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An Empirical Analysis of Commercialization of Smallholder Farming: Its Inclusive Household Welfare Effects
(Journal of Economics & Commerce Management, 2016-04-18) Mustapha M. Wasseja, Samwel N. Mwenda, Musundi Sammy, Jerobon Josephine, Pascal Ochieng
This paper assesses the potential impact of commercialization of agriculture on household welfare of farmers in eastern Kenya under the Mwea rice scheme. The study consists of cross-sectional data collected with structured survey questionnaires. Stratified sampling was adopted with each of the four zones in the District forming a stratum. The number of respondents was 368 selected conveniently with the help of the National agriculture advisory services officers. The causal relationship and impact of commercialization on welfare were estimated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis. The analysis results revealed significant positive relationship between commercialization and household welfare, with key variables of market access and internal farming activities positively and significantly contributing to improved household incomes and farm outputs. The regression result further predicted a 16.9% improvement in household welfare if farmers actively worked on improving market access and internal farm activities like fertilizers and pesticides. It’s therefore recommended that farmers work on all aspects that can improve on their farm outputs and also get links to both nearby and far markets. Formation of saving schemes will help them pool resources to buy inputs like tractors, lobbying central and local governments for infrastructure in the districts and negotiating better output prices. All this will help improve farmers’ household welfare and standards of living in this area.
An inventory and assessment of exotic and native plant species diversity in the Kenyan rangelands: Case study of Narok North Sub-County
(2015-05-25) Winnie W. Cheche, Eunice W. Githae, Stephen F. Omondi and Adiel M. Magana
A botanical inventory and diversity of exotic and native species was assessed in the rangeland of Narok North sub-County, Kenya. A total of 72 species were recorded, composed of 64 species of trees and shrubs and eight species of herbs. They belonged to 34 families and 52 genera. Fabaceae was the richest family with 16 species, followed by Euphorbiaceae (five), Moraceae and Myrtaceae (four each). In total, 48 species were native and 24 exotics with a diversity index H of 1.082 and 0.604, respectively. Hypericum revolutum, a native shrub, was the most dominant with an importance value of 3.81, followed by three exotic species; Datura suaveolens (an invasive species), Dovyalis caffra and Hibiscus rosa- sinesis with importance values of 3.40, 3.35 and 3.23, respectively. The native species were abundant in undisturbed areas while the exotics were most common in areas with vegetation cover less than 60%. Four invasive alien species were encountered namely; D. suaveolens, Lantana camara, L. trifolia and Opuntia ficusindica. They all had a high density that indicated greater establishment success. This inventory affirms that the rangelands of Narok North are undergoing serious changes in vegetation structure and composition due to human activities and requires urgent attention to conserve biodiversity and genetic resources.
ANALYSIS OF THE VOLATILITY OF REAL EXCHANGE RATE AND EXPORTS IN KENYA USING THE GARCH MODEL: 2005-2012.
(http://jmsr.rstpublishers.com/, 2016-08) MOHAMMED MUSTAPHA WASSEJA, MWENDA SAMWEL N., MUSUNDI SAMMY W., NJOROGE ELIZABETH
The real exchange rate has proven to be an important factor in international trade because it is expected that exports respond to real exchange rate movements with respect to the characteristics of the importing and exporting countries. Exchange rate volatility increases uncertainty of profits on contracts denominated in foreign currency and subsequently dampens trade and economic growth. This study investigated how real exchange rate volatility affected exports of key Kenyan commodities to the European Union and United Kingdom, namely; tea, coffee and horticulture to the European Union. The presence of exchange rate volatility was determined using the GARCH model. A Bounds testing and Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to establish the presence of a long run relationship between exchange rate volatility and commodity exports. Findings revealed that exchange rate volatility affected tea exports to the UK and horticulture exports to the European Union. Foreign income played an important role in explaining tea and coffee exports to the UK and EU respectively.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Potato Tuber Yield
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-07-12) Dennis Kariuki Muriithi
The Author investigates the operating conditions required for optimal production of potato tuber yield in Kenya. This will help potato farmers to safe extra cost of input in potato farming. The potato production process was optimized by the application of factorial design 23 and response surface methodology. The combined effects of water, Nitrogen and Phosphorus mineral nutrients were investigated and optimized using response surface methodology. It was found that the optimum production conditions for the potato tuber yield were 70.04% irrigation water, 124.75Kg/Ha of Nitrogen supplied as urea and 191.04Kg/Ha phosphorus supplied as triple super phosphate. At the optimum condition one can reach to a potato tuber yield of 19.36Kg/plot of 1.8meters by 2.25 meters. Increased productivity of potatoes can improve the livelihood of smallholder potato farmers in Kenya and safe the farmers extra cost of input. Finally, i hope that the approach applied in this study of potatoes can be useful for research on other commodities, leading to a better understanding of overall crop production.
An assessment of Innovative Use of Smart Devices by University Staff and Students: A Literature Review
(Kenya Library Association, 2020) Njue, James; Kiilu, Vincent Bob
Rapid technological convergence has led to the emergence of smartphones—feature-rich phones that combine the voice and text messaging functions of basic phones with powerful computing technology that can support applications, sensing, Internet access, and wireless connectivity with other devices. The emergence of smart mobile devices has revolutionized the way we connect, communicate, and interact with people, as well as the way we share information and knowledge. The objectives of the study were to establish the type of smart devices used by learners in universities, to find out benefits of using smart devices by learners in universities, to determine the negative effects of using smart devices by learners in universities. Literature was reviewed on type of smart devices used by learners in universities, benefits of using the smart devices and the negative effects of using smart. The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities. The common types of smart devices used in learning are smartphones, tablets, laptops palm tops and e‐readers. Smartphones are used for real time communication, teaching and learning, connecting to the internet, storage of information, taking abstract photographs of notes as well as sharing the captured data or information. Smart devices have also been used for Arabic Braille Recognition and transcription for the visually impaired. However, some students in universities, globally, spent a lot of time on social sites, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Academia, and MySpace networking instead of concentrating fully on studies The study was mainly based on review of literature. A combination of search terms and/or key words were used to gather relevant data concerning smartphone use in universities.
Challenges facing information literacy efforts in Kenya: a case study of selected university libraries in Kenya
(MCB UP Ltd, 2003) Kavulya, Joseph M.
The ability to access, evaluate and use information is a prerequisite for lifelong learning, and a basic requirement for the information society. At the university level, students are expected to contact independent exploration in diverse disciplines and topics and therefore, irrespective of their areas of study, they need to use information effectively. They should not only master the skill of finding information in print format or electronic formats, but also be able to evaluate and use it competently both in their study activities as well as in their later lives. This paper examines why the acquisition of these information skills is a matter of necessity and they are a prime factor in quality learning in Kenyan universities. It concludes that although there have been efforts to ensure information literacy among university students, there is need to build on these efforts through collaborative efforts between librarians and faculty members particularly through joint curriculum design and implementation.
Challenges in the Provision of Library Services for Distance Education: A Case Study of Selected Universities in Kenya
(2004-06-04) Kavulya, Joseph M.
With the increasing popularity of distance education, focus has turned to the role of libraries in the distance learning process. It is widely agreed that like their campus-based counterparts, distance education learners need adequate library services if they are to gain quality education. This paper examines the efforts being made by Kenyan university libraries to fulfil the information needs of the distance education students in their respective institutions. It concludes that although efforts have been made, there is room for improvement through adequate planning, financing and especially through collaboration between information personnel and those who design and implement such distance education programmes.
Chlorido-(η6-p-cymene)-(bis(pyrazol-1-yl)methane- κ2N,Nl)Osmium(II) Tetrafluoroborate, C17H22BClF4N4Os
(MDPI, 2022) Mambanda, A.; Kanyora, A. K.; Ongoma, P.; Gichumbi, J.; Omondi, R. O.
The powder of the arene osmium(II) complex, [Os(II)(dpzm)(η6-p-cym)Cl]BF4 (dpzm = di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methane; η6-p-cym = para-cymene), with a formula of C17H22BClF4N4Os (referred to herein as 1) was isolated from the reaction of [(η6-p-cym)Os(µ-Cl)(Cl)]2 with dpzm dissolved in acetonitrile and under a flow of nitrogen gas. It was characterized by spectroscopic techniques (viz., FTIR, 1H NMR, UV-Visible absorption). Yellow crystal blocks of 1 were grown by the slow evaporation from the methanolic solution of its powder. The single-crystal X-ray structure of 1 was solved by diffraction analysis on a Bruker APEX Duo CCD area detector diffractometer using the Cu(Kα), 2 = 1.54178 Å as the radiation source, and 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and the C2/c (no. 15) space group.
Classroom Discourse in a Multilingual Context: The Case of Selected Primary Schools in Chuka Division, Tharaka- Nithi County, Kenya.
(Journal of Literature ,Languages and Lingustics, 2015-03-11) Nancy Wangui Mbaka
The sociolinguistic situation in Kenya is triglossic in nature (Schmied, 2012) English is at the top of the rank as the official language. Kiswahili has been in the middle as the co-official and national language. It is also used as the country’s lingua franca.The indigenous languages are at the base of the hierarchy. This paper sought to evaluate whether the language-in-education policy is implemented in the classroom. The study was a case study carried out in Chuka Division, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The paper establishes that teachers mainly use code- mixing in the classroom and also in official domains. The findings in this paper contribute to scholarly literature in Sociolinguistics and are of great benefit to curriculum developers in the ministry of education in Kenya.
Clock Synchronization in Distribued Distant Objects
(2015-12-12) Charles K. Gitonga
Clock synchronization in distributed system relies on an existence of external clocks for synchronization to occur. The messages are sent over a network. For distant objects, there can be a communication breakdown. The study aims to highlights the shortcomings of clock synchronization in related distant objects when there is breakdown in the communication links. Clock synchronization in distributed systems is briefly discussed with the shortcomings of each outlined. The proposed algorithm seeks to overcome these shortcomings in distant objects. The algorithm needs to be developed and tested further to ascertain its correctness. Development of such algorithm has not been accomplished in this study.
Comparative Effects of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid and Benzylaminopurine on Seed Potato Tuber Sprouting and Yield of Resultant Plants
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-09-17) Martin Kagiki Njogu , Geofrey Kingori Gathungu, Peter Muchiri Daniel
Seed potato tubers planted immediately after harvest is characterized by delayed plant emergence, poor establishment and low yields. Gibberellic acid (GA) and Benzylaminopurine (BA) or their combinations cause dormancy breakage though little information is available on their combined application to dormancy termination. The effects of foliar application of GA and BA on potato tuber sprouting and subsequent yield were studied. Three potato varieties with different tuber dormancy period; ‘Asante’ (short dormancy), Dutch Robyjn (medium dormancy) and ‘Kenya Sifa’ (long dormancy) were planted at National Potato Research Centre, Tigoni and sprayed with a factorial combinations of 0, 50, 100, 300 ppm GA and 0, 50, 75, 100 ppm BA separately and combined at the rate of 1000 lts/ha spray volume towards the end of maturation. The resulting tubers were put in diffuse light storage (DLS) and data on number, length and vigour of sprouts recorded. Sprouted seed tubers were subsequently planted and evaluated for both growth characteristics and yields. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance and significantly different means were separated using Fisher’ s protected least significant difference at p≤0.05. Higher rates of foliar application of GA+BA (300 ppm + 100 ppm) compared with the control (0 + 0) resulted in significant increase insprout length (cm), number ofsprout/tuber, sprout vigour (score), and % sprouting from 3.24 to 7.02 and 3.84 to 9.03, 2.04 to 4.45 and 2.07 to 4.8, 1.7 to 3.06 and 1.63 to 3.23, 61.21to 86.67and 63.3 to 83.7 in Asante, 2.94 to 8.03 and 2.8 to 7.99, 1.84 to 5.24 and 1.87 to 4.76, 1.3 to 3.0 and 1.27 to 2.63, 50.61 to 92.7 and 52.7 to 85.7in Dutch Robyjn and 0.79 to 6.43 and 1.32 to 6.99, 0.61 to 3.49 and 0.79 to 3.33, 0.61 to 3.03 and 0.73 to 2.83, 22.12 to 85.76 and 28.3 to83.7 in Kenya Sifa after storage in 2008 and 2009 respectively. A combination of BA and GA resulted in significantly more growth than using only GA or BA alone at the same level. Similarly the subsequent tuber numbers per plant and yield (tons/ha) in resultant plants increased from 7.13 to 12.53 and 24.66 to 32.27, 6.93 to 10.47 and 16.73 to 23.37, and 5.63 to 9.6 and 17.53 to 30.13 in Asante, Dutch Robyjnand Kenya Sifa respectively. Combined application of GA + BA at varied rates can be used to improve sprouting characteristics of seed potato and yield of resultant plants.
Current status of fodder production, conservation and marketing in the arid and semi-arid lands of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016-04-29) Levi Mugalavai Musalia, Gilbert Abura Odilla, Onesmus Munene Nderi and Viona Muleke
The purpose of the survey was to document the current status of fodder production, conservation and marketing in the arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) Divisions of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The survey covered specifically Nkondi, Igambang’ombe and Tharaka Central divisions. A sample of 74 livestock farmers selected through stratified random sampling was engaged in the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design and data was collected using a structured questionnaire to obtain farm level information from livestock farmers. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Chi-square statistics was used to test the relative significance between land owned and fodder production. The majority of the respondents (68%) owned between 1 and 6 acres. The results indicated that most farmers did not grow fodder crops. The main type of fodder produced by farmers in the study area was Napier grass (cultivated by 10% of the respondents). Although a number of livestock farmers grew napier grass, it was not adequate for marketing and conservation. The results further indicated that only 1% of the respondents grew fodder on a piece of land between 1 and 3 acres thus implying that the amount of fodder grown was too little and could not cater for the livestock feeds required. There was a significant association between land sizes and fodder production (p < 0.05). Thus preference was given to crop cultivation due to limited land and approximately 80% of the respondents conserved maize stalks and other crop residues for their livestock. Fodder production, conservation and marketing were very low despite the high potential for its production and the possibility of becoming an income generating enterprise. The study therefore recommended for outreach programmes to train farmers on fodder production, conservation and marketing through Chuka University in collaboration with the area extension agents.
CURRICULUM AND ETHICS: A DECONSTRUCTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF KENYAN EDUCATION SYSTEM
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2019-05-07) Ruth Mutunge Mwanzia ,Prof. Njoki Wane, Prof. George M. Muthaa
One of the objectives of education is to promote ethical behaviour among learners. The African educational system inculcated ethics among members of society and produced ethically and morally upright individuals for generations. With the introduction of formal education, the responsibility of inculcating ethics to children was taken up by schools. Despite the enormous investment in education over the years and the high academic qualification of graduates leaving the school, the level of impunity, corruption, negative ethnicity and intolerance has remained a major concern among educationists and stakeholders. There is need to investigate the influence of deconstruction and reconstruction of Kenyan education curriculum on ethics among learners. The study established that, deconstruction and reconstruction of curriculum with inclusion of practical-oriented activities in classroom, community based approaches and co-curricular activities would help influence ethics. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide useful information to curriculum developers, implementers, planners, policy makers and other stakeholders on ways of integrating African indigenous education into contemporary education to influence ethical values.
Demystifying Mathematics: Handling Learning Difficulties in Mathematics among Low Achievers in Kenyan Schools
(Journal of Language, Technology & Entrepreneurship in Africa, 2022) Njoroge, G.
Mathematics is a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools in Kenya. However, learners’ poor performance in the subject in Kenya national examinations year in year out remains a serious concern for teachers of Mathematics, parents, curriculum developers, and the general public. This is particularly worrying because of the importance attached to the subject in national development hence the need to find out what could be affecting learning of Mathematics in Kenyan schools. The research on which this paper is based sought to examine the factors that influence performance in Mathematics in Kenyan schools; identify the characteristics of Mathematics learning disabilities; determine how the learners with such learning disabilities can be assessed and identified and interventions for these difficulties implemented. A case study was undertaken on class six learners in a primary school in Nairobi County. The tools used for the research were: classroom observations and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed by the teachers with the help of the researcher. This paper therefore highlights the findings from the research, discusses the implications of the findings and suggests the way forward as far as teaching, learning and assessment of Mathematics in Kenyan schools is concerned. Perhaps with the application of the right interventions, poor performance in Mathematics in the national examinations in Kenya will be a thing of the past.
Demystifying negativism of Cartha Edulis (miraa) and focusing on its religious, socio-economic and educational significance: a case of Meru north region in Meru county, Kenya
(2015-01-01)
There have been conflicting views regarding Cartha edulis (miraa) effects. Miraa is a plant that when consumed affects human psychological and physiological functioning and, therefore, falls under the category of abusive drugs. The National Campaign against Drug Abuse Authority and other scholars have confirmed these effects. Whereas there are numerous negatives emanating from miraa farming, trade and consumption, there are also immense religious, social and economic benefits derived and associated with it. This study assessed the impact of miraa on religious, socio-economic and educational spheres of the society in Meru North. It was motivated by conflicting views of miraa farmers and traders, who also happen to be churches members located within the study area, and the alleged trade income used for social and economic developments. The study used ex-post facto design and targeted accessible population of elders, farmers, traders, church members and pastors. A sample size of 34 persons was interviewed using questionnaires and observation schedules for elders, farmers, traders, church members and pastors. There are both positive and negative contributions brought about by miraa farming and trade. Although the negatives outweigh the positives in terms of both short and long-term intangible damages to individuals, family and society, there are strong social, religious and economic attachments to miraa. Miraa has assumed political dimension as the community elects leaders based on expected protection of the trade by them. Exclusive focus on negatives has overshadowed potential financial, social, educational, religious, cultural and medicinal values. Miraa creates a contextual foundation for communication based on diverse perceptions. However, the negative implications of miraa, which greatly affect consumers, marriage, schools and churches, cannot be ignored. One wonders if it can serve a better purpose and value if handled properly among the community where it is grown.
Determination of Essential Minerals and Toxic Elements Composition of the Natural Licks Consumed By Livestock in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
(Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2015-11-01) Onesmus Munene Nderi, Levi Mugalavai Musalia , Ochieng Ombaka
The aim of this study was to determine the quantities of essential and toxic elements in the natural licks consumed by livestock in Igambang’ombe Division in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Ten highly used licks, five moderately used licks and one abandoned lick were randomly selected. Mineral elements were determined using TXRF, atomic absorption and U-V visible spectrometry methods. Normal averaging and ratio sacle were used to determine the differences in quantities of mineral elements in the licks and control. Results indicated that, Kimenyi lick had the highest quantities of calcium (44,445±425 mg/kg) and magnesium (26,640±85 mg/kg), whereas Kigwanga, Kibuuri and Kieroo licks showed higher levels of sodium (11,279±35 mg/kg), potassium (1,800±12 mg/kg) and phosphorus (67 mg/kg) than control respectively. Levels of iron ranged between 15,252±166 to 67,717±351 mg/kg. Among the toxic elements only vanadium in Riankui lick site was above the globally accepted median range and the rest were below. The study revealed that natural licks had higher levels of essential elements than control sample, and there was no lick that contained high levels of all the minerals than in other licks. Mineral supplementation could be the major reason why livestock consume natural licks in Igambang’ombe Division.
Determination of Essential Minerals and Toxic Elements Composition of the Natural Licks Consumed By Livestock in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya
(Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2015-10-01) Onesmus Munene Nderi, Levi Mugalavai Musalia , Ochieng Ombaka
The aim of this study was to determine the quantities of essential and toxic elements in the natural licks consumed by livestock in Igambang’ombe Division in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Ten highly used licks, five moderately used licks and one abandoned lick were randomly selected. Mineral elements were determined using TXRF, atomic absorption and U-V visible spectrometry methods. Normal averaging and ratio sacle were used to determine the differences in quantities of mineral elements in the licks and control. Results indicated that, Kimenyi lick had the highest quantities of calcium (44,445±425 mg/kg) and magnesium (26,640±85 mg/kg), whereas Kigwanga, Kibuuri and Kieroo licks showed higher levels of sodium (11,279±35 mg/kg), potassium (1,800±12 mg/kg) and phosphorus (67 mg/kg) than control respectively. Levels of iron ranged between 15,252±166 to 67,717±351 mg/kg. Among the toxic elements only vanadium in Riankui lick site was above the globally accepted median range and the rest were below. The study revealed that natural licks had higher levels of essential elements than control sample, and there was no lick that contained high levels of all the minerals than in other licks. Mineral supplementation could be the major reason why livestock consume natural licks in Igambang’ombe Division.
Determination of Infant and Child Mortality in Kenya Using Cox-Proportional Hazard Model
(Science Publishing Group, 2015-09-10) Daniel Mwangi Muriithi, Dennis K. Muriithi
One of the Millennium Development Goals is the reduction of infant and child mortality by two-thirds by year 2015. To achieve this goal, efforts need be concentrated at identifying cost-effective strategies as many international agencies have advocated for more resources to be directed to health sector. One way of doing this is to identify the important factors that affect infant and child mortality. This study is necessary because, Infant and child mortality is one of the most important sensitive indicators of the social economic and health status of a community. This is because more than any other age group of a population, infants and children survival depends on the socioeconomic condition of their environment. This study addresses factors affecting infant and child mortality in Kenya. The main objective of the paper is to determine the effect of socioeconomic and demographic variables on infant and child mortality. Childhood mortality from the, KDHS 2008-09 data, was analyzed in two age periods: mortality from birth to the age of 12 months, referred to as “infant mortality” and mortality from the age of 12 months to the age of 60 months, referred to as “child mortality”. Data from Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2008-09) was collected by use of questionnaires, after carrying out a two-stage cluster sampling design. The Cox regression survival analysis was used to compute relative risk of the socioeconomic and demographic variables, on infant and child mortality. The study revealed that the socioeconomic and demographic factors affect both infant and child mortality. The relative risks were higher for infant’s mortality as compared to child’s mortality. The place of birth has the greatest impact on infant mortality. The study recommends policy makers and programme managers in the child health sector to formulate appropriate strategies to improve the situation, of children less than five years in Kenya, by creating awareness on these factors and improving on them.
Digital libraries and development in Sub-Saharan Africa
(2007-06) Kavulya, Joseph M.
Purpose -- The aim of this paper is to review some of the critical information needs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges that face libraries in the region in establishing digital libraries as a way of overcoming the great information shortfall in the region. Design/methodology/approach -- A selective survey of relevant literature is carried out in the study with focus on the role of libraries and information in social development, sectoral information needs and the issues involved in the establishment of digital libraries. Findings -- The paper argues that lack of social development in Africa is exacerbated by lack of adequate information. The paper concludes that, through better information gathering, processing and especially by taking advantage of today's digital transfer of knowledge, countries in the Sub-Saharan region can experience rapid economic, social and political development. Originality/value -- The paper concludes that digital libraries in the Sub-Saharan region can be strategic gateways to the global information and a boost to development in the region. The goal of establishing digital libraries in the region can be achieved through measures such as adoption of modern information communication technologies, amassing relevant digital content, investing in digital skills for library staff and users, strategic partnerships between local institutions, and funding agencies and above all government-backed strategy on digital libraries.
Disease Severity on Cabbage Protected from Arthropod Pests with Insecticide Treated Agronets in Kenya
(American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2015-09-12) J. J. Kiptoo1,, M. Kasina, L. Wasilwa, M. Ngouajio, T. Martin A. Too J. J. Cheboi and P. W. Nderitu
This study planned to document disease incidence and severity levels on cabbage grown under insecticide impregnated Agronets as a tool to manage insect pests and microclimate. The study was conducted at KALRO-Kabete and PTC (Practical Training Centre)-Thika, Kenya both at the nursery and in the field. Treatments included 1) use of insecticide (alpha cypermethrin) impregnated Agronets with (0.9 mm mesh), 2) untreated 0.4 mm mesh Agronet, 3) grass shading as a farmer practice (at nursery) and 4) control where there was no Agronet use. The treatments had five replications in a completely randomized block design. Plots measured 2 x 6 m, with a 1 m path between consecutive plots and 2 m between consecutive blocks. Three major diseases were recorded: damping off (Rhizoctonia solani), downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica) and black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris). Treatments showed significant (P<0.05) differences on severity of damping off, which was lowest on seedlings covered with Agronets compared with the other treatments at nursery. Comparably, the downy mildew disease severity was higher on seedlings covered with Agronets than those with no cover or shading at the nursery. The findings show that frequent disease scouting is crucial when using Agronets for cabbage pests management. This would allow farmers to take action when diseases are noticed. Further supportive studies to understand threshold limits that can trigger growers to employ disease control application may be needed.

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