranked the lowest (55%). The interviewed farmers were mostly women (60 %) and mainly between
36 and 50 years of age, and with more than 10 years of farming experience. Farm experience,
education, group membership, distance to market, and land size were the important determinants
for CSA adoption. In addition, the selection of particular practice combinations was affected by
education, farm size, livestock holding information sources and channels to get to market, as well
as land tenure types. The primary finding of the study is that an integrated combination of
dependent CSA practices has a positive impact on maize productivity and income. These findings
highlight the critical need for governments and development organisations to use innovative and
tailored extension services to promote the implementation of CSA practices among smallholder
farmers.
FACTORS AFFECTING HOUSEHOLD DECISION MAKING IN MARABA LOCATION, NANDI COUNTY, KENYA
(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2025-10)
Despite household decision making being a critical input in household socio-economic
development, it seems to be taken for granted in most situations. This study sought to examine
factors influencing household decision making in Maraba location, Nandi County, Kenya. Most
households in the study area seemed to lag behind and score poorly in terms of their social and
economic conditions despite having the necessary resources to propel them into better
development indicators. The specific objectives of the study were to examine social factors that
affect household decision making in Maraba Location, to analyze cultural factors that affect
household decision making in Maraba Location, and to establish economic factors that affect
household decision making in Maraba Location. The study was guided by the rational choice
theory by Verbeok (2010). The target population of the study was all households in Maraba
Location. A sample size of 174 households participated in the study. The unit of analysis were the
household heads. Purposive and simple random sampling was employed. Data was collected by
use of an interview schedule and in-depth interviews. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of
analysis were employed. Socially, it was found that despite 86% of the respondents having attained
basic education, formal education was not significant in selecting one as the household head (117,
67.2%). Age, at 107(61.5%) and sex at (157, 90.2%) were significant in decision making. Most of
the decisions were by the married (153, 87.9%) and majority (80%) were Christians. Cultural
beliefs (154, 88.5%), expectations about men and women (141, 79.9%), traditions and customs
(29, 74.1%) affected decision making. Gender of the household head (156, 89.7%) and
responsibility were vested in men (170, 98.2%). Male dominated decisions on ownership of
property like land (116, 66.7%), livestock farming (115, 66.1%) and leadership (123, 70.7%).
Women dominated decisions on kitchen (125, 71.8%) and care of girls (72, 38%). Economically,
majority (144, 82.8%) of the respondents engaged in informal employment and earned below
K.Sh.10,000 per month (111= 64%). The income was not enough (131=75%). Ownership of
assets influenced decision making (132, 75%). It was concluded that social and cultural factors
were significant in determining one being a household head, decision-making process, and types
of decisions taken. The study recommended for a more inclusive and effective decision making.
There was need to promote cultural practices that enhanced socio-economic development of
households and refute those that were retrogressive.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AVAILABILITY OF INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND AGRICULTURE CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BURET SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(EGERTON UNIVERSITY, 2025-11) BYOMNDO, CHESANG MARGARET
Provision and use of agriculture instructional resources is essential in the implementation of
agriculture curriculum. Kenya’s secondary school agriculture curriculum emphasizes
acquisition of values, attitude, and practical skills in learning of the subject in schools.
Adequate exposure of learners to practical related agriculture activities enhances learner’s
acquisition of information and skills which translates to good performances in the subject.
Regardless of the potential in practical based agriculture, the emerging trends in the learning
of agriculture reveal more of theoretical learning approaches than practical. This puts into
doubt the accessibility of instructional resources for agriculture curriculum implementation in
secondary schools. The intention of this study was to determine the relationship between
instructional resources and the implementation of secondary school agriculture syllabus in
Buret Sub-County, Kericho County. The study was anchored on Edgar Dale’s cone of
experience theoretical framework. It used descriptive survey research design; the target
populations were the agriculture students, all principals, and all agriculture teachers in public
secondary schools in Buret sub-county. The accessible populations were form three agriculture
students, the principals, agriculture teachers. Stratified proportionate sampling technique and
simple random sampling was used to get a sample size of 366 participants. The sample size
comprised of 328 agriculture students from form three, 19 agriculture teachers and the 19
school principals in the chosen schools. Survey was used to collect information using
questionnaires. The instruments were proved by research experts from the department of
agricultural education and extension in the faculty of education and community studies of
Egerton University. Cronch Bach’s alpha (coefficient) was used in estimating the consistency
of the instruments. Consistency of the coefficients estimated to be 0.853 and 0.736 which are
higher than the threshold of 0.7 hence was accepted for the study. Both quantitative and
qualitative information were collected. Computer software, Statistical Package for Social
Sciences (SPSS version 25) was used to analyze the data collected. Qualitative data collected
was analyzed using descriptive statistics and spearman correlation for quantitative data. The
findings of the study may help advance the implementation of agriculture subject in secondary
schools; may also inform the school administration, the teacher’s service commission, and the
Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development on the necessity of providing the appropriate
instructional resources for the implementation of agriculture subject in secondary schools.