Working Document Series Open Access Population increase and socio-economic changes in a pastoral society: The case of the Turkana, Kakuma division, Kenya W.N. Ekaya · M. Okoti We studied the impact of settlement on socio-economic patterns and environment quality among the Turkana pastoral communities in Kenya. We used open-ended and close-ended questionnaire and focus group discussion. The majority of the people… RUF-35172 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Information access and preference for delivery pathways by peri-urban and rural smallholder dairy farmers in Central Kenya J. Matofari · D.K. Mbugua · M. Ngigi This study investigated access to information and preferences in delivery pathways for smallholder dairy farmers in two divisions in Central Kenya. The study used a cross-sectional survey design using systematic sampling procedure where 34… RUF-35169 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of information dissemination pathways on small scale tea production in western Kenya V. Mbigidde · G. Owour · I.M. Tabu The yield of tea, an important cash crop in Kenya, has been declining amongst the small scale farmer’s inspite of the research recommendations. A survey was carried out in western Kenya to determine the effect of information dissemination … RUF-35168 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluating accessibility and usability of dissemination pathways for delivering climate information and services to vulnerable groups in semi-arid Kenya V. Kirui · Bebe. Omedo · Oseni. Saidu Access and use of climate information and services are essential for building adaptation to impacts of climate change. These include early warning systems, weather forecasts, and research outputs relating to climate change adaptation in re… RUF-35163 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of constraints in use of electronic agricultural information resources at selected institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya N.J. Kamar · G. Owour · M. Tabu This study aims at identifying the constraints in use of agricultural electronic resources in academic institutions and their contributions to development in agriculture. Limited access to agricultural e-resources has led to poor research … RUF-35156 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Identifying indigenous knowledge and effective communication systems for adaptation to climate change by smallholder farmers of Kilifi District, Kenya G.A. Achiando · R. Birech · Washington Ochola This study investigated the influence of incorporating feedback from agricultural information users in agricultural communication systems and identified coping strategies for adaptation to climate change by smallholder farmers of Kenya. Fo… RUF-35141 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strategic repositioning of African indigenous vegetables in the Horticulture Sector M.O. Abukutsa-Onyango African indigenous vegetables that formed an integral part of African diets lost popularity with introduction of exotic crops including vegetables. With over half the populace living below the poverty line, there is need for paradigm shift… RUF-35134 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation and selection of drought and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) tolerant chickpea genotypes for introduction in semi-arid areas of Kenya P.K. Kimurto · R.M.S. Mulwa · B.K. Towett This study evaluated 289 chickpea lines for drought tolerance, and 30 for pest resistance. Several promising genotypes have been identified (ICC 2580, ICC 7272, ICCV 92311, ICC 3362, ICCV 95311, ICC 506, EC 583311, ICCVX 906183-1), and the… RUF-35126 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Cross-mating and oviposition behaviour between strains of Cotesia sesamiae cameron (hymenoptera: braconidae) from Kitale, Mombasa and Mount Kenya & Fritz Schulthess Bruno Le Ru · E.W. Kairu · J.N. Mugambi Stemborers cause 50% yield losses in cereal crops. In Kenya Cotesia sesamiae is one of the parasitoids that has been studied in regard to the control of stemborer pests. In this study the reproductive compatibility of three populations of … RUF-35125 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Upscaling the use of efficient and affordable soil fertility replenishment practices for small holder farmers of western Kenya B. Amar · M. A. Bekunda · A. K. Koech · M. N. Koech +4 more The study assessed the agronomic effectiveness of fertilizer use recommendations in western Kenya on maize yields. The treatments included: FURP – 75kg N/ha CAN and 26kgP/ha DAP; 2) FURP – 75kg N/ha CAN and 26kgP/ha DAP plus lime (2t/ha); … RUF-35093 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Improving soil hydrological properties of denuded semi-arid rangeland in southeastern Kenya using reseeding technology W.N. Ekaya · K.Z. Mganga · N.K.R. Musimba · A. W. Mwang’ombe +2 more A study was conducted to establish the contribution of Eragrostis superba, Enteropogon macrostachyus and Cenchrus ciliaris in improving soil hydrological properties in semi-arid Kenya. Kamphorst rainfall simulator was used on bare ground a… RUF-35085 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of agricultural commercial products (microbial and non microbial) in relation to maize and soybean yields in western Kenya M. Mburu · J.R. Okalebo · C.O. Othieno This study was undertaken to assess the effect of different inoculants on nodule formation and legume yield. On farm experiments were carried out in Bungoma district of western Kenya with treatments arranged in RCBD design with single repl… RUF-35080 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Soil properties effects and management of organic residues to improve C sequestration, reduce N losses and improve crop yields B.O. Danga · Z. Getenga · B. Mochoge · J. Mugwe Rates of decomposition of organic materials in soil determine the amount of carbon (C) which is mineralized and released as CO2 versus the amount of C that is retained in various forms in the soil. Decomposition rates also greatly influenc… RUF-35037 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of women’s access to business credit on gender relations in rural households: A case of Uasin Gishu district, Kenya R. Karega · P. Tangut The effects of women’s access to business credit on gender relations in rural households in Kenya was studied. The study covered Uasin Gishu District of Kenya. The primary respondents were women entrepreneurs, beneficiaries of a micro fina… RUF-35012 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Livelihood diversification and enhanced food security through agro-pastoralism: Socio-cultural and other challenges among Maasai pastoralists of Narok North district of Kenya N. J. Kathuri · J. G. Mwangi · A. O. Nkurumwa The Maasai of Narok North District Kenya have started adopting agro-pastoralism as a livelihood diversification strategy. This study sought to determine the socio-cultural challenges faced in agro-pastoralism and the relationships between … RUF-34994 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Performance of a natural draft briquette-gas stove for domestic use H. Mulindi · S. Okwach · T. Thoruwa Biomass as a source of energy supplies close to 68% of the total energy demand in Kenya. The stoves used to burn these biomass fuels are characterized by high inefficiencies and high emissions posing environmental risks to the Kenyan fores… RUF-34979 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Tourism and agriculture linkages: Determinants of local agricultural products purchase by hotels at the Kenyan coast P.M. Mshenga This paper investigated the local agricultural products purchased by tourist hotels, the hotel purchase and the hotel characteristics influencing purchase of local agricultural products. The study was conducted in coastal Kenya. Multistage… RUF-34966 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access What is the effect of management interventions package on productivity of indigenous chicken in Western Kenya? B.O. Bebe · J. Ochieng · G. Owuor This study examined different management packages for improving indigenous chicken productivity in Kenya. The management interventions package comprised feed supplementation, housing, chick rearing, brooding and vaccination study. Farmers … RUF-34944 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effects of water stress on antioxidant activity and phenolic contents of African nightshades and their distribution in Kisii and Siaya counties of Kenya Peter Okello Odhiambo Drought is a major abiotic factor limiting crop productivity in many regions of the world. It causes reduction in plant growth, dry matter accumulation and decline in plant water status of the plants and in certain cases interferes with bi… RUF-34879 2015 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The importance of trees and shrubs as livestock feed in the arid and semi arid rangelands of Kenya: Case of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo district S.K. Choge · W.N. Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech +1 more This study was conducted to determine the potential of integrating Prosopis juliflora in drylands livestock production where the tree is abundant and has been reported by the community to be a menace to their livelihoods. Despite these all… RUF-34855 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of supplementing mesquit (Prosopis juliflora) seedpod meal on the performance of weaner Galla goats in the drylands of Kenya Wellington Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech · R.G. Wahome A study was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing amounts of Prosopis juliflora seedpod meal on the growth rate of weaner Galla goats. The overall aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating Prosopis seedpo… RUF-34852 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Risk factors and socio-economic effects associated with spread of Peste des petits ruminants in Turkana district, Kenya L.C. Bebora · A. N. Gitau · S.M. Kihu · J.M. Njenga +1 more Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious, infectious and often fatal disease of sheep, goats and small wild ruminants. In Kenya PPR was first suspected in 1992 and confirmed in Turkana District in 2007. Turkana community live… RUF-34838 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of changes in natural resources: A participatory approach M. W. Baaru · C.K.K. Gachene · V. Gathaara · J. P. Mbuvi +1 more This study analyzed changes in natural resources in Machakos District of Kenya using participatory approaches. The results show that natural resources have decreased since the ranch became a settlement scheme. Natural forests decreased, va… RUF-34824 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Factors hindering extension staffs efficiency in assisting maize farmers in western province in the agricultural reform era M. Adijah Ali-Olubandwa · N. J. Kathuri · D. Odero-Wanga · W. A. Shivoga The extension service in Kenya is charged with the responsibility of ensuring sustainable food production that is sufficient for domestic use and for export. The extension staff performance is constrained by various factors which may have … RUF-34808 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessing socio-ecological change dynamics using local knowledge in the semiarid lowlands of Baringo District, Kenya R. Kinuthia Ngugi · D.M. Nyariki · V.O. Wasonga A clear understanding of the social and ecological change dynamics in pastoral ecosystems is imperative for formulation of appropriate policies that ensure sustainable resource use and livelihood security of pastoral households. Spatial an… RUF-34803 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
