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 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
Working Document Series Open Access Understanding the persistence of foot-and-mouth disease in Uganda: The case of western Uganda A.R. Ademun Okurut · P. Isubikalu · C. Masembe · V. Muwanika Livestock, one of the important agricultural sectors in the lives of millions of people world over, is greatly affected by epidemics of Trans-boundary animal diseases (TAD). Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important TAD tha… RUF-34739 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Assessment of the spatio-temporal bovine migratory routes and transboundary animal diseases infestation in Uganda I. Bayiyana · W. Ekere · P. Lochap · M.G.J. Majaliwa +2 more Livestock form an important part of Uganda’s GDP with a big proportion of households deriving their livelihoods from the sector. However, pasture management and disease control especially Transboundary Animal Disease outbreaks have challen… RUF-34728 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 Development of management practices for sustainable improvement of indigenous goats in Tanzania S.W. Chenyambuga · D.M. Komwihangilo · E.E. Ndemanisho In recent years exotic breeds and crossbred goats of the indigenous breeds and some European breeds (mainly dairy goats) have been distributed in rural areas of Tanzania to increase goat productivity and alleviate poverty. However, the dis… RUF-34721 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Participatory control of Newcastle disease in village poultry using thermostable vaccines in Uganda D.K. Byarugaba · J.L. Nakavuma · A. State Village poultry is one of those abundant assets for the rural poor in Uganda that could be utilized to eradicate poverty in the country since poultry farming addresses the needs of the underprivileged in society especially women and childr… RUF-34717 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 Adapting soybean varieties to soil fertility variability for increased productivity in smallholder systems of Uganda P. Ebanyat · G. Elepu · P. Tukamuhabwa Biophysical conditions; climate and soil types underpin the suitability for growing of different crops at larger scales such as the agroecological regions while at the lower scales, crop production is governed by soil fertility status and … RUF-34712 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 Land cover and use changes in the rangelands of Central-Uganda: Impacts on soil quality and pasture productivity C.K.K. Gachene · G. Kironchi · D. Mpairwe · E. Zziwa This study determined the patterns and magnitudes of land cover and use changes, their driving factors and impacts on soil quality and pasture productivity in Nakasongola district. Satellite data (1970 - 2009), surveys, soil and pasture sa… RUF-34706 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effects of phosphorus deficiency on secondary metabolites and distribution of African nightshade in Siaya and Kisii counties, Kenya J. Ogembo Oyaro African Indigenous Vegetables form an integral part of the Kenyan diets, among the most commonly consumed being the African nightshade. These vegetables contain important phenolics that have medicinal values and good health attributes. The… RUF-34701 2015 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation of water productivity for maize under drip irrigation J.J. Kashaigili · H. Mahoo · F.R. Silungwe, F.R. A drip system operating under deficit irrigation was used to evaluate water productivity (WP) of TMV-1 maize variety in Morogoro, Tanzania. A block was divided into four sub-blocks; and each randomly assigned with deficit treatment (T1, T2… RUF-34693 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of optimised innovative soil fertility and water management technologies on maize production in two contrasting soils in Harare, Zimbabwe S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata +1 more Poor soil fertility and fertiliser management coupled with increased frequency of mid-season droughts induced by climate change have made it difficult for urban farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils. Urban farmer… RUF-34692 2010 CC BY 4.0 10 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Strengthening researcher-extension-farmer participation in soil fertility restoration for sustainable crop production in western Kenya E. Adipala · B. Amar · L. Didier · S.O. Gudu +14 more Food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) results mainly from common and prolonged droughts, fertility depleted soils, poor economies and insignificant researcher-extension-farmer contacts to demonstrate technologies. The soils are predo… RUF-34673 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Effects of innovative farmer practices in soil fertility and water management on soil productivity and maizeand leafy vegetable production in Harare, Zimbabwe S. Madyiwa · J. Nyamangara · B. Nyamasoka · P. Nyamugafata Poor soil fertility and increased frequency of mid-season droughts due to climate change have made it difficult for urban farmers to get sustainable crop yields especially on sandy soils. Higher yields can be attained by urban farmers if p… RUF-34657 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Soil survey information for sustainable agriculture in Ikwuano local Government area Abia State South East Nigeria G.E. Akinbola · B.O. Nuga A semi-detailed soil survey of the land of Ikwuano Local Government Area Abia State South East Nigeria was undertaken. The soils were sampled with the aid of soil auger to identify major soil types and their morphological properties (e.g. … RUF-34655 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access The effect of super phosphate and planting density on mini-tuber production from true potato seed T. A. Mtaita · M. Mutetwa · M. D. Shoko Improving tuber seed quality and availability is institutionally complex in the tropics and sub-tropics. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of superphosphate and plant density on mini-tuber production from true pota… RUF-34649 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Enhancing water use efficiency of cassava and sorghum based cropping systems in drylands G. Kironchi · R. Mulebeke · M. M. Tenywa Soil moisture flow characteristics, infiltration and storage in the root zone determine the overall availability and use efficiency of water in crop production. This study is evaluating the effects of cropping systems and tillage managemen… RUF-34646 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Adaptability of rice cultivars to different ecologies in western province of Zambia D.M Lungu · C. Mutale · F. P Muuka Rice in Zambia has traditionally been grown in lowland flooded or semi-flooded environments. These environments are unfortunately only a small portion of Zambia, occupying only 1% of the total land. The increase in food demand in the count… RUF-34643 2010 CC BY 4.0 9 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Translating integrated soil fertility management empirical knowledge into action through participatory learning and marketing with farmers in Zimbabwe R. Chikowo · D. Dhliwayo · P. Mapfumo · F. Mtambanengwe +1 more In this paper we report on findings from a co-learning experience we undertook with smallholder farmers in two areas in Zimbabwe aimed at developing their capacity to apply integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) options to improve foo… RUF-34639 2010 CC BY 4.0 8 Sep 2015
