Working Document Series Open Access Levels of glycoalkaloids in potato crisps and French fries sold in Nairobi, Kenya G. O. Abong · T. Muzhingi · M. W. Okoth · D. G. Omayio Glycoalkaloids are natural secondary metabolites occurring in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and are stable, remaining unaffected during processing ending up in the final products. Despite the increasing consumption of potato and potato p… RUF-38469 2018 CC BY 4.0 10 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of solar tunnel drying on the instrumental texture parameters of dried beef C. N. Kunyanga · E. A. Mewa · M. W. Okoth · M. N. Rugiri Drying causes many changes to the various quality properties of meat and meat products, including texture. Most of the textural changes in meat during drying are due to denaturation of meat proteins which results in different structural ch… RUF-38460 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Optimization of the performance of a hybrid solar desiccant drier in grain storage systems A. N. Gitau · D. O. Mbuge · F. M. Mwiti The remarkable need for alternative and renewable energy technologies is evidently an increasing feature in the developing countries. One such effort is represented in this study whose objective was to optimise the performance of a hybrid … RUF-38455 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effectiveness of cold chain management practices on shelf life of mango fruit J. Ambuko · E. M. Amwoka · M. Hutchinson · W.O. Owino Mango is a highly perishable fruit with a shorter shelf-life if not well preserved immediately after harvest. Maintaining a proper cold chain management from the time of harvest till the fruit reaches the consumer is key in preservation of… RUF-38450 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Mitigation of mycotoxins contamination risks due to handling practices of indigenous chicken feeds in Western Kenya L. Gohole · J.O. Ochuodho · N.O. Owiro · H.A. Rachuonyo Mycotoxins are prevalent in animal feeds and agricultural products. These toxins have been associated with morbidity and death in both livestock and humans. However, once fungi metabolizes these toxins in substrates, they are not eradicate… RUF-38448 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access The effectiveness of Video mediated learning and farm demonstrations on the uptake of improved sorghum technologies in Embu County, Kenya E. Chimoita · Florent Okry · R. Onwonga There exists an emerging and yet unexploited video mediated learning extension platform capable of disseminating agricultural technologies fast to farmers within and without the technological implementation site. A study was conducted to c… RUF-38440 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Working Document Series Open Access ICT Integration for Agricultural Extension in Kenya A. W. Kamande · D. Ruffeis The large number of farmers served by a small and shrinking national extension service necessitates more innovative methods of service delivery for effective coverage. This led to the introduction of the national e-extension service. For t… RUF-38438 2018 CC BY 4.0 7 Aug 2020
Journal articles Open Access Terminalia mantaly leaves as a novel additive in water-based drilling MUD J.O. Akaranta · T. C. Biwott · Oriji Boniface · A.K. Kiprop In drilling processes, mud additives and cuttings comprise waste drilling fluids which end up being disposed into the environment. Naturally based mud additives that are eco-friendly, cheap and can improve the rheological properties and fi… RUF-38421 2019 CC BY 4.0 3 Aug 2020
Journal articles Open Access Regional Animal Feed Action Plan for East Africa: why, what, for whom, how used and benefits S. Ahmed · C. Ferrand · H. P. S. Makkar · S. Munyua +5 more Livestock are a crucial source of food, employment, and income for much of East Africa’s rural population. The sector contributes substantially to export revenues, national GDPs, and thus the region’s broader socioeconomic development. Liv… RUF-38408 2020 CC BY 4.0 24 Jul 2020
Journal articles Open Access Sugar Content and Physical Characterization of Four Selected African Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) Edible Berries E.H. Kamau · G.M. Kenji · J.M. Mathara Fruits constitute a major part of the diet in many parts of the world, highly recommended for the nutritional value derived from them. Fruit maturity is an important determinant of the quality as it affects the appearance, an aspect of qua… RUF-38380 2020 CC BY 4.0 16 Jul 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Students as agents of change in achieving food security and reduced unemployment in subSahara Africa: The case of CESAAM project at Egerton University D.O. Otieno · K.O. Otieno · G. Owuor In a country where the average age of a farmer is 60+ years, it is a “tall” order to realize food security. This is especially so given the shrinking acreage under cultivation, erratic climatic conditions, and poor access to financial serv… RUF-38370 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Jul 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Historical analysis of Government policies and programmes on pastoral livestock marketing in Kenya: lessons for future prospects B. H Dabasso · P. Irungu · V.O. Wasonga Government policies and programmes have profound importance in triggering national economic growth and promoting sustainable livelihoods. A review of policies and programmes, therefore, provides valuable insights for guiding future Governm… RUF-38364 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Jul 2020
Journal articles Open Access Characterization of the Chemical and Phytochemical Profiles during Fruit Development and Ripening in Selected Cultivars of African Nightshade (Solanum Nigrum Complex) Edible Berries E.H. Kamau · G.M. Kenji · J.M. Mathara Solanum nigrum complex is a green, indigenous leafy vegetable that grows in many parts of the world and its utilization can deliver more nutrients and phytochemicals into the diet. Even though it can help in alleviating the burden of hidde… RUF-38353 2020 CC BY 4.0 11 Jul 2020
Journal articles Open Access ICTs for Conservation Agriculture: Influence of Actor Positioning in Knowledge Networks in Laikipia and Machakos Counties, Kenya J.C. Achora · B.F. Kyazze · S. Mkomwa · D. Okello +1 more Knowledge networks play a significant role in the transfer of innovations such as conservation agriculture. In this paper, we examine the position of actors in the network and socio-economic factors influencing use of ICTs. ICTs potentiall… RUF-38333 2018 CC BY 4.0 24 Jun 2020
Journal articles Open Access ICT supported Extension Services in Conservation Agriculture Information Access for Small Holder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya J.C. Achora · H. Sseguya This paper examines how Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) are used in the Conservation Agriculture (CA) knowledge pathways. It discusses the parallel knowledge pathways smallholder farmers’ use to access conservation agricultur… RUF-38332 2015 CC BY 4.0 24 Jun 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Contributing to rural transformation through skills development: the role of University-Community and TVET Linkages with experiences from Egerton University E. Adipala · A. Egeru · N.W. Mungai This paper provides highlights of Egerton University engagement with farming communities and TVETs and demonstrates the inherent potential that the University-Community and TVET partnership can achieve in rural transformation. Egerton Univ… RUF-38316 2018 CC BY 4.0 20 Jun 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Untangling the Complex Training and Qualifications System in Kenya E. J. Mukhwana A national qualification framework (NQF) is an instrument used to classify a country’s qualifications at different levels. Each level is defined by a set of learning outcomes expected at that level. NQFs are an extremely useful tool when c… RUF-38309 2018 CC BY 4.0 20 Jun 2020
Journal articles Open Access Prevalence and monetary loss due to cystic Echinococcosis in slaughter house livestock: A case study of Migori County, Kenya Banda Liveness Jessika · Erume Joseph · Odero Joseph Kere · Kagira John Maina Cystic Echinococcosis (CE/Hydatidosis) is a parasitic zoonosis of public health importance that causes considerable economic loss worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and monetary loss of CE in livestock slaughtered in… RUF-38205 2019 CC BY 4.0 22 Mar 2020
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Evaluation of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. anisopliae for integrated management of termites (Isoptera: Termitidae) in maize in Siaya County A.W. Khaenje Maize (Zea mays L) is one of the major staple crops in Africa contributing significantly to food security; however its production has been declining in the recent past. Termites are one of the major yield reducers accounting for 50-100% lo… RUF-38120 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Sep 2019
Journal articles Open Access Community‑led data collection using Open Data Kit for surveillance of animal African trypanosomiasis in Shimba hills, Kenya Benard W. Kulohoma · Nicodemus Masila · Caroline K. Mirieri · Lillian Wambua +2 more Objective: In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is an increase in trypanosome non-susceptibility to multiple trypanocides, but limited information on judicious trypanocide use is accessible to smallholder farmers and agricultural stakeholders in d… RUF-37907 2019 CC BY 4.0 26 Apr 2019
Working Document Series Open Access Safe food, fair food project: research centers and universities working for food safety in informally marketed livestock products in sub Saharan Africa K Makita In sub Saharan Africa (SSA), informal markets provide affordable animal-source foods to large populations. However such foods carry hazards. The Safe Food, Fair Food Project was implemented between 2008 and 2011 to develop capacity in part… RUF-37805 2016 CC BY 4.0 30 Oct 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Smallholder cattle dairy under semi-arid conditions: opportunities and challenges C. K Gachuiri · P.N Katiku · R. K. Kimitei · P. N Mbugua Dairy has gained prominence among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Kenyan rangelands albeit with many challenges. A study was conducted to characterize smallholder cattle dairy in semi-arid Mbeere District, Eastern Kenya. Farmer p… RUF-37789 2016 CC BY 4.0 30 Oct 2018
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of Urban Agriculture on poverty reduction in Mombasa County, Kenya A. R. Ogot Urban Agriculture has served as a vital input in the livelihood strategies of urban households in Mombasa, Kenya. Urban dwellers rely on the market for food but with the tremendous surge in food prices beyond the reach of the majority of t… RUF-37769 2016 CC BY 4.0 30 Oct 2018
Working Document Series Open Access The role of agricultural information and communication systems in disseminating climate change adaptation strategies to smallholder farmers of Coastal Kenya G. A. Achiando · R. Birech · Washington Ochola Climate change is the fluctuation around the mean climate state or pattern that has built over a long period of time, usually decades or longer, typically 30 years. The worlds’ climate is continuing to change at rates that are projected to… RUF-37737 2016 CC BY 4.0 29 Oct 2018
Journal articles Open Access Farmer knowledge of bacterial wilt and root-knot nematodes and practices to control the pathogens in high tunnel tomato production in the tropics Davis Fundi Ireri Sustainable production of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under high tunnels is threatened by bacterial wilt (caused by Ralstonia solanacearum) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.). Knowledge was generated about the concomitant occur… RUF-37698 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Jul 2018