Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness &Agricultural Education

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Effect of Applying Organic Amendments and Chick pea Integration on Soil Chemical Properties in Different Cropping Systems In Central Kenya
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2018-11-15) Ndukhu,O.H,Wahome,G.R.,Jensen,H.H
A study was carried out to determine the effect of applying farm yard manure (FYM) and Minjingu rock phosphate (MRP) on soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and organic carbon. The study involved field experiments under varying precipitation pattern, soil fertility levels and cropping systems over four growth seasons.Theexperimentaldesignwasarandomized completeblock(RCBD)withfourreplicationsinasplitplot arrangement where the main plots were the three cropping systems; monocropping, intercropping and crop rotation and the split plots were FYM and MRPand sampling done at crop physiological maturity. Soil pH, N, P K and C increased in the different treatments in the following order control < MRP< FYM in the three cropping systemsacrossthefourgrowingseasonsatbothsites.In maizeunderrotationwithchickpeacontrolhad;0.281% N,2.82%Cand10.68ppmP.FYM;0.554%N,4.41%Cand18.24ppmP.MRP;0.45%N,3.6%Cand41.08 ppm P.Maizechickpeaintercropcontrol;0.389%N,3.192%Cand13.4ppmP.FYM;0.531%N,4.98%Cand 41.02 ppm P. MRP; 0.49% N, 4.08% C and 50.9 ppm P. Soil under maize monocrop exhibited; control; 0.2% N, 2.59%Cand11.26ppmP.FYM;0.416%N,3.83%Cand18.01ppmP.MRP;0.28%N,3.13%Cand26.1ppmP. Almost a similar trend was observed in maize and tomato plots at both sites in all the growing seasons. Thus it can be deduced that, FYM and MRP application and legume integration in cropping systems improves soil fertility.
Effect of Farm Inputs and Smallholder Farmer Characteristics on Irish Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.) Production Technical Efficiency in Molo Sub County, Nakuru County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2019-09) Kamau, Pauline Nyokabi
In Kenya, irish potato is the second most consumed food crop after maize. The sub-sector contributes significantly to the country’s food security and generates income and employment to many smallholder farmers. Irish potato farming is an important enterprise for smallholder farmers in Molo Sub County. Despite its significance, smallholder irish potato farmers’ production is constrained by low farm inputs technical efficiency. The national actual production of irish potato is far much below the potential production level. For maximum and sustainable irish potato production to be attained efficient use of the available farm inputs in necessary. Therefore, this study focused on assessing the effect of farm inputs and smallholder farmer’s characteristics on irish potato production technical efficiency in Molo Sub County, Nakuru County, Kenya. Cross-sectional data on the 2018/2019 production season was collected using multistage sampling technique from a sample of 360 irish potato farmers. Respondents in the study area were sampled using purposive and random sampling methods. The study employed a questionnaire to collect the relevant data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic and institutional attributes of the smallholder irish potato farmers. Effect of farm inputs was modelled under the Cobb-Douglas function form under stochastic frontier analysis approach. The model parameters estimated using the maximum likelihood method indicated that land allocated to irish potato production (0.262), seeds (0.629), fertilizer (-0.299) and fungicide (0.131) were significant inputs in irish potato production at 5% level of significance. The level of irish potato production technical efficiency amongst the smallholder farmers was varied. The relative deviation of irish potato production from the maximum possible production level due to technical inefficiency was determined by the discrepancy ratio which was estimated to be 94%. The respondents’ estimated mean technical efficiency was 71%, which implies there is an opportunity of increasing irish potato production by 29% through efficient use of the available farm inputs. Education, gender, access to extension services and farmer group significantly affected the smallholder irish potato production technical efficiency. The negative coefficients on the education, gender, access to extension and farmer group variables indicated that an increase in any one of them while holding the other factors constant would result in a significant increase in the level of technical efficiency. Therefore, smallholder irish potato farmers were producing below their optimum production level with the available farm inputs. This study encourages smallholder irish potato farmers to increase use of the land, seed and fungicide to boost production. Soil testing is also encouraged to ensure that the fertiliser used replenishes the soil nutrients for irish potato production. In order to boost irish potato production, farmers are motivated to increase their literacy levels, form or join existing groups. Access to extension services can also be urged to improve irish potato production levels.
INFLUENCE OF FRINGE BENEFITS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN DEPOSIT TAKING SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) NJAGI, EDWARD NYAGA
Fringe benefits are types of non-wage compensation provided to employees in addition to their normal wages or salaries. Most organizations are more concerned about promoting employee welfare and performance. Review of literature further indicates there are few studies on employee performance in Deposit Taking (DT) SACCOs. Further, many of the existing studies relating to employee performance in DT SACCOs in Kenya focused on variables such as employee motivation, training, recruitment process among others. None of the previous studies however highlighted the influence of fringe benefits on employee performance in deposit taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies, hence a knowledge gap. This study therefore sought to fill this gap by determining the influence of fringe benefits on employee performance in DT savings and credit co-operative societies in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The main purpose of the study was to establish the influence of fringe benefits on employee performance in DT SACCOS in Kirinyaga County. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the influence of medical schemes, workers’ compensation insurance and pension scheme benefits on employee performance. The study was carried out between November 2019 and April 2020. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of this study was 352 employees in the seven DT SACCOs operating in Kirinyaga County. A sample size of 91 respondents was determined through a formula recommended by Israel (2012). The study used stratified random sampling procedure to select the respondents for the study. The study used a structured questionnaire for primary data collection. A pilot study was conducted on 12 SACCO employees drawn from 3 DT SACCOs in Embu County. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient test was done to test the reliability of the instruments. The study conducted normality test, multicollinearity and autocorrelation diagnostic tests. Multiple linear regression was done with an aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) to establish the relationship between fringe benefits and employee performance. Data was presented in form of descriptive and inferential statistics. Hypothesis was tested at 5% level of significance. The coefficient for Medical Scheme was found to be r = 0.722 at p-value 0.000 (t = 8.423, p < 0.05), while Workers’ Compensation Insurance had a coefficient of (r = 0.126) at a p-value of 0.003 (t = 1.082, p < 0.05), and Pension Scheme had a coefficient of r = 0.760 at a p-value of 0.000 (t = 9.997, p < 0.05). Findings of the study indicated that medical scheme was statistically significant and positively related to employee performance. Workers’ compensation insurance was statistically insignificant and positively related to employee performance. Pension scheme was statistically significant and positively related to employee performance. The study concluded that there is need for the management of SACCOs to enhance provision of fringe benefits to attract, retain and motivate qualified, competent employees. Sensitization of all employees working in the DT SACCOs on all forms of fringe benefits available to the staff either during orientation of newly recruited employees or regularly during staff meetings was found to be necessary. The study recommends that DT SACCOs should consider creating awareness and documenting their fringe benefits, as this will boost employee morale thereby effectively improving their performance. Further studies should be conducted on micro finance and other financial institutions to determine whether the research findings will be the same. A similar study could be conducted using other variables such as training, organizational culture and work incentives. This will increase understanding and knowledge on scope of various factors that influence employee performance at the workplace.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PRODUCTION FACTORS AFFECTING UPTAKE OF BANANA VALUE ADDITION AMONG SMALLHOLDERS IN CHUKASUB COUNTY, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA JOSPHAT
(Chuka University, 2020-12) MUIGAI, JOSPHAT KARUHI MUIGAI
Banana value added products like flour has more economic impact to raw bananas as witnessed in Kisii County. Farmers in Tharaka Nithi County are still reluctant to uptake banana value addition despite its accrued economic benefits and emphasis by stakeholders. This study identified the socio-economic and production factors affecting uptake of banana value addition among smallholders in Chuka Sub-County. The study adopted a descriptive research design whereby frequency tables whereby both qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The target population was 20,180 banana farming households in Chuka Sub-County and 3 key informants. Purposive sampling, Random sampling and snowballing techniques were used to select the 156 banana farmers. A pilot study of 24 (15% of sample size) households was done in Imenti South and the questionnaire was found to be reliable (Cronbach alpha value, α˂0.785). With a 90% return rate of the research tool, the data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 25 and presented using frequency tables. Binary logistic regression was used to test the levels of significance of variables and the model through the Hosmer & Lemeshow test of the goodness of fit suggested that the it was good for fit to the data as p=0.480 (>0.05) while ANOVA analyses were used to check the presence of multicollinearity. All the variables had a variance inflation factor value of less than 10, thus indicating the absence of multicollinearity. It was noted that only 31.9% of farmers uptake banana value addition and there were no banana value addition technologies identified with 35.6% and 64.4% of those who uptake doing banana ripening for sale and bulk packaging respectively. The results at 5% level of significance showed that group membership (p=0.009), access to credit (p=0.004) and scale of production (p=0.000) had a positive and significant effect on the uptake of banana value addition by farmers at varying degrees; result indicated that farming experience, farm size and varieties planted had a positive effect on the uptake, but they were statistically insignificant. This study recommended that; farmers to be encouraged to form cooperatives on value addition, the government and other stakeholders in conjunction with financial institutions to streamline policies to enhance farmers to access credit for farming easily among others. In conclusion, scale of production, accessibility to credit and group membership are affecting the uptake of banana value addition by farmers in Chuka Sub-County hence need to be considered in order to promote farmers general welfare whilst tremendously contributing to the economic growth of our country at large.
ANALYSIS OF AGRONOMIC, PRODUCTION COST AND COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT ON EARNINGS OF SMALLHOLDER COFFEE FARMERS IN RUNYENJES SUB-COUNTY, EMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) Ndirangu, Samuel Gitonga
Coffee is an important crop globally but many farmers get relatively low earnings from this enterprise. This has contributed to many farmers opting out of coffee production for other enterprises which has further weakened the coffee industry. This study was aimed at assessing the factors that affected the earnings of smallholder coffee farmers in Runyenjes Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya and was carried out between February and September, 2020. Data on agronomic practices, production cost and management of coffee cooperative societies was collected using questionnaires from a sample of 384 smallholder farmers and 30 cooperative management officials from the 10 coffee cooperative societies. Data collected on cooperative management and production cost was analyzed using ordinal logistic regression model. Chi-square statistics were used for hypothesis testing for data on agronomic practices in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The results revealed that agronomic practices affected the earnings of smallholder coffee farmers. Fertilizer application, spraying and manure application, weeding and pruning had a strong effect on earnings with Cramer’s V coefficients of 0.67, 0.61 and 0.31, respectively. Pruning and weeding had a small effect on earnings with Cramer’s V coefficients of 0.06 and 0.07, respectively. Resource management and strategic planning were significant positive predictors (p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively). Transport cost and cost of improved cultivars were also significant positive predictors of earnings (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively). The study concluded that agronomic practices, production cost and cooperative management affected smallholder farmers’ coffee earnings. The study recommended that cooperative societies should develop a follow-up procedure on the farm level to ensure adherence to the husbandry practices and that the government should formulate policies that enable smallholder farmers to access farm inputs at subsidized prices for increased earnings and reliance on coffee production. The study also recommended that cooperatives should help put up factory managed nurseries that will establish high quality cultivars for farmers at lower costs.
EFFECT OF TICK AND MASTITIS CONTROL, SUPPLEMENTATION AND SHEDS ON MILK REVENUE OF SMALLHOLDER DAIRY FARMERS IN KAPSERET SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2020-12) BETT, JOTHAM KIPKEMBOI
Dairy farming plays an important role in the agricultural sector in Kenya, contributing about eight percent of National Gross Domestic Product with an annual milk production of 3.43 billion litres. It supports the livelihood of approximately four million Kenyans through food provision, income generation and employment. However, milk production per individual animal in Kenya, averaging seven to nine litres/cow/day is low compared to the world’s best at 10,133 litres/cow/year (28 litres/cow/day). The aim of the study was; to determine the effect of tick control, mastitis control, feed supplements and animal sheds on milk revenue of smallholder farmers in Kapseret sub-County. The target population of the study was 4,226 smallholder farmers in Kapseret sub-County. The sample size of the study was 232 smallholder dairy farmers from Ngeria, Megun, Simat, Kipkenyo and Langas wards. Primary data was collected using closed and open ended questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25. Correlation research design was used to determine the relationship between variables. Spearman’s rank correlation showed the strength of the relationship between variables in the study. Results were presented in tables, and descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between variables and milk revenue as (r=0.161 & p=0.017), (r=0.414 & p=0.000), (r=0.302 & p=0.000), (r=0.160 & p=0.000) for tick control, concentrate feeding, mineral mix and open sheds, respectively. However, the study established a negative and statistically significant relationship for mastitis control and closed sheds with milk revenue as (r=-0.152 & p=0.024) and (r=-0.234 & p=0.001), respectively. All the variables had a VIF value of less than 10, indicating absence of multicollinearity. The regression equation established that when all variables were taken into account at zero level, milk revenue would be 10.820 units. The study concluded that tick and mastitis control, feed supplements and sheds affected milk revenue of smallholder dairy farmers in Kapseret sub-County. The study recommended that smallholder dairy farmers need to be trained on the best and timely preventive measures of tick borne diseases such as east coast fever. The study recommended the use of commercial concentrates, homemade concentrates and mineral mix in order to increase farmers’ milk revenue. The study also recommended the need to increase extension services in order to create awareness on mastitis disease and the importance of animals’ welfare especially among the smallholder farmers.
Culture as a Predictor of Effective Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mbeere North, Kenya
(Advancements in Agricultural Development, 2022-01-17) R. Gikunda1 , D. Lawver2 , J. Magogo
The research advances the existing extension education knowledge by illustrating the relationship between culture and adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Using a sample of 127, the study adopted a descriptive correlational design to gather data that addressed the hypotheses. The sample was selected randomly through systematic sampling procedures covering all parts of the sub-county. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Independent samples t-test and multiple regression analysis were applied in data analysis. The results indicated that farmers who received climate-smart information compared to farmers not receiving the information demonstrated significantly higher CSA practices adoption levels. A combination of cultural elements significantly predicted the adoption of climate-smart practices. The moderate effective adoption rates witnessed may have been contributed by limited access to extension services and cultural barriers. Among the cultural elements inability of extension agents to communicate in the local language was found to be the main inhibitor to effective dissemination and subsequent adoption. Hence, extension agents conversant with local language should be recruited to break the communication barrier to improve the diffusion of CSA practices. The county extension agents should be encouraged to use a mix of mass media extension education methods so as to expand the coverage.
EFFECTIVENESS OF DECONGESTION PROGRAMS IN SELECTED PRISONS IN KENYAN
(Chuka University, 2022-08) Mosoti, Dennis
The incarcerated population has drastically increased in Kenyan prisons. As of 2018, the total number of inmates in Kenyan prisons was 55,000, far exceeding the official holding capacity of prisons which is 27,000. This has adverse effects on prisons, especially by overstretching the available facilities and economic resources. To address the problem of congestion in prisons, the government designed programs with the view to decongesting prisons. This study, therefore, sought to assess the effectiveness of prison decongestion programs. The study objectives were to assess the extent to which the prison decongestion programs have helped to reduce the number of inmates in prisons in Kenya, investigate the effects of the constraints of implementation of prison decongestion programs, and examine the effect of the prison reforms on prison decongestion programs in the reduction of the prison population. The study significantly provides the basis for either expansion of the existing prisons or establishment of new prisons. The study used a descriptive survey design. GK prisons and probation departments in Embu, Kakamega, and Eldoret were study locations. A purposive sampling design was used to select the three prisons. The target population was 830 prison staff. Proportionate, stratified, and simple random sampling selected the sample. This resulted in a sample size of 282 subjects comprising 266 prison officers and 16 probation officers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 was used for data analysis. The data collection instrument was the questionnaire which was pilot-tested in Kiambu GK Prison to determine its reliability before the actual study. The reliability coefficient of the instruments was approximated using the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.7. Data analysis methods used for descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, and means to summarize raw data. Results of data analysis were presented using frequency distribution tables. The study carried out diagnostic tests before developing the multiple linear regression model. The multiple linear regression model was established to determine how the three independent variables influenced the prison population. The study found that individually, all the three independent variables have a positive and statistically significant relationship with the prison population. Since decongestion programs reduce the prison population, a recommendation is given that the judicial services should focus on applying community-based sentences to curb populating prisons with petty crime offenders.
COMPLIANCE TO SCHEDULED CLINICAL VISITS AMONG ADULT PATIENTS WITH TYPE 1 AND TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS AT THE MERU TEACHING AND REFFERAL HOSPITAL MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Aburi, Faith
Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem that affects individuals of all age groups. The disease is associated with complications that cause morbidity, mortality and huge economic burdens on the health care system. The burden of DM continues to rise in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) with the current statistics showing a prevalence of 7.1% while in Kenya there is an estimated prevalence of 3.3 %.( Lancet, 2016). Cure is not expected with follow up although symptoms can be alleviated by achieving glycemic controls when patient is compliant. The main problem in the management of diabetes mellitus has been the non-compliance of patients to the management plan. This problem has also been identified at the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital with 229 patients having missed appointment in the last 3 years. The objective of this study was to assess compliance to scheduled clinical visits among patient with diabetes for management at Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital. Mixed method approach was adopted for the study. The sample size comprised of 74 diabetes mellitus patients who were selected by systematic random sampling and 9 health workers purposively selected working in the diabetic clinic. Structured questionnaire were used to collect data from the patients while interview guided focus group discussion were used to collect qualitative data from the health workers. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 at 95% confidence interval and a significance level p=>0.05. Frequencies, percentages, means and SD were used for descriptive statistics while Chi squares was used for inferential analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. From the study the level of compliance is at 71.6% with 53 participants who had never missed a scheduled clinical appointment for diabetic follow-up, while 28.4% (n=21) had missed at least one visit. Majority (66.2%) did not have any general knowledge of diabetes and 60.8% knew of diabetes mellitus complications. Majority of the respondents (59.5%) were females most of whom (28.4%) were aged between 40-50 years. Majority (66.2%) were married and 37.8% of them had secondary level of education. Male gender was 1.31 times more likely to comply with scheduled visits. Participants aged between 18-28 years had better compliance with scheduled visits compared those aged above 40 years while participants who were single had better compliance compared to their counterparts who were either married or divorced. Most respondents (33.8%) travelled for 6-10 Kilometers to the health facility, and 40.5% reported that the hospital location was somewhat convenient. The relationship with staff was rated good at 47% and 41.9% reported that the services were fairly affordable. Majority (52.7%) were generally satisfied with the services offered at the hospital. Strategies to enhance compliance fell under four thematic areas, i.e. human resource, service affordability, turn-around time and improvement of service quality. The study concluded that there was poor knowledge of diabetes and on the risks of missing scheduled clinic appointments, the overall compliance with scheduled visits was low and the main factor influencing compliance with scheduled visits was availability of financial assistance while seeking treatment. The study recommends the hospital management to ensure that human resource is optimized by adding more health workers especially, cashiers at pay points, nurses and doctors, members of staff to empathize with the patients and report on duty in good time and further research is needed with patients, especially those who have missed appointments, to get their lived experiences with diabetes mellitus
ISOLATION, CHARACTERISATION AND DETERMINATION OF ANTI BACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF SECONDARY METABOLITES OF Acremonium SPECIES FROM SOILS OF EMBU MUNICIPAL DUMPSITE
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Komen, Joan
Generally, antibiotics production relies on glucose or lactose as carbon and energy source. Alternatively, available raw materials such as agro-wastes have been used successfully as substrates in growth of micro-fungi. The growth of different fungi has been shown to differ with various substrates used. Therefore, there is need to select suitable agro-waste substrates for a given fungus. Moreover, natural fungi can be isolated from dumpsite soils instead of using a standard-fungi in production of antibiotics. To achieve efficient production of antibiotics, optimum growth conditions of specific fungi need to be determined. The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterise secondary metabolites produced by Acremonium spp from dumpsite soils, optimising the growth conditions suitable for the production of the cephalosporin and determine its antibacterial properties in-vitro. Isolation of Acremonium spp was done by spread plate method on potato dextrose agar treated with vancomycin to inhibit any bacterial growth. Acremonium spp colonies were characterised using their macroscopic and microscopic features. Response Surface Methodology was used to determine the optimal growth conditions (temperature, pH and substrates). Growth conditions of Acremonium spp were optimised using three levels of each input variables (temperatures range of 25⁰ C, 28⁰ C and 31⁰ C; pH of 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5; substrates (wheat bran and corn cob, and glucose and lactose used as control). The antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract was tested in-vitro against three bacterial strains; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 6539 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Data was collected on optimal growth conditions, yield of mycelia biomass and zones of inhibition. Data collected were subjected to one-way ANOVA to determine significant variation between treatments (levels of pH, temperature and substrates) on mycelial biomass yield and, antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract using SAS version 9.4. Significant means were separated using LSD at α = 0.05. This study revealed that serial dilutions of 102 and 103 were suitable for the isolation of the fungus. The findings of this study revealed that treatments had significant (p < 0.05) effect on mycelia biomass yield. Generally, corn cob gave the highest mycelia biomass yield, while lactose gave the lowest yield. Corn cob yielded a mycelia biomass ranging from 0.90 g – 2.45 g while wheat bran yielded mycelia biomass ranging from 0.64 g – 1.77 g. The results of this study revealed that, the optimal growth conditions for Acremonium spp when using wheat bran as a substrate are, a pH of 7.32, temperature 28.24 ⁰ C and 5.88 g of wheat bran, while, using corn cob as a substrate are, a pH of 7.6, temperature 28.36 ⁰ C and 5.66 g of corn cob per 50 ml fermentative media. Using the optimum growth conditions, 629.69 mg/L and 559.68 mg/L amount of cephalosporin for crude and purified extract, respectively, was achieved. In-vitro antibacterial activity of the chloroform-extract at 6 mg/ml, 12 mg/ml and 18 mg/ml tested against E. coli, S. typhi and S. aureus showed zones of inhibition. TE, AMP, GEN, S, SX, COT NIT and NA were used as the positive controls while chloroform was used as the negative control to confirm sterility of the paper discs used. The study also revealed that some of the positive controls (TE, COT and SX) on E. coli gave significantly higher zones of inhibition than chloroform-extract at 6 mg/ml. Resistance to AMP was observed in all the bacterial strains. The study concluded that it is possible to isolate native Acremonium spp from dumpsite soils and optimisation of fungi growth conditions result to high yield of cephalosporin. The study recommends bioprocessing industries to consider utilising agricultural wastes as source of growth substrates in production of cephalosporin. This will not only curb environmental pollution but also bio-converse wastes into wealth and provide alternative cost-effective substrates for production of cephalosporin antibiotics.
EFFECT OF SELECTED HOME-BASED FACTORS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF GIRLS IN PUBLIC CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IMENTI SOUTH, MERU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kinya, Charity
Education as a critical facet in human process plays a vital and dynamic function in creating a basis for the success of learners. It inculcates in them the fundamental attitudes and skills that enable the learners cope with life entanglements. The Kenya Government in recognition of its significant role has continued to invest massively in education of its citizen’s, girls included in order to maximize the contribution of education in improving the lives of its citizens. However, an analysis of educational outcomes shows that the girl-child still lags behind their male counterpart despite the special emphasis given to their schooling. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of selected home-related factors on girl-child academic performance in co educational day secondary schools in Imenti South, Sub-County, Meru County. Descriptive survey research design was adopted in this study. The study population was 6643 girls in form two and three in co-educational institutions and 82 class teachers. A sample of 378 participants was randomly selected using stratified and simple random sampling. Data collection was collected using students questionnaire and the interview schedules for teachers. Prior to data collection, the instruments were validated by experts in the Department of Education who examined the validity of the content used in the questionnaire. Reliability of the instruments was established based on Cronbach’s Alpha from data obtained from pilot study to undertaken among 80 girls and their class teachers drawn from two co-educational schools. Data collected was analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of Statistics Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 computer software and results presented in table forms. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages or mean and standard deviation. Hypothesis was tested at 95% level of confidence. Findings illustrated that homebased factors including parents’ level of education, involvement in household chores, involvement in socio-cultural practices and involvement in socio-economic activities significantly affects girl-child academic performance in co-educational public day secondary schools. It is therefore recommended that parents should take a keen interest in their daughters’ education by encouraging them to work hard in order to excel, parents should foster a balance between involvement in household chores, socio-cultural activities and socio-economic activities to ensure that the girl-child also gets time to study and therefore excel academically. This is particularly important for girls in public secondary day schools.
DETERMINATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICACY OF PUBLIC EXTENSION SERVICE DISSEMINATION TO DAIRY CATTLE FARMERS IN THARAKA-NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) KINYUA, FRIDAH
MODELLING PLANT GROWTH BASED ON GOMPERTZ, LOGISTIC CURVE, EXTREME GRADIENT BOOSTING AND LIGHT GRADIENT BOOSTING MODELS USING HIGH DIMENSIONAL IMAGE DERIVED MAIZE (Zea mays L.) PHENOMIC DATA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Gachoki, Peter
Modelling of plant growth is vital for hypotheses testing and carrying out virtual plant growth and development experiments, which may otherwise take a long time under field conditions. Modelling of plant growth has been aggravated by new phenotyping platforms that generate high dimensional data non-destructively over the entire growth time of a plant using a set of camera system. Such platforms generate high-throughput phenomic data, which is complex and constitute many features collected at multiple growth points for the same plant. However, the classical models are limited in that they can only model a single feature at a time. Moreover, information on usefulness of these features and their selection criteria is limited. The objective of this study was to apply dynamic plant growth models that could be used to dissect complex relationships between plant growth and development using several modelling strategies. These included sigmoid models, light GBM and XGBoost models. The image derived phenomic data was obtained from the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research Gatersleben, Germany. The image data was imputed using 𝑘 Nearest Neighbours technique. The feature importance, Shapley values and LASSO regression were used to extract the features that were used to fit the models. The Shapley values extracted 25 phenotypic features, feature importance extracted 31 features and LASSO regression extracted 12 features. Of the three techniques, the feature importance technique emerged the best feature selection technique since its features produced the best performing XGBoost with RMSE and R-squared values of 2.1641 and 0.8292, respectively. The suitability of the RMSE and the R-squared was because that the study was a regression problem where the aforementioned tools are used as performance metrics. The results showed that the XGBoost (RMSE = 2.1641) and Light GBM (RMSE = 2.7776) performed better than the Gompertz (RMSE = 3.8378) and the logistic function (RMSE = 3.8378) models in modelling maize plant growth. The XGBoost model (RMSE = 2.1641) showed better performance than Light GBM model (RMSE = 2.7776) in modelling maize plant growth. The Gompertz model using plant volume had AIC and BIC values for 139738.3 and 139763.4, respectively. The Gompertz model for plant side area had AIC and BIC values for 98436.15 and 98461.31, respectively. The logistic function model for plant volume had AIC and BIC values for 139749.2 and 139774.4, respectively. The logistic function model for plant side area had AIC and BIC values for 98415.95 and 98441.11, respectively. The Gompertz model and logistic function models showed almost the same performance in modelling maize plant growth. The non-parametric models, the XGBoost and light GBM, were found to perform better than the classical models (Gompertz and logistic functions) in modelling maize plant growth. Therefore, the study recommends the use of feature importance for feature selection, whenever high dimensional and complex phenotypic data is involved. More over, the study also recommends the use of XGBoost as a generic model to fit high dimensional and complex phenotypic data in modelling plant growth and to predict plant biomass yield at different growth points.
EFFECT OF DEMAND AND HEDONIC BASED PRICING STRATEGIES ON GUESTS PURCHASE DECISIONS IN STAR RATED HOTELS IN NAKURU COUNTY
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Magothe, John
Demand and hedonic based pricing strategies provide hotel practitioners opportunities for adjusting prices depending on, guest preferences, and seasonal changes thus enhancing competitive advantage. Customers are able to compare the offers made by specific service providers in order to make significant purchase choice. However, these strategies are underutilized by hoteliers in Nakuru County due to their overreliance on cost based pricing strategies resulting to negative guest perception about the prices. Consequently, cost based pricing has resulted to reduced guest loyalty and declined purchase since some guests prefer variable prices to fixed prices. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of demand based and hedonic pricing strategies on hotel guest purchase decisions in Nakuru County. The specific objectives were, to determine the effect of demand based pricing strategy on hotel guest purchase decision in Nakuru County and to assess the effect of hedonic pricing strategy on hotel guest purchase price in Nakuru County. The study employed descriptive cross sectional research design anchored on hedonic pricing theory and buying process five stage model. The target population was 1,792 guests from which a sample size of 276 guests was derived using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination technique. Purposive and proportionate sampling techniques were used to select hotels and guests respectively. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed using Likert type of scale. A reliability coefficient of (α = 0.895) was achieved for the research instruments. Data collected was analyzed with the aid of SPSS (version 21) and STATA (Version 15) software. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the social-demographic attributes of the guests. Effect of demand based pricing strategy was modelled under Structural Equation Model. The estimated model parameters using maximum likelihood revealed that value added pricing strategy (p=0.001) and concession pricing strategy (p=0.004) influenced guest purchase decision significantly at 5% significance level. However, discounted pricing strategy (p=0.112) did not influence purchase decision significantly. Effect of hedonic pricing was estimated under multiple regression equation. The regression coefficients revealed that hotel location (p=0.006), presence of bath and shower in bathroom (p=0.012), service of breakfast (p=0.016), presence of LED television in the room (p=0.004), availability or swimming pool (p=0.015) and a fitness center (p=0.043) influenced purchase price significantly. The presence of conference facilities (p=0.676), internet availability (p=0.117), accessibility of hotel through road network (p=0.376), star rating (p=0.523) and association with a chain (p=0.081) did not have a significant effect on guest purchase price. The study recommends that for hotels’ to increase guest purchases, they should utilize value added and concession pricing strategies. Hotels should communicate the benefits obtained from consumption of a service, involve guests when setting prices as well as affiliate themselves to a chain or have a chain outlet within their facilities for increased guest purchases.
INFLUENCE OF SELECTED INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES ON LEARNERS’ PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES AMONG PRE-PRIMARY LEARNERS IN KAITI CONSTITUENCY, MAKUENI COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Linet, Mutua
Learner participation in environmental conservation activities is key in ensuring learners gain the skills of conserving the environment during their pre-primary years. In ensuring that learners participate in environmental conservation activities, teachers are expected to use instructional approaches that promote active participation of learners in activities. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of instructional approaches on learners’ participation in environmental conservation activities among pre-primary children in Kaiti constituency, Makueni County, Kenya. The objectives of the study included: to establish the influence of project approach on learner participation, to examine the influence of excursions approach on learner participation, to determine the influence of inquiry-based learning on learner participation and to establish the influence of roleplay approach on learner participation in environmental conservation activities in Kaiti constituency, Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 119 headteachers, all the parents of pre-primary children and 238 pre-primary school teachers in Kaiti constituency. The sample unit was 65 headteachers, 30 parents of pre primary children and 131 pre-primary teachers of the public pre-primary schools in Kaiti constituency. To sample the schools, headteachers and the pre-primary teachers, simple random sampling technique was used. Convenience sampling was used to sample the parents of the pre-primary school children. Data was collected using two research instruments which included questionnaires for pre-primary teachers and the headteachers and interview guides for parents. Validity of the research instruments was established by developing the instruments in consultation with the supervisors and experts in the department of education Chuka University. Reliability was tested using split half method and determined by Cronbach’s Alpha. A reliability coefficient of 0.716 was obtained in the study. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically based on the research objectives. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0). The study hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using Chi-Square. The findings of the study demonstrated that project approach, excursions, inquiry-based and role play approaches had significant influence on learner participation in environmental conservation activities. The findings of the study may benefit teachers, curriculum developers and policy makers in ensuring that pre-primary learners are taught using instructional approaches that promote learners’ participation in environmental conservation activities.
INFLUENCE OF CHURCH INITIATED PROGRAMMES ON YOUTH RETENTION IN METHODIST CHURCH IN KENYA, NYAMBENE SYNOD
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Maitai, Elizabeth
Retention of youth in Church is becoming a great concern especially in the mainstream churches. Their migration from Church to Church and dropping out of the church has left a negative effect. In response to this, the Methodist Church in Kenya has come up with Church initiated programmes aimed at assisting the youth who are struggling with different issues in life. However, the problem continues to persist in Nyambene Synod, where the youth have kept on migrating from MCK to other churches, inspite of the significant role church initiated programmes play in church. The purpose of the study was to find out how Church initiated programmes influence youth retention in Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene Synod. The study was guided by the following objectives: to investigate youth’s perception on church initiated programmes in Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene synod, to examine the level of youth involvement in Church initiated programmes in Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene synod, and to determine the influence of Church initiated programmes on youth retention in Methodist church in Kenya, Nyambene synod. Literature was reviewed on the: Church initiated programmes and youth retention in church. The theory employed was Functionalism Theory by Emile Durkheim which emphasize that religion creates the opportunities for social interaction and the formation of groups. The target population was 4279 members of the Methodist Church in Kenya, Nyambene Synod. This included 30 circuit ministers, 42 circuit leaders and 4207 youth from the Synod. Krejcie and Morgan (1970) Table (Appendix VI) was used in determining the sample size of study population. A sample size of 413 respondents was used. That comprised of 26 circuit ministers, 36 circuit leaders and 351 youth. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to get circuit ministers, circuit leaders, and the youth respondents respectively. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and focus group discussion. Descriptive survey design was used to analyze the data. The analyzed data was presented using tables. The findings were that church initiated programmes in Nyambene Synod influence youth retention in church. However, the way they are offered by the leadership of the church is not effective, making youth retention difficult. This was manifested when the majority of the respondents indicated that they seek for assistance from other places apart from their church ministers or church leaders. It was noted that not all youth participate in church initiated programmes. Also Church initiated programmes were not offered effectively, youth were attending services in other churches, Church ministers and leaders were not offering church initiated programmes effectively. The study made the following suggestions to ensure youth retention: Focus on church policy framework on Church initiated programmes to retain youth in church, find out why and where youth seek for assistance from other places apart from in the church and Find out factors that contribute to church initiated programmes not to be effective in MCK, Nyambene Synod. It is anticipated that the findings of the study will contribute to the body of knowledge in sociology of religion. The findings of this study may be used by religious bodies in their teachings in order to improve their methods of carrying out church initiated progammes to bring positive effects on youth ministry.
IMPROVISED INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AND TEACHING OF ECDE LITERACY SKILLS IN KIAMBAA SUB-COUNTY, KIAMBU COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Wacuka, Mary
Literacy skills play a significant role in everyday communication in life from infancy to early childhood through to primary school level and beyond. Learning during early years is important in building a firm foundation for children in literacy skills. A critical analysis of literature indicates a majority of studies especially in Kenya relate to the use of instructional resources generally. Literature specific to the link between use of improvised instructional resources and teaching of Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) literacy skills is minimal thus having a gap for studies specifically focusing on the relationship between improvised instructional resources and teaching of ECDE literacy skills. The purpose of the study therefore was to establish the link between improvised instructional resources (IIR) and teaching of ECDE literacy skills in Kiambaa sub-county, Kiambu county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were; to establish the extent to which ECDE teachers improvise instructional resources used during teaching of ECDE literacy skills, to determine the extent of use of improvised instructional resources during teaching of ECDE literacy skills, to establish the influence of improvised instructional resources on the teaching of ECDE literacy skills and to find out the challenges that ECDE teachers face during improvisation of instructional resources. The study was guided by constructivist theories by Jean Piaget and Jerome Bruner. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The target population included 130 ECDE teachers and 26 headteachers. Census survey was employed which included all the ECDE teachers and their headteachers in the research. Piloting was undertaken by administering the instruments to 31 ECDE teachers and their headteachers in 5 ECDE centers in Kiambu county to establish validity and reliability. Content validity was established through expert judgment by the university supervisors. Reliability was established by the use of the Cronbach’s Alpha Method all variables achieving reliability the 0.7 Cronbach’s Alpha threshold. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in narrative form. Quantitative data was screened, coded and analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 and presented using tables. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were used to describe the existing relationship between the variables. The research hypothesis was tested at 95% level of significance using Chi-Square. Findings indicated that visual resources are the most commonly improvised and utilized IIR during the teaching ECDE literacy skills. Chi-square results χ 2 (1) = 33.69, p < 0.001 indicated a significant influence of IIR on teaching of literacy skills. Teacher support and technical support were found to be the most prominent challenges to improvisation of instructional resources. The study concluded that most teachers improvised instructional resources at a high extent though they mainly improvised visuals such as charts and flashcards. The study therefore recommends that teachers should improvise and integrate various types of IR such audio, concrete and audio-visual resources during the teaching of ECDE literacy skills. Headteachers and the county government should also improve on the provision of instructional resources for the teaching of ECDE literacy skills.
INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND GENDER ON ADOPTION OF CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN THARAKA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kithome, Raphael
Agricultural production among smallholder farmers in Tharaka South sub-county is on decline and this is associated with effects of climate change. Research has shown that climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) adoption has a unique potential to mitigate impacts of weather shocks and increase agricultural production. Adoption of CSAPs by smallholder farmers as a means of curbing the effects of climate change has been quite low. This low adoption may have been influenced by factors such as farmers’ education level, access to capital, extension visit and training, and climate risk awareness. Some of these factors have received considerable attention by researchers. However, not many studies exist in Kenya documenting how religious institutions and gender influence the adoption of CSAPs. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to establish the influence of religious institutions and gender on adoption of CSAPs among smallholder farmers to improve their adoptive capacity for better agricultural outputs in Tharaka South sub-county, Kenya. The research utilized a descriptive survey design. The target population was 16,437 smallholder farmers in Tharaka South sub-county. Using stratified random sampling, 375 smallholder famers were selected in three wards of study area proportionately. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. A pilot study was carried out at Mukothima ward in Tharaka North Sub-county. Pilot study data was utilized to check reliability and validity of the instrument. A Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to estimate reliability of research instrument items. The Cronbach alpha coefficients for study variables were: religious contribution (α = 0.99), gender (α =0.85), membership (α =0.98), and adoption of CSAPs (α =0.76). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V25) was used for data analyses. Inferential statistics (t-test) and descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation) were employed in data analysis. The findings indicated that religious institutions had been creating awareness on adoption of CSAPs (M=3.14, SD=1.60). These was achieved through organizing field days on CSAPs, demonstrations, as well as facilitating access to resources outside the communities to enhance adoption of CSAPs. Gender of household head was found to have significantly influenced adoption of CSAPs (p< 0.05). However, membership to religious institution had no significance influence on adoption of CSAPs (p>0.05). The study recommended that Religious institutions should commit much more resources to create awareness on climate change and encourage their members to adopt CSAPs as intervention measure for increased agricultural production. The religious institutions should more often deliver sermons relating to environmental conservation, invite extension agents to train Christians on CSAPs, and facilitate network with CSAPs promoters. Agricultural stakeholders including religious institutions should accord both women and men equal opportunities in participation and engagement in CSAPs.
EFFECT OF PROCUREMENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON SERVICE DELIVERY AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Kinyua, Jennifer
Procurement in public universities in Kenya has been recognized as essential in-service delivery since it affects how goods are procured and ensures tenders are awarded at the right time. However, this has not been the case because even though most of the public procurement reforms have been achieved and procurement policies and institutions are in place, the level of quality service delivery by the universities is still low which is seen to being contributed by poor procurement management practices. These poor procurement management practices in the universities has affected the way they assess their needs, carry out the tendering process and evaluate their suppliers. This study therefore sought to determine the effect of procurement planning, tendering process, supplier evaluation, procurement contract management and implementation of Public Procurement Disposal Act on service delivery among public universities in Kenya. This study was anchored by agency theory, resource-based theory and knowledge-based theory. Descriptive research design was used. Primary data was collected using questionnaire. The target population of the study was 31 public universities in Kenya. The study adopted census technique. A total of 31 Head of procurement department were the respondents. A multiple regression model was employed to bring out the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The hypotheses of the study were tested using t-test while the overall significance of the model was tested using F-test at 5% level of significance. The study established a negative significant effect of procurement planning when the procurement management practices are combined with (regression coefficient of -0.267,p value of 0.026<0.05).Further it was found that supplier evaluation and tendering process had a positive effect on service delivery with a (regression coefficient of 1.048 and 0.206,P-value was 0.000 and 0.038<0.05).Procurement contract management had (regression coefficient of 0.030,P value of 0.743>0.05). The study concluded that procurement planning, supplier evaluation and tendering process had a significant effect service delivery of public universities in Kenya and recommends that firms should do timely procurements, do a thorough market survey on suppliers and request for proposal and quotation. On the other hand, procurement contract management was found to be insignificant therefore it does not affect service delivery. The findings of the study will contribute to theory of procurement and policy making on procurement management practices. This study contributes to procurement discipline by providing a model that captures procurement management practices aspects and measuring their effect on service delivery. The study contributes to the body of existing knowledge by providing an attempt to procurement management practices and measuring their effect on service delivery of public universities. Following the information collected using questionnaires and analyzed, this study will form a data mine for future researchers in this field of procurement in Kenya. Based on the study findings it is recommended that; Companies should encourage implementation of procurement planning for the business needs at an early stage in order to prevent delay. for a more proactive effort from the procurement staff and other management staff on the need for supplier evaluation to minimize incomplete projects and measures should be put in place to ensure that firms adopt better ways of tendering and fair evaluation of bidders to enhance continuity of projects.
INFLUENCE OF SELECTED FACTORS ON INSTRUCTION OF ENGLISH COMPOSITION WRITING IN PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN IGEMBE CENTRAL SUB-COUNTY, MERU, KENYA
(Chuka University, 2022-09) Nyaga, Florence
Composition writing is an integral part of learning the English language in primary schools. When compared with other language skills of listening, speaking and reading, writing is the most difficult skill to learn. Instruction in composition writing is how a teacher organizes time and activities in implementing the content in writing. It boosts oral language ability, fosters critical and analytical thinking and improves pupils writing skills. Instruction in composition writing in primary schools is therefore a complex undertaking. It is of great importance that learners are carefully and well instructed in composition writing. There are many factors that influence the instruction of composition writing. This study sought to establish the influence of selected factors on instruction of composition writing in public primary schools in Igembe Central Sub County. This was accomplished through study objectives which were; to establish the influence of teaching approaches used in instruction of composition writing, determine the influence of pupil motivation on instruction of English composition writing and determine the influence of resource utilization on the instruction of English composition writing. The study was guided by Levi Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Noam Chomsky’s language acquisition theory. This study which adopted descriptive survey design was undertaken in Igembe Central Sub-County. The target population was 7011 subjects comprising of 171 class seven English teachers, and 6840 class seven pupils from 75 public primary schools. The sample was determined using finite population formula. Simple random sampling method was used to come up with a sample of 361 class seven pupils and 9 class seven English teachers. Data was collected by use of interview schedules for teachers of English and questionnaire for class 7 pupils. To ensure validity of the instruments used, the researcher generated questions that were in line with objectives of the study. In order to determine the reliability of the instruments, a pilot study was conducted in one school with similar characteristics as the study samples. The findings of the pilot study were computed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient 0.70 threshold. Data obtained was cleaned, coded and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used while hypothesis was tested at 95% level of significance using Chi-square. Findings illustrated that teaching approach, pupils’ motivation and resource utilization significantly and positively influences instruction of English composition writing. It is therefore recommended that English teachers adopt innovative teaching approaches that enhance instruction of English composition writing. They should also enhance pupils’ motivation for optimal instruction of English composition writing. Head teachers should support English teachers through provision of instructional materials and incentives for motivating pupils.

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