Working Document Series Open Access Tourism and agriculture linkages: Determinants of local agricultural products purchase by hotels at the Kenyan coast P.M. Mshenga This paper investigated the local agricultural products purchased by tourist hotels, the hotel purchase and the hotel characteristics influencing purchase of local agricultural products. The study was conducted in coastal Kenya. Multistage… RUF-34966 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The importance of trees and shrubs as livestock feed in the arid and semi arid rangelands of Kenya: Case of Prosopis juliflora in Baringo district S.K. Choge · W.N. Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech +1 more This study was conducted to determine the potential of integrating Prosopis juliflora in drylands livestock production where the tree is abundant and has been reported by the community to be a menace to their livelihoods. Despite these all… RUF-34855 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of supplementing mesquit (Prosopis juliflora) seedpod meal on the performance of weaner Galla goats in the drylands of Kenya Wellington Ekaya · R.N. Kinuthia · O.K. Koech · R.G. Wahome A study was conducted to investigate the effect of increasing amounts of Prosopis juliflora seedpod meal on the growth rate of weaner Galla goats. The overall aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of incorporating Prosopis seedpo… RUF-34852 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 Factors hindering extension staffs efficiency in assisting maize farmers in western province in the agricultural reform era M. Adijah Ali-Olubandwa · N. J. Kathuri · D. Odero-Wanga · W. A. Shivoga The extension service in Kenya is charged with the responsibility of ensuring sustainable food production that is sufficient for domestic use and for export. The extension staff performance is constrained by various factors which may have … RUF-34808 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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
Working Document Series Open Access Growth and physiological changes of tomato as influenced by soil moisture levels J.N. Aguyoh · C. Imana · A. Opiyo Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), as in most fruit vegetables, is often exposed to stresses either imposed by other organisms (biotic) or arising from imbalance of environmental factors (abiotic). Water management is a key factor tha… RUF-34720 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing village chicken productivity through parasite management for effective newcastle disease vaccination in Kenya L.C. Bebora · C.O. Gor · N. Maingi · P.G. Mbuthia +1 more Newcastle disease (ND) is documented among the most important diseases of poultry in the world, causing devastating losses in both commercial and village chickens. It is capable of causing mortality rates of up to 100% of the flock and, as… RUF-34715 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Optimization of biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas in Kenya T. Cheptoo · E. Kenya · J. Onchieku The non-edible vegetable oil from Jatropha curcas has been found to be a viable source for producing biodiesel. Biodiesel production from different accessions of Jatropha curcas will be compared in order to determine the highest yielding a… RUF-34711 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Improving soil nutrients and water management to increase crop yield for enhanced livelihoods of small scale farmers in semi-arid eastern Kenya B.O. Danga · K.B. Mmolawa Food insecurity in Kenya is on the increase unless appropriate measures are taken. This is because nearly 80% of the land is arid to semi-arid and therefore not favorable for crop production using the current methods of production. The iss… RUF-34636 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Constraints of rehabilitating degraded semi-arid lands of Kenya using indigenous perennial grasses W.N. Ekaya · K.Z. Mganga · W.M. Muiru · N.K.R. Musimba +3 more Land degradation which among others include loss of vegetation is rampant in Kenya, destroying both the fragile arid and semiarid lands and the non-arid areas. Efforts to rehabilitate semiarid areas by re-vegetation has often failed. This … RUF-34628 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluating the macropropagation efficiency of banana varieties preferred by farmers in Eastern and Central Kenya N. Gitonga · M.R. Kasyoka · N. Kori · R. Muasya +1 more Kenyan farmers are threatened by overreliance on few crops whose yields are reduced by adverse climatic changes. Bananas are more resilient and produce year round, making it a more suitable crop. To increase banana production, farmers shou… RUF-34627 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Farmer - managed trials for evaluation of rhizatech and legumefix in Bungoma district Kenya C. Majengo · W. Ngetich · J.R. Okalebo · C.O. Othieno The nitrogen reserve of agricultural soils must be replenished periodically in order to maintain an adequate level for crop production. This replacement of soil nitrogen is generally accomplished by the addition of fertilizers or as produc… RUF-34615 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Studies on the etiology, epidemiology and management of dieback disease of passion fruit in Kenya R. Gathu · N. Kori · J. Mbaka · M. Mwangi +1 more Passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) is an important cash crop in Kenya. In the recent past, diseases have increasingly reduced its production with yield losses ranging from 50 – 100%. Dieback is a recently emerged disease that is highly virule… RUF-34598 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Biological N2 fixation of three Acacia senegal varieties in the drylands of Kenya using 15N natural abundance method E.W. Githae A study is on-going in Kenya to identify Acacia senegal varieties with high symbiotic biological N2 fixation capacity. Balanites aegyptica, a non-legume species, has been included for comparison. Variety senegal has so far shown the highes… RUF-34584 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Studies into slow rusting resistance among selected wheat lines F.M. Nzuve · D. Singh · G. Tusiime Wheat is an important staple crop in East Africa whose consumption outweighs its production partly due to the emergence of a virulent strain of Puccinia graminis fsp tritici, strain ug99 that cause stem rust disease. A study was carried ou… RUF-34573 2010 CC BY 4.0 7 Sep 2015
