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 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 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 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 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 Yield and Rain Water Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Selected Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in the Central Highlands of Kenya J. Diels · M.W. Mucheru-Muna · D.N. Mugendi · M. Mugwe +4 more A study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of mulching, mbili intercrop, minimum tillage and tied ridging on soil and water conservation and improvement of maize yields under a rainfed farming system. The treatments, in three repl… RUF-31975 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of Root- knot Nematode Management Strategies Based on their Distribution in Tomato Fields in Mwea, Kenya J.K. Birgen · F.W. Kariuki · G.M. Kariuki · G.W. Ngundo Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are mainly grown by small scale farmers in most arable areas in Kenya with the main production areas being in Central Province. Tomato production in Kenya is hampered by a variety of pests and diseases among… RUF-31966 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Calibration and validation of AquaCrop Model for Maize in Sub-Humid and semi- arid Regions of Central Highlands of Kenya J. Diels · M.W. Mucheru-Muna · D.N. Mugendi · J. Mugwe +3 more Farmers in the central highlands of Kenya have been experiencing declining crop yields due to low soil water availability caused by low and unreliable rainfall and poor water harvesting techniques. To increase crop yields, and reduce produ… RUF-31961 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing Farmers’ Adaptation to Climate Change by Integrating Traditional and Conventional Drought Prediction and Preparedness Techniques in Kenyan Central Highlands M.W. Mucheru-Muna · W.E. Mugi Climate change has been recognised as the most complex and challenging environmental problem facing crop production among most small holder farms today. Drought, a condition that has a negative impact on crop productivity is an indicator o… RUF-31934 2012 CC BY 4.0 13 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of different tillage methods on soil moisture Dynamics in Maize-bean Cropping Systems in Semi Arid Mwala District, Kenya N. Amuri · C.K.K. Gachene · A.N. Karuma · P.W. Mtakwa Water is an important factor affecting plant growth especially in semi arid areas. A study to determine the effects of tillage and cropping systems on soil surface roughness, moisture storage and maize and bean yields was conducted in semi… RUF-31920 2012 CC BY 4.0 12 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Determinants of Adoption of Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata) Farming among Small-holders in Suba District, Kenya H.N. Isaboke · P. Mshenga · B.K. Mutai · M. Saidi Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is an emerging economic crop in Kenya with ready market and high nutritional value. Despite this, its adoption as a major cash crop in Suba District has remained low. The aim of the study was to invest… RUF-31915 2012 CC BY 4.0 12 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Acid Tolerant Groundnut Rhizobia inWestern Kenya Soils J.K. Ogega · J.R. Okalebo · D.A. Onyango · B.A. Were This study was carried out to find suitable strains of rhizobia for use in ground nut production under acid-aluminium soils. Thirty-six rhizobia isolates tolerant to high soil aluminium were identified.. The isolates were gram negative rod… RUF-31909 2012 CC BY 4.0 12 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of soil moisture levels and packaging on postharvest qualities of tomato J.N. Aguyoh · A.M. Opiyo · C.I. Sibomana Plants respond to reduced soil water availability without experiencing any detectable change in shoot-water relations. The tomato seedlings (cv. ‘Moneymaker’) were planted in plastic pots under greenhouse conditions under five different so… RUF-31863 2012 CC BY 4.0 11 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of NP Fertilisers and Manure Application on Maize-bean Yields, and Soil Nitrogen Mineralisation in Machakos County, Eastern Kenya C. Kibunja · B.E. Mochoge · N. Ogucha The inherent poor fertility of soils in Kenya constitute a major constrain to sustainable smallholders agriculture and more especially in arid and semi-arid parts of the country. The solution herein lies in the efficient use of nutrients a… RUF-31846 2012 CC BY 4.0 8 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobia and Lime on Yield of Groundnuts and Maize Under Intercrop System in Acids Soils of Western Kenya J.K. Ogega · J.R. Okalebo · D.A. Onyango · C. Othieno +2 more Bradyrhizobia is the rhizobia species that fixes nitrogen in the groundnut crop. Soil acidity is a constraint to effective bradyrhizobia activity. Western Kenya is characterised by acid soils and thus unconducive for bradyrhizobia activity… RUF-31842 2012 CC BY 4.0 8 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Determinants of Adoption and Utilisation of Integrated Soil Fertility Management by Small Holders in Central Kenya S.W. Kimaru · F.S. Mairura · M.W. Mucheru-Muna · D.N. Mugendi +1 more Per capita food production in Africa has been declining over the last two decades, contrary to global trends due to soil fertility decline. The study sought to determine factors that influence adoption and utilization of integrated soil fe… RUF-31824 2012 CC BY 4.0 8 May 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Determination of Seasonal Parasite Carriage of Village Chicken in Mbeere, Antiparasitic Treatments used and Effectiveness of Selected Anthelmintics L.C. Bebora · Wambui, H. Chege · N. Maingi · P.G. Mbuthia The overall objective of the study is to determine parasite carriage of village chicken of Mbeere district, Eastern province of Kenya. The study was conducted for over two seasons, the dry (January to March) and wet (October to December) s… RUF-31766 2012 CC BY 4.0 2 May 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Assessment of Research and Statistical Related Processes in Three Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya Nancy Waitherero Chege Institutions of higher learning are mandated to conduct applied research and promote innovations among other functions. The purpose of this study was to assess four research and statistical-related processes in three institutions of higher… RUF-31746 2012 CC BY 4.0 9 Apr 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Improving Scientific Research at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) – Kakamega Research Centre: a Research Methods Approach Hildah Nyende Wambani MSc in Research Methods is a unique problem solving program that increases the capacity to plan, implement and generate quality research. Lack of current and necessary statistical skills in data analysis, interpretation and reporting and e… RUF-31738 2011 CC BY 4.0 8 Apr 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Weaknesses in Research Methods of Scientists at Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) and Interventions for Improvement Grace Nyaikamba Wang'ombe Sustainable management, conservation and development of Kenya’s forests depend on application of science to generate improved technologies. KEFRI has lately been facing a number of challenges in carrying out its research activities as a re… RUF-31734 2011 CC BY 4.0 8 Apr 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Providing Research Methods Support to the Markets Theme Department of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Mayoba Barbara Moono The dissertation describes the main activities carried out during the attachment at the International livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya under the Markets theme group. The activities were carried out under two projects t… RUF-31732 2011 CC BY 4.0 8 Apr 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Impact of Tree Species on Maize Productivity by Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Kenya Elton Ndlovu Low maize productivity due to declining soil fertility is a major problem faced by smallholder farmers in Eastern Highlands of Kenya. Adoption of agroforestry which has a huge potential to halt land degradation on farms is however, very lo… RUF-31729 2013 CC BY 4.0 7 Apr 2014
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Multinomial Regression in Insect Choice Studies: A Case of Leaf Miner Parasitoids’ Choices Kevin Kanyuira Gikonyo Researchers are often confronted with multinomial data in insect choice studies. Common choice models available to researchers for analysis of multinomial data include multinomial logit (MNL) and multinomial probit model (MNP). MNL relies … RUF-31727 2013 CC BY 4.0 7 Apr 2014
Working Document Series Open Access Challenges and Opportunities of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture in Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe Malcolm Blackie · Paul Woomer The Regional Universities FORUM for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) is an association of 10 faculties of agriculture in Eastern and Southern Africa that recognises the important and largely unfulfilled position that universities… RUF-31680 2005 CC BY 4.0 17 Feb 2014
