J. Ogecha, W. Arinaitwe, J. Muthomi, V. Aritua, Jn Obanyi
{"title":"Incidence and Severity of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Pests in Agro-Ecological Zones and Farming Systems of Western Kenya","authors":"J. Ogecha, W. Arinaitwe, J. Muthomi, V. Aritua, Jn Obanyi","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2019.1599151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2019.1599151","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Infestation by insect pests is a serious problem in legume up scaling activities and a threat to future production in Kenya. The survey aimed at determining incidence and severity of insect pests of common beans in different districts and agro-ecological zones of western Kenya. Foliage beetle incidence was highest in the hot and drier LM3 (72.6%) and LM4 (92.1%) zones during the long and short rains, respectively. Leaf hopper incidence was highest in LM4 (26.8%) and (59.3%) whereas bean fly incidence was highest in UM3 (12.4%) and LH1 (2.9%). Whitefly incidence was highest in LM3 (13.0%) and LM2 (17.9%) and aphid incidence was highest in LM1 (16.5%) and UM1 (40.8%). Plant bug incidence was highest in LM1 (16.5%) and LM2 (5.8%). Flower thrips incidence was highest in LM2 (20.7%) and (34.2%) in both seasons. Bean flies (7.2%) and Spodoptera (2.9%) incidences were higher during the long rains. Foliage beetle incidence (52.7%), aphids (22.6%), leaf hopper (27.9%) and flower thrips (17.8%) were higher during the short rains. Whitefly (7.9%), thrip (9.7%) incidences and foliage beetle severity (2.1) were lower on improved cultivars in LM2 areas in Homa Bay. Intercropping reduced aphid incidence (18.3%) and severity (1.3) in UM1 areas in Vihiga district. Inorganic fertiliser reduced bean fly (3.8%) and thrips (11.8%) incidences in UM1 areas in Vihiga and in LM2 areas in Siaya districts, respectively, compared with fields without fertiliser. The result is important in the development of strategies in bean insect pest management and control.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"29 1","pages":"191 - 205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77822822","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Role of Gender and Other Socioeconomic Factors in the Adoption of the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine: A Literature Review","authors":"E. Waithanji, S. Kairu-Wanyoike, M. Liani","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2019.1604195","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2019.1604195","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper looks at the role of gender and other socioeconomic factors in the adoption of the contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccine in response to three research questions: What gender and socioeconomic factors affect the adoption of the CBPP vaccine? How do they affect the adoption? What can be done to enhance the adoption of CBPP? Answers to these questions were obtained through a review of literature on CBPP and technology adoption studies. The review revealed that technology adoption, including vaccine technology adoption, is gendered, with women tending to adopt less than men, especially in terms of consumer associated drivers. CBPP vaccine adoption can be enhanced through one or a combination of up to four strategies, which include: price reduction and provision of subsidies by government and philanthropic projects especially in times of enhanced and unpredicted demand; convincing, evidence-based, demonstration of benefits of vaccination over its alternatives using methods such as return on investment for every dollar used; gender sensitive advocacy strategies and messages; and carrying out human and livestock vaccination campaigns, simultaneously, in pastoral communities living in marginal areas.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"104 1","pages":"221 - 238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83009729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Emiru Birhane, Tekleab Desalegn, F. Kebede, Kidane Giday, Hadgu Hishe, K. Hadgu
{"title":"In situ leaf litter production, decomposition and nutrient release of dry Afromontane trees","authors":"Emiru Birhane, Tekleab Desalegn, F. Kebede, Kidane Giday, Hadgu Hishe, K. Hadgu","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2019.1598060","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2019.1598060","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The litter fall production, decomposition and subsequent nutrient release of Carrisa edulis, Juniperus procera, Maytenus obscura and Olea europaea was monitored in the dry Afromontane forest of Northern Ethiopia by collecting abscised leaves using litter trap with a 192 litter bags in a randomised complete block design and collected monthly for 8 months where leaf mass and nutrient release of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were monitored. J. procera had the highest litter fall production. C. edulis had the highest leaf mass loss (27%) followed by M. obscura (22%) and the lowest was from J. procera (9%). The leaf of J. procera had significantly higher C content (p < 0.05) than the leaf of the other three species. Leaf of C. edulis N concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the other species. C. edulis had the fastest litter decomposition rate and the lowest was found in J. procera. High lignin, lignin:N and C:N was found in J. procera followed by O. europaea and were low in C. edulis. The rate of decomposition of J. procera leaves were slower than the other three species. The higher lignin, lignin:N and C:N contents of J. procera leaves contributed to the slower decomposition rate. The litter fall from C. edulis can be a supplemental source of nutrients for fertility maintenance nutrient deficient areas and low organic matter and the leaves of J. procera could be used as mulch to prevent erosion in erosion prone areas.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"1 1","pages":"176 - 190"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89199776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Physico-chemical analysis of soils for the better yield of sugarcane and rice using Heber soil quality index","authors":"A. Rajendran, M. Shanmuganathan","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2019.1602898","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2019.1602898","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Soil quality plays an important role in the assessment of sustainable land-use systems. Assessment of soil quality will always help farmers to apply correct fertilisers in correct proportions to their soil. This will definitely help them achieve maximum yield with minimum expenditure. Not only that, they can conserve their environment. Assessment tools for indexing soil quality at various scales were pursued to show the multiple functions that soils provide as the foundation for sustainable land management. Newly developed soil quality index called Heber soil quality index (HSQI) is widely used to identify and differentiate the various types of soils. In the current investigation, the soil samples were taken in the rice and sugarcane fields from, at least fifteen places of the Thiruvarur district (9.28° N, 79.3 °E) and were categorised as excellent, good or bad for cultivation of the rice and sugarcane on the basis values of Heber soil quality index (HSQI). The HSQI values of all samples ranged from 73.34 to 81.04, which reveals that the quality of soils studied in this investigation is good for the cultivation of rice and sugarcane. The index was found to be time saving and cost effective method of assessing the fertile nature of the soil for the effective cultivation of rice and sugarcane. Soil quality assessment in the light of HSQI is intended to provide a better understanding of the soil resources measures to be taken, to improve the quality of soil system for the better yield of any crop in general and rice and sugarcane in particular processes.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"9 1","pages":"206 - 220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73008733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Seed Tuber Planting Depth and Nitrogen Rate on Yield and Yield Related Traits of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) at Haramaya and Hirna, Eastern Ethiopia","authors":"Bulti Merga, N. Dechassa, W. Mohammed","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2019.1599490","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2019.1599490","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important cash and food security crop in the eastern highlands of Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is constrained by low soil fertility and poor agronomic practices. Therefore, the field experiment was conducted at the main campus of Haramaya University and at Hirna Research substation during the 2015 main cropping season. The objective of the experiments was to elucidate the effect of seed tuber planting depth and nitrogen fertiliser rate on yield-related traits and yield of the crop. The treatments consisted of four seed tuber planting depths (5, 10, 15 and 20 cm) and five rates of nitrogen (0, 46, 92, 138 and 184 kg N ha−1). The experiment was laid out as a randomised complete block design with three replications. The results of the experiment at both locations revealed that the main effect of nitrogen application rate influenced total dry weight, unmarketable tuber yield, the percentage of small-sized and medium-sized tubers. Nitrogen rate and seed tuber planting depth also interacted to influence unmarketable tuber yield, the percentage of medium and large-sized tubers produced, and tuber starch content. The main effects of seed tuber planting depth significantly influenced total dry biomass, unmarketable tuber yield, total tuber yield, marketable tuber yield, the percentage of small-sized tubers produced and tuber starch content. Increasing seed tuber planting depth generally enhanced the aforementioned parameters. However, for most parameters, the highest values were obtained already at the seed tuber planting depth of 10 cm. The optimum total and marketable tuber yields of 26.93 t ha−1 and 26 t ha−1 for Haramaya and 34.57 t ha−1 and 32.65 t ha−1 for Hirna were obtained in response to planting seed tubers at the depth of 10 cm.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"IM-30 1","pages":"101 - 118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84740112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Wekesa, Sylivia Mwalewa, Kevin Muema, J. Muthini, Phedister Riziki, P. Mukirae, Carolyne Menya
{"title":"An Economic Assessment of Woodlots for Smallholder Farms in the Coast Region of Kenya","authors":"L. Wekesa, Sylivia Mwalewa, Kevin Muema, J. Muthini, Phedister Riziki, P. Mukirae, Carolyne Menya","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1532694","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1532694","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Little is known about economic viability of woodlots being integrated in smallholder production systems in the Coast Region of Kenya. The current study was therefore conducted as a cross-sectional survey covering a sample size of 282 smallholder farmers in the Coast Region to generate information on economics of woodlots. Farmers were sampled using stratified random sampling procedures and a questionnaire with open and closed ended questions was applied to collect growth data, costs of production and benefits. We investigated the economics of woodlots on smallholder farms by estimating the nett present value and annual equivalent values of various woodlot enterprise opportunities. Results show that Casuarina equisetifolia is the most profitable woodlot enterprise. Production of C. equisetifolia is economically viable and has better financial returns than any other woodlot enterprise. Profitability of woodlots on smallholdings depends on level of integration into existing farming systems, market outlets where products are sold and level of value addition. Highest profitability is achieved when woodlots are intercropped with maize at initial stages of establishment, and selling their processed products through local market centres; one acre of C. equisetifolia gives an average nett present value of KES 856 117, which translates to a discounted annual profit margin of KES 153 361 over a seven-year rotation period. The Melia volkensii and Gmelina arborea woodlots are equally profitable with average nett present values of KES 583 486 and KES 514 301, respectively leading to conclusion that woodlots are economically viable on smallholdings in the Coast Region. It was accordingly recommended that smallholder farmers in the Coast Region be encouraged to integrate woodlots of high value trees in their farming systems to help diversify and optimise their farm incomes.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"14 1","pages":"1 - 12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81928609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eli Kuchi Jiya, E. Daniya, Musa Gimba Matthew Kolo
{"title":"Effects of Tillage System and Weed Control Method on Weed Infestation and Yield of Lowland Rice (Oryza sativa L.)","authors":"Eli Kuchi Jiya, E. Daniya, Musa Gimba Matthew Kolo","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1519293","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1519293","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT A two–year experiment was carried out to determine the effects of tillage (heap and level, hoe plough and herbicide-based zero tillage) and weed control methods (no weeding, hoe weeding at 25 days after transplanting (DAT), hoe weeding at 25 and 45 DAT, application of post-emergence herbicide propanil plus 2,4-D (Orizo Plus, Proficol Calle, Baranquilla, Colombia) at 25 DAT followed by hoe weeding at 45 DAT, and Orizo Plus® at 25 and 45 DAT) on weed infestation and performance of lowland rice in Badeggi, Nigeria. Reduced weed density and biomass, taller rice plants, and higher panicle and paddy yield were recorded in most heap and level treatments. Two hoe weedings only and Orizo Plus® at 25 DAT followed by one hoe weeding resulted in significantly lower weed density and biomass, more panicles and significantly higher paddy yield. Hoe plough in combination with two hoe weedings had the lowest weed density. Zero tillage planting in combination with two hoe weedings produced weed biomass comparable to heap and level in combination with the application of Orizo Plus® at 25 DAT followed by one hoe weeding. These results suggest that hoe plough followed by hoe weeding at 25 and 45 DAT, or heap and level tillage followed by application of Orizo Plus® at 25 DAT and hoe weeding at 45 DAT effectively controlled weeds and increased plant height, panicle number and paddy yield of transplanted rice.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"19 1","pages":"60 - 68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"82547810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Determination of Factors Influencing Cultivation and Utilisation of Pumpkins Among Smallholders in Kakamega and Nyeri Counties, Kenya","authors":"J. K. Kiramana, D. Isutsa","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1516419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1516419","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Pumpkin is becoming an important fruit-vegetable, although its potential remains unexploited in Kenya. This study aimed at enhancing conservation, preservation and production of naturalized pumpkins through the cataloguing of accessions and documentation of indigenous traditional knowledge influencing cultivation and utilization. In 2012 an expedition led to the collection of 155 accessions of Cucurbita moschata (Lam.) Poir., with 70 from Kakamega and 85 from Nyeri. Variegated accessions were significantly (P < 0.05) the most popular and highly utilized, compared to the exotic green-leafed ones. Significantly (P < 0.05) more green-leafed accessions were collected in Nyeri, and variegated in Kakamega. There was significant (P < 0.05) variation in fruit shape and skin colour. Fruit-form ranged from ovate to globose or elliptical, and the predominant skin colour was dark to pale-green. Intercropping was the main cropping system. Food provision and income generation significantly (P < 0.05) influenced cultivation and utilization of the pumpkins. Most variegated accessions were inherited from past generations and have become naturalized. The green-leafed accessions were introduced by farmers and other stakeholders. Fruits and leaves were significantly (P < 0.05) utilized by farmers, compared to seeds and whole plants. The quality of fruits and leaves, cooking method and recipes were significantly (P > 0.05) considered by farmers when selecting accessions to cultivate. These factors were significant (P > 0.05) in sustaining genetic diversity and conservation. Interventions to preserve positive factors and overcome constraining ones should be promoted to enhance growing of naturalised pumpkin for good health and income generation.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"15 1","pages":"34 - 48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91378705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Chemuliti, C. Ackello-Ogutu, S. Mbogoh, P. Irungu
{"title":"Financial Profitability of Carbon Offset Monoculture Plantation Forestry on Smallholder Farms in Trans Mara Sub-County, Kenya","authors":"J. Chemuliti, C. Ackello-Ogutu, S. Mbogoh, P. Irungu","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1486506","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1486506","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT There is growing interest in the development of smallholder carbon offset forestry projects in Africa as a means of mitigating climate change while providing co-benefits of development and environmental protection and conservation. Financial profitability of carbon projects is a key determinant that could influence smallholder farmers’ willingness to participate in them. However, current knowledge has not elucidated fully whether these projects, particularly those based on exotic monoculture forestry systems, are financially profitable for smallholder farmers in Africa. This paper reports on the results of a study conducted in Trans Mara sub-County in Kenya to assess the potential financial profitability of smallholder carbon offset Eucalyptus spp. plantation forestry and compare its nett returns with existing agricultural enterprises. Data was collected from 206 farmers using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using discounted cash flow techniques and partial budget method. The results showed that a carbon enterprise for multiple objectives of construction poles and carbon was profitable financially and more profitable than maize and bean enterprises. A carbon sequestration only enterprise was unprofitable. It was concluded that a carbon offset Eucalyptus spp. enterprise can be a source of income to farmers especially those with underutilized or marginal agricultural lands or those seeking opportunities to diversify their farming enterprises.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"114 1","pages":"13 - 24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90984798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Implications of Transforming Household Livelihoods through Villagization in Conserving Forest Resources in Southwest Ethiopia: A Case Study of Mengeshi District, Gambela Region","authors":"A. Aba, Kaba Urgessa, Zerihun Kebebew","doi":"10.1080/00128325.2018.1518826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/00128325.2018.1518826","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Villagization brings scattered households together into a defined area with the aim of transforming living conditions through providing social and economic services. As the forest in Mengeshi district, southwest Ethiopia, has been destroyed through shifting cultivation, the study aims at assessing the effect of villagization on conserving forest resources. Three sites were selected, these being at Fejeji, Baya and Kumi. A total of 119 households were selected for interviews. Information was collected through structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Six farms and 18 plots were assessed for woody plants. The results show that the most important changes which positively contribute towards forest resources were perceived after villagization. A total of 34 woody species representing 13 families were identified in the abandoned farms. Economically important species including Cordia africana Lam., Pouteria altissima (A.Chev.) Baehni and Diospyros abyssinica (Hiern) F. White that need conservation due to overutilization were recorded across the three sites. The Simpson's diversity index was 0.94 at Fejeji, 0.93 at Baya and 0.88 at Kumi. Villagization has brought about changes in the sources of livelihoods of the households. The forest-based livelihoods have shifted to farming-based livelihoods and the main sources of forest products have shifted from forest to homestead. A paired t-test showed a significant change in the forest product sources implying less pressure on natural forest resources. In general villagization has positive effects towards conserving forest resources in the area.","PeriodicalId":11421,"journal":{"name":"East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal","volume":"518 1","pages":"49 - 59"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77165826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}