Working Document Series Open Access Modeling potential impact of climate change on sorghum and cowpea performance under different tillage and cropping systems in semi-arid areas of Kenya T. Kirina Kitinya · R.N. Onwonga Field trials were carried out at Kambi ya Mawe location in Eastern Kenya during the long rains (LRS) of 2010 and short rains (SRS) of 2010/2011, to evaluate effect of tillage and cropping system on performance of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L… RUF-34272 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessing the prospects for tertiary agricultural education in Africa H. Boly · L.M. Da Silva · C. Glym · Frey. H +2 more In order to reduce hunger and poverty across the African continent and build international competitiveness of the African agricultural sector, it will be necessary to trigger and maintain substantial rates of annual agricultural productivi… RUF-34247 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Seasonal rainfall variability, drought characterisation and efficacy of interpolation techniques: Case of Kenya’s central highlands M. Oscar Kisaka · F.S. Mairura · M. Mucheru-Muna · D.N. Mugendi +2 more Drier parts Eastern Kenya, endure persistent crop failure and declining agricultural productivity which have been attributed, in part, to high temperatures, prolonged dry-spells and particularly erratic rainfall. Understanding spatial-temp… RUF-34241 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Building Research Capacity: The case of Burundi M. Inamahoro This manuscript narrates the contribution of the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) to strengthening research capacity of the National Agriculture Research Institute (ISABU). Burundi is among the thr… RUF-34238 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Analysis of agricultural projects funded by the District Development Fund in Chibuto, Mozambique Joana Manuel Matusse Joaquim · Andréa Eloisa Bueno Pimentel In order to improve the well being of Mozambican people through increase in agricultural production, the government of Mozambique introduced the District Development Fund (FDD) in 2006. This fund has been given to proponents of different a… RUF-34220 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Capacity strengthening for a transformed agricultural sector in Africa: The role of the Science Agenda for agriculture in Africa Y. Akinbamijo Science is vital in the development of African agriculture. The role of science in enhancing agricultural productivity, competitiveness and market access in Africa is too important for it to be outsourced, and African leaders have to inves… RUF-34216 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Physico-chemical properties and antioxidant potential of syrup derived from ‘Madhura’ sweet sorghum grown in different locations in Kenya E. M. Makori · Hunja Murage · Mwanjala Mwasaru · N. O. Ojijo +3 more Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) represents an analogous crop to sugarcane with similar accumulation of sugars in its juicy stems but with a higher agronomic stability to temperature fluctuations, less water requirement and bette… RUF-34211 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Nutritive value of selected indigenous legumes for livestock feed in Namibia N. Hembapu · A. Kahumba · E. Lutaaya · I. Mpofu +1 more The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional characteristics of five indigenous legumes compared against Lucerne as potential livestock fodder. Samples of the five legumes (Indigofera cryptantha, Rhynchosia totta, Medicago laciniata… RUF-34205 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enzymatic processing of plant fibres for diversified uses M.T. Masarirambi · T.T. Mkhonta · T. Ndlovu · D.A. Otieno +3 more Harsh fibre production processes contributing to challenges in the ecosystem have rekindled the interest on green fibres and eco-friendly products globally. This interest has propelled some developing countries, including Swaziland, to exp… RUF-34202 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Indigenous knowledge practices for production and management of spider mites and anthracnose in smallholder French bean farmers in Nakuru County, Kenya J. G. Nyaanga · S. O. Ochola · K. O. Ogayo · J. O. Ogendo +2 more A field survey was conducted to inventory the major crops grown, French bean production constraints, pests and diseases and indigenous control strategies. A total of 56 smallholder French bean farmers were interviewed using structured ques… RUF-34196 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The adoption and use of ICT by small scale farmers in Gezira State, Sudan K. El-siddig · J.M. Githeko · N.S. Musa In Sudan common sources of agricultural information that have been used are the radio, television, extension, magazines, newspapers and face-to-face communication. This paper sought to identify the key factors that influence the use of ICT… RUF-34195 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The bio-processing of fibres from Agave sisalana and Agave americana M.T. Masarirambi · T. Ndlovu · J.M. Thwala · V.S. Vilane +1 more Plant fibres play a major role in the lives of many rural peoples, especially women in Swaziland. It is known to produce strong and hard fibres which tend to limit the users in terms of product development. This research study, therefore, … RUF-34194 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access University student-centered outreach for rural innovations and community transformation in northern Uganda S. W. Kalule · B. Mugonola · W. Odongo · D. Ongeng In Uganda, while Universities are considered centers of knowledge creation and dissemination, their explicit role in economic development is largely less developed. Gulu University, at its inception sought to respond to this concern and po… RUF-34193 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Development of quality and affordable fish feed for small scale fish farmers in Malawi A. Kamangira · J. Kang’ombe · F. Kapute · V. Kasulo +5 more The project aims at contributing to increased fish production in rural communities of Mpamba in Nkhatabay district of Malawi. The aim is being achieved through developing quality affordable feed from locally available ingredients, evaluati… RUF-34191 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Proximate composition of potential plant feedstuffs for production of Tilapia rendalli in northern Malawi J. Kang’ombe · F. Kapute · O.V. Msiska · K. Mzengereza +1 more The aquaculture sector in Malawi contributes two percent to nation’s fish production. Availability of affordable quality feed is one of the most important problems that hamper aquaculture growth in Malawi. This study, therefore, aimed at i… RUF-34171 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Impact of the zero grazing practice on milk production by the small scale farmers in Western Kenya H. Affognon · J. Nalunkuuma · F. K. Njonge · D. Salifu The aim of the study was to determine the impact of the zero grazing practice on milk production by the small-scale farmers’ in western Kenya. A cross sectional survey was undertaken on 520 livestock farmers from Kisii and Bungoma counties… RUF-34166 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The status of indegnous chicken production in northern Uganda A. Kayitesi · D.R. Kugonza · H. Mulindwa · C. Nakkazi +1 more Indegnous chicken production is important for many rural households. Although it is a small and sometimes unorganized sector, it makes a substantial contribution to food security by providing eggs and meat for home consumption and, to some… RUF-34162 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of local dairy goat feed resources in Kongwa district, Tanzania S.W. Chenyambuga · T. Damas Msaki · D.M. Komwihangilo · E.E. Ndemanisho Decrease in quantity and quality of pastures during the dry season in Kongwa District has resulted into reduced milk production from the improved dairy goat breeds in the area. Available indigenous leguminous tree and shrub leaves can supp… RUF-34154 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Food losses and waste in the context of sustainable food systems J. Ambuko Although accurate estimates of losses and waste in the food system are unavailable, the best evidence to date coming from Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) indicates that approximately 1.3 billion tonnes per year (one-third of the f… RUF-34124 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access In-season nitrogen prediction for the quality protein maize using the pocket hand-held NDVI sensor on farmers’ field around Ilu-Gelan and Bako-Tibe, Ethiopia Tolera Abera · Tolessa Debele · Haekoo Kim · Ernest Semu +1 more The “pocket” hand-held Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) sensor for inseason highland quality protein maize nitrogen rate determination for side-dressing was conducted in 2013cropping season on seven farmers’ field around Bako-… RUF-34117 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Comparison of quality attributes of mango fruits produced from two contrasting agro-ecological zones of Kenya J. Ambuko · L. Ouma · W.O. Owino · S. Shibairo Mango (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit adapted to a wide range of agro-ecological conditions. In Kenya, mango fruits are produced across various agro-ecological zones (AEZs); from sub-humid to semi-arid. The diverse production condit… RUF-34096 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of sweet sorghum varieties for multi-purpose utilisation in Kenya B. Gathitu · B. Mukabane · N. O. Ojijo · W.O. Owino +1 more Sweet sorghums (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) are sorghum varieties that accumulate high levels of sucrose in the parenchyma juicy stems. Sweet sorghum (SS) is a multifunctional crop. It that can be cultivated for simultaneous production of g… RUF-34094 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Conservation Agriculture effects on earthworm populations in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda soils D. Ashilenje · W. N’getich · J. Norton · U. Norton +7 more Conventional cultivation in Western Kenya and Eastern Uganda over the years has resulted into decline in soil quality and food crop production. Studying soil biodiversity under Conservation Agriculture production systems (CAPS) will help u… RUF-34089 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Role of agronomic practices on the occurrence of Fusarium head blight of wheat C. Mutegi · J. Muthomi · R. Narla · O. Okumu +1 more Fusarium head blight is a disease of small grain cereals that reduces yield and causes mycotoxin contamination. The role of agronomic practices on the occurrence of wheat agronomic practices was studied. In the experiment, a survey to dete… RUF-34088 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Pesticide use for management of aphids and viral diseases in passion fruit J. Karungi · M. Ochwo-Ssemakula · A. Olango · P. Sseruwagi Passionfruit viral pathogens limit passionfruit production and are non-persistently transmitted by aphid vectors, the diseases can reduce orchard life span to only a year resulting to 100% yield loss. 50-100% loss due to biotic stresses ha… RUF-34086 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
