Coastal Region Of Kenya Research Articles

A scientific note onVarroa destructorfound in East Africa; threat or opportunity?

In many areas of the world where it is managed, the honeybee, Apis mellifera, has been plagued by diseases, pests and parasites. Of these, the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor Anderson and Truman (Acari:Varroidae), is considered by many as the most devastating. We found this mite in honeybee colonies throughout Kenya and in Tanzania for the first time in early 2009. Beekeepers surveyed were neither aware of the mite’s presence nor had they observed any negative impact on the survival and/or productivity of their bees. In March of 2009, we sampled 38 honeybee colonies (likely A. m. scutellata, and possibly A. m. scutellata hybrids) in seven locations in Central and Eastern Kenya. We employed a common sampling technique to determine mite presence/absence that utilizes powdered sugar to dislodge mites from adult bees (Macedo et al., 2002). An average of 717 ± 43 bees per colony were sampled and Varroa mites were found in all 38 colonies examined with numbers ranging from 3–108 per sample and averaging 26.3 ± 25.9 per colony. In a further similar survey (April–May, 2009) of 125 additional colonies located in the eastern, western and coastal regions of Kenya (69 colonies in 18 locations), coastal Tanzania (18 colonies in 4 locations) including Ugunja and Pemba Islands, collectively referred to as Zanzibar (likely A.m. litorea), and Western Uganda (14 colonies in 4 locations), 87% of the

Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes as a component of integrated stem borer ( Chilo partellus Swinhoe) management in coastal region of Kenya

A study was conducted at six sites of Kenya Coastal region to evaluate candidate maize genotypes for inclusion in stem borer IPM package for the area. Stem borer infestation/damage during the trial period were rather low but nonetheless, significant differences were observed between the insecticide (Carbofuran) and/orBacillus thuriengiensis (Bt) treated plots and the control. Yield loss due perhaps to levels of tolerance of the genotypes varied from 7 to 23%. Generally, varietal crosses were higher yielding than the open pollinated populations with grain yield itself being primarily influenced by number of ears harvested per plot. Therefore, tendency towards prolificacy also determined the choice of ICZ5, IC92M2 and IC92M5 as possible candidates. Keyword: Maize, stem borer control.

Shimoni bat virus, a new representative of the Lyssavirus genus

During 2009, 616 bats representing at least 22 species were collected from 10 locations throughout Kenya. A new lyssavirus, named Shimoni bat virus (SHIBV), was isolated from the brain of a dead Commerson's leaf-nosed bat ( Hipposideros commersoni), found in a cave in the coastal region of Kenya. Genetic distances and phylogenetic reconstructions, implemented for each gene and for the concatenated alignment of all five structural genes (N, P, M, G and L), demonstrated that SHIBV cannot be identified with any of the existing species, but rather should be considered an independent species within phylogroup II of the Lyssavirus genus, most similar to Lagos bat virus (LBV). Antigenic reaction patterns with anti-nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies corroborated these distinctions. In addition, new data on the diversity of LBV suggests that this species may be subdivided quantitatively into three separate genotypes. However, the identity values alone are not considered sufficient criteria for demarcation of new species within LBV.

Effects of June winds on rainfall in the coastal region of Kenya

Although the equatorial Eastern region of Africa is adjacent to the Indian Ocean, it tends to exhibit a drier climate rather than one characterized by abundant tropical rains. A number of studies on rainfall variability in the East African region have tended to suggest a stronger influence of local factors in controlling rainfall amounts and their characteristics rather than the global wind circulation system. A climatic phenomenon that is locally termed “June winds” is unique to East Africa’s coastal region. The study mainly involved analysing rainfall anomalies and means of 39- year meteorological data from the region and data from earlier studies about the region. The results indicate that June winds occur annually after the onset of long rains between the months of May and June. They impart subsidence, drying and cloud free conditions, altering the climatological properties in the areas they traverse. The attainment of peak June wind velocities causes a characteristic depression in rainfall probability and amounts on their course, similar to the ‘Ganges depression’ of temperatures in the Indian subcontinent, which in turn affects available soil moisture for crop growth. The results also reveal existence of years of “above-normal rains” (herein referred to as El Niño years) and years of “below-normal rains” (herein referred to as La Niña years) which are associated and modulated by El Niño southern oscillation. They also reveal that drought years tend to occur in succession and that the June winds tend to be suppressed or absent during El Niño years, but strongly associate with La Niña years. The study suggests that the frequency and therefore the ratio of La Niña years to El Niño years have been increasing. The study also suggests possibility of developing a decision support system for farmers in resource use and allocation based predicted time of occurrence of the June winds.

Changing Political Faces on Kenya's Coast, 1992–2007

The voters of Kenya's coastal province largely supported the ruling party of President Moi in the elections of 1992 and 1997, yet in 2002 they turned away from KANU and toward the NaRC coalition led by Mwai Kibaki. The results of the 2007 poll show a marked turn away from the party of government, amid a general decline in the numbers of votes polled. This paper examines the 2007 parliamentary election in four constituencies of Kenya's coastal region. It questions several of the prevailing orthodoxies and generalisations about Kenya's coastal politics, suggesting that the election of a candidate is a matter of local as well as national politics, and that this varies greatly from one constituency to another. The cases of Ganze, Bahari, Likoni and Malindi constituencies will be studied to illustrate these issues, exploring a variety of factors including the personalities of the candidates, their association with the key persons leading the national campaigns, and the relationships of the candidates with past regimes.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> l. from different populations of Kenya

Hydro-distilled volatile oils from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) of 13 populations of different silvicultural zones were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against gram positive (Staphylococcus aereus, Bacillus spp.) and gram negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Samonella typhi, Klebisiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis) bacteria and a pathogenic fungus, Candida albicans. All the essential oils are active to the tested microbiles with different strength. The highest antimicrobial activity against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosae and Proteus mirabilis) was observed from the eastern Kenya (Meru) oil. Meru oil was the best and its effectiveness was consistent on nearly all the microbes tested. The oil from the plant growing in the coastal region of Kenya (Mombasa) showed the best effect only on gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis). Both oils (Meru and Mombasa) were dominated by monoterpenes accounting for 92.48% and 81.37% respectively. The monoterpene fraction was characterized by a high percentage of eugenol (68.8%) for Meru oil and 74.10% for Mombasa oil. The other major monoterpene was methyl eugenol (13.21%). Camphor (0.95%) was observed only in the Meru oil. (Cis)-Ocimene, (trans)-ocimene and beta-pinene were present in both Meru and Mombasa oils. The sesquiterpenes present in fairly good amounts in both oils were germacrene D and (trans)-caryophyllene. The minor sesquiterpenes were alpha-farnesene (0.85%) and beta-bisabolene (0.74%) which were present in the Meru oil only.

Monooxygenase Levels and Knockdown Resistance (kdr) Allele Frequencies in Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis in Kenya

Pyrethroid-treated bed-nets and indoor spray are important components of malaria control strategies in Kenya. Information on resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis populations is essential to the selection of appropriate insecticides and the management of insecticide resistance. Monooxygenase activity and knockdown resistance (kdr) allele frequency are biochemical and molecular indicators of mosquito resistance to pyrethroids. This study determined baseline information on monooxygenase activity and kdr allele frequency in anopheline mosquitoes in the western region, the Great Rift Valley–central region, and the coastal region of Kenya. In total, 1,990 field-collected individuals, representing 12 An. gambiae and 22 An. arabiensis populations were analyzed. We found significant among-population variation in monooxygenase activity in An. gambiae and An. arabiensis and substantial variability among individuals within populations. Nine of 12 An. gambiae populations exhibited significantly higher average monooxygenase activity than the susceptible Kisumu reference strain. The kdr alleles (L1014S) were detected in three An. gambiae populations, and one An. arabiensis population in western Kenya, but not in the Rift Valley-central region and the coastal Kenya region. All genotypes with the kdr alleles were heterozygous, and the conservative estimation of kdr allele frequency was below 1% in these four populations. Information on monooxygenase activity and kdr allele frequency reported in this study provided baseline data for monitoring insecticide resistance changes in Kenya during the era when large-scale insecticide-treated bed-net and indoor residual spray campaigns were being implemented.

Monooxygenase Levels and Knockdown Resistance (<I>kdr</I>) Allele Frequencies in <I>Anopheles gambiae</I> and <I>Anopheles arabiensis</I> in Kenya

Pyrethroid-treated bed-nets and indoor spray are important components of malaria control strategies in Kenya. Information on resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Anopheles gambiae and An. arabiensis populations is essential to the selection of appropriate insecticides and the management of insecticide resistance. Monooxygenase activity and knockdown resistance (kdr) allele frequency are biochemical and molecular indicators of mosquito resistance to pyrethroids. This study determined baseline information on monooxygenase activity and kdr allele frequency in anopheline mosquitoes in the western region, the Great Rift Valley-central region, and the coastal region of Kenya. In total, 1,990 field-collected individuals, representing 12 An. gambiae and 22 An. arabiensis populations were analyzed. We found significant among-population variation in monooxygenase activity in An. gambiae and An. arabiensis and substantial variability among individuals within populations. Nine of 12 An. gambiae populations exhibited significantly higher average monooxygenase activity than the susceptible Kisumu reference strain. The kdr alleles (L1014S) were detected in three An. gambiae populations, and one An. arabiensis population in western Kenya, but not in the Rift Valley-central region and the coastal Kenya region. All genotypes with the kdr alleles were heterozygous, and the conservative estimation of kdr allele frequency was below 1% in these four populations. Information on monooxygenase activity and kdr allele frequency reported in this study provided baseline data for monitoring insecticide resistance changes in Kenya during the era when large-scale insecticide-treated bed-net and indoor residual spray campaigns were being implemented.

Non-governmental organizations and agricultural development in the coastal region of Kenya.

This paper analyzes the potential collaboration between agricultural research and NGOs in the dissemination of agricultural technologies at the Kenyan coast. An inventory of NGOs working in the region was established, and 11 out of 25 were found to be active in agricultural development. These 11 NGOs were visited and interviewed. They employ 39 trained extension officers, are able to reach 196 farmer groups or 5320 farmers. They typically work with farmer groups and use participatory methods, but also work in other fields, in particular health, water, and micro-enterprise development. The NGO staff is well motivated and enjoys good working conditions and operational budgets. However, they have little technical training, their number is small compared to the 572 extension officers of the MoARD, and they reach only a fraction of the estimated 370,000 rural households. Therefore, NGOs cannot be expected to take over any of the major tasks of the conventional agricultural extension services, but should be included in a larger collaboration between agricultural research, the extension services of the MoARD, and non-traditional partners. To this collaboration NGOs would bring their enthusiasm, proficiency in participatory methods, and close contact with the population; agricultural extension services would bring their technical knowledge and experience; and agricultural research would bring the new technologies to be adapted and tested. Keywords : Agricultural extension, Kenya, non-governmental organization Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development Vol. 21 (1) 2005: pp. 55-64

Educational Level and Major Constraints Faced by Farmers and Tappers in Production and Marketing of Coconut-based Products

Kenya like other tropical countries has a coastal belt that is suitable for the growth and production of coconut and oil palms. More than 80% of the small-scale farmers in the coastal region derive their livelihood directly or indirectly from the coconut tree. This study, which was conducted between June 2002 and April 2003, sought information on the educational level and the major constraints faced by coconut tree farmers and tappers. Both stratified and area-sampling methods were employed using two questionnaires; one for the tappers and the other one for the farmers. A total of 9,155 coconut tree farmers and 2,812 mnazi tappers from six geographical districts in the Kenyan coastal province were interviewed. On average, 32.5% of the 9,155 farmers interviewed were found to be illiterate, while 42.0 % had primary school level of education. Only 11.2% had secondary school education while only 2.1% had college or university certificate. Out of the tapers interviewed, 40.3 % were found to be illiterate while 53.1% had primary school certificate. Only a few had secondary school education (4.5%) and less than 0.4% had tertiary level of education. The major constraints faced by the farmers in all the six districts were: lack of market (28.6%), low/fluctuation of prices (20.3%), pests and diseases (12.4%), poor transport/infrastructure (9.4%) and lack of credit/loans (7.7%). The major constraints faced by the tappers in all the five districts were: lack of market or poor marketing (31.1%), police and/or provincial administration harassment (20.8%), low/fluctuation of prices (15.7%), poor storage/preservation facilities (8.7%) and risk of falling due to snake-bites/strong winds/slippery trees (5.7%). The study identified all the major constraints that attributed to the amorphous marketing structures and lack of processing industries. The findings when well utilized could act as major catalysts in the process of revitalizing the coconut industry in the coastal region of Kenya. Keywords: coconut; tapper; farmer; constraints; educational level JAGST Vol 5 (1), 2004

Effect of the host plant on the survivorship of parasitized Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) larvae and performance of its larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract The effect of wild and cultivated gramineous hosts on the survivorship and weight of parasitized Chilo partellus larvae and on the performance of its larval parasitoid Cotesia flavipes were studied under laboratory conditions, in two experiments. In Experiment A, weight of Ch. partellus larvae offered to Co. flavipes was allowed to vary with host plant species in order to assess both the effect of weight and quality of larvae, as affected by the host plant, on the performance of the parasitoid. In Experiment B, larvae of similar weight across host plant species were selected to enable to separate the effect of weight from that of quality of the larvae. In Experiment A, the mean weight of larvae that produced cocoons varied significantly with plant species. In both experiments, the percentage of larvae producing cocoons and mean progeny size were lower and larvae died faster on wild than cultivated host plants. Immature development time of Co. flavipes tended to be higher on wild than cultivated grasses. The proportion of female progeny was highest on maize and lowest on the two sorghum species, in Experiment A, whereas in Experiment B, the sex ratio was similar between the host plant species. Similarly, egg-load of Co. flavipes offspring was highest on maize and lowest on Napier grass in Experiment A, but it did not vary significantly between host plants in Experiment B. It is suggested that in the coastal region of Kenya, perennial wild sorghum species are vital for the survival of Co. flavipes during the dry season, when superior plant hosts such as cultivated sorghum and maize are scarce.

Factors Affecting Knowledge about HIV/AIDS among Rural Villagers in Coastal Kenya

Person-to-person interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 99 residents of 12 rural villages in the coastal region of Kenya. The survey was organized into four sections: demographics; sources of information regarding HIV/AIDS; knowledge about HIV/AIDS and its transmission and prevention; and perception of personal risk. The average age of the study population was 31.6 years. On average, respondents had 7.1 years of formal education, 51.6% were female, 82.8% were married, and 57.6% were Christian. The majority of people received information about HIV/AIDS from the radio (83.9%). Thirty-eight percent of respondents reported currently knowing someone with HIV/AIDS. The average knowledge score about HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention is 71.6%. Significant predictors of a high knowledge score include getting information from a religious leader, a nurse, a friend, AIDS literature, and television. Those who currently know someone with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher knowledge score.

Politics and Struggles for Access to Land: ‘Grants from Above’ and ‘Squatters’ in Coastal Kenya

In Kenya and sub‐Saharan Africa generally, there has been little systematic discussion of post‐colonial struggles for land rights. Studies have ignored the fact that the ‘land question ‘ is not about production alone and have, thus, failed to assess its wider consequences for society. This raises questions about the current socio‐political dimension of the land question and the consequences of the interplay between the ‘land question ‘ and other changes under way in the country. This study addresses these questions by discussing popular struggles of access to land in the coastal region of Kenya where the land question has a distinct political history. The analysis is based on a survey conducted in Kilifi district, Coast provinces, between September 1995 and November 1996.

Whole farm economic analysis of East Coast fever immunization strategies in Kilifi District, Kenya

A whole farm simulation model termed the Technology Impact Evaluation System (TIES) was applied for assessing ex-ante financial and economic impacts of immunization of diary cattle against East Coast fever (ECF) by the infection and treatment method (ITM). Data from two case study farms, one representing small farms (less than 8 ha) and the other relatively large farms (greater than 8 ha) in Kilifi District in the coastal region of Kenya, were used in the analysis. TIES accounted for the stochastic nature of crop and livestock enterprise yields and prices by estimating probability density distributions associated with these variables over a period of 10 years. Farmers' risk preference for alternative ECF control strategies was assessed through stochastic dominance analysis. Results showed that strategies for ECF control based on ITM were financially and economically more profitable than current acaricide-based control on both the small and the large farm. For instance, net farm income and benefit-cost ratio increased by a range of 32–37% and 46–62%, respectively, on the small farm and a range of 52–58% and 65–78%, respectively, on the large farm. The greater the reduction in the use of acaricides permitted by immunization the higher the level of profitability achieved, with other model parameters held constant. The net benefits from immunization appeared to be relatively greater on the large than on the small farm. The most economically preferred ECF control strategy on both farms (taking into account farmers' risk preference) was immunization with 75% reduction in the cost of acaricide use. The confidence premium (an estimation of the marginal value to the farmer of an additional immunized animal) was Kenya shillings (Kshs) 1771 (US$51.00, 1992) and Kshs 1750 (US$50.00) on the small and large farm, respectively.

Daily chlorproguanil is an effective alternative to daily proguanil in the prevention of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Kenya

To test the efficacy of chlorproguanil prophylaxis, 156 malaria-free schoolchildren in the coastal region of Kenya were allocated at random to receive either 7·5 mg chlorproguanil daily, 50 mg chlorproguanil weekly, 100 mg proguanil daily, or 100 mg calcium lactate weekly (placebo). The children were followed up daily for 169 d, by which time Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia had occurred in 92% of the placebo group, 31% of the daily proguanil group, 38% of the daily chlorproguanil group and 55% of the weekly chlorproguanil group. There was significant reduction ( P < 0·001) in the risk of parasitaemia in all the groups receiving chemoprophylaxis. Daily chlorproguanil and daily proguanil were equally effective, and significantly more effective than weekly high dose chlorproguanil. No significant toxicity was reported or observed. Thus daily chlorproguanil 20 mg/60 kg is a cheap and effective alternative to proguanil for chemoprophylaxis.

Effect of land preparation and weeding on maize(Zea mays)grain yields in the coastal region of Kenya

Abstract A field study was conducted at the Regional Research Centre, Mtwapa and at the Msabaha subcentre in Kilifi District of Coast Province, Kenya between 1986 and 1989. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of four land preparation methods and different weeding regimes on maize (Zea mays) grain yield. Land preparation methods were slashing, hand hoeing, tractor ploughing, and herbicide (paraquat) application.’ Weeding treatments were: no weeding, hand weeding at 4th leaf, 10th leaf, 16th leaf, 4th and 10th leaf, 4th and 16th leaf, 10th and 16th leaf stages, and weed control using a pre‐emergence herbicide (pendimethalin and atrazine—metolachlor mixture). Use of pre‐emergence herbicide had the same effect on grain yield as two weedings (at 4th and 10th leaf stages). The yields obtained with chemical weeding were significantly higher than those obtained with one early weeding (at 4th leaf stage). Land preparation methods did not differ significantly in their effect on maize grain yi...

Conditions In Shallow Wells In The South Coast Region Of Kenya

ABSTRACT Groundwater conditions in the South Coast Region of Kenya are examined in terms of the quantity and quality of the water derived from boreholes in the region. Both the quality and quantity are found to be generally acceptable for expected uses in the area A new parameter used to define the degree and sensitivity of violations in the quality conditions is introduced and demonstrated.

Studies on the legume pod-borer, Maruca testulalis Geyer—VII. Field surveys on pathogenic microorganisms

Field surveys along the Lake Basin and the Coastal regions of Kenya were carried out to assess the natural incidence of pathogenic microorganisms associated with the legume pod-borer, Maruca testulalis Geyer on the cowpea crop. A regular sampling regime was maintained on plots planted with four varieties of cowpea: T VX 66-2H, Vita 3 (TVU 1190), Ex-Luanda and Nyar-Milambo. Larvae of M. testulalis were recovered from the flowers and pods of the crop, and subjected to routine laboratory disease diagnosis including: tissue examination, culture incubation, microscopy and pathogen identification. The main groups of pathogenic microorganisms found to act as natural mortality factors to M. testulalis larvae include: protozoa, bacteria, fungi and a virus. A higher level of disease incidence and diversity on M. testulalis larvae occurred in the lake basin region of Kenya than the coastal part.

The deposition of sulphur and sodium in rainwater in the coastal region of Kenya

In a previous study (Bromfield, Debenham &amp; Hancock, 1980) sulphur deposited in rainwater was measured in central Kenya some 450 km from the Indian Ocean. The study reported here was complementary and measured sulphur deposited in 1979 at the Kenya coast, adjacent to the Indian Ocean, in a small but important agricultural area. Sodium was also measured since it is an element of marine origin, present in air in particulate form, and can be compared with sulphur which is largely present in the air in gaseous form.

The Giriama Risings of 1913-1914

The Giriama (or Giryama), one of the Nyika tribes of the coastal region of Kenya, reacted violently in 1913 and 1914 to the sudden establishment of effective colonial rule. Their defensive effort, which has received almost no attention from historians, is an interesting example of primary resistance by a stateless people and its suppression by a colonial regime. The Giriama rising, while hardly a serious threat to the British position in Kenya, did hinder military operations against the Germans in the early weeks of World War One. In the end, government authority was clearly established, but some important conces sions were made to the tribe.