Master of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya

2025-09-10T13:11:55Z

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya Mohamed, Mohamud Mohamed Most farmers pursue poultry farming on a small scale as a hobby rather than as a business, thus they are unable to take advantage of the accompanying economic benefits. This is especially true of indigenous poultry. The purpose of this research was to establish the factors that influence commercial indigenous chicken production in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effects of supplementary feeding, disease control, technical knowledge, market availability and credit access on commercial indigenous poultry production in Mandera County. The study's philosophical foundation was positivist. The study targeted 3971 households in Mandera North, Banisa and Mandera west sub counties in Mandera County, who constituted the population. A sample of 363 respondents, one from each sampled household was selected to represent the population. Primary and secondary data were used. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules were used to gather the main data. Preliminary confirmatory tests for reliability showed that the data collection tool was reliable with a Cranbach Alpha coefficient above 0.7. for most variable constructs. To determine the strength and nature of the independent variables impact on the dependent variable, multivariate regression analysis was carried out. The response rate was at 94% where 344 respondents answered and returned the questionnaire out of 363. The correlation results indicated that the independent variables; credit availability, disease control, market availability, poultry feeding and technical advisory services were strongly and positively correlated to indigenous poultry production as indicated by Pearson Correlation coefficient values of 0.584, 0.612, 0.827, 0.661 and 0.796 respectively. The results of ANOVA revealed that the F calculated value was 736.785, while F critical was 2.76, at a 5% level meaning significant at that level. Tests of hypotheses indicated that the independent variables were significant for poultry feeding (p=0.000), credit availability(p=0.000), disease control (p=0.000), market availability (p=0.000) and technical knowledge (p=0.000). Recommendations were made for policy makers to create an enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive in terms of improving on infrastructure and providing technically qualified support staff. It was further recommended that commercial poultry producers would pool resources to leverage on economies of scale and group dynamics in credit and market access.

The Contaminating Effects of Coffee Processing Honey Water, Case of Othaya Coffee Society, Nyeri County, Kenya

2025-01-13T09:19:35Z

The Contaminating Effects of Coffee Processing Honey Water, Case of Othaya Coffee Society, Nyeri County, Kenya Mutua, Paul Mbua The release of untreated honey water from green coffee processing poses a significant threat to surface water contamination, directly impacting the livelihoods of downstream communities. This study aimed to evaluate the contaminating effects of honey water emissions from coffee processing on surface waters. Specifically, the study sought to determine the levels of contaminants in honey water from coffee processing, assess the degree of pollution caused by these emissions, and examine the socio-economic impacts on affected populations. A mixed-methods research design was employed for this study. The research site was divided into experimental units, with four blocks (I–IV) and three treatments (K–M) per block, each containing three sub-samples (1–3). To minimize variability across tests from the same target area, the study employed a total squares randomized design with four combined replicates to create a test turnover table, which was used to determine variability between test objectives (p < 0.05). The study collected a total of sixteen samples: twelve surface water samples from upstream, midstream, and downstream locations, and four untreated honey water samples from coffee processing lagoons. The physicochemical properties of these samples were thoroughly analyzed. In addition, the study incorporated qualitative data through open and closed-ended questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses from 79 members of the Othaya Coffee Society Management and 30 nearby households, focusing on their perceptions of the contaminating effects of honey water on surface waters. The findings revealed that coffee processing operations by the Othaya Coffee Society had detrimental effects on the local communities by polluting nearby surface waters with untreated coffee waste. The physicochemical analysis indicated that the water sources had elevated acidity, high organic matter content, increased chemical oxygen demand, and elevated concentrations of nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), as well as suspended solids—all of which contributed to deteriorating water quality. The analysis further confirmed that the effluents discharged by the wet coffee processing industry did not meet the World Health Organization's standards for treated effluent released into surface waters. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the Othaya Coffee Society and other coffee industries in the region implement proper wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that only treated effluent is discharged into water bodies. Furthermore, continuous enforcement of wastewater discharge regulations by authorities such as the National Environmental Management Authority is essential. The study also called for further research to examine the effects of coffee pulp on water contamination and to evaluate the role of urban planning policies in managing industrial wastewater in areas like Othaya town.

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya

2024-08-07T08:09:49Z

Factors Influencing Commercial Production of Indigenous Poultry in Mandera County, Kenya Mohamed, Mohamed Mohamud Most farmers pursue poultry farming on a small scale as a hobby rather than as a business, thus they are unable to take advantage of the accompanying economic benefits. This is especially true of indigenous poultry. The purpose of this research was to establish the factors that influence commercial indigenous chicken production in Mandera County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effects of supplementary feeding, disease control, technical knowledge, market availability and credit access on commercial indigenous poultry production in Mandera County. The study's philosophical foundation was positivist. The study targeted 3971 households in Mandera North, Banisa and Mandera west sub counties in Mandera County, who constituted the population. A sample of 363 respondents, one from each sampled household was selected to represent the population. Primary and secondary data were used. Questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interview schedules were used to gather the main data. Preliminary confirmatory tests for reliability showed that the data collection tool was reliable with a Cranbach Alpha coefficient above 0.7. for most variable constructs. To determine the strength and nature of the independent variables impact on the dependent variable, multivariate regression analysis was carried out. The response rate was at 94% where 344 respondents answered and returned the questionnaire out of 363. The correlation results indicated that the independent variables; credit availability, disease control, market availability, poultry feeding and technical advisory services were strongly and positively correlated to indigenous poultry production as indicated by Pearson Correlation coefficient values of 0.584, 0.612, 0.827, 0.661 and 0.796 respectively. The results of ANOVA revealed that the F calculated value was 736.785, while F critical was 2.76, at a 5% level meaning significant at that level. Tests of hypotheses indicated that the independent variables were significant for poultry feeding (p=0.000), credit availability(p=0.000), disease control (p=0.000), market availability (p=0.000) and technical knowledge (p=0.000). Recommendations were made for policy makers to create an enabling environment for private enterprise to thrive in terms of improving on infrastructure and providing technically qualified support staff. It was further recommended that commercial poultry producers would pool resources to leverage on economies of scale and group dynamics in credit and market access

Perceived Effects of Selected Factors on Camel Productivity in Mandera County, Kenya

2024-01-18T11:52:22Z

Perceived Effects of Selected Factors on Camel Productivity in Mandera County, Kenya Ali, Issadin Maalim Camels contribute to the diet of pastoralists by producing food, especially milk, which is considered naturally imperfect but nearly complete. However, the amount of camel milk produced in Mandera County has decreased over time, and to make matters worse, only about 9% of that milk is traded, with most of it being sold at fairly low prices locally and only about 4% being processed. This served as the basis for this study to establish perceived effects of some selected factors on productivity of camels in Mandera County. Particularly, the study sought to establish whether and how camel breeds, animal care, road conditions and government extension services affected camel productivity in Mandera County. The study was guided by the Basic Needs Theory, Resilience and Food Production Theory and Livelihood Diversification Theory. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 43,691 camel keeping households in Mandera County from which a sample of 396 households was established through Slovin Formula. However, since only three of the six sub counties in the county were purposefully selected for the study, the sample size was reduced to 300 respondents, one per household. The distribution of the questionnaires was guided by the perceived level of engagement of respondents in camel rearing. Further, to corroborate the responses from camel dealers on the variables of study, qualitative studies were carried out through interview schedules from government officers in animal production and veterinary care that normally assisted camel dealers. Data was collected through drop and pick and analyzed by use of SPSS version 26. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire constructs was confirmed before its use. Tests for normality, autocorrelation and absence of multicollinearity were conducted before multivariate regression analysis. A reliability coefficient of Cronbach alpha of over 0.7 was returned for all constructs of the independent variables. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the findings while information from government officers was analyzed qualitatively through in-depth and contextual insights. The study achieved a response rate of 74.3 percent. All the key variables tested against camel productivity returned mean scores above 3.5 with a standard deviation ranging from 0.08 to 1.08. These data implied that the respondents agreed with most of the statements on the 5-point Likert type scale. The low standard deviations below 2 meant low variability in the responses. Correlation analysis revealed that camel breed, animal care, road conditions and government extension services were positively and significantly correlated to camel productivity. Regression analysis results indicated that the factors under study explained 62.9% of the variation in camel productivity in Mandera County with effects of camel breeds being statistically significant (β=0.201; p=0.032) as were effects of animal care (β=0.370, p=0.005) and those of road conditions (β=0.305; p=0.000) and government extension services (β=0.413; p=0.000). The ANOVA results confirmed that the model was significant in predicting camel productivity. It was concluded that all the independent variables singly and collectively influenced camel productivity which was corroborated by government officers. It was recommended that government at national and county levels invest in improved camel breeds and availability of adequate breeding bulls, provide more animal care services and an enabling environment for private sector to provide other services through road access and cold storage for camel milk and meat among other interventions. Future research should consider other aspects of camel productivity, diseases, nutrition, vii marketing, value addition and even promotion of trade. Also, it would be useful to carry out the same type of research in other counties and compare results

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Agropastoralism in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: A Case of Mandera County, Kenya

2024-01-18T11:51:29Z

Factors Influencing Youth Participation in Agropastoralism in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands: A Case of Mandera County, Kenya Ibrahim, Issack Gababa Whereas Mandera County government, the National Government, and other development partners have invested heavily in youth employment, food provision, and poverty reduction through, the county's youth are still hesitant to be involved in it. Even though it has been shown to be beneficial in the arid and semi-arid regions, little research has been done on the reasons why young people avoid it despite the fact that they are unable to find work in other fields. The aim of this study was to assess the factors that influence young people's involvement in Mandera County. The objectives were to find out how youth involvement in Kenya's Mandera County was influenced by insecurity in the region, technological factors, access to loans, cultural norms, and youth perceptions of the rewards they would expect from the business. The study was anchored on Push and Pull theory and the Integrative Threat Theory. The study adopted a combination of descriptive research design and explanatory research design. The target population consisted of 2900 youth from 145 registered youth organizations in Mandera County. Sloven's formula was used to sample 351 youth from the general population, and the sample proportions of young people in the sub-counties were calculated using the proportionate to size formula. The questionnaire's validity was tested during piloting in the neighboring county of Wajir, and before the real study, reliability was assessed using a Cronbach alpha coefficient. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25 was used to analyze the data after it was gathered using the drop-and-pick questionnaire approach. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. To draw conclusions, the findings were presented in a variety of ways including frequencies, percentages, tables, pie charts, and bar graphs. Model significance was assessed using F-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 95%, confidence interval. Multiple correlation helped to determine the nature and strength of factors that influenced youth participation in the findings indicated that the null hypothesis for insecurity was rejected because the regression coefficient was significant and negative (β=-0.454, P=0.000), and the null hypothesis for credit access was also rejected because the regression coefficient was significant and positive (β=0.51, P=0.000). The findings for technological factors revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.365, P=0.000), youth perception on anticipated gains from the practice revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.551, P=0.000), and cultural factors revealed a positive and significant coefficient (β=0.603, P=0.000) meaning all had an effect on youth participation in hence rejection of the null hypotheses. The study concluded that insecurity, access to credit, technological factors, attitude of the youth and cultural factors influenced youth participation in the study recommends that the county government and the national government dialogue on how to improve on security in Mandera County in order to encourage youth participation in. Furthermore, financial institutions would be persuaded to ease the process of credit access and allow many types of collateral when giving credit facilities geared towards. There is need for awareness on benefits of for youth through educational forums, workshops and sensitizations campaigns. Finally, both young men and women should be sensitized on technological factors to help them practice that align to the climatic conditions in Mandera like drought resistant crops and livestock

Influence of Agroforestry on Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme in Laikipia County, Kenya

2023-03-02T14:05:17Z

Influence of Agroforestry on Livelihoods for Smallholder Farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme in Laikipia County, Kenya Kirugumi, Winfred Gathoni Agroforestry adoption has shown potential in providing better environment benefits, food and energy, and enterprise development. Nevertheless, the agroforestry adoption is hindered by numerous factors among them, unreliable rainfall, lack of resources and lack of enough land space. The purpose of this research was to determine how agroforestry affects livelihoods of small holder farmers in the recently established Solio Settlement Scheme. The specific research objectives were three: to determine the environmental benefits of agroforestry to the small holder farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme, to measure food and energy diversification associated with agroforestry adoption small holder farmers in Solio Settlement Scheme and to assess the benefits of agroforestry adoption to enterprise development in Solio Settlement Scheme. The study distributed questionnaires 368 farmers who provided numerical data for statistical analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted by use of SPSS to answer the research questions. Results were further presented by use frequency tables. During the entire investigation the researcher adhered to the relevant research ethics. The study established that 92.6% of the Solio Settlement Scheme practice agroforestry. Majority of the respondents moderately agreed that practicing agroforestry resulted to environmental benefits as indicated by the mean of 3.09 and standard deviation of 0.25. It was also found that many of the respondents moderately agreed that agroforestry is the source of food and energy diversification as depicted by the mean of 3.15 and standard deviation of 0.49. It was further established that 97% of the respondents agreed that agroforestry created enterprise development. The correlation results indicated that there exist a positive and significant association between environmental benefits and livelihoods of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r =.636** p= .0005). The study deduced that food and energy diversification had a positive and significant association with livelihood of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r= .725**, p=.0005). The study further established that enterprise development had a positive and significant association with livelihood of small scale farmers adopting agroforestry (r=.789**, p= .0005). The study concluded that farmers are capable of providing an adequate food diet for all household members throughout the year after implementing agroforestry through increased crop production. It also noted that agroforestry adoption reduced scheme temperature, soil erosion, water runoff, water floods, and wind speed while also providing habitat for a variety of animals. It further concluded that adoption of agroforestry has resulted in the establishment of numerous businesses. The study recommended that households need to plant agroforestry trees species that can conserve and restore ecological ecosystems. Agroforestry was established to be effective in supporting crop diversification because of the stable and favorable conditions there. Farmers ought to be trained on biogas production, organic manure preparation, bee keeping and tree nursery commercial practices by extension officers. The national government in conjunction with Laikipia County Government, Kenya forest services and Solio Settlement Scheme local leaders can organize agroforestry awareness trainings pertaining the importance agroforestry and how it should be undertaken.

Effect of Phosphorus Application on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County

2023-03-02T12:11:08Z

Effect of Phosphorus Application on the Growth and Yield of Sweet Potatoes in Embu West Sub-County Wanja, Mugai Tabitha Sweet potato is among the drought-resistant crops that take a short period to mature. Therefore, sweet potato plays a significant role in food security in Kenya because of its high degree of flexibility. Embu West Sub County's main economic activity is agriculture, which is the economic pillar of Embu County. Most farmers at the grassroots level have not been able to access proper fertilization on their farms because of a lack of adequate and authentic knowledge. This study focused on the sweet potato fertilization regime, especially the application of phosphorous. The of study's objectives were; to determine the yield potential of three sweet potato varieties, to determine the effect of P levels on growth and yield of sweet potatoes and to evaluate the effect of interaction between the sweet potato varieties and P levels. The study was carried out in Embu west at KARLO EMBU farm in two different seasons season 1 during the long rains (April to September2016) while season 2 was carried out during the short rains (November 2016 to April 2017). Land was cleared, dug and harrowed to fine tilth manually. Using RCBD, land was divided into three blocks. Each block had twelve plots each measuring three meters by three meters. Each plot received a combination of two treatments that is sweet potato variety and a specific level of P. Treatments was randomly assigned on the experimental units. The sweet potato varieties used were SPK004(V1), Kenspot 3(V2) and Kenspot 4(V3).The P fertilizer levels used were 0 kg/ha(P1), 25 kg/ha(P2), 50 kg/ha(P3), and 75 kg/ha(P4). Data on specific growth and yield parameters was collected throughout the study period, the collected data was summarized using excel. SPSS version 23 was used for ANOVA, at α=0.05.For treatment means that were significantly different LSD as Post hoc test was used to separate them. The study showed significant yield potential difference in all yield parameters among the three sweet potato varieties with Kenspot 4 being the highest producer of both marketable tubers yield and biomass above the ground. The study showed that the amount of P applied significantly affect growth and yield of sweet potatoes with a P level of 50 kg/ha being the recommended rate. According to this study, interaction between the variety of sweet potatoes and the P levels applied had no significant influence on the growth and yield of sweet potato

Evaluation of the Effects of Fertilizers on the Productivity of Selected Potato Varieties Grown On the Taita Hills, Kenya

2023-03-02T11:58:32Z

Evaluation of the Effects of Fertilizers on the Productivity of Selected Potato Varieties Grown On the Taita Hills, Kenya Haro, Thomas Geoffrey Potato is an important food and cash crop whose yield is limited by biotic and abiotic factors. Of these factors, poor soil fertility and recommendation of nutrients matched with the respective suitable variety at specific agro ecological zone is rare as the case in the Taita Hills in Kenya. Thus, this study evaluated various NPK 17:17:17 fertilizer rates of 250, 500 and 750 kg ha-1 with or without cattle manure on four popular potato varieties (Tigoni, Shangi, Kenya Mpya and Dutch Robjin) for two seasons to establish the suitable high-yielding climate smart variety and fertilizer rate for the Taita Hills.The varieties indicated significant difference (p<0.05) in the yields in both seasons.The Shangi achieved high yields of 22 tons per hectare, compared to Kenya mpya that had the lowest tuber yield of 12 tons per hectare low. Generally, the potato grown in the long rains season of March to June performed better than the short rains season crop of October to December, thus long rains season being more suitable for higher tuber yields. The tuber yield was significantly different between the seasons (p≤ 0.000), among the varieties (p ≤0.000), among the treatment (p ≤ 0.002) and application of significantly increased the yields by 2.5 tonnes at 250 kg/ha, 3.4 tonnes at 500 and 4.3 tonnes at 500kg/ha. Shangi variety generally showed higher yields as compared to the other varieties. Shangi performed better than Dutch Robjin with about 6000kgha-1 and NPK application of 250kg, 500kg NPK increased the yields of potato by about 2500 and 3400 kg respectively as compared to no fertilizer. The application of 750kgha-1 NPK plus 7000 kgha-1 of cattle manure led to higher yield as compared to the application of 7000kgha-1 cattle manure alone, 250kgha-1 fertilizer alone or no fertilizer respectively. Hence, fertilizer use together with cattle manure practice is recommended for the Taita hills and Shangi variety is the most appropriate for the Taita hills

Varietal-Spacial Difference Effect on Performance and Nutritive Content of Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Case Study of Nyamira County

2023-02-27T12:33:36Z

Varietal-Spacial Difference Effect on Performance and Nutritive Content of Soybean (Glycine Max L.), Case Study of Nyamira County Nchogu, Xavier Briggx Soybean is an important crop not only in African countries, but also in the entire world being one of the most protein yielding-legume from its seeds which is used as food among other uses of the crop such as Nitrogen fixation. However, in Africa, low production levels have been recorded over the years with Africa contributing to 1% of the entire world soybean production. This attributed to little breeding programs being conducted on soybean varieties leading to poor performance of the crop in relation to growth and yield. This research therefore aimed at studying the varietal-spacial difference effect on performance and nutritive content of soybean in Nyamira County. The experiment was laid in RCBD with soybean varieties, DPSB 19, Nyala and Gazelle for trial to assess their performance with the current breeding on them under different spacing (30cm, 45cm and 70cm) on maize (pioneer DH04). Soybean pure-stand was used to act as the control experiment during the trials to determine if maize intercrop proved any added advantages in the performance and nutritive composition of the soybean grains. Three blocks used provided the replicates. The experiment was conducted on two trials in separate sites in Nyamira County, namely, Ekerenyo and North Mugirango. Data was collected on the growth of soybean, yield of soybean, soybean spacing and variety interaction effect on maize intercrop on the performance and the protein and oil percentage composition analysis in relation to the different varieties*spacing based on the different performances recorded. Data was subjected to ANOVA test at 5% significant level and correlation analysis using SPSS version 28. From the study results, the growth of soybean varieties was significantly affected by maize intercrop under different spacing. This was evident where Gazelle at 45cm showed average quicker maturity at 80 days while DPSB19 at 30cm gave shorter average height at 43.23cm. There was a significant difference on yield production of soybean varieties when intercropped with maize on different spacing evident where DPSB19 at 30cm had the highest average weight grain with 14.10g per 100 seeds. The interaction of spacing and varieties on soybean performance under maize intercrop had a significant difference. This was evident from the results where soybean on intercrop showed greater yield and growth performance rather than on pure stand. There was a significant difference on the protein and oil grain contents of the soybean varieties where DPSB19 had the highest protein percentage with 40% while Gazelle had the highest oil percentage with 22%. The researcher recommended DPSB19 variety on maize intercrop to be the best performing in terms of yield with the highest seeds weight, better bred for shorter height and rich in protein as compared to the other varieties. The researcher also recommended Gazelle to have high oil content at 22% on the nutritive content of soybean

Effect of Spacing and Number of Plants per Hill on Growth and Yield of SC Duma 43 in the Coastal Lowlands

2022-10-06T13:25:21Z

Effect of Spacing and Number of Plants per Hill on Growth and Yield of SC Duma 43 in the Coastal Lowlands Ochami, Fredrick Akaliche Maize (zea mays L.) is an important cereal grain globally as feed, and food for human and livestock respectively, rated third after wheat and rice in terms of production. The per capita consumption is 103 kg per person annually in Kenya, at the coastal lowlands it is rated first ahead of cassava and sweet potatoes. Maize is a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and minerals for the inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa. Maize production at coast is constrained by inadequate knowledge of agronomic practices such as spacing, plants per hill, crop management, limited arable land and choice of suitable cultivar choice and climate change. This study was conducted at Sugar Research Institute farm, Kikambala sub-county, Kilifi County between May and November 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effect of four inter row spacing S1 (60 cm), S2 (70 cm), S3 (80 cm) and S4 (90 cm) and the number of plants per hill of 1, 2 and 4 as a second factor tested for effect on the growth and yields of the hybrid maize variety SC DUMA 43. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split – plot arrangement was used with 3 replicates. The parameters investigated were plant height, stem diameter, cob length, weight of 1000 seeds, and grain yields per hectare. The data was summarized in MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20 for ANOVA and LSD. Spacing and interaction between spacing and number of plants per hill did not show a significant effect on plant height, plant diameter and cob length. However, an inter – row spacing of 70 cm gave a significantly lower mean weight of 1000 seeds (312.48 g) against a highest mean value of 342.60 g for 80 cm which was however, not significantly different from the means obtained with 60 and 90 cm. The number of plants per hill significantly affected all growth and yield parameters with the highest grain yield recorded for 2 plants per hill (6543 kgha-1) against a lowest mean value of 4575.4 kgha-1 obtained with 4 plants per hill. Stem diameter, cob length, weight of 1000 seeds decreased significantly as the number of plants per hill increased. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that for higher grain yields with the variety SC DUMA 43, planting should be done at 2 plants per hill and a spacing 80 × 30 cm.