East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology最新文献

{"title":"Growth and Economic Performance of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) Fed Diets Containing Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens Linnaeus, 1758)","authors":"General Beven Mundida, Julius Otieno Manyala, James Madzimure, Kenneth Rono","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1447","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1447","url":null,"abstract":"Insect meals have been proposed as a potential alternative protein source for replacing fishmeal (FM), the key ingredient in aquaculture diets, yet is the most scarce and expensive. However, not much work has been done on the effects of replacing FM with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFLM) on the growth and economic performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. This study investigated the effect of replacing FM with BSFLM on the growth and economic performance of African catfish. Five isonitrogenous (40% CP) diets were formulated to replace 100% FM, 75% FM, 50% FM, 25% FM and 0% FM with BSFLM, hereafter referred to as BSFLM0, BSFLM25, BSFLM50, BSFLM75 and BSFLM100 diets, respectively. Six hundred mixed-sex fingerlings of mean weight 0.46±0.02g were stocked in 15 plastic tanks (40 fingerlings/tank, three replicates/treatment). Fish were hand-fed at 6% body weight twice a day for 12 weeks. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in final body weight, body weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and condition factor. The best growth performance was recorded in fish fed on BSFLM25. The economic analysis indicated that BSFLM diets reduced significantly (P<0.05) the incidence cost compared to the (BSFLM0). BSFLM0 had the highest incidence cost (KES 99.99), while BSFLM100 (KES 59.93) yielded the lowest. BSFLM diets significantly increased (P<0.05) the profit index compared to BSFLM0. BSFLM100 and BSFLM25 had the highest profit indexes (KES 5.06) and (KES 4.28) respectively. Additionally, the best harvest weight and value of fish were found to be higher in BSFLM25 compared to other compositions, even when the amounts fed and feed cost per kg were not significantly different from BSFLM0. The study demonstrated that BSFLM is a cost-effective alternative to FM in diets of African catfish and hence can replace BSFLM up to 25% without negative effects on growth and economic benefits","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"58 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134886750","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":"Value Chain Mapping of Edible Termites (Macrotermes subhylanus) as an Alternative Source of Income to Rural Livelihoods in Alego Usonga","authors":"Immaculate Nasimiyu Shikoli, Christopher Obel Gor, Elijah Museve","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1446","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1446","url":null,"abstract":"Reducing food insecurity remains a public policy challenge in developing countries. Food insecurity becomes severe in areas where households highly depend on undiversified livelihoods. Entomophagy has been perceived as a solution towards food security due to its nutritional benefits, environmentally friendly attributes and its potential to generate income. However, information to aid its commercialisation is limited, hence the need for value chain mapping. This paper assesses the value chain of edible termites (Macrotermes subhylanus) in Alego Usonga Sub County with the aim of promoting it as an alternative source of income. This study sought to understand the value chain actors from input supplier to consumption and their role in the value chain. Simple random sampling was used to obtain participants for the study. Face-to-face interviews and structured questionnaires were administered to 225 respondents to collect data on value chain actors and their roles. Value chain mapping technique was used for functional and technical analysis of the alate termites’ value chain. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics Chi-square tests, with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Value chain actors in the termite value chain included input suppliers (1.8), producers/collectors (4%), retailers (13.3%) and consumers (80.9). There was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in terms of input supplier and producer/ collectors of termites; a high significant difference (P ≤ 0.001) was also recorded in hawkers and retailers, where women were reported to play a vital role in hawking and retailing of termites. In terms of transportation, human transport (82.7%) was preferred over motorbikes. Although the value chain actors agreed that edible termites could contribute to additional sources of income, the sector was insufficiently supported by farmer groups and associations, lending institutions, research, and extension service providers","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"52 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134886888","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":"Influence of Dykes’ Characteristics on Food Crop Production in Lower River Nyando Basin, Kenya","authors":"Berryl Atieno Ojung’a, Irene Nzisa Mutavi, Denis Masika","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1436","url":null,"abstract":"Dykes minimise flood risks among riparian communities. In Nyando basin, Kenya, dykes were constructed to minimise flood impacts on human activities in the riparian plains. The dyke characteristics could change the rate of silting. In spite of these dynamics, some farmers now use fertilisers as a new way of coping with nutrient deficiency. Several researches have been done in Kenya on the effects of floods on human activities; however, there is no clear link between dyke characteristics like period of existence, length and height and their influence on food crop production. The dykes in Nyando have reduced floods in the region; however, it is not clearly understood how the dyke characteristics influence the food crop. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of dyke characteristics on food crop production. Planning Theory was used. Descriptive cross-sectional research design applied. The target population stood at 34,460 households. At least 384 Household heads were recruited via simple random sampling and a questionnaire administered, while purposive sampling was useful in identifying relevant experts in the field of study. Primary data was obtained by interviewing key informants and focused group discussions. Other tools include observation and photography. Secondary data was obtained from publications and print media, and SPSS was utilised in data analysis. Qualitative data was analysed by coding and organisation of data into themes and sub-themes where generalisation was made. The results from the multiple coefficients of determination (R2) indicated that 45.4% (R2 = .454, p = .039) of the variation in the general crop yield was explainable by the combined change in Dyke Characteristics. The dykes’ characteristics significantly influenced crop production","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"22 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135437174","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":"Communities’ Perceptions Toward Agricultural Projects in Kishapu District, Tanzania","authors":"Abia Jason Shinyanga, Emmanuel Timothy Malisa, Angela Jesse","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1431","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1431","url":null,"abstract":"Perception towards development projects being introduced or implemented in an area tends to differ among community members, with some projects being perceived negatively and others positively. Understanding local communities’ perceptions towards agricultural projects and factors that influence these perceptions is important because the perception of a project has a bearing on participation in the same. However, more often than not, local communities’ perceptions do not receive as much attention as they deserve. This study surveyed the communities’ perceptions toward agricultural projects in Kishapu District. Data were collected from 100 respondents through a questionnaire survey and from 6 participants through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression model and content analysis were employed for data analysis. Results show that most of the respondents had a positive perception toward agricultural projects because the projects contribute to community development. Drivers of positive community perception are involvement in previous agricultural projects, education, access to information and farm size. Therefore, community perception toward agricultural projects hinges on the extent to which similar projects have benefited the community in the past. Thus, to achieve positive community perceptions towards agricultural projects, there is a need for project implementers to ensure that projects improve people’s living standards. Moreover, there is a need to ensure community members are well informed of the projects regardless of their literacy level and that innovative practices to benefit farmers regardless of their farm sizes are promoted","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134911133","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":"Nutritional Status of Under-five Children in Arumeru District, Tanzania","authors":"Bakari George, J. Zemba, P. Sewando","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1331","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1331","url":null,"abstract":"Malnutrition not only hinders development but also indicates that the basic physiological needs of individuals have not been adequately met. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of the under-five population among the local community in the Arumeru district. The study's specific goals were to analyse under-five food usage at the household level, examine food intake frequency, and calculate the dietary diversity score among the sampled population. The study was conducted in the Arusha region, whereby a sample size of 382 households was selected from the study area. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that children under the age of five in the study area experience both micro and macronutrient deficiencies, indicating a state of food nutrition insecurity. Results also showed that more than 50% of the sampled under five scored less than the WHO’s recommended Household Dietary Diversity score which is 33.3%. However, 54.8% of 62 sampled under five children were underweight (<18.5). Moreover, 46% of the households (HH) had less than four meals for under five per day. The most consumed food group by the under-five was cereal, especially maize which is converted into Ugali and porridge, meat, vegetables, and milk which are most of the time shared with the adults with an average of 8,000 Kcal to 10,000 Kcal per day per head. Based on the results, the paper concludes that children under the age of five in the study area are still facing issues related to overweight and improper feeding practices. Therefore, the paper recommends extension officers (food nutritionists and development partners) to continue changing the mindset of household members through in-house training, which will capacitate the communities in preparing types of food for those under five using their own local resources and food available in their respective surroundings.","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114481621","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":"Devolution of Agriculture and its Effects on Mango Marketing by Small-Scale Farmers in Makueni County, Kenya","authors":"Mary Kaluki Vamba, T. Kibutu, J. Musau","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1326","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1326","url":null,"abstract":"The study aimed to evaluate the devolution of agriculture and its effects on mango marketing by small-scale mango farmers in Makueni County, Kenya. It utilised a descriptive research design and collected data in narrative and numerical formats from mango farmers in the county. The study used a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews; data was collected using a stratified random sampling technique. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, and correlation analysis in the SPSS (V27) package, while qualitative data from interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings hold significant implications for policymakers, farmers, and researchers. Furthermore, the study informs small-scale farmers about the benefits of adopting good agricultural practices to improve the quality of their mangoes. Key indicators of devolution identified in the study include improved marketing guidelines, farm cooperatives, processing of farm produce, infrastructure development, improved bargaining power, provision of farm inputs, funding/soft loans, and training and capacity building. The benefits of devolution for mango farmers encompass increased decision-making authority, subsidies for farm inputs, and overall improvement in their lives. Some of the challenges faced by mango farmers are limited marketing options, restricted credit availability, and low prices for their produce. Based on the findings, there is a significant positive relationship between agricultural devolution and mango marketing. The correlation analysis indicates a positive relationship between devolution and the marketing of mangoes (r = 0.572, p = 0.000). The study concluded that although mango marketing cooperatives helped farmers, the Makueni County government lacked sufficient marketing options for mango producers. This resulted in limited market access, restricted credit availability, and low prices for their produce. The study recommends collaboration between the county government and mango farmers to increase demand and marketing approaches for mangoes.","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"50 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124460771","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":"Local Farmers’ Perception towards Eucalyptus Woodlot: Lesson Drawn from the Jamma District, Northeastern Ethiopia","authors":"Tesfanesh Ababu Kebede, Xiaoqian Chen","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1317","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1317","url":null,"abstract":"Eucalyptus woodlots are the most economically important and extensively planted exotic tree species in Ethiopia. However, there are different arguments on Eucalyptus’s contribution and its effect on the environment from scholars and communities as a whole. Hence, this study investigates farmers’ perceptions and factors affecting their perception of Eucalyptus woodlot plantation. The sample size of respondents was 150 farmers who were selected randomly, and data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model. The result revealed that 65.3% of farmers had a positive perception, but they perceived negative effects like Nutrient competition of Eucalyptus on crops, effect on water resources, drying out of other plant species, shading effect, and causing soil infertility. Eucalyptus contributed 41.6% to the total household income, next to agriculture (54.2%). Degraded land, roadsides, and farm boundary were the common niches of Eucalyptus plantations. Furthermore, Eucalyptus wood products are the most preferable construction materials for local communities. The result shows that the majority of the farmers plant Eucalyptus on degraded land. The model result indicated that staying years in the area, farmers’ experience, age, educational status, and distance to market had significant effects on farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus plantation. The findings recommended that different concerned bodies should work to address different socioeconomic and biophysical factors affecting farmers’ perception towards Eucalyptus woodlot. The findings further suggest that experts and policy-makers should consider the interests and perceptions of farmers to make decisions regarding Eucalyptus woodlot plantations","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"87 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127174449","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 Different Seedbed Preparation Methods on Potato Yields in Kabarole District, Uganda","authors":"Faith Kenneth Aharinta, D. Osiru, Abel Byarugaba Arinaitwe, Francis Kamugisha","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1308","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1308","url":null,"abstract":"Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is one of the most important tuber crops produced in Uganda. However, the production and productivity of the crop are far below the world average due to poor crop seedbed preparation. An experiment for accessing the response of potato yields under different Seedbed preparation methods was conducted. Treatments consisted of two levels of seedbed preparation: Zero tillage and conventional tillage with and without NPK, laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data was collected on growth parameters: average number of stems, estimated average plant height, estimated average plant width, and yield parameters: number of greened tubers, the weight of greened tubers, number of good tubers, and yield of potatoes. It was analysed using GenStat software. Results revealed that the proper seedbed preparation method was of paramount importance. Higher yields were observed in conventional tillage (14,744 Kg/ha) compared to zero-tillage (14,519 Kg/h). It was recommended that industrious seedbed preparation be encouraged among the farmers","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"171 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131348634","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":"Effectiveness of Chia Seed Plant Powder in Comparison with Malathion in the Control of Bean Weevils","authors":"Francis Kamugisha, Fina Opio, David Osiru, Kenneth Faith Aharinta","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1261","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1261","url":null,"abstract":"The primary objective of the research was to contribute to the control of storage pests in beans through the use of chia seed plant powder—an organic control method. The study adopted both descriptive and correlational research designs for data collection and analysis. It comprised: a survey of the chia farmers in Kyabugimbi sub-county, Uganda, for the purpose of assessing their perception concerning control of storage pests in beans through the use of chia seed plant powder; and an experiment for assessing the susceptibility of a variety of beans and pesticide application. The experiment had three bean varieties: NAROBEAN3, NABE16, and KAHURA. The type of pesticide had two treatments and control, that is, chia seed plant powder and malathion, and each had three levels. A control consisted of dishes with bean varieties infested with weevils without any pesticide added. Each set was comprised of control without any treatment. A total of 54 samples were used. These were laid out in a completely randomised design (CRD) and replicated three times. Pesticides were applied at 0%, 50%, and 100% rates of application. Data were collected on the following measurements: Number of infested seeds, number of adult bruchids that emerged, and weight of seeds at the end of the experiment. The ANOVA test results found that the effect of pesticide application on the number of infested seeds, number of weevils that emerged, and weight of bean seeds was significant (P< 0.01), while the variety of beans was not significant. Although malathion had the lowest bean weevil figures and is therefore more effective in controlling bean weevils, it is a synthetic product, and chia seed would be promoted because it is an organic product because of being more friendly to the human body and the environment than malathion, a synthetic pesticide","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"34 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128097066","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 Purple Blotch Farm Management Practices on Onion Production in Uganda","authors":"I. Mohammed, P. Ipulet, A. Kangire","doi":"10.37284/eajab.6.1.1262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1262","url":null,"abstract":"Onion is one of the most important commercial vegetable crops grown intensively in the world. Purple blotch found in all the growing regions is the most destructive of all onion diseases. Detailed studies on the disease's management practices had not been conducted in Uganda. The objective of this study was to establish the effect of purple blotch disease management practices on onion production. Kabale, Kasese, and Mbale regions were identified as the major onion-growing regions. Five farms/onion varieties/regions were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 52 farm owners who were interviewed. The results revealed the majority were small-scale peasant farmers with mean acreage of 0.64-1.94, which varied significantly p=.000, and Kasese had the highest. Eight onion varieties were recorded: Bombay red, Hazera, Hybrid, Malbec, Red coach, Red creole, S-Zee and Tanzania, with Red creole grown in all the regions. Kabale registered the highest number of farms (40.3%), Kasese district (25.0%), the highest mean production of 6,329.9 kg/season, and Namisindwa (21.1%) the second. The main source of seed was Agro input dealers. The use of artificial fertiliser was highest in Mbale (72.7%) and lowest in Kasese (50%), though it did not vary p>.05 significantly. Only farmers in Kabale and Kasese had access to credit facilities, agricultural extension workers and farmers' groups, with Kasese in the lead. Onion purple blotch disease and thrips were the main problem in all the regions and were controlled using chemicals: 100%, 90.9% and 88.3% in Mbale, Kabale, and Kasese, respectively. Weeding of farms was lowest in Mbale (mean = 3.88) and highest in Kasese (4 .84). In conclusion, growing the right onion variety, farmer groups, access to credit facilities, and genuine farm inputs are necessary for a sustainable onion agribusiness in Uganda","PeriodicalId":144021,"journal":{"name":"East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"130673223","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}