Conferences/ Seminars/Workshops /Journal (JESAR)

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST WORKSHOP ON Writing of Competitive Research Proposals Held on 24 June, 2011 At Chuka University College
(Chuka University, 2011) Chuka University
Introduction and Background Earlier observations show deficiencies in proposal writing skills among Academic Staff and Research Scientists that limit their ability to: Compete for competitive grants; Conduct quality research; and Guide graduate students. Poor scientific and technical writing skills limit contribution to advancement in science and knowledge. Poor written communication skills impair visibility of NARIs Research for Development (R4D) in development and policy arena. The quality of the proposals is generally weak in the region. For instance, the International Foundation for Science (IFS) recognizes that proposals from Africa are very weak compared to those from other regions e.g. Asia. Therefore there is an urgent need to strengthen proposal and scientific writing skills in academic institutions/NARS to improve quality of research proposals and to pass these skills to others, particularly graduate students and young scientists. The lecturers in Chuka University College have great ideas for research. The question is, how are we going to pay for it? The immediate answer is that we have to write a good research proposal, which refers to “A formal, written document that describes scientific goals and research plan/methodology for soliciting the necessary resources from a funding agency”. Remember, your proposal will be just one among many worthy proposals, and these days the sum of resources requested collectively often exceeds the resources actually available by up to ten fold. Therefore for us to succeed, we must write a research proposal that will in some way standout and succeed in a very crowded and competitive funding environment. Writing such a proposal requires a great deal of thought and hard work targeting mostly technical and discipline specific issues. The starting premise of this one day workshop is that many non-technical shortcomings should be mitigated. The odds for our proposals will be improved if we plan and write our proposal with an understanding of who and how our proposal will be evaluated.
Role of on-farm rainwater harvesting in agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2014-10-28) Kiguro, L.
The objective of this paper is to show the role of on-farm rain water harvesting in Agriculture as a response to climate change in Kenya. It is based on the fact that water harvesting is a promising technique widely accepted throughout the world to cope with water scarcity problems in agriculture. Micro-and macro-water harvesting techniques are implemented in arid, semi-arid, and tropical regions, depending on the purpose and circumstances. Water harvesting has been shown to have a positive impact on agricultural production by providing irrigation water during critical growth stages of crops, hence increasing yields. Water harvesting reduces runoff velocity, soil erosion and recharges ground water. This paper is based on literature review and practical field experiences and concludes that a significant gain in crop production can be made in agriculture through small-scale harvesting of water in combination with suitable water conserving irrigation technologies. Keywords: Global warming, Adaptation, Water resources, Food security
Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research (JESAR), Vol. 1, 2015
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research (JESAR), Guidelines for Authors.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.
DIGESTIBILITY OF DIETS BASED ON NAPIER GRASS, TITHONIA DIVERSIFOLIA AND SAPIUM ELLIPTICUM,
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum fodder species are widespread in Central, Western Province and the wetter areas of the coastal and Rift Valley regions. They could be used to supplement Napier grass fodder. However, there is little documentation on digestibility of diets that include varying proportions of either Tithonia or Sapium. This study compared the digestibility of diets consisting of varying proportions of Tithonia and Sapium forages with Napier grass fodder. Fourteen Corriedale rams aged 18 months selected for uniformity of live weight at 20±3kg were used in the experiment. The weight of the sheep was determined at the start and at the end of each feeding period. The sheep were fed seven different experimental diets comprising of varied proportions of Napier grass, Tithonia diversifolia and Sapium ellipticum. The dry matter content varied with diet one having the lowest percentages 136 g/kg, diet four highest dry matter 639 g/kg. Napier grass fodder (control diet) lowest CP of (43 g/kg), while 75% Tithonia mixture had CP of 189g/kg. Tithonia based diets had lower NDF-ADF proportion of 276 g/kg, 282 g/kg and 229.5 g/kg than those of Sapium based diets with 296 g/kg, 258 g/kg and 256 g/kg. Diets 1, 5 and 7 reflected a negative N balance. These were the Napier grass control diet and the 25% and 75% supplementation of Sapium diets. Tithonia based diets yielded positive nitrogen balance. Inclusion of both Tithonia and Sapium forages decreased feed intake, total faecal and urine output for all the diets, although proportionately to intake, the faecal and urine output increased.
Acceptability of Napier Grass, Tithonia (Tithonia Diversifolia) and Sapium (Sapium Ellipticum) As Forages for Sheep in Kenya and Their Nutritive
(Chuka University, 2015) chuka University
There is limited information on acceptability of Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) and Sapium (Sapium ellipticum) as forages to sheep in Kenya. This study compared the acceptability of Napier grass, Tithonia and Sapium as forages for sheep. It had five (one and half year old male sheep) selected on the basis of uniformity in live weight, averaging 23 kg. The sheep were housed in individual pens (metabolic unit), measuring 1.5mx1.5mx2.0m and mounted on the concrete floor at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Embu. The feeding period lasted for 10 days. Data were collected and recorded for 5 days. A sample of each offered and refused experimental diet was collected and recorded for 5 days and oven-dried for determination of moisture content, crude protein, ash content, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin. The neutral detergent fibre levels for wilted Napier grass, Tithonia and Sapium fodder were 80.1%, 33.57% and 39.52% respectively. The acid detergent fiber levels for wilted grass, Tithonia and Sapium hay were 43.58%, 27.98% and 22.4%, respectively. The acid detergent lignin levels for the diets 1, 2 and 3 were 6.12%, 11.3% and 8.87%, respectively. Napier grass, Sapium and Tithonia forages were found to be preferred by the sheep in this order, with an average daily intake in kg/DM of 0.26, 0.11 and 0.18, respectively. Knowing acceptability of the forages could assist in their utilization in improvement of sheep nutrition and productivity.
Exploitation of Indigenous Chicken from Tharaka-Nithi County for Global Markets.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Indigenous chicken are found in virtually every rural household in the world as important source of livelihood. They are staple food for many communities, ceremonial species and key economic activity. However, production has remained at the household level and nearest market centres, leaving many consumers craving for this delicacy. Tharaka-Nithi County’s Agriculture Sector Development Support Program is developing a poultry value chain, identified by stakeholders using the value chain prioritization tool matrix. This study investigated the socio-economic hurdles that the enterprise has to overcome to penetrate global markets. The challenges were poor attitude to the enterprise, labelled as local in contrast to exotic, belittling the enterprise as being only “meaningful” to the resource-poor and enterprise ownership by women. The economic “hurdles to jump” include low production levels due to poor management of the flocks, low investment into the enterprise, lack of a well-developed value chain, exploitation by the middlemen and global market standards. Addressing the challenges may require establishment of resource ownership rights, strengthening market structures, management and providing production incentives so as to avail them to the global dining table.
Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation: Climate-Smart Agro-Pastoral Practices: A Case Study of Narok County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pastoralism is described by a high reliance on livestock production systems for socio-economic wellbeing. In Kenya it is the dominant form of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute more than 80% of the total land area, host about 10 m people and 70% of the national livestock herd. Despite these areas being the major meat producers in the country, production is threatened by climate related hazards as witnessed by livestock deaths, reduced daily yields and prices, degraded natural resources, and high incidences of livestock pests and diseases. The traditional coping strategies applied in terms of nomadic pastoralism, has been reduced due to fragmentation of rangelands, forcing them to transform towards sedentary lifestyles. Thus, what can be done to improve this sedentary lifestyle and how can it be sustained within the ASALs? What are the on-the-ground coping strategies that enhance environmental conservation? This study assessed the coping mechanisms applied to the changed lifestyle within the pastoral communities of Narok County that not only improve livelihoods through climate change adaptation but also contribute towards climate change mitigation. This was done using key informant and focus group discussions. Policy guidelines are provided on building capacity through participatory approaches to enhance long-term sustainable systems that will ensure food security to these vulnerable communities, while at the same time contributing to natural resource conservation and ecosystem services.
Emerging Solutions to Challenges in Greenhouse Nematode & Plant Nutrition Tomato Production
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is a high-value vegetable. However, nematode infestation and nutrient depletion are major constraints in greenhouse tomato production, causing 35% to 40% losses. Chemical control options in Kenya compromises environmental safety. This study investigated the impact of soil amendments with fresh biomass from Lippia kituensis Vatke (LK) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) on Meloidogyne sp., tomato growth, yield and quality. Unbalanced pot experiment in factorial format, embedded in RCBD, with 4 levels of plant biomass replicated 3 times was used. Biomass rates were 0, 2%, 4% and 8% in 10 kg potted soil mixes, singly and in all possible combinations. Neem extract (Azadirachtin 0.3 w/w) was used as positive control. Nematode population reduced by 82.2% at 8% of both Lippia and Ocimum combined, compared to 91.4% of Azadirachtin. Gall numbers reduced by 98.3% in roots compared to 98.7% recorded in Azadirachtin. Total root volume of 308.7 cm3 was recorded in 8% LK + 8% OG compared to 69.33 cm3 and 89 cm3 for non-amended and Azadirachtin treatments, respectively. Means on leaf numbers were 29.90 compared to 22.67 and 28.13 of non-amended and Azadirachtin, respectively. Shoot and root dry weights of 53.17 g and 100.85 g were recorded compared to 24.17 g and 46.12 g and 51.75 g and 86.23 g for non-amendment and Azadirachtin, respectively. The yields were 2.71 kg per plant at 8% LK + 4% OG compared to 0.53 kg of non-amended treatment. Thus, L. kituensis and O. gratissimum L. are potential nematicides and can be used in tomato nutrition for sustainable production in the greenhouse.
Characterization and Evaluation of Pumpkin (Cucurbita Moschata Duch.).
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pumpkin is an emerging important indigenous vegetable in Kenya. However, its potential remains unexploited. This study collected, characterized and evaluated pumpkin germplasm accessions in Kakamega and Nyeri Counties. The 155 accessions collected consisted of 70 and 85 from Kakamega and Nyeri Counties, respectively. Morphological characterization and evaluation was done on-farm in completely randomized design, replicated three times. Morphological characterization and evaluation data were subjected to analysis of variance using the SAS program. Means were separated at P=0.05. Molecular characterization was done by extracting DNA, and polymerase chain reaction was done on 139 accessions using SSR and ISSR primers. Molecular characterization data were scored and phylogenetic analyses conducted using DarWin software. Significant variation (P<0.05) resulted among 146 accessions morphologically. Fruit length to width ratio and fruit weight ranged from 0.7-2.1 cm and 0.5-19.25 kg/accession, respectively. Predominant mature fruit skin colour ranged from green to orange; secondary fruit skin colour from speckled to striped; fruit surface from smooth to warty; and internal flesh colour from white to yellow. Main colour of inner flesh and of outer flesh ranged from yellow to pink-red. Molecular characterization revealed that accessions were varied with amplifications on different loci ranging from 100-500bp for SSR with band ranges of 1 to 4. ISSR primers were more polymorphic with accessions amplified between 200-2000 bp with band ranges of 2 to 7. A total of 526 alleles were identified with 5 SSR primer pairs and 509 alleles with 7 ISSR primers. The Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Mean based on Euclidean genetic distance with 1000 bootstraps constructed the dendrograms. There is great variation in pumpkins in Kenya. Cultivars are interbreeding a lot. Conservation of naturalized germplasm needs to be expedited to save it from further distortion and extinction.
Amaranth Pigweed Beetle Damage Level Correlates to Environmental Temperature Regimes
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Pigweed beetle Hypolixus haerens Boheman has been cited as a major insect pest of grain amaranth worldwide. This study evaluated injury level of both foliar and stem damage pests on eight varieties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus (L.) during two seasons of production at Katumani (LM4) and Kiboko ((LM5). Stem damage by beetle H. haerens correlates to environmental temperature. The hotter zone of low midlands five (LM5) was drier (43.7 ± 15.9 mm, 28 ± 2°C) than the cooler zone of low midlands four (LM4), which was relatively wetter (57.1 ± 13.8 mm, 24 ± 2°C). Beetle stem tunnel length inversely correlated with yield. The stem damage levels at the cooler zone were lower by 35, 42 and 47% in comparison to those from the hotter zone (LM5). Insect foliar damage level did not reflect direct grain loss. No variety was found resistant to H. haerens stem injury from the eight accessions evaluated. The wetter and cooler zone (LM4) was found to influence lower stem damage and subsequently 5-9 times higher grain yield than the hotter zone. In conclusion, considerations of the environmental factors in each agro-ecological zone would lead to right time of insecticide spray for management of the pests of grain amaranth to prevent yield loss.
Targeting Appropriate Grain Amaranth Production Technologies for Improved Productivity, Household Nutrition & Income Security in Semi-Arid Eastern Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Grain amaranth (A. creatus L. and A. hypodriacus) is a nutritious, relatively drought tolerant high value crop, whose production in Kenya outstrips the demand. Due to its tolerance to drought it is an ideal choice for the semi-arid region especially under conditions of climate change. Amaranth production in semi-arid eastern Kenya is however, at its infancy with limited production and utilization know-how. Trials were planted in two locations in Kitui and Makueni Counties of eastern Kenya during long rain and short rain seasons of 2013 with the aim of evaluating appropriate production technologies for validation and dissemination under semi-arid conditions. Objectives of these trials were: to determine ideal amaranth plant spacing for optimal yield performance and suitable and economic fertilizer levels for production under semi-arid conditions of eastern Kenya. Treatments were two inter-row spacing (90cm and 75cm) and four fertility levels (zero, 5 t farmyard manure (FYM)/ha, 10 t FYM/ha and 20 kg P205 /ha) in a randomized complete block design. There was significant difference (P≤0.05) in yields between locations with yields being higher in Kitui in long rains 2013 than Kiboko in short rains 2013. No significant difference was found between different spacing and fertility levels within locations although highest yields were obtained at spacing of 90 x 30 cm and 20 kg P205 at Kiboko and 90 x 30 cm with 10 t FYM at Kitui. More work requires to be done across locations for precise conclusions and recommendations.
Potato Production under Irrigation in Hot Conditions: A Reality or a Mirage?
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
In Kenya, potato is the second most important crop after maize in terms of production and consumption. It is grown in the highlands (1500 and 3500 mabove sea level). Traditionally high potential areas are becoming drier due to effects of climate change. Over 80% of Kenya’s landmass is hot and dry and therefore unsuitable for arable farming especially for production of cool season crops like potato. Kenya is endowed with fresh water bodies mostly rivers which have traditionally been used for production of paddy rice under irrigation. Rice has traditionally been rotated with maize in these irrigation schemes. Maize necrotic virus disease has recently led to huge losses in maize. The disease has no cure and maize production in the country is becoming a gamble. Maize takes a long time to mature; an alternative short-duration crop such as potatoes could fill in the gap. A study was undertaken at National Irrigation Board Perkerra station to evaluate the performance of local potato germplasm under irrigation in hot conditions. The study was carried out between 6th November 2013 and 21st February 2014. The experimental materials consisted of 33 potato genotypes; 12 advanced clones from CIP and 21 released/farmers’ varieties that are already being grown by farmers in the country. Generally, locally released/farmer varieties had higher % plant survival and stand establishment than the advanced clones from CIP. All varieties had lower yields than they do when grown in the cool highlands. The older varieties introduced into the country long ago had lower yield reduction compared with recently released varieties; possibly the older varieties have become adapted to local climatic conditions. The study needs to be repeated to validate these results.
Transformation of Kenya’s Agriculture
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
This timely conference provides an important turning point in the history of Agricultural development in Kenya. The critical responsibility of the intelligentsia is to interpret and change the world. The Senate Committee on Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries which I represent welcomes this important scientific conference as a forum for innovative and creative pragmatic thinking and rejection of old dogmas in Agricultural production and marketing. Kenya’s inability to feed itself and to significantly reduce rural poverty is a product of poor policies, lack of political will, institutional failure and failed imposed models of the past.
Adapting To Climate Change: Evaluating the Implementation of Water Resource Management Strategies in Hotels within Lake Naivasha Environs
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Sustainability is complicated by the threat of climate change which presents tourism industry with considerable negative effects, creating an urgent need to manage and use such resources responsibly. Water Resource Management (WRM) has become critical in the tourism industry. Consequently, hotels have a unique responsibility in lessening the real and potential negative impacts on the water and promote sustainable water management and use. This study evaluated adoption of WRM strategies in hotels to attain water sustainability, the current structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted by selected hotels in the environs of Lake Naivasha, perceived effectiveness of both the structural and non-structural WRM strategies adopted to enhance water sustainability, and structural and non-structural watcensus of 30 Class (A) registered hotels was conducted, and purposive sampling was used to select respondents. Convenience sampling was used to select managers for interviews. Primary data collection used questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data was synthesized from journals, text books, theses and other works and analysed using the SPSS program. Hotels had embraced WRM strategies through development of alternative water resources, water saving technologies, manuals and treatment of recycled water. Structural WRM strategies were perceived to ber management strategies in terms of sustainability in hotels within environs of Lake Naivasha. A e more effective as they impacted more on reducing operating costs, promoted environmental conservation and were more preferred than the non-structural strategies despite being more expensive to implement. Water sustainability is achievable through a combination of WRM strategies. Better water management policies should be formulated and complemented with technological utilization, stiffer penalties on pollution, community involvement, inclusion of donor funding and provision of incentives.
Effects of Sea Water Intrusion and Surface Water Salinity on Irrigation Water Quality in Ramisi
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
One of the major economic activities in Ramisi is cane growing. However, rain fed farming is not sustainable owing to erratic rainfall patterns and limited agricultural land. River Ramisi is saline, mineralized, unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use, and affected by seawater intrusion during high tides. KISCOL drilled 37 boreholes to bridge the water demand gap but quality is doubtful. This study determined suitability of water sources in Ramisi in terms of salinity and contaminants, risk of salt water intrusion and microorganisms levels. Water samples were collected from boreholes and Rivers Ramisi and Mkurumudzi and analyzed for organic constituents, chemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity physical and microbiological parameters using Standard Methods. The pH of the water ranged from 6.5-8.5 with exceeding limits for conductivity, chlorides, TDS, turbidity (25 NTU) and TDS (1,238 mg/l). Magnesium, iron, sodium and potassium and nutrients were below permissible levels for irrigation water. Thus River Mkurumudzi and groundwater sources are not at risk of sea water intrusion, but River Ramisi is not. Most surface water sources were contaminated with coliform and E. coli hence not suitable for domestic use. Further research is needed to ascertain quality of the water for both agricultural and domestic uses.
Planning and Management of Natural Resources: A Case of Sub-Saharan Africa
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
The world population has been increasing over time, causing an increase in demand for natural resources and threatening their replenishment. Most natural resources are non renewable. Excessive and unplanned exploitation leads to extinction, acute scarcity, widespread pollution, and uncertain feedback loops. This raises a need to discover new techniques which can effectively help in exploitation without compromising the needs and desires of future generations. There have been attempts to formulate policies on the usage of natural resources for most developing countries, especially those in the Sub-Saharan Africa, but planning and management of these resources still remains a major concern. Existing policies need to be re-evaluated to determine the rationale behind their failures. New policies focusing on planning and management of natural resources also need to be formulated and effectively implemented to improve economic growth and development. This paper reports on research, technologies and options for sustainable natural resource utilization and effective management of land, water, soil, wildlife, minerals and forests in the horn of Africa. It is possible to achieve sustainable development by controlling natural resources through proper management and planning.
Role Of Religious Studies In Environmental Resource Management For Mitigation Of Climate Change Toward Realization Of Vision 2030
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Attainment of Kenyan Vision 2030 heavily depends on climate-sensitive sectors, including agriculture, tourism and coastal zones. On the flipside, major rapid industrialization developments and urbanization anticipated to occur will affect pollution levels and generate larger quantities of solid waste, which will require effective disposal management. Kenya must begin climate change awareness creation to combat pollution and waste accumulation to ensure sustainable development. This effort demands greater resolve to use religious education’s socializing role to enforce the vision for the environment sector, which is “a nation living in a clean, secure and sustainable environment”. The present research was pegged on two theories: cognitive dissonance theory of attitude change, which states that inconsistencies between attitude and behaviour are uncomfortable, so people will change their attitudes to remove discomfort where dissonance is often removed by a shift in attitude, and the prior knowledge theory, which states that students who learn more at one level usually do better and are able to assimilate new knowledge at higher levels. Key findings were: Religious education that God placed man in the Garden of Eden to till and keep it at home; church and school are mirrors reflected by well kept environment is proved effective for attitude and behaviour change. Part of Kenyan culture is religious ‘notorious’ with over 75% population. Kenya should continue international efforts to promote sound environmental policies demonstrated by the country’s hosting of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters by domesticating them using her strength in religious education systematically to create awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities concerning climatic change, waste management and pollution prevention to implement environmental management policy.
Effect Of Development and Human Settlement on Bird Species Richness, Abundance, Diversity and Distribution: A Case of Chuka University and Surrounding Areas.
(Chuka University, 2015) Chuka University
Different land use practices affect birds differently and create micro-climates, which avail different resources to birds, thereby affecting distribution abundance, richness and diversity. This study determined how development and human settlement impact avifauna by comparing three habitat sites with differing land use practices (developed/settlement area, farmlands and forest) against diversity, distribution and abundance of birds therein. The study area was near the University and recently developed, while study sites were based on their uses. Data collection used line transects randomly laid on the ground, and opportunistic visual encounters. Species richness of 72 birds resulted, with 40 species in the forest, 34 in the farmlands and 33 in the settled and developed areas. Species diversity was highest in the forest (H’=3.45) and was lowest in the settled areas (H’=2.91). Species abundance was highest in the farmlands (432 species), followed by settled area (395 species) and forest (198 species). Development in settled area was a major threat to avian community due to habitat destruction and fragmentation, collisions with buildings which obstruct bird movement and road kills. Human settlement and development have a potential of contributing to extinction of native species through habitat fragmentation and loss. Engaging scientists, managers, environmentalists, community and developers will identify ways that development can better incorporate maintenance of ecological integrity and sustainable development.

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