Working Document Series Open Access A Comparative Analysis of Breeding Information Sourcing and Net Margin Estimates of Inseminations and Replacement Decisions of Smallholder Dairy Farmers P.M. Mshenga · N.J. Muthui · B. Omedo Bebe Milk deficit (MD) in western Kenya (MD) has created high demand for dairy breeding stock. This is mainly sourced from the neighbouring milk surplus Rift Valley (RV) region. Because of limited access to artificial insemination (AI) services… RUF-32239 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Quality and Processing Potential of Goats Produced by Smallholder Farmers in Malawi F. Chigwa · S. Muyila This research will evaluate carcass quality and processing potential of goat meat produced by smallholder farmers in Malawi. The farmers will keep local Malawi goat and Norwegian goats under three management systems (intensive, extensive a… RUF-32235 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Development and Adoption of Technologies for Improving Dairy Productivity and Nutrition among Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Malawi W. Chanza · T. Gondwe · D. Kawonga · L. Msiska This is as an action research project which will be conducted in the farming communities in Majiga and Chitsanzo Milk Bulking Groups in Central Malawi. The aim of the research is to develop feed technologies for improving dairy productivit… RUF-32232 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Pigeon pea-Groundnut Intercrop Maize Rotation Cropping System: A Tool for Improving Maize Production in Malawi J. Mrema · J.J. Msaky · A.T. Phiri · G.Y.K. Phiri A two year study to investigate how to optimally utilize applied mineral nutrients by maize grown in rotation with pigeon peagroundnut intercrop is under way at Chitedze Agricultural Research Station (S 130 59’ 23.2", E0330 38’ 36.8"). An … RUF-32227 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Diet and Feeding Habits of a Small Catfish, Clarias Liocephalus in Wetlands of Western Uganda L. Chapman · J. Kang’ombe · J. Rutaisire · D. Sikawa +1 more Clarias liocephalus is an air-breathing catfish inhabiting wetlands of Uganda and widely distributed in East Africa. The species is in high demand for sale as live bait in the Nile perch fishery of Lake Victoria and equally important in th… RUF-32222 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Temperature-dependent Egg development rates and Hatching period of Chambo, Oreochromis Karongae (Pisces: Cichlidae) D. Kassam · J.S. Likongwe · J.S. Valeta A study was conducted to assess the effect of temperature on egg development in an attempt to improve hatching success and fry production in Oreochromis karongae. Temperaturedependent development rates and hatching period for fertilized eg… RUF-32216 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of Germination on the Protein Digestibility of some Finger Millet Varieties Grown in Kenya A.O. Makokha The protein digestibility of seven ungerminated and germinated dried finger millet (Eleusine coracana) grain was determined in this study. All the finger millet varieties had low to medium tannin content, ranging from 0.1% Catechin equival… RUF-32212 2012 CC BY 4.0 14 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Local Processing of Plant Fibres: Current Status of the Industry in Swaziland M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · D.A. Otieno · J.M. Thwala +2 more A variety of natural fibre based products are made in Swaziland for local and export markets. Minimal or no treatment is done to the fibres to improve quality and hence their low comfort properties which reduce their marketability. The ai… RUF-32089 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access The Effect of Different In-Situ Conservation Methods on Yield of Teff in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia A. Araya · H. Solomon · Tezera Yared The imbalance in food supply and demand urgently calls for more efficient use of water to enhance food security and promote sustainable agricultural production. Teff is one of the economical and staple food crops grown in northern Ethiopia… RUF-32082 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Towards Development of Site Specific Technologies for Identification of Fields Infested with Root-knot Nematodes (RKN) under Tomato Cropping System in Mwea, Kenya J.K. Birgen · F.W. Kariuki · G.M. Kariuki · G.W. Ngundo +2 more This study was conducted in Mwea, central Kenya with the aim of developing a soil-characteristic-based site specific technology for identification of root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne spp. infested soils. This involved analysis of eda… RUF-32078 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Agro-Morphological Characterisation of Exotic and Local Green Gram (Mung Bean) (Vigna Radiata) for Breeding Purposes in Uganda H. Talwana · A. Waniale · N. Wanyera In order to start a good breeding programme that will potentially develop high yielding and disease resistant varieties, germplasm collection and characterisation is a prerequisite. The objectives of this study were to characterise 38 loca… RUF-32061 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Diversity of Pathogens and Symptoms Associated with Dieback on Passion Fruit in Kenya R.K. Gathu · J. Mbaka · R. Muasya · M. Mwangi +1 more Passion fruit is very important in Kenya as a source of nutrition and income. Currently, local demand for the fruit highly exceeds its supply. Diseases and pests are the most important constraints to passion fruit production. Among diseas… RUF-32057 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Performance of Introduced Irrigated Rice Varieties in Ruzizi Plain, South Kivu Province, DR Congo B.J. Bashagaluke · B.B. Bisimwa · B.E. Bisimwa · K.L. Buzera +3 more In the frame work of the rice production intensification by IFDC project in Ruzizi plain in the Sud Kivu province, DR Congo, The Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB) and Evangelical University in Africa (UEA) are collaborating in research … RUF-32050 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Management of Mycotoxins in wheat: Assessment of the Role of Plant Residues, Cropping Systems and Diversity of Fungal Species on Mycotoxin Contamination of Wheat C.K. Mutegi · J.W. Muthomi · J.M. Wagacha The proposed project aims at assessing the role of crop residues, cropping systems and diversity of fungal species on mycotoxin contamination of wheat. Jointly done with wheat farmers, the project aims at recommending appropriate cropping … RUF-32042 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Potential Role of Cereal-Legume Intercropping Systems in Integrated Soil Fertility Management in Small holder Farming Systems of Sub-Saharan Africa J.M.M. Matusso · M.W. Mucheru-Muna · J.N. Mugwe The sub-Saharan Africa’s population is growing exponentially and it has to fulfill its food and nutrition requirement. An attractive strategy for increasing productivity and labour utilization per unit area of available land is to intensif… RUF-32039 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of Soil Quality on Potential of Forage Establishment in Chivi Fallow Lands, Zimbabwe E. Manzungu · S. Ncube · B. Tavirimirwa There have been concerns about the poor communal grazing resources and the resulting degradation and depletion of communal rangelands in Zimbabwe. Different government departments, researchers, and non-governmental organisations have imple… RUF-32030 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Verifying the Premium Value of Selected African Indigenous Vegetables in Target Sites of the Lake Victoria Basin L.S.M. Akunadabweni · A. Namutebi · J. Ssozi The purpose of this research was to verify the premium value in terms of nutritional and economic potential of selected African indigenous vegetable plants (AIVPs) along the Lake Victoria basin. Partial findings of this study being reporte… RUF-32027 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Modelling of Runoff Water Harvesting, Storage and Irrigation for Dry Season Bean Production M. Lowole · H. Mahoo · S. Rwehumbiza · D.D. Singa +1 more Productivity of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an important component of farming systems in smallholder agriculture of sub-Saharan Africa, remained stagnant or even declined over the years, because of major problems such as drought. … RUF-32023 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Legume Biomass Transfer For Enhancing Productivity of Maize in Striga Infested Farmlands: The Case of Iringa District, Tanzania M. Aloyce · R. Hepelwa · G. Malima · J.J. Msaky +2 more The projects’ major aim was to increase maize productivity in Striga infested soils in Iringa district in Southern Tanzania. Two villages (Mangalali and Kiwere) in which maize is a major crop and in which Striga asiatica is a major prob… RUF-32017 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Short-Term Effects of Soil Fertility, Tillage and Residue Management on Soil Organic Carbon, Aggregate Stability and Water Infiltration on a Sandy Soil in Urban Agriculture, Harare S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata +1 more Manure is a key nutrient resource to urban farmers due to its multiple benefits, especially on inherently infertile sandy soils. Research on cattle manure in sub-Saharan Africa has mainly focused on its role in supplying N required by crop… RUF-32009 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Advances in Cassava Research in Management of Cassava Brown Streak Virus Disease in Uganda Settumba Mukasa Cassava is an important food crop in Africa where it is affected by two main virus diseases, cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). CMD occurs in all the cassava-growing countries on the continent and it has … RUF-32003 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Ecology and Safer Management of Storage Insect Pests in Sorghum Smallholder Farming Systems H. Machekano · B.M. Mvumi · R. Rwafa This study seeks to develop safe, effective and environmentally friendly alternatives to the conventional organophosphate-based insecticides and generate better understanding of storage insect pest population dynamics so as to identify app… RUF-32001 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Improving Maize-Beans Yields Through Improved Soil Moisture Storage using Trapezoidal Bunds and Manure in Machakos County-Eastern Kenya B.O. Danga · B.E. Mochoge · G.S. Openda The tremendous increase in population in Kenya has created the need for faster rate of increase in food production. However, more than 80% of Kenya lies in the arid and semi arid lands (ASALs). To mitigate food shortages in such areas, the… RUF-31997 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access The use of Crotalaria Species in Sustainable Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes of Vegetable Crops in Western Kenya H. Cheruyout · A.K. Kipkoech · M. Mbogo · C. Ndinya +5 more The Crotalaria Project was funded by RUFORUM for two years starting October 2011. The overall objective of the Project is to increase production of vegetable crops through the use of cheap and sustainable nematode management strategies in … RUF-31993 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Utilisation and Conservation of Shea Butter Trees (Vitellaria Paradoxa) in and Around Aloi Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps in Lira District, Northern Uganda W. Alum · J. Obua · J.B.L. Okullo · B. Ongom +1 more Influence of internal displacement on utilisation and conservation of shea butter trees was studied in Aloi sub-county, Moroto County, Lira district between 2007 and 2008. Sixty respondents were randomly selected and interviewed. These wer… RUF-31981 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014