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Effects of Adoption of Agricultural Technologies on Irish Potato Yield in Ol Kalou Sub-County Kenya: Application of Endogenous Switching Regression Model
(Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 2024-09-27) David Mwangi Kihoro; Geofrey Kingori Gathungu; Rael Nkatha Mwirigi; Vicky Nyambura Wairimu; ; ;
Population growth has increased demand and diversified use of Irish potato which have increased
its demand. The crop has become a major source of food and income for many households across
the world. However, despite the high potential of about 30 tonnes per hectare (ha), smallholder
farmers in Kenya realize low Irish potato yields ranging from 4-8 tonnes per ha due to limited uptake
of agricultural technologies. The low yields calls for a profound understanding of the factors
influencing the uptake agricultural technologies. The study analyzed the effects of the adoption of
agricultural technologies on Irish potato yield in Ol Kalou Sub County. The study considered
chemical fertilizer, certified seeds, fungicides, and farm machinery as the four main agricultural
technologies that that affect yield. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used to obtain
data from a study population of 21,942 smallholder Irish potato farmers in Ol Kalou Sub County.
A multiple-stage sampling technique was employed to generate a sample size of 385 respondents
who provided primary data. Data collected was analyzed using endogenous switching regression
model using STATA version 17. The study found that the average treatment effect on treated (ATT)
was 10.21 bags per acre. In addition, the Endogenous switching regression model showed that the
expected yield for the adopter increased by 51.83%. Out of the four technologies, the use of
chemical fertilizers had the highest effect of 37% on yield. The study concluded that the adoption
of agricultural technologies increases the yield of Irish potatoes. The study recommends that
national and county governments should develop policy regulations such as training and extension
services, market access, price support and public-private partnerships encouraging farmers to
uptake agricultural technologies. The study also recommends that both levels of government should
subsidize agricultural technologies, hence reducing the cost of adoption.
Prevalence Of Bean Root Rot Pathogens In Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Journal of Science and Technology, 2024-12-06) Apiud M. Araka; Moses M. Muraya; Eric K. Kuria; ; ;
Kenya is among the top common bean producing
countries globally with an annual production of 0.76 million
tonnes worth Ksh. 60 billion. However, its production faces
several biotic and abiotic challenges. Among these challenges
is the root rot disease, which causes an estimated yield loss of
70% every year. The disease is caused by several soilborne
pathogens, making it difficult to control through use of
cultural practices, chemicals and development of tolerant
varieties. This study was carried out in five bean growing
agroecological zones in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya during
the long rains season (March to April) of 2023. The aim of
the study was to determine the prevalence of the root rot
disease pathogens in different agroecological zones in the
county. A descriptive survey design was used to collect data
on prevalence of the disease in farms. Analysis of variance
was used to determine if there were significant differences in
prevalence between different agro-ecological zones. Further
the significant means were separated using Least Significant
Difference at α = 0.05. The findings of the study showed that
bean root rot disease was caused by four main soilborne
microorganisms including Fusarium, Macrophomina,
Pythium and Rhizoctonia spp which occurred in all
agroecological zones of the county. The highest disease
prevalence (37.58%) was in AEZ UM3 followed by LM4
(34.17%), LM5 (20.63%), UM2 (18.2%) and UM1 (16.76%)
respectively. Additionally, the prevalence of the disease
pathogens varied significantly (p < 0.05) across the
agroecological zones in the county. Therefore, appropriate
measures should be employed to control and reduce yield loss
associated with the disease.
Determining the Relationship Between Delocalisation Process and the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Public Secondary School Principals in Selected Counties in Eastern Region, Kenya
(EdinBurg Peer Reviewed Journals and Books Publishers, 2025-02-19) Stephen Munyiri; Prof. Susan Kinyua; Dr. John Ogembo
The study sought to determine the relationship between delocalisation process and the
psychosocial wellbeing of public secondary school Principals in selected Counties in Eastern
Region, Kenya. The study was adopted descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The
study targeted 924 Principals of public secondary schools, 12 Education Officials, and 18
Union Officials in the selected Counties in Eastern Region, Kenya. SPSS software was used to
analyze descriptive and binary logistic regression statistics. In regards to descriptive results,
the study analyzed frequencies, percentages, and mean. Descriptive findings illustrated that a
majority of the delocalised Principals (67.3%) have an unfavorable conception of the process
of implementation of the delocalisation process of public secondary school Principals. In
particular, more than half of the respondents acknowledged adverse influence of delocalisation
on their level of anxiety, self-esteem, marriage and relationship and social interaction, each
indicator having more than 50% influence. The adverse influence of interpersonal relationships
was however felt by fewer respondents. An inquiry made from education officers and union
officials within the study area illustrated that overstay in one station (93.3%) was considered
as the main reason for delocalizing a principal. Other reasons suggested include promotion
(13.4%), and routine transfer (16.7%). Delocalisation negatively and significantly predicted
public secondary school psychosocial wellbeing, Waldχ2 (1) = 84.05, p < 0.001, Exp (B) =
.056). The study’s conclusion illustrated a negative and significant relationship between
delocalisation process and the psychosocial wellbeing of public secondary school Principals.
It can therefore be concluded that implementation of delocalisation policy negatively and
significantly influences the public secondary Principals’ psychosocial wellbeing. The study
recommended that public secondary school Principals should be consulted in the course of
implementation of the policy to help prepare them for any eventuality. Further, Schools Board
of Management should strive to provide an enabling environment to the delocalised Principals
so that they can easily fit into the new environment.
BOTA 302: PLANT MORPHOLOGY AND ANATOMY
(Chuka University, 2025) Chuka University
ZOOL 330: ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY
(Chuka University, 2025) Chuka University