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
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Seasonal climate prediction for rain-fed crop production planning in the upper Awash basin, Central highland of Ethiopia Abdisa Alemu Tolossa This study was designed to use of local level seasonal climate prediction for rain feed crop production planning by providing valuable support for decision-making strategies in the Upper Awash Basin (UAB). A rainfall data recorded over 24 … RUF-35891 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Analysis of past and future intra-seasonal rainfall variability and its implications for crop production in the north eastern Amhara region, Ethiopia Tegegn Muluneh Getaneh Rainfall is the most important but variable climatic element in semiarid regions. The present study analyzed intra-seasonal rainfall variability, its trends and implications of rainfall change and variability risk on crop production at fou… RUF-35885 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Assessment of climatic variability and development of localized climate prediction method for livestock production in Borana area, Southern Ethiopia Dandesa Tilahun This study examines seasonal climate prediction method and evaluates its social and economic values in reducing climate-related hazards on livestock productivity over Borana Zone using monthly rainfall and temperature data recorded over Bo… RUF-35873 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effect of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources on growth, yield and oil content of sunflower grown in highly weathered soils of Morogoro Mwahija Almasi Irika Sunflower contributes about 40% of total national cooking oil requirement in Tanzania, ranking as one of the most important cooking oil with very high nutritional value. However, its production per unit area ranges between 800 and 1100 kg/… RUF-35636 2015 CC BY 4.0 8 Oct 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Assessment of forage dynamics under variable climate in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda A. Egeru Livestock herding is an important undertaking in rangeland areas of East Africa. These regions are characterized by climate variability that affects the availability of key livestock production resources especially forage and water. This s… RUF-35377 2014 CC BY 4.0 22 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Evaluation of rainwater harvesting techniques in Yatta district, Kenya Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim Abdelfadeel Climate change and/or variability are expected to affect water availability as well as the techniques of water harvesting. The main objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting adoption of rainwater harvesting techniques in… RUF-35369 2012 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Critical shoot Nitrogen curve for potato varieties Asante and Tigoni in Kenya Mugo James Njeru Potato is a major crop in Kenya with its production area increasing as a result of people opting for potatoes than other crops. The production is however lower than what is expected due to several challenges, among them being low fertility… RUF-35338 2013 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Access and utilization of agro-meteorological information: A case study of small holder irrigation farmers in Kenya E.K. Maranga · G.O. Obati · W. Zendera Weather and climate are one of the major production risks and uncertainties impacting on agricultural systems performance and management. A study was conducted in Lari Wendani irrigation scheme, Nakuru North District, and Perkerra irrigati… RUF-35196 2010 CC BY 4.0 17 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 Effects of integrated water and nutrient management technologies on crop and labour productivity in Zimbabwe L. Mhaka · I. Nyagumbo Poor soils, erratic rainfall, frequent dry spells have been cited as the major threats to the development agricultural in Southern Africa. This experiment was designed to evaluate the benefits derived from post planting tied ridging, conse… RUF-35088 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
Journal articles Open Access Epidemiology of Epizootic Ulceration Syndrome on fish of the Zambezi river basin: A case study for Zambia W. Mfitilodze · A. Nsonga · K.L. Samui · D. Sikawa Objective: An epidemiological investigation on the fish disease Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) was conducted from January to December 2011 in the Zambezi River System (ZRS) of Sesheke District in the Western Province of Zambia. The st… RUF-35063 2013 CC BY 4.0 15 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 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 Assessment of climate change scenarios and variability in Uganda L. Aribo · E. Komutunga · J.G.M. Majaliwa · C. Nandozi +1 more Understanding how climate will change over time provides a valuable insight into how the challenges as result of climate change (CC) and variability can be responded to. The general objective of the study was to generate information to gui… RUF-34796 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Livelihoods under climate variability and change: An analysis of the adaptive capacity of rural poor to water scarcity in Kenya’s drylands S. W. Chege · W.N. Ekaya · W. N. Mnene · P. N. Mongare +3 more Rainfall, which is the main source of water in Kenya’s drylands areas, shows very high spatial and temporal variability. Crop, forage and livestock production closely follow rainfall trends thus putting livelihoods of a number of household… RUF-34792 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access An overview to climate change in North Africa: Implication for Africa M. Hussein Sulieman · M. Muna Elhag North Africa is one of the worlds most water-scarce and dry region with a high dependency on climate-sensitive agriculture and a large share of its population and economic activity in flood-prone urban coastal zones. Therefore, climate cha… RUF-34788 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Validation of satellite derived rainfall estimates over Kenya C. B. Lukorito · E. Muigai Njoroge · N. J. Muthama · G. O. Ouma Precipitation is one of the major components of the earth’s climate system. Many countries in the tropics depend on rainfall for the agricultural and hydrological activities which are dominant in their economies. Rainfall information is a … RUF-34783 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of spatio-temporal redistribution of major crops and livestock mobility due to climate change and variability in Uganda L. Aribo · P. Isubikalu · E. Komutunga · J.G.M. Majaliwa +4 more Considering how climate will change over the years offer important insight into how the challenges as result of climate change (CC) and variability can be responded to. Modeling and descriptive studies are being conducted in Uganda to gene… RUF-34775 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing the capacity of Kenya on climate risk reduction and climate change adaptation for sustainable agricultural productivity and food security C. B. Lukorito · G. O. Ouma Most vulnerable groups in countries in Sub Saharan Africa including Kenya are the poor who have least capacity for coping with the adverse impacts of the current climate extremes, and adapting to future climate changes. Lack of suitable co… RUF-34772 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Monitoring vegetation phenological stages using remote sensing data for pasture management in arid and semi-Arid lands of Kenya M. K. Ambani · C. B. Lukorito · G. O. Ouma The objective of this study was to monitor grassland phenological stages in selected arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya, so as to provide information useful in pasture management. Five years of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index… RUF-34760 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Land cover and use changes in the rangelands of Central-Uganda: Impacts on soil quality and pasture productivity C.K.K. Gachene · G. Kironchi · D. Mpairwe · E. Zziwa This study determined the patterns and magnitudes of land cover and use changes, their driving factors and impacts on soil quality and pasture productivity in Nakasongola district. Satellite data (1970 - 2009), surveys, soil and pasture sa… RUF-34706 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effects of phosphorus deficiency on secondary metabolites and distribution of African nightshade in Siaya and Kisii counties, Kenya J. Ogembo Oyaro African Indigenous Vegetables form an integral part of the Kenyan diets, among the most commonly consumed being the African nightshade. These vegetables contain important phenolics that have medicinal values and good health attributes. The… RUF-34701 2015 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Adaptability of rice cultivars to different ecologies in western province of Zambia D.M Lungu · C. Mutale · F. P Muuka Rice in Zambia has traditionally been grown in lowland flooded or semi-flooded environments. These environments are unfortunately only a small portion of Zambia, occupying only 1% of the total land. The increase in food demand in the count… RUF-34643 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015