Theses & Dissertations Open Access Symbiotic effectiveness of Elite rhizobia strains on productivity of improved chickpea (Cicer arietinum l.) Varieties. Case of Debre zeit and Wolayta sodo, Ethiopia. Funga Alemu Assefa Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), is a multi-functional crop with important role in the diet as affordable protein source and in sustaining soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. However, its productivity in Ethiopia of 1.9 t ha-1 is lower… RUF-36535 2016 CC BY 4.0 8 Dec 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Optimal compaction pressure, particle size and binder ratio for quality briquettes made from maize cobs Wilson Mambo The quality of briquettes varies greatly among small scale producers in Uganda due to the different methods of production, absence of standardization, lack of technical knowledge and quality control procedures. The study aimed at investiga… RUF-36533 2016 CC BY 4.0 8 Dec 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Dissemination of agricultural innovations: socio - economic analysis of communication channels used in improved chickpea (Cicer arietinum l) varieties in Embu county, Kenya Caroline Anyango Oywer Chickpea is the world‟s second most widely grown leguminous food crop after soybean. In Kenya however, chickpea is a new crop and not known by many. This could be due to insufficient agricultural information on the crop. Hence, it affects … RUF-36531 2016 CC BY 4.0 7 Dec 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Social networks and influence of actor centrality positions in Conservation Agriculture knowledge systems in Kenya J.C. Achora · P. Kibwika · F. Kyazze · S. Mkomwa +2 more Conservation Agriculture (CA) knowledge systems are shaped by the power relationships among actors in the social systems and this influences how innovations maybe accepted or not by farmers. Using the Social Network Analysis (SNA), three s… RUF-36517 2016 CC BY 4.0 23 Nov 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Manipulating the soil ecosystem for improved management of soil-borne pathogens in small holder ‘greenhouse’ tomato production in Kenya D. Chepkoech · D. Fundi · J. Mbaka · L.K. Murungi +2 more The livelihoods of about 40-60% small and medium scale farmers in Kenya is dependent on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, farmed mainly under open field conditions and/or until recently under modified high tunnels popularly known a… RUF-36502 2016 CC BY 4.0 22 Nov 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Proximate composition and selected functional properties of complementary foods from teff fortified with soybean and orange-fleshed sweetpotato S. Huyskens-Keil · G.M. Kenji · J.N. Kinyuru · E.T. Melaku +1 more The proximate composition and selected functional properties of teff-based extruded and traditional complementary foods (CFs) were evaluated. For extrusion, teff, soybean and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) were separately processed int… RUF-36493 2016 CC BY 4.0 21 Nov 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Contamination of indigenous chicken feeds with mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in Western Kenya L. Gohole · J.W. Munyasi · J.O. Ochuodho · E.O. Okello +5 more Feed safety, quality and supply are closely related, ranging from origin, handling, processing and storage measures. In addition, safety awareness can influence feed quality and quantity at different levels. In Western Kenya, mid plant bas… RUF-36383 2016 CC BY 4.0 21 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Rabbit production practices among smallholder famers in Kenya P.C. Kale · S.J. Kebeney · J.K. Kitilit Rabbit production is gaining popularity in Kenya owing to its significant contribution to nutrition and income among smallholder households. Rabbit farming is a viable option because of their prolificacy, fast growth rate and maturity, hig… RUF-36359 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of milk yield from cattle fed on forage fertilized with specific mineral elements in Western Kenya M. Chemutai · J.K. Kitilit · S. Njogo · R. Njoroge +3 more The study evaluated the effects of Desmodium (Desmodium intortum) as feed supplement to Napier grass (Pennisetum perpeureum) on milk yield and density and effects of fertilizer application levels on forage yield. Desmodium was planted usin… RUF-36356 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Growth promotive effects of neem and stinging nettle in indigenous chickens in Kenya L.C. Bebora · M.O. Bwana · P.M. Kitala · P.G. Mbuthia +4 more The study was designed to investigate the role of aqueous suspensions of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) powders fed in drinking water on the growth performance of indigenous chicken. Twelve indigenous chicks … RUF-36350 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Response of winter and spring barley genotypes to biotic and abiotic stresses in Kenya S. Gyawali · J.O. Ochuodho · N.K. Rop · J.O. Were Mixed response to net blotch disease, drought and aluminium toxicity in barley under different growing regions is one of the key problems leading to low average yield of barley in Kenya. The study aimed at determining whether spring and wi… RUF-36339 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Blackberry germplasm diversity and its importance to cultivar development R.M. Gesimba · P.C. Korir · J.A. Ochieng’ · M.E. Oyoo The assessment of morphological and genetic diversity is an important component for cultivar development. It is a precursor to knowledge of the inheritance of key horticultural traits which is a basic requirement for cultivar development e… RUF-36327 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Macro and micronutrient fertilization and soil amendments for combating poor soil responsiveness in Maize-Desmodium intercrop in western Kenya M. Chemutai · J.K. Kitilit · S. Njogo · R. Njoroge +3 more Poor soil responsiveness (PRS) is a major constraint to sustained crop production in subSaharan Africa (SSA). Combating PRS can be achieved through a combined application of organic and inorganic resources aimed at supplying both macro and… RUF-36322 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Efficacy of soil solarization and selected organic amendments for the control of root-knot nematodes in African nightshades C. Buttner · S.B Nchore · O. Omwoyo · C. Ulrichs +1 more Root-knot nematodes (RKN) (Meloidogyne spp.) causes up to 80 % yield losses in infected vegetables. The efficacy of solarizing soils amended with or without selected organic amendments for the control of the RKN on African nightshade (AFNS… RUF-36313 2016 CC BY 4.0 20 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of forage value on the choice of grass species to combat desertification in semi-arid regions of Kenya K.Z. Mganga · N.K.R. Musimba · A.W. Mwang’omb · M.M. Nyangito +1 more Livestock production is the main source of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands of Africa. Desertification characterized by vegetation degradation and soil erosion have become major threats to the sustainability of this land-based pr… RUF-36231 2016 CC BY 4.0 18 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Linking universities to communities: The case of Egerton University N.W. Mungai · V.W. Njuguna Egerton University, as a leading institution of higher learning in agriculture and environment in Kenya, has developed innovative approaches to enhance effective dissemination of technologies and contribute to extension service delivery. T… RUF-36211 2016 CC BY 4.0 17 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Contribution of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology to capacity building of agricultural researchers V. Ogemah The role played by smallholder farmers in Africa cannot be overemphasized. Smallholder agricultural production systems contribute significantly to the economic development as well as livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. The small scale produ… RUF-36137 2016 CC BY 4.0 15 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Promoting the African endogenous innovation for sustainable development: The AFRICA-ai-JAPAN initiative T. Losenge · S. Shiomi · M. Tsunoda The economic development of Africa is dependent on “home-grown” innovations geared to solving the Africa’s development challenges. A partnership among the Japanese academic institution, development partners, the private sector and the Jomo… RUF-36111 CC BY 4.0 14 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Center of Excellence in Phytochemicals, Textiles and Renewable Energy (PTRE): Achieving Teaching and Research Excellence through Internationalization of Academia A.K. Kiprop · L.L.W. Munyendo · R.C. Ramkat Internationalization of quality higher education has been a major concern not only at universities in developed countries but also to universities in developing countries such as in Kenya. The main drive for internationalization is the nee… RUF-36107 2016 CC BY 4.0 14 Oct 2016
Working Document Series Open Access Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Management (CESAAM): An Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project at Egerton University, Kenya A.Y. Guliye · S.M. Mwonga · J. O. Ogendo · M.N. Omwamba +2 more Food insecurity and poverty remain the major challenges to Africa’s development, affecting about 33% of its population. Among the key contributing factors to food insecurity are occurrence of frequent droughts, rampant crop and livestock d… RUF-36082 2016 CC BY 4.0 14 Oct 2016
Journal articles Open Access Land use and land cover change in the coastal area of Watamu Mida Creek, Kenya Alemayehu. Fikir Watamu Mida creek coastal areas, mainly the shoreline, the mangroves and the general environment have been changing due to the impact of land use change, shoreline erosion, human population pressure and the expansion of tourism sector. Thi… RUF-36027 2016 CC BY 4.0 13 Sep 2016
Journal articles Open Access Occurrence of Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat and Associated Mycotoxins in Narok and Nakuru Counties, Kenya C.K. Mutegi · J.W. Muthomi · N.K. Njeru · O.O. Okumu +1 more Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of small grain cereals. This study assessed the incidence and severity of FHB of wheat at hard dough stage, and levels of deoxynivalenol and T2-toxin at harvest by direct competitive enzym… RUF-35999 2016 CC BY 4.0 25 Jul 2016
Journal articles Open Access Effect of Cropping Systems on Accumulation of Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat Inocula in Crop Residues and Soils C.K. Mutegi · J.W. Muthomi · N.K. Njeru · J.M. Wagacha Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically important disease of wheat, which causes reduction in grain yield both quantitatively through reduced seed weight and qualitatively by contaminating grains with mycotoxins. The effect of croppi… RUF-35985 2016 CC BY 4.0 22 Jul 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Determining quantity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaf yield under different manure application regimes and cropping systems in Western Kenya D.A. Olal The low production of cereals and legumes among small-scale farmers in Kenya attributed to declining soil fertility and poor agronomic practices has led to renewed interest to review existing crop improvement technologies. Such technologie… RUF-35909 2015 CC BY 4.0 29 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Integrating striga management strategies for improved maize production in Western Kenya W. Sunda Maize is an important crop in Kenya but is adversely affected by Striga hermonthica weed that reduces yields considerably, especially in Western Kenya. Single stand-alone management strategies for the weed have been used, but each has had … RUF-35908 2014 CC BY 4.0 29 Feb 2016