Working Document Series Open Access Selected soil properties for prediction of plague vectors and reservoirs in Mavumo area, Lushoto District, Tanzania J.A. Deckers · H. Gulinck · B.H. John · N. I. Kihupi +4 more The importance of selected soil properties with respect to occurrence of plague vectors and reservoirs was studied in Lushoto District, Tanzania. Plague reservoirs showed significant correlation (p<0.05) with subsoil percent clay, topso… RUF-34832 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 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
Working Document Series Open Access Conceptualisation and measurement challenges in modelling pastorilists’ risk and vulnerability instigated by droughts in the group ranches of Kenya K. Farah · J. Njoka · D.M. Nyariki · E. Obudho +1 more This on-going study is assessing and modeling vulnerability and risks faced by pastoral communities in the dry areas of Lakipia in Kenya. Preliminary results from participatory rural appraisal indicate that poverty is widespread and the ar… RUF-34801 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessing the impact of climate change and climate variability on agricultural productivity in selected climatological zones of Uganda: An overview Y. Bamutaze · M. Nabasirye · M. M. Nsengiyunva · C.A. Shisanya +1 more Climate change and climate variability are a major threat to livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The IPCC report of 2007 indicates that SSA is the most vulnerable region to climate change and climate variability due to the weak econom… RUF-34794 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Land use/land cover changes and their impact on the human-elephant conflict in Laikipia West District, Kenya Wellington Ekaya · T. W. Mumu · G. A. Olukoye Changes in land use and cover between 1973 and 2008 in Laikipia West district, Kenya was studied. The district shares a boundary with a protected wildlife area that among others has elephants. These often raid crops in addition to competin… RUF-34786 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Spatial variability in subterranean termite assemblage on grazing lands in semi-arid Nakasongola, Uganda C. Bakuneta · D. Mpairwe · S. Mugerwa · J. Nderitu +2 more Surges in termite activity and the associated destructive behavior have resulted into enormous deterioration of grazing lands in semi-arid Nakasongola in the drylands of central Uganda. Termites frequently attack and severely damage grasse… RUF-34780 2010 CC BY 4.0 11 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of land-use and climate change and variability on pollution loading in rivers of eastern Uganda and albertine rift P. Isubikalu · J.G.M. Majaliwa · P. Mukwaya Climate change and variability is one of the major environmental challenges that are likely to affect the livelihood of mankind for a very long time. At local scale, global climate change and variability trends can be amplified by Land use… RUF-34776 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 Climate variability: Pastoralists’ perception, practices and enhancing adaptive pasture use for food security in Choma District, Southern Zambia O. C. Chibinga · N. M. Musimba · M. Nyangito · J. Simbaya Pastoralists have managed their production system for many centuries and have had detailed knowledge of the biodiversity and environment of their grazing lands. Feeding of livestock is though still a major challenge to sustainable producti… RUF-34769 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 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 Production of disease-free papaya planting materials of known sex for commercial fruit production A.W. Kihurani · M. Mwaniki · M.M. Waiganjo · F.K.R. Wanzala Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a medium sized fruit crop with a potential to produce fruits throughout the year. The ripe fruits, which are very rich in vitamins A and C, are popularly used for dessert or processed into jam or wine. Due to i… RUF-34756 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of seed bed preparation on morphometric characteristics of Eragrostis superba, Cenchrus ciliaris and Enteropogon macrostachyus in southeastern drylands of Kenya W.N. Ekaya · D.M. Nyariki · F. E. O. Omondi This study compared over a 6-month period effects of tractorploughing and hand-clearing seedbed preparation on morphometric characteristics of three arid and semi-arid grass species, namely; Eragrostis superba Peyr, Cenchrus ciliaris L and… RUF-34755 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of Chilli pepper genotypes for yield and reaction to field diseases V. Nsabiyera · M. Ochwo-Ssemakula · P. Sseruwagi The performance of 25 chilli (16 exotic and 9 local) genotypes for yield and associated traits and reaction to field diseases was assessed at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI)- Namulonge from June-November, 2009. Tot… RUF-34753 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of cowpea leaf harvesting initiation time on yields and profitability of dual-purpose sole cowpea and cowpea-maize intercrop J.N. Aguyoh · F. M. Itulya · S. Mwanarusi · G. Owour Dual-purpose cowpea production is a common component of many tropical and sub tropical subsistence farming systems. However, limited information exists on effects of leaf harvesting initiation time on yields and profitability of dual-purpo… RUF-34752 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Spatial and temporal distribution of fallow land and its utilisation in southeast Zimbabwe E. Manzungu · L. Mtali Since the attainment of national independence in 1980 land distribution has dominated if not defined the agrarian debate in Zimbabwe. However, evidence of increasing hectarage of fallow land in communal lands, where 70% of the population r… RUF-34748 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Explanatory variables associated with the yield perfomance gap among small, medium and large scale sugar cane growers at Ubombo Sugar B. M. Dlamini · M. Mbuyazwe Dlamini In Swaziland, sugar cane is grown on small, medium and large scale. The yield of sugarcane between these grower types is large, with small scale producers having the least yield. The study was therefore carried out to determine factors res… RUF-34747 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of pruning on yield and quality of selected indeterminate tomato lines C. Mbonihankuye In this study, we investigated the effect of prunning intensity on tomato fruit yield of five introductions and one variety. Tomato line significantly affected all tomato yield components in addition to marketable and non-marketable yield.… RUF-34744 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Banana farming in Kenya: Options for rejuvenating productivity J. Mbaka · Maina Mwangi Bananas constitute an important component of farm enterprises in the mid altitudes of central and eastern provinces of Kenya. In recent years the crop has steadily gained importance over traditional cash crops, e.g. coffee, and various sho… RUF-34742 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Journal articles Open Access Perforation-mediated modified atmosphere packaging of fresh and minimally processed produce: A review J. Caleb Oluwafemi · Linus Opara Umezuruike · Hussein Zaharan The overwhelming global demand by consumers for convenience and fresh quality fruit and vegetables, heightens the need for appropriate postharvest technologies. In order to maintain freshness quality attributes, extend the shelf life of fr… RUF-34741 2015 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of different types of organic fertilizers on growth, quality and yield of tomatoes in sandy soil M. I. Khalid Hamden This study was conducted in Bara locality during the period 2009-2010 to assess the impact of using different types of organic fertilizers on tomato yield growing in a sandy soil. Five treatments were compared, i.e., compost, fresh chicken… RUF-34738 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effect of fecal manure from cattle fed Calliandra, Gliricidia and Luecaena browse/maize silages on soil productivity F. B. Bareeba · H. Kato · E. N. Sabiiti Browses have tannins and lignin which bind protein N and fiber and could subsequently affect release of manure nutrients in the soil when fed to animals. In this experiment, which was a pot experiment, cattle fecal manure from browse/maize… RUF-34733 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Developing capacity for implementing innovative PPR control strategies based on the epidemiology and socio-economic aspects of the disease in the East African region L.C. Bebora · C.G. Gitao · E. Karimuribo · S.M. Kihu +4 more Major losses in sheep and goats have been incurred from Peste des petit ruminants (PPR), a relatively new disease in East Africa. It first appeared in Eastern Uganda but has since spread to most of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Small rumina… RUF-34732 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Preferred banana varieties and their seed systems in Eastern and Central provinces of Kenya N. Gitonga · M.R. Kasyoka · N. Kori · J. Mbaka +2 more Banana is an important crop for food security in Kenya. Its production has been hindered by scarcity of seedlings and pests, among other factors. A recent survey in eastern and central Kenya showed that desert varieties are prefered due to… RUF-34724 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
