East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology

The Influence of Intensive Agriculture on Soil Properties and Nutrient Availability in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of Kitui County, Kenya

Everlyne Katilo Kitavi — 2024-01-07

Soils perform various functions for the purpose of supporting agroecosystems. Numerous agroecosystem support functions rely on the properties of soils. Inappropriate agricultural techniques and land usage have led to a global 12.5% drop in soil health during the previous few decades. Inappropriate cultivation, nutrient mining, and overuse of inorganic chemical treatments are some of the activities that may have degraded soil quality. A study on the influence of intensive agriculture on soil properties and nutrient availability under different cropping systems and locations was done in the years 2018 and 2019 in Kauwi and Zombe Wards of Kitui County, Kenya. Four commonly occurring cropping systems, namely, vegetable, cereal, fruit, and agroforestry, were selected in the two locations. Uncultivated land in the area was considered as control. In total, there were five treatments, which were replicated five times in each of the locations. During the typical long (March, April, May) and short (October, November, December) rainfall seasons, composite soil samples were randomly taken from the cropping systems. Analysis of the results revealed that the influence of cropping systems on locational variation of soil quality parameters varied significantly (p<0.05). Further, the interaction between cropping strategies and locations significantly influenced soil pH and soil organic carbon. In Zombe, the vegetable cropping system registered the lowest soil pH and electrical conductivity values. Similarly, Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium mean values under the vegetable farming system were higher in Zombe compared to Kauwi ward, probably due to the heavy application of fertilisers. Based on the results from the study, farmers in the area should be sensitised to embrace sustainable agricultural practices that promote moderate application of fertilisers to maintain healthy soils

Farmers’ Knowledge and Perceptions in the Production of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) for Enhanced Food Security in Kenya

Dennis Ouma Ong’or — 2024-01-11

Local knowledge and perceptions regarding the value of edible insects among smallholder farmers are critical to introducing such enterprises and designing effective insect productivity-enhancing interventions. However, limited studies have been done in Kenya regarding insects as agricultural enterprises, specifically in the Kilifi region. A survey was carried out among 207 smallholder farmers of coconut palm in Kilifi North and South sub-counties to assess their knowledge and perceptions about Oryctes rhinoceros as a farm enterprise. The primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire triangulated by key informant interviews from the Department of Agriculture, Nuts and Oil Crop Directorate, and farmer group leaders. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were the major analyses. Results showed farmers had adequate knowledge and positive perceptions regarding the beetle and its useful larval stage, represented by the mean of 0.97 and 3.44, respectively. The age, education level, prior exposure to training on edible insect farming, religion, and years of coconut farming of the farmers are associated with the levels of knowledge and perceived values of the Oryctes rhinoceros farming. Considering the positive knowledge levels and perceptions among Kilifi farmers, rather than focusing on general awareness creation, there is a need to enhance the access to and use of agricultural training resources to learn the importance of agricultural innovations as a tool for food insecurity alleviation through intensive processes. The extension systems need to incorporate the concepts of edible insects. This will render an innovation sustainable and useful for economically disadvantaged people. Further studies should be done among livestock feed traders and even food and feed processors to enable effective commercialisation interventions

Effects of Tuber Size and Section on the acceptability of foods from Integrated Nutrient Grown D. cayenensis

Rachel Majekodunmi Omodamiro — 2024-01-12

Yam (Dioscorea spp) is an important staple in Nigeria, valued for its high carbohydrate composition. Among the edible yam species, white yam is mostly used in traditional meals. The study investigated the effect of tuber size and section on the acceptability of foods produced from integrated nutrient grown yellow yam (D. cayenensis) species. Three different sizes (small, medium, and big) of D. cayenensis yams species grown by integrated nutrient were processed into different food forms (fried, boiled & pounded) using different sections (Apex, Middle and Distal). Forty (40) trained and semi trained taste panel members evaluated twenty seven (27) food samples produced from improved yellow yam species. Sensory evaluation results were, as follows, the boiled yam sample showed values ranging from 6.20 (Small size Apex) to 7.20 (big size middle); fried sample ranged from 6.20 (medium middle) to 7.70 for big Distal. The pounded yam form had a range of 4.0 (an unacceptable value) for medium base to 7.09 (big medium). Generally, boiled and fried yam samples produced from the different sizes and sections of the yellow yams were accepted by the taste panel members. Fried and the boiled yams from the middle sections were more preferred than yam samples produced from other regions. The middle section in all the sizes particularly the big size of the yellow yam was preferred for pounding. The yellow yam species is therefore, recommended for use especially, in the production of traditional foods for human consumption

Effects of Urban Agriculture on the Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in Cities of Sub-Sahara Africa. A case of Zambia, South Africa, and Nigeria: A Review

Leonard Ninsheka — 2024-01-22

This paper reviews the current literature concerning the effect of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. The main objective of this review is to examine the impacts of urban agriculture on the socio-economic status of urban farmers in Sub-Sahara African Cities. Specifically, the paper reviews the impact of urban agriculture on income and food security as well as the benefits and challenges affecting urban Agriculture development in selected cities of sub-Saharan African countries. This paper reviews different articles and papers on urban farming in Sub-Sahara Africa and globally. The review posits that there is scanty information on how urban agriculture affects farmers' socio-economic status in sub-Saharan Africa. How farmers derive their social and economic status by engaging in urban agriculture, and the types and motivations of farmers are not clear. The review suggests that understanding the factors that are crucial for food security, income and related benefits in urban agriculture is essential to developing the right technologies and policies

Farmyard Manure Integrated with Triple Superphosphate for Improved Soil Conditions and Yield of Bio-Fortified Common Beans

Derrick Wabusa — 2024-01-22

Increasing prices of fertilizers and low nutrient concentration in organic manure are highly contributing to poor soil conditions and increased yield gap of bio-fortified common beans. A field study was carried out to assess the effect of farmyard manure integrated with triple superphosphate on soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common bean Genotypes in central Uganda. The experiments were set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) conducted at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research Institute (MUZARDI) in two rainfall seasons. Treatments included; Cattle manure + TSP, Swine manure + TSP, Chicken manure + TSP, TSP alone and control replicated five times. Bio-fortified common bean genotypes studied were: Naro bean 1, Naro bean 3 and NABE16 a local check. Data was collected on; organic matter, soil pH, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content, harvest index, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, and grain yield of bio-fortified common beans. Data was subjected to statistical test and analysis of variance using GenStat statistical package (15th edition). Results showed that amending field plots with Swine manure + TSP significantly increased Organic matter by; 1.51% and potassium 1.22% than Chicken manure + TSP, Cattle + TSP, TSP alone and a control respectively. Chicken manure + TSP increased soil pH and Nitrogen by 1.80 and 2.20% while, TSP alone improved Phosphorus by 5.2 PPM than other treatments. Yield parameters were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by treatments except weight of 100 seeds. However, bean genotypes grown in Swine manure + TSP recorded maximum yield of 14 pods, 4 seeds per pod, 32.93 g weight of 100seeds, grain yield was (1843 kgha-1) and lowest (1253 to 650 kg/ha) in TSP+ cattle manure and control. It was therefore, concluded that swine manure + TSP significantly improved soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common beans. Therefore, basing on these findings, farmers should adopt amendment of swine manure with TSP for improved soil conditions and yields of Naro bean 1

Integrating Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal in Aquaponics System for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Production

Samuel Ochieng Nguka — 2024-01-24

The adoption of aquaponics systems faces challenges due to the high cost of fish feed, lack of sustainability, and reliance on fishmeal as a primary input. One potential solution to replace fishmeal is the use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) in aquaponics. The study aimed to explore the effect of substituting fish meals with BSFL meals on the growth performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in aquaponics. The study employed the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). A total of 135 catfish fingerlings were divided into three groups and stocked in nine water barrels of 100 litres each (filled with 60 litres of water). The fingerlings were fed twice a day for a duration of 56 days after a two-week period of acclimatisation using commercial feed. Water was cycled through the hydroponic media grow bed using an automatic timer, with a 15-minute cycle every hour throughout the day and night. Fish meal was replaced with BSFL meal at three different proportions: 0% (BSFL0), 30% (BSFL30), and 50% (BSFL50). The data collected was analysed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Tukey's ad-hoc and Dunn's tests, respectively, utilising JMP 16 software. The results indicated that the fresh leaf weight was significantly influenced by the diet types (p<0.05). However, no significant effect was observed on root weight, total dry weight, number of leaves, or root length (p>0.05). This study suggests that black soldier fly larvae meal can successfully replace up to 50% of fishmeal in aquaponics without compromising lettuce growth performance. Therefore, promoting the use of black soldier fly larvae meal can contribute to the sustainability of lettuce production in aquaponics

Agricultural Price Fluctuation and Its Effects on Small-Scale Farmer Income: A Case of Maize Crop in Kilolo District

Kelvin Mbwilo — 2024-02-18

This study examined the agriculture crop price fluctuation and its effects on small-scale farmer income in Tanzania, specifically in Kilolo District in Iringa Region. The study sampled 90 respondents, where 84 respondents were for structured questionnaire and 6 for interviews. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to collect data. The mixed-methods data were analysed using linear regression estimation techniques, estimated Ordinary Least Squares estimator, and content analysis for qualitative data. The study revealed that Agriculture cash crops positively influence the yearly income of small-scale farmers, signifying that increased engagement in cash crop cultivation contributes to higher income levels for these farmers. Conversely, the study unveiled the negative implications of crop price fluctuations on small-scale farmers’ yearly income, demonstrating that erratic price variations can substantially challenge their economic stability. These findings were robustly supported by statistical analyses, including the t-test and regression analysis, which underscored the significance of Agriculture cash crops and crop price fluctuations as determinants of small-scale farmers’ yearly income. The adjusted R² value of 0.607 further substantiated these results, signifying that the independent variables, Agriculture cash crops, and crop price fluctuations account for approximately 60.7% of the variation observed in the dependent variable. In such a sense, small-scale farmers’ yearly income is determined by agricultural cash crops done by small-scale farmers and the crop prices fluctuation in the markets. There is a need for marketing officers to provide marketing information to small-scale farmers from time to time for small-scale farmers to be aware of cash crop price fluctuations and what kind of cash crops will have a higher market value, hence lowering the level of price fluctuation in the markets. Such a move would increase small-scale farmers’ yearly income in Kilolo District

Interactive Radio Programming and Gender Perspectives in Agricultural Knowledge Sharing: A Study of Women Crop Farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Stella Libent — 2024-02-23

This study examines the accessibility of interactive radio-based agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, Tanzania. With a focus on face-to-face interviews, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews, the research involved 32 purposively selected individual participants. The study uses content analysis to unveil a limited interaction between radio programmers and women crop farmers in Dodoma City. Identified barriers include a scarcity of radios and mobile phones, absence of electricity for device charging, domestic responsibilities, fear of spousal disapproval, non-contact by programmers, voucher purchase costs, and language obstacles. The findings underscore the need for intervention to enhance women's engagement with radio programs. The study recommends that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) addresses financial constraints hindering women's interaction. This aligns with the TCRA's commitment to prioritizing information consumer interests. Additionally, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is urged to empower schoolgirls by providing agricultural education through secondary levels. Such initiatives can foster improved access to vital agricultural information for women crop farmers in Dodoma City, contributing to their socio-economic development

Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Edible Dung Beetle Larvae (Scarabaeus satyrus) Flours and Oils and their Significance in Human Nutrition

Fedha Monicah Salano — 2024-02-29

The potential of edible insects in alleviating the nutritional challenges facing humans has led to an increased interest in their utilization. Edible insects contain substantial amounts of protein and fats, which are very important macronutrients that confer useful functional and physicochemical properties to foods. However, the functional properties of these nutrients have not been given sufficient attention, limiting their use as ingredients in diets and food products. Processing of insects converts them into an ingredient that can be added to various foods, improving their acceptability in terms of flavor, taste, and nutritional content. Popular processing methods for edible insects include frying, boiling, oven drying, roasting, smoking, and toasting. These thermal treatments reduce the insect water content, enabling them to be milled into powders. This study set out to investigate the fatty acid profile, protein digestibility, and physicochemical and functional properties of powders and oils of edible dung beetle (Scarabaeus satyrus). The dung larvae were collected from three counties in Western Kenya. They were cleaned and subjected to drying and milling, then analyzed. Results indicated that protein digestibility ranged between 64.27-70.03%. The dominant unsaturated fatty acid was Oleic (45.71±2.45%), while the main saturated fatty acid was Lauric (45.43 ±0.8%). The saponification value of the oils ranged between 127.94 -130.17 mgKOH/g oil, Acid value (41.96-44.11 mg KOH/g oil), peroxide value (4.23-3.8 Meq.thio / kg sample), refractive index (1.41-1.44/25ºC) and Iodine value (77.89-88.02 g I/100g). Functional properties of the powders showed high lipophilic (332.45±19.73%) and moderate (1.11±0.14 ml/g) hygroscopic tendencies in toasted samples from Bungoma and Siaya Counties, respectively. Emulsifying capacity varied between 80.85%-82.53%, while emulsifying stability ranged from 80.85%-81.33%. These findings show that the edible Scarabaeus satyrus can provide unsaturated fatty acids and can be a good ingredient in foods as an alternative to conventional cuisines

Re-Fining Citrus Leaf and Fruit Spot Disease Control Options in Northern Uganda

Alfred Kumakech — 2024-03-05

Citrus leaf and fruit spot disease, caused by Pseudocercospora angolensis has, since 2010, come about as the most dreadful disease of citrus in Northern Uganda. Over the last few years, feedback from citrus farmers has helped in re-fining management strategies. In the first years of citrus leaf and fruit spot disease outbreak in Northern Uganda, chemical treatment was promoted as part of a control package, in addition to the destruction of heavily diseased plants and buckthorn to remove inoculum. Buck horning and destruction of diseased plants is labour-intensive and time-consuming, especially when many infected citrus trees have to be taken out, or buck horned. Research findings indicate citrus leaf and fruit spot disease fungus can be weakened with fungicide sprays to the extent that even when disease symptoms are present on leaves, it does not automatically lead to infection of fruits. This gave rise to a new control strategy where only infected plants in an orchard are pruned, and all the citrus trees in the orchard are treated with fungicides. The pruning of visibly infected plants in an orchard will lessen the inoculum load, and the fungicide sprays will stop pathogen replication. This method is not labour intensive and takes less time when equated to severe buck horning of all the trees in the orchard. However, pruning and fungicide treatment need to move together with the control of new infections that can happen via unrestricted entry during harvesting

Effect of Shade Intensities on Growth, Biomass and Grain Yield of Green Grams (Vigna radiata) and Maize (Zea mays) in Kitui County

Timothy Irungu Mwangi — 2024-03-09

Maize and green grams are important food security crops grown and consumed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. High temperatures and low soil moisture lead to yield reduction. A two-season study was conducted to investigate the effect of different shade intensities (0 %, 50 % and 70 %) on green gram and maize growth, biomass and grain yield in Kitui County (1.4° S, 37.9° E). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at the South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) farm. Results showed that maize had significantly (p<0.05) higher plant height, Ear height, cob weight, total biomass and grain yield per hectare in 50%, followed by 70% and lowest in 0%. Green gram plants had significantly (p<0.05) higher number of pods, seeds per pod, total above-ground biomass and grain yield per hectare 50 % (1759 kg/Ha), 70 % (1553 kg/Ha) and lowest in 0% (478 kg/Ha). The plants grown under 50% shade intensity had higher grain and biomass yield for both green grams and maize compared to those under 70% and 0% shade intensity, which may be attributed to adequate moisture due to reduced evapotranspiration. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity on green grams farming system yield and break-even price was best at 50% shade intensity. The study demonstrated that the cost-benefit analysis of shade intensity in maize farming systems is not significant. To improve grain and biomass yield of both green grams and maize for food and nutrition security, study recommends the use of 50% intensity in growing green grams in ASALs due to benefits including soil moisture conservation, improved plant growth, yield, economic efficiency and cost-benefit ratios

Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya

Brenda Jemutai Kiptui — 2024-03-10

Improved indigenous chicken contribute to the nutrition of farmers in rural communities. The use of maize as an energy source in chicken diets is becoming unacceptable due to competition from humans, resulting in high feed costs. Alternative energy sources like low-tannin sorghum can be grown in Western Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and the growth of improved indigenous chicken in Busia and Siaya Counties. Dietary treatments consisted of 50% (T1), 75% (T2) sorghum inclusion, and control (commercial diet) (T3). Farmers on semi-intensive were provided dietary treatments, and free-range (T4) was not provided. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for proximate composition, amino acids, and tannin content. Growth characteristics were collected biweekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and then means that differed significantly were separated using Tukey’s test in Genstat 14th edition. For proximate composition, dry matter was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (91.9%) and T3 (92.1%) compared to T1 (91.4%). Crude fat was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (9.54%) than in T1 (6.84%) and T3 (6.57%). The crude fibre was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 (14.3%) compared to T1 (3.37%) and T2 (3.62%). Crude protein was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 (15.8%) and T1 (15.2%) compared to T3 (12.6%). Metabolizable energy was significantly (p<0.05) lower in T3 (2723 Kcal/Kg) compared to T1 (3569 Kcal/Kg) and T2 (3684 Kcal/Kg). Amino acids (lysine, methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan) content in diets T2 and T3 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than T1. The tannin content of the sorghum variety C26 was 1.24%. T1 had a significantly high (p<0.05) mean final weight (970 g), body weight gain (804 g), daily weight gain (14.4 g), and feed conversion ratio (5.57). Mortality was highest at T4 (17.1%). It was concluded that the inclusion of 50% low tannin sorghum meets chicken feed nutritional requirements and is best for growth performance. The study recommended that farmers rearing chicken should plant low tannin sorghum to be utilized as feed ingredient to cut the cost of production

Impact of Agroecological Innovations on Agricultural Production and the Environment in the Foothills of Mumirwa, Burundi

Dismas Manirakiza — 2024-03-11

Agriculture is an important pillar of the national economy of Burundi. The sector contributes more than 40 % of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 90 % of the population. The main challenges facing the sector include soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, water contamination, pesticide residues, use of genetically modified organisms and participation in climate change. Faced with such constraints, the Burundian farmers experience new modes of production and consumption such as the development of agroecological farms (crop association, crop rotation, agroforestry, anti-erosion ditches) and the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides. This study aims to analyse the impact of agro-ecological innovations on agricultural production and environment in Mumirwa region, especially in three communes of Bubanza province (Bubanza, Musigati and Rugazi). The study approach consisted of surveys conducted on two samples (members of cooperatives and non-members), focus groups, individual interviews and field visits. The ordinary least squares method and comparative approach between the two samples (treatment sample and comparison sample) were used to analyse the impact on production and environment, especially on soil fertility. We referred to the ISABU laboratory (Higher Agronomic Institute of Burundi) results of the soil samples brought by ADISCO NGO before and after planting the beans using organic manure on the one hand and chemical fertilizers on the other. The results showed that agro-ecological practices positively impact agricultural production and improve soil fertility. After one year of adoption, bean production increased by 21%. The analysis of the soil samples indicate that the combination of agro-ecological practices improves the soil's chemical characteristics, contributing to increased productivity. This could be explained by the fact that the development of agro-ecological farms and biofertilizers promote the sedimentation of particles of organic matter from runoff water and organic manure

Exploring Phenotypic Characteristics of Edible Caterpillars and Indigenous Knowledge of Host Plants in the Coastal Forest Ecosystems for Improved Food Security

John Juma Katana — 2024-03-14

Edible caterpillars have nutritional and economic value, thus providing food security at the household level during their harvesting seasons. Despite the significant value of these insects, they are harvested seasonally, and there is little or no documented research about the edible caterpillar species and their phenotypic characteristics, their host plants, and the effects of ecosystem utilization on the insects. This study explored the phenotypic characteristics of edible caterpillars and the indigenous knowledge of their host plants in selected coastal forest ecosystems, aiming to contribute to the improvement of food security. The study adopted a cross-sectional observational study design, involving data collection on caterpillar phenotypic characteristics and interviewing local communities on host plant preferences. One-way ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in phenotypic characteristics (body weight, body length, and body girth) among the four caterpillar species. The Chi-Square test was used to examine the association between caterpillar species and their preferred host plants. The findings show that the region is dominated by four edible species of caterpillars: Bunea alcinoe, Gonimbrasia zambezina, Gynanisa maja, and Menipe spp. These caterpillar species have distinct and discernible differences in their phenotypic characteristics, specifically in terms of body weight, body length, body girth, body color, as well as body texture with a significance level of 0.000. These variations in physical traits suggest that each species has evolved unique adaptations to their respective environments and may have different ecological roles within their habitats. These species also have varying preferences for different host plants, making each species unique. The preferred host plant species supporting the caterpillars were: Balanites wilsoniana for B. alcinoe, Mangifera indica for G. zambezina, Acacia gourmaensis for G. maja, and Ochna mossambicensis for Menipe spp. The study revealed significant associations between caterpillar species and their preferred host plants, indicating that the local community possesses specific indigenous knowledge regarding the preferred host plants for edible caterpillars in the study area

Perceived Factors affecting Sugarcane Production Among Small-Scale Farmers in Kilombero District, Morogoro, Tanzania

Solomon Simon Mhango, PhD — 2024-03-21

This study investigates the nuanced perspectives of small-scale sugarcane farmers around the Kilombero Sugar Company in the Kilombero District, Morogoro, regarding the effects of weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production. Cross-sectional research design was employed to gather information using a questionnaire survey from 128 farmers who were obtained through a simple random sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The findings elucidate climate change and altered weather patterns are influencing agriculture, in this case, impacting the cultivation of sugarcane such that that changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have indeed resulted in unpredictable flowering and maturity cycles in sugarcane crops. Furthermore, the study highlights the significant role of extension services in enhancing agricultural practices and adequate pest and disease management practices contributes to the overall health and vigour of their sugarcane crops. It is concluded that weather variability, climate change, extension services, and support from sugar processing companies on sugarcane production are important factors influencing sugarcane production. The study emphasises the necessity of tailored education and outreach programs to bolster farmers' understanding and adoption of effective pest and disease management practices essential for sustainable sugarcane production in the Kilombero District

Evaluating Challenges and Opportunities in Greenhouse Farming among Smallholder Vegetable Producers in Kericho County, Kenya

Millicent Otiende — 2024-04-15

Greenhouse technology has an important role to play in minimising adverse effects of climate variability on vegetable production. Studies indicate that greenhouse farmers face several challenges, sometimes leading to the abandonment of Greenhouses. The types and levels of severity of the challenges have not been adequately documented and acted upon on a context-specific basis, yet the demand for Greenhouse fresh produce is increasing, particularly in populated urban areas. This study identified and evaluated core challenges, available opportunities, and a concatenation of the challenges with productivity perceptions among Greenhouse farmers in Kericho County. A cross-sectional survey design drawing on data from 10% of Greenhouse farmers from each of the six Sub-counties was adopted for the study. Structured and unstructured interview schedules were administered to 59 sampled farmers and 16 Extension agents. The Henry Garret ranking method was used to analyse ranked data on challenges from farmers’ views and potential opportunities from Extension agents. A one-sample Wilcoxon test was used to analyse the deviation of views from ‘neutral’. Challenge due to pests and diseases was significantly higher than hypothesised median of 3 (neutral); Z = 5.198, P< .01. Cost of inputs and lack of finances for maintenance were significantly higher than neutral; Z = 5.061, P< .01 and Z = 3.810, P< .01 respectively. The top five challenges based on Garrett scores were pests & diseases, cost of inputs, maintenance costs, inadequate water, and initial costs. Top-ranked opportunities were integrated pest & disease management, farm-inputs subsidy, information on crop varieties, support from extension and capacity building in water harvesting. Concatenations existed between productivity of greenhouse units with quality of produce, ease of access to markets and profitability of greenhouses. The study recommends stakeholders’ concerted effort towards utilisation of the opportunities identified to enhance sustainable Greenhouse productivity among smallholder vegetable producers

Cassava Brown Streak Disease Prevalence in Smallholder Cassava Cropping Systems in Northern Uganda: The Case of Acholi Sub-region

Alfred Kumakech — 2024-04-16

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a devastating disease of cassava in Uganda. Limited information exists on the incidence and severity of CBSD in Northern Uganda. The prevalence of CBSD in the eight (8) districts in the Acholi sub-region is also unknown. Therefore, the current study intended to: a) determine the prevalence and severity of CBSD in the Acholi sub-region, and b) identify the drivers of CBSD epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems in Acholi. An assessment of 120 cassava fields was conducted in the 2018b season. CBSD field incidence was highest in Nwoya District (51.3%) and lowest in Kitgum (6.4%), with severity ranging from 2.1 to 3.4 in the sub-region. CBSD prevalence was also highest in Nwoya (76.2%) and lowest in Kitgum and Pader Districts (30.8%). The use of CBSD-susceptible varieties (TME 14, TME 204, and NASE 12) was identified as the main driver of the epidemic. The result of the current study highlights the need for a wide-scale CBSD awareness creation and community-based cassava seed multiplication and distribution system in the Acholi sub-region to promote the up-take of CBSD-tolerant cassava varieties

Effect of Dietary Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Powder on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, And Gut Microbiota in Weaned Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Tansho Lufong Anslem — 2024-04-22

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ginger powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, carcass traits and gut microbiota of growing rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 36 equal-sexed New Zealand white rabbits aged 6 weeks ± 5 days old were randomly assigned into 4 treatments with 3 replicates each. The control animals (T0) received the basal diet without feed additive, while the 3 other groups T1, T2, and T3 respectively received diets 5, 10, and 15 g of ginger/kg of feed. Data was collected on feed intake, body weight gain, carcass indices and gut microbial load. Results revealed that the inclusion of ginger significantly (p<0.05) increased daily feed intake approximately by 16.02 g in T1 (5g ginger) compared to the control. The total feed intake followed the same trend. Daily weight gain increased approximately by 3.46g T3 (15g ginger). The feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected by dietary ginger inclusion. The addition of ginger did not significantly (p>0.05) affect the carcass characteristics of rabbits; However, a reduction was observed in abdominal fat content with approximately 0.81% in T3. Ginger powder in rabbits’ diets caused a decrease in the population of pathogenic microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria) but did not have any effects on total coliforms (gram-negative bacteria). It can therefore be concluded that ginger could be added to growing rabbits’ feed to improve live weight and reduce levels of gram-positive bacteria

Effect of Mixing Ratio of Super Absorbent Materials on the Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper in the Ferric Luvisols of Mogotio, Kenya

Fridah Muriithi — 2024-04-23

Agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs) faces challenges due to limited water and problematic soils. This study investigates the potential of superabsorbent materials like Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) and pumice to enhance water retention and agricultural productivity in Ngubreti in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya, representing ASALs. Using a randomized design with different material ratios and a control group, the research analysed soil parameters and plant growth indicators. Incorporating superabsorbent materials increased soil porosity, reduced bulk density, and improved water retention. Bell pepper production notably increased by 53.4%, with the SAP Pumice Double Half (SPDH) treatment showing the highest yield. This research underscores superabsorbent materials' ability to enhance ASAL soil conditions and agricultural output, particularly SPDH treatment. Precise material concentration control and consideration of their impact on soil penetration rates are crucial for optimal results. The study contributes to sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions, emphasizing soil management's role in crop productivity. Further research and region-specific experiments are needed for broader applicability. Farmers are advised to assess their soil characteristics and consider a recommended median soil-additives mixing ratio of 1:833. Long-term effectiveness warrants additional investigation