Working Document Series Open Access Agronomic performance and carotenoid content of Kenyan yellow-fleshed cassava clones R. Edema · J. Kamau · P. Njenga · G. Ooko Vitamin A deficiency is common in Kenya, and is common among populations that depend on cassava as their main staple. Clonal evaluation of 324 locally developed yellow-fleshed cassava clones was carried out in two sites, Thika and Kiboko l… RUF-39352 2018 CC BY 4.0 28 Jul 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Soil properties and maize yields under tied ridging, fertilizer micro-dosing and different cropping systems in semi-arid regions of Kenya B.O. Danga · K. Kwena · J. Mugwe · N. Mwende In semi-arid parts of Kenya, the major threat to food security is declining soil fertility, inadequate and un-reliable rainfall. In order to minimize these challenges, there is need to adopt soil management practices that cope with low rai… RUF-39348 2018 CC BY 4.0 28 Jul 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Spatial and temporal spread of maize lethal necrosis disease causing viruses and their vectors within the field K. Dora · D.W. Miano · D. Mukunya · R.M. Ngala Maize lethal necrosis disease (MLND) is a viral disease of maize resulting from co-infection of Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) and any cereal Potyvirus such as Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV) or Wheat st… RUF-39344 2018 CC BY 4.0 27 Jul 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Fungal contaminants and aflatoxins in maize from lower eastern region in Kenya S.P. Kuate · D. O. Mbuge · W.M. Muiru · S.T. Mwangi +1 more Aflatoxin outbreaks have been reported in the lower eastern region of Kenya since 1978. These outbreaks have caused a lot of concern as some have led to loss of lives. This study was conducted to assess the extent of fungal contaminants in… RUF-39336 2018 CC BY 4.0 27 Jul 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing climate resilience of cropping systems: A synopsis of research activities by crop scientists at University of Nairobi G.N. Chemining’wa · O.M. Kitonyo Climate change is associated with rising temperatures, elevated carbon dioxide, variable rainfall patterns and frequent droughts, reduced soil carbon and mineral nutrients, and increased influx of pests and diseases, in addition to adverse… RUF-39096 2018 CC BY 4.0 1 Mar 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Nutrient composition and phytochemical content of African nightshade (Solanum nigrum) edible berries E.H. Kamau · G.M. Kenji · J.M. Maina African nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is a green, indigenous leafy vegetable that grows in many parts of the world and its utilization can deliver significant nutrients and phytochemicals into the diet. It is among the indigenous vegetables … RUF-39076 2018 CC BY 4.0 1 Mar 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Soil analysis for fertilizer recommendation in Kenya: A review A. Galgallo · M. Gatari · D. M. Miano · K.D. Shepherd Agriculture is key to Kenya’s economy and food production but the per capita food production has been declining. Soil nutrient depletion has been identified as one of the major causes of the declining food production. However, use of chemi… RUF-39050 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Feb 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of morphological traits of coffee used in determining the performance of Arabusta hybrids generated from crosses between the tetraploid Robusta and Arabica coffee J.J. Cheserek · N. Kahiu · J. Muthomi Coffee is one of the most important commodities in the world being traded second after oil. One of the objectives of coffee breeding programs is to select for good quality coffee with high yields. The aim of this study was to determine var… RUF-39046 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Feb 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of suppressive potential of selected plant species against Phytophthora infestans in vitro S.O. Agong · R. Kahuthia-Gathu · M. Mwangi · J.W. Waceke Globally, Phytophthora infestans causes annual potato losses estimated at over $6 billion with fungicides alone accounting for over $1 billion. In Kenya, potato yield loss estimates reach 119,500 tons annually. Several fungicides recommend… RUF-39013 2018 CC BY 4.0 25 Feb 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Financing higher education in Africa: The case of Kenya A. Kande · E. J. Mukhwana · H. Nandokha · J. Too Demand for tertiary education in Kenya has significantly increased and continues to swell against the backdrop of insufficient funding thus affecting the quality of teaching and learning. The population of the tertiary education age group … RUF-38961 2020 CC BY 4.0 8 Feb 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Financing higher education in Africa: The case of Kenya A. Kande · E. J. Mukhwana · H. Nandokha · J. Too Demand for tertiary education in Kenya has significantly increased and continues to swell against the backdrop of insufficient funding thus affecting the quality of teaching and learning. The population of the tertiary education age group … RUF-38960 2020 CC BY 4.0 8 Feb 2021
Working Document Series Open Access Factors influencing adoption of fish farming along the value chain in Kibwezi, Makueni County, Kenya J. G. Maina · S. M. Mukoya-Wangia · J.T. Njoka · P. S. Wesonga Communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS) are confronted with a number of challenges that include limited livelihood choices, high livestock mortality during drought, poverty and malnutrition, among others. Although past studies have… RUF-38942 2018 CC BY 4.0 16 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Impact of using mobile phones in disseminating agricultural information among medium scale farmers in Kenya H. Nyanganga · W. Ongachi Integration of mobile phones offers incredible opportunities to share agricultural information. Being one of the ICT tools currently used in extension science, evaluating its impact on agricultural production remains crucial. This study pa… RUF-38932 2018 CC BY 4.0 16 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing climate resilience of cropping systems: A synopsis of research activities by crop scientists at University of Nairobi G. Chemining’wa · O. M. Kitonyo Climate change is associated with rising temperatures, elevated carbon dioxide, variable rainfall patterns and frequent droughts, reduced soil carbon and mineral nutrients, and increased influx of pests and diseases, in addition to adverse… RUF-38906 2018 CC BY 4.0 16 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access From the lab to land: Taking postharvest management solutions to horticultural farmers through aggregation centers J. Ambuko · E. M. Amwoka · G. Chemining’wa · M. Hutchinson +3 more High postharvest losses (PHL) which is estimated to be 30% of the food produced for human consumption, is one of the current global challenges that requires urgent attention. Over the years there has been substantial research to address PH… RUF-38891 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Postharvest training in Kenya: Universities’ role to address the knowledge and skills gap in postharvest management J. Ambuko Over the years, agricultural training and research in Universities and research organizations has focused on increasing crop production. This has been achieved over the years through breeding high yielding varieties; development of good ag… RUF-38890 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Households’ expenditure reviews for early warning to vulnerability and effective policy interventions F. M. Mwaura Kenya’s perennial failure to meet its income growth targets and social equity has contributed to high incidence of poverty. In addressing the poverty, the government has initiated some social protection interventions including cash transfe… RUF-38871 2018 CC BY 4.0 9 Dec 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Black soldier fly larvae meal as a cheap alternative to expensive conventional protein sources in poultry feeds S. Ekesi · K. M. M. Fiaboe · L. Munga · D. M. Mwangi +5 more In the recent past, high poultry feed costs are driving many vulnerable communities involved in poultry production out of business. The high cost is mainly driven by the protein source, which represents the most expensive component in not … RUF-38755 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access The growth performance of indigenous chicken fed on diets containing black soldier fly larvae meal S. Ekesi · K. M. M. Fiaboe · L.W. Kabuage · D. M. Mwangi +5 more Indigenous chicken (IC) contribute significantly to human nutrition as a cheap source of animal protein. Demand for IC products has been on the increase in both rural and urban areas due to increased preference for white meat, low fat cont… RUF-38752 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of soybean and sweetpotato vine on growth of weaner rabbits P.C. Kale · J. Kitilit Rabbitry as an economic activity is fraught with significant challenges which include; lack of knowledge in rabbit husbandry, the high cost of rabbit feeds and are out of reach for many farmers. The objective of this study was to determine… RUF-38745 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Population of Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides and contamination of maize with associated mycotoxins under push-pull cropping system in Siaya County, Western Kenya Z. R. Khan · C. A. O. Midega · J.W. Muthomi · N.K. Njeru +1 more Push-pull cropping system is a companion cropping system that effectively controls stemborers, fall armyworm and Striga weed, resulting in increased yield in cereal crops like maize and sorghum. Siaya County is one of the administrative lo… RUF-38742 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Efficacy of hot water treatment in management of sugarcane ratoon stunting disease J.W. Muthomi · R.D. Narla · E. S. Philip · G. M. Riungu Sugarcane ratoon stunting disease (RSD) caused by the bacterium Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli causes huge losses to sugarcane ratoon crops. Hot water treatment is commonly used in many countries to control RSD but conflicting results show tha… RUF-38730 2018 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Heterosis for fruit yield, yield components and bacterial wilt resistance of tomatoes genotypes in Kenya F. K. Kathimba · P. M. Kimani · L. M. Kiriika · R.D. Narla Yields of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in Kenya has continued to decrease due to biotic stresses especially bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum), fungal diseases, nematodes, tomato yellow leaf curl and overreliance on low yielding vari… RUF-38715 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of maize lethal necrosis disease on seed quality of commercial hybrid varieties T. N. Kinyungu · D.W. Miano · J.W. Muthomi · F. Olubayo The recent maize outbreak of maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease is a big threat to the already strained food security in Kenya. The disease is caused by co-infection of maize with Maize chlorotic mottle virus and cereal potyviruses mostly… RUF-38710 2018 CC BY 4.0 13 Sep 2020
Working Document Series Open Access Occurrence of fungal and bacterial diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in western Kenya J.W. Muthomi · P. B. Ochichi · J.M. Wagacha Bacterial and fungal diseases of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a major constraint in production of the crop in western Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of fungal and bacterial diseases of common bea… RUF-38708 2018 CC BY 4.0 12 Sep 2020