Working Document Series Open Access Seasonal distribution and yields of common roughages in coastal Lowlands of Kenya M. S. Badamana · C. K Gachuiri · J. D. Mande · L. M. Mburu +1 more In the Coastal Lowlands of Kenya, small-scale integrated crop-livestock system is the dominant form of agricultural production. Feed quantity and quality are inadequate and rarely meet the nutrient demands of lactating cows especially in t… RUF-39741 2018 CC BY 4.0 16 Jan 2023
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Determining quantity of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaf yield under different manure application regimes and cropping systems in Western Kenya D.A. Olal The low production of cereals and legumes among small-scale farmers in Kenya attributed to declining soil fertility and poor agronomic practices has led to renewed interest to review existing crop improvement technologies. Such technologie… RUF-35909 2015 CC BY 4.0 29 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Integrating striga management strategies for improved maize production in Western Kenya W. Sunda Maize is an important crop in Kenya but is adversely affected by Striga hermonthica weed that reduces yields considerably, especially in Western Kenya. Single stand-alone management strategies for the weed have been used, but each has had … RUF-35908 2014 CC BY 4.0 29 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Seasonal climate prediction for rain-fed crop production planning in the upper Awash basin, Central highland of Ethiopia Abdisa Alemu Tolossa This study was designed to use of local level seasonal climate prediction for rain feed crop production planning by providing valuable support for decision-making strategies in the Upper Awash Basin (UAB). A rainfall data recorded over 24 … RUF-35891 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Analysis of past and future intra-seasonal rainfall variability and its implications for crop production in the north eastern Amhara region, Ethiopia Tegegn Muluneh Getaneh Rainfall is the most important but variable climatic element in semiarid regions. The present study analyzed intra-seasonal rainfall variability, its trends and implications of rainfall change and variability risk on crop production at fou… RUF-35885 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Assessment of climatic variability and development of localized climate prediction method for livestock production in Borana area, Southern Ethiopia Dandesa Tilahun This study examines seasonal climate prediction method and evaluates its social and economic values in reducing climate-related hazards on livestock productivity over Borana Zone using monthly rainfall and temperature data recorded over Bo… RUF-35873 2015 CC BY 4.0 3 Feb 2016
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Effect of organic and inorganic nitrogen sources on growth, yield and oil content of sunflower grown in highly weathered soils of Morogoro Mwahija Almasi Irika Sunflower contributes about 40% of total national cooking oil requirement in Tanzania, ranking as one of the most important cooking oil with very high nutritional value. However, its production per unit area ranges between 800 and 1100 kg/… RUF-35636 2015 CC BY 4.0 8 Oct 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Investigating viability of premium influenced land agro-usage structure for increased phyto-diversity and production of African leafy vegetables S. Munialo Decreasing land holdings among smallholder farmers in Vihiga and Jinja have resulted in intensive land utilization. This has in turn led to low soil fertility level which has resulted in decline in the abundance and distribution of phyto-d… RUF-35527 2013 CC BY 4.0 29 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Species abundance, composition and colonization behaviour of Malaria vectors in a semi-arid ecosystem of Baringo District, Kenya Okello Samuel Arum Malaria is one of the public health problems facing people in many parts of Kenya including semi-arid areas. It is caused by an infectious bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes. To effectively implement malaria control program, the knowledge… RUF-35509 2011 CC BY 4.0 29 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Yield stability analysis of late blight resistant potato selections J.M.K. Mulema Potato is an important source of food and income in the highlands of East Africa. Identification of superior genotypes for improved agronomic characteristics will enhance tuber yield. Seven promising clones from population B potato selecti… RUF-35498 2007 CC BY 4.0 29 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access On-farm evaluation of orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in northeastern Uganda Emmanuel Gilbert. Omiat Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties currently represent the least expensive, year-round source of dietary vitamin A available to poor families in Eastern Africa. An on-farm study was conducted in North-Eastern Uganda to assess fiel… RUF-35400 2004 CC BY 4.0 23 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Assessment of forage dynamics under variable climate in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda A. Egeru Livestock herding is an important undertaking in rangeland areas of East Africa. These regions are characterized by climate variability that affects the availability of key livestock production resources especially forage and water. This s… RUF-35377 2014 CC BY 4.0 22 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Geospatial Analysis Of Cassava Commercialisation In Tanzania Elton Eric Chikondi Mgalamadzi Promoting cassava production and solving challenges that are associated with cassava processing and commercialisation has been a priority for government and non-governmental organisations in Tanzania. However, the commercialisation process… RUF-35350 2013 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Morphological characteristics, growth and yield of elite grain and leaf Amaranth in Northern Tanzania Omary Ijumaa Mbwambo Amaranth is considered one of the most commonly produced and consumed indigenous vegetables on the African continent. In Tanzania amaranth constitutes about 6% of total hectares of vegetable planted annually. The genus consists of nearly 6… RUF-35348 2013 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Theses & Dissertations Open Access Critical shoot Nitrogen curve for potato varieties Asante and Tigoni in Kenya Mugo James Njeru Potato is a major crop in Kenya with its production area increasing as a result of people opting for potatoes than other crops. The production is however lower than what is expected due to several challenges, among them being low fertility… RUF-35338 2013 CC BY 4.0 21 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access S1 and S2 selection of Longe 4 maize variety for tolerance to low soil nitrogen in Uganda G. Asea · R. Edema · P. Gibson · P. Namugga Low nitrogen is a major environmental stress leading to low yields in maize. Identification of varieties able to perform well under low soil N is of great significance to the resource poor farmers in the country especially when input costs… RUF-35227 2010 CC BY 4.0 17 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Access and utilization of agro-meteorological information: A case study of small holder irrigation farmers in Kenya E.K. Maranga · G.O. Obati · W. Zendera Weather and climate are one of the major production risks and uncertainties impacting on agricultural systems performance and management. A study was conducted in Lari Wendani irrigation scheme, Nakuru North District, and Perkerra irrigati… RUF-35196 2010 CC BY 4.0 17 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluation and selection of drought and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) tolerant chickpea genotypes for introduction in semi-arid areas of Kenya P.K. Kimurto · R.M.S. Mulwa · B.K. Towett This study evaluated 289 chickpea lines for drought tolerance, and 30 for pest resistance. Several promising genotypes have been identified (ICC 2580, ICC 7272, ICCV 92311, ICC 3362, ICCV 95311, ICC 506, EC 583311, ICCVX 906183-1), and the… RUF-35126 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Evaluating the effects of conservation agriculture and related technologies on soil biodiversity, crop and labour productivity in semi-arid Zimbabwe L. Mhaka · E. N. Mutsamba · I. Nyagumbo This on-going study is examining the linkage between termite prevalence and residue amount under conservation agriculture in Zimbabwe. Preliminary results show that convectional ploughing had lowest termite abundance while tied ridging inc… RUF-35098 2010 CC BY 4.0 16 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Influence of water quality parameters on Opsaridium microlepis catches in the Linthipe River in central Malawi D. Jamu · E. Kaunda · M. Limuwa · F. Maguza-Tembo +1 more The dwindling catches of the fish Opsaridium microlepis (locally called mpasa) from the Linthipe river in Malawi is of great concern. This is especially so given that the species has disappeared from some other river systems in Malawi. One… RUF-35045 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Maturity, age and growth of Oreochromis karongae (Teleostei: cichlidae) in Lake Malawi and Lake Malombe M. Banda · F. Kapute · E. Kaunda · Morioka. Sinshuke Size-at-50% maturity, age and growth, of Oreochromis (Nyasalapia) karongae (‘chambo’) in Lakes Malawi and Malombe were studied. Similar size-at-50% maturity and growth patterns were found for populations in Lake Malawi, but differences wer… RUF-35013 2010 CC BY 4.0 15 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Household objectives and achievement levels among Uganda’s hot pepper, french beans and okra crops farmers S. Lwasa · J. Mugisha · D. Sserunkuuma Ugandan farmers are increasingly adopting perceived High Value Crops (HVCs) including Chillies (Capsicum annum), French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), and Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). This is aimed at addressing priority household objective… RUF-34929 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
Working Document Series Open Access Estimation of the total viable bacterial counts of raw and processed milk from selected smallholder dairy farms of Zimbabwe P.T. Banda · G. Matope · T.A Mhone A study conducted in several diary farms in Zimbabwe revealed high levels of bacteria in both processed and raw milk. This is a public health concern. Efforts need to be put in place to minimize such high loads of bacterial counts. RUF-34907 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 Genetic and non-genetic factors influencing production in two boer goats studs M.D. Fair · F.J.M. King · F.W.C Neser The effect of genetic and environmental factors on weaning and post-weaning traits of boer goats was studied using 3233 records collected from 1998 to 2008. Least square analysis was used for estimation of environmental effects. Genetic pa… RUF-34846 2010 CC BY 4.0 14 Sep 2015
