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 Trend in climate variation in Karamoja Sub-region, northern eastern Uganda D. Aleper · A. Egeru · L. MacOpiyo · M.G.J. Majaliwa +1 more This study focused at determining the spatial and temporal rainfall and temperature characteristics in Karamoja with a view of establishing the intensity of climate variability. The study utilized historical data (1947-1976) and NOAA reana… RUF-34237 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Predicting potential distribution of the coconut whitefly in Mozambique based on ecological niche modeling tool T. Checo · D. Cugala · L. Jose The coconut (Cocos nucifera) whiteûy (Aleurotrachelus atratus), native to Central America has been recorded in various countries in Africa. In Mozambique, the coconut whitefly was reported for the first time in Maputo in 2010. However, the… RUF-34232 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Deploying interactive on-line networking platform for improving quality and relevance of African University graduates to labour markets B.O. Bebe · J. Kihoro · N. Kimbugwe · D. Nodumo +1 more African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) face criticisms of producing low performing graduates unable to drive the agricultural innovation processes to revitalise agriculture, boost economic recovery, and accelerate achievement of the … RUF-34225 2014 CC BY 4.0 17 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Agricultural research and development trends and challenges in Mozambique K. Flaherty · A. Nhamusso The Agriculture Research Institute of Mozambique (IIAM) with its national research networking has been working in a collaborative manner with the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) initiative. ASTI is an initiative of IF… RUF-34224 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 Assessing transitory poverty among pastoralists of northern kenya using the stages of progress method W. Kogi-Makau · L. MacOpiyo · J.T. Njoka · W. P. Watete Assessment of poverty among pastoral households using conventional methods may at times give an inaccurate picture of pastoral poverty. Pastoral areas generally fare very poorly in terms of common standard indicators and are thus likely to… RUF-34201 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Cost-sharing of agricultural extension service: What patterns are most effective in Nigeria? N. Ozor With recent changes in the financing and delivery of agricultural extension service worldwide due to inability of some governments to cope with varied needs of clients, most reforms initiated tend towards a pluralistic approach and financi… RUF-34198 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 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 Local-scale governance: a review of the Zambian approach to fisheries management L. Haambiya · D. Kambewa · E. Kaunda · Jeremy Likongwe +1 more Despite recent policies for optimizing sustainable management of fisheries, their success has been modest in practice. Excessive fishing effort and use of unsustainable fishing methods attributed to common-property of and free access to th… RUF-34185 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Preliminary compositional nutrient diagnosis for rubber tree in the humid forest zone of Cameroon E. Ehabe Ejolle · G. Elambo Nkeng · J. Njukeng Nkengafac · Ewalds. Schnug The main source of natural rubber is the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), an important crop to the Cameroonian economy. In order to improve yields while maintaining tree sustainability, nutrient norms must be derived for proper nutrient a… RUF-34183 2014 CC BY 4.0 14 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Plantwise knowledge bank: Expanding local and global resource pathways for plant health education and research in Africa J. Dennis · S. Hobbs · J. Mulema · W. Ochilo Plant health stakeholders in Africa face many challenges to manage crop pests. Apart from lack of access to vital knowledge and resources, new threats from globalization, climate change and population growth have led to a rapid pace of cha… RUF-34179 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 Stabilisation of silt clay soil using molasses for small dam embankment construction as inner zone T. Christiane · M. Ernest · A. N. Gitau · E. F. Mwanga The Agriculture sector contributes 45% of Tanzania’s GDP and about 30% of its export earnings, while employing over 80% of the nation’s work-force. Despite of its importance, agriculture is very much affected by inadequacy, seasonality and… RUF-34161 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Do triple bag hermetic storage Control Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in stored maize in Mozambique? H. Affognon · D. Cugala · L. Muchiriuarapa Prostephanus truncatus is a serious and dominant pest of stored maize in Mozambique. Before the introduction of P. truncatus in Mozambique in 1999, weight loss in stored maize in small scale farmers’ system was about 10 to 12% and Sitophil… RUF-34159 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 Structures of starch hydrolysates by luminal amylases: What is the impact of African starch sources on type 2 diabetes management? K.M. Komeine Nantanga The major source of energy to humans is starch. The digestion of starch in monogastric animals, including humans starts in the mouth. It may continue in the stomach. Pancreatic amylase further digests starch as the food moves through the s… RUF-34153 2014 CC BY 4.0 13 Aug 2015
