Livestock Research Organization Research Articles

Analysis of spatio-temporal variability of temperature, relative humidity and temperature humidity index in Naivasha Sub-county, Kenya

The aim of the study was to understand the environmental conditions impacting the reproductive performance of Sahiwal cattle, focusing on temperature, relative humidity, and relative humidity index (RHI). These factors significantly influence reproductive rates, highlighting the importance of spatio-temporal variability studies for informed herd management decisions. This study analyzed climate variability trends from 1998 to 2019 at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dairy Research Institute (DRI)-Naivasha, in Malewa Ward, Naivasha Sub-County, Kenya. Daily minimum and maximum temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) data sourced from the Kenya Meteorological Department were utilized. The Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was computed using the THI equation developed by Mader. Time series analyses, including the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimates, were employed to assess seasonal variability. Results indicated significant decreasing trends in temperature across all the four seasons studied (DJF, MAM, JJA, and SON), with rates of cooling at -0.0625, -0.0175, -0.0125, and -0.0342 °C per year, respectively. In contrast, relative humidity showed statistically significant increases in all seasons, with rates of +0.5977, +0.999, +1.4493, and +1.0499 for DJF, MAM, JJA, and SON, respectively. Seasonal THI exhibited significant decreases in DJF and JJA, potentially impacting livestock reproductive performance. These findings are crucial for policymakers to create adaptation and mitigation methods to address climate change effects on livestock and livelihoods.

Moderating Effect of Strategic Linkages on Corporate Leadership and Organizational Performance in Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

The urgency of securing safe, affordable, reliable, and nutritious food amid a growing global population and shrinking land productivity underscores the pivotal role of corporate leadership in fostering strategic partnerships and organizational performance. This is crucial for organizations like Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to enhance performance and drive agricultural innovation that ensure achievement of national targets and mandate. Understanding the dynamics between leadership effectiveness, strategic alliances, and organizational performance is essential for addressing food security challenges and optimizing the impact of agricultural research institutions worldwide. The projected 27% increase in global population by 2050 emphasizes the need for strong corporate leadership and strategic partnerships to ensure balanced diets for over half a billion smallholder farmers. Despite Kenya's higher productivity than East Africa and Africa averages, challenges remain in enhancing food security through effective leadership and strategic alliances, particularly within institutions like KALRO. The study explored the moderating influence of strategic linkages on the relationship between corporate leadership and the performance of KALRO. Rooted in organizational excellence, upper echelons, legitimacy, and stakeholder theories, the research employed a pragmatic philosophy, and mixed methods design to mitigate bias. The target population included 75 management organs, with 60 directors and 188 top leadership units as units of observation. Quantitative analysis, using a composite regression model and ANOVA, revealed a significant impact of strategic linkages on corporate leadership and KALRO's performance. The study verified consistent variances and normality across variables, supporting parametric analyses. Autocorrelation analysis indicated no significant autocorrelation. Multicollinearity tests showed acceptable values, ensuring the reliability of the regression model. No outliers were detected. Cronbach's alpha scores demonstrated strong internal reliability. Significant correlations confirmed associations between variables, aligning with previous research findings. Strategic linkages emerged as enhanced moderator, explaining 69.4% of the variance. In this case, the moderator variable amplified or strengthened the relationship between corporate leadership and organizational performance of KALRO. Rejecting the null hypothesis highlighted the positive impact of strategic linkages on performance. Conditional effects analysis revealed strong corporate leadership influence at low strategic linkages but diminishing at higher levels. Recommendations encompassed gender diversity, inclusive leadership development, regular performance appraisals, enhanced monitoring and evaluation system, and improved linkages. The findings provide valuable guidance for KALRO's leadership amid competing priorities and budgetary constraints.

Moderated Mediation Dynamics: Influence of Strategic Linkages and Policy Implementation on Corporate Leadership and Kenya Agricultural Research Organization's Performance

Global demand for safe, affordable, and accessible nutritious food currently exceeds governmental efforts, notwithstanding huge investments in enhancing capacity of organizations mandated to reverse such trends. With the projected 27% increase in global population by 2050, the need for corporate leadership and policy implementation efforts is urgent. The study explored the moderated mediation effect of strategic linkages and policy implementation on the relationship between corporate leadership and performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Rooted in organizational excellence, upper echelons, legitimacy, institutional, and stakeholder theories, the study employed a pragmatic philosophy, and mixed methods design to mitigate bias. The target population included 75 management organs, with 60 directors and 188 top leadership units as units of observation. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data using NVivo. Cronbach’s alpha (α ≥ .700) confirmed internal consistency. Both confirmatory factor and principal component analyses aided data reduction. Moderated mediation analysis, using Hayes' PROCESS Macro, showed significant interaction (p = .004) between policy implementation (mediator) and strategic linkages (moderator), indicating that the effect of policy implementation on KALRO’s performance varies with levels of strategic linkages (set at -.229). Index below -0.229 shows significant relationships, and vice versa. Recommendations encompass gender diversity, inclusive leadership development, regular performance appraisals, an enhanced monitoring and evaluation system, and improved linkages. The findings provide valuable guidance for KALRO's leadership amid competing priorities and budgetary constraints. Keywords: Moderated mediation, policy implementation, strategic linkages, corporate leadership, KALRO

PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND MINERAL PROFILE OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) IN EMBU, KENYA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Taro (<em>Colocasia esculenta</em>) is one of the underutilized crops in Kenya, grown under a wide range of environmental and edaphic conditions. This crop has exceptional dietary value and numerous culinary applications due to its edible leaves and corms. However, the mineral nutrient composition of taro in Kenya is still not well known due to a lack of scientific information concerning production. <strong>Objective. </strong>To determine the proximate composition and mineral profile of taro under different watering regimes and planting densities in Embu, Kenya. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) 2021, and short rains (SR) 2021/2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was adopted. The watering regimes (100 %, 60 %, and 30 % based on the field capacity (FC)) were the main factor while the sub-factor was the planting density, with three replications. The planting densities used were 0.5 m × 0.5 m (40,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), and 1 m × 1 m (10,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities respectively. Proximate analysis and mineral content were determined. <strong>Results.</strong> Significant differences (<em>P < 0.05</em>) in seasons were noted for protein, fibre, potassium, calcium, sodium, and zinc in the taro corms. The high carbohydrate content observed in this study (35 – 39 %) indicates that taro tubers are a good source of nutritional energy. Potassium (> 5000 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) and magnesium (> 1000 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) were the most prevalent mineral elements in taro corms and leaves, with copper (< 25 mg kg <sup>-1</sup>) being the least prevalent. <strong>Implications.</strong> Consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as taro helps the body to utilize the necessary nutrients to combat malnutrition and promote food security in rural communities. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> Taro leaves can be recommended as leafy vegetables as they are good sources of potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, copper, and zinc; and the corms have low fat and protein content, high calorific energy, and high carbohydrate content. Taro represents one of the main sources of energy in many parts of the tropics and its production can be recommended in sub-humid areas in Kenya.<strong></strong></p>

An Evaluation of Performance of Indigenous Chicken and Irish Potato Value Chains by Smallholder Farmers under Kopia Project in Meru County, Kenya

Adequate, nutritious and safe food is a basic human need. A bilateral project on food security was implemented in Meru County with support from the Republic of South Korea and the County government of Meru between January 2020 and December 2022. The ordinary two-year handover period is ending in December 2024. Its objective was to improve the performance of indigenous chicken and Irish potato value chains among smallholder producers. Despite the existence of high demand for both Indigenous chicken and Irish potatoes, market supply remains low. A stratified sampling method was used to identify 4 Indigenous chickens, Ng’onyi, Mbaria, Ntalami, and Kangeta, and 2 Irish potatoes, Katheri and Murungurune villages, to serve as models. Two hundred practising farmers were selected from each village. All the farmers identified inadequate knowledge, poor genetic materials (Indigenous chicken and Irish potato), high disease incidences, and poorly developed market structures as the main challenges they faced. A training hall was constructed in each of the six model villages and equipped with a computer, a printer, and a monitor. Each chicken-keeping village had a hatchery unit, and those growing potatoes had a potato storage unit constructed and equipped. Egg incubators and Hatchers were provided to the Indigenous chicken-keeping villages. A motorcycle to assist lead-farmer movement was provided to each model village. A curriculum with 22 areas and another one with 20 units were developed to train the Indigenous chicken keepers and Irish potato farmers, respectively. Each curriculum included both technical and non-technical aspects. A total of 73, 837 day old Improved Indigenous chicks were equitably supplied to all the four model villages, with 41600 day old chicks procured from Kenya agriculture, livestock research organization (KALRO) and 32237 locally hatched. A total of 51 tonnes of assorted clean-seed potatoes were procured and supplied to the farmers. The total annual revenue from eggs (tray) rose from Ksh15583.3 before intervention to Ksh133588.7 after intervention. The quantity of eggs sold in trays increased from 54.4 to 193.7, while those sold in pieces increased from 482 to 969. The number of hens sold increased from 17 to 29, and that of cocks sold doubled from 15 to 30. However, all the variable cost components increased during the intervention period. Broilers Mash witnessed the biggest increase in cost by 217.6% from Ksh 1358.9 before intervention to Ksh 2956.5. Despite a rise in the total variable cost by 213%, the average annual gross margin rose from Ksh.7092 to Ksh 91523. The Irish potato farmers had an increase of 192 % in weight (Kg/acre) of total tubers, with production rising from 8711 to 16711 Kg. The potato farmers had a 75.4% increase in household incomes, and their gross margins increased by 76.9 %. The potato farm gate prices increased by 28.57%. After interventions, the potato farmer's gross margin recorded an increase from Ksh. 9 566.5 to 16927.4, translating to a 77% increase. The average total seasonal production increased from 1,394.5 Kg to 2,120.5 Kg. The revenue received from potatoes per season increased from Ksh.46855.2. to Ksh.91605.6 per season. The increase in revenue was a result of the increase in the quantity produced and the price per kg. From the results above, it can be concluded that the implementation of the Indigenous chicken and Irish potato value chains project helped to improve production and household incomes. It is recommended that policy-makers adopt this model village approach in all the agricultural-based value chains.

Corporate Leadership in Agricultural Advancements: Exploratory Evaluation of Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

The study examined the influence of corporate leadership on the performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), utilizing theories of organizational excellence, upper echelons, and stakeholder. The study utilized a mixed-methods design with a pragmatic philosophy to reduce biases. It specifically targeted 75 management organs, with a focus on 60 directors and 188 top leadership members. The study employed cross-sectional survey to examine quantitative relationships, while qualitative perceptions were obtained through interpretive phenomenological analysis. The thorough examination, utilizing a composite regression model, revealed the significant effect of corporate leadership on KALRO's performance. The ANOVA results strongly supported the significant effect of corporate leadership on KALRO's performance by ruling out the null hypothesis that corporate leadership has no significant effect. Engaging in telephone discussions with the respondents who expressed apprehension resolved the primary constraint of the confidentiality of data. Suggested actions involve giving priority to achieving gender diversity, enhancing leadership development, conducting frequent performance evaluations, integrating monitoring and evaluation systems into regular operations, and enhancing communication. The study seeks to provide KALRO's leadership with guidance in making well-informed decisions in the face of conflicting priorities in the country. The research focused on assessing the impact of corporate leadership on the performance of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), employing organizational excellence, upper echelons, and stakeholder theories. Using a mixed-methods design aligned with a pragmatic philosophy to minimize biases, the study targeted 75 management organs, specifically 60 directors and 188 top leadership members. Employing a cross-sectional survey for quantitative analysis and interpretive phenomenological analysis for qualitative insights, the research, through a composite regression model, revealed a significant influence of corporate leadership on KALRO's performance. ANOVA results strongly supported this influence, rejecting the null hypothesis. Addressing confidentiality concerns, telephone discussions with hesitant respondents were conducted. Proposed actions include prioritizing gender diversity, enhancing leadership development, conducting frequent performance evaluations, integrating monitoring and evaluation systems into regular operations, and improving communication. The objective is to equip KALRO's leadership with guidance for informed decision-making amid conflicting priorities in the country. Keywords: Corporate Leadership, Organizational Performance, KALRO, Cabinet Secretary.

Synergistic Effects and Financial Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.

Synergistic Effects and Financial Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.

Genotype × environment interaction: trade-offs between the agronomic performance and stability of durum (Triticum turgidum) wheat to stem-rust resistance in Kenya.

Stem rust significantly threatens durum wheat production, often resulting in substantial yield losses. To better understand resistance mechanisms and the stability of durum lines in stem rust-prone environments, this study evaluated 49 durum genotypes over three seasons at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization in Njoro. Utilizing 7 × 7 alpha lattice design, we assessed adult-plant resistance, monitored disease progression through final disease score (FDS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and evaluated agronomic performance. Statistical analyses revealed significant seasonal and genotypic effects on FDS, AUDPC, spike length, and grain yield (p≤0.01; p≤0.001), with important genotype-by-season interactions (p≤0.05; p≤0.001). Broad-sense heritability for AUDPC was high at 0.91 and moderate at 0.35 for kernels per spike, underscoring the genetic basis of these traits. Notably, we observed negative correlations between disease parameters and agronomic traits, suggesting potential trade-offs. GGE biplot analysis singled out the first season (main season of 2019) as crucial for evaluating stem rust resistance and identified several durum lines, such as G45 and G48, as consistently resistant across all conditions. Furthermore, this analysis highlighted G45, G48, G176 and G189 as the highest yielding and most stable lines. The discovery of these resistant and high-performing genotypes is critical for enhancing durum breeding programs, helping to mitigate the impact of stem rust and improve yield stability.

Prospects of classical biological control of papaya mealybug in Kenya: Performance of its exotic parasitoid, Acerophagus papayae, under laboratory and field conditions

Papaya mealybug (PMB), Paracoccus marginatus, native to Mexico and Central America, invaded Kenya in 2016 causing severe yield losses of between 57% and 91% and £2224/ha household economic losses annually. A classical biological program for PMB involved the importation of Acerophagus papayae, a koinobiont endoparasitoid, from Ghana into the quarantine facility at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Muguga. Laboratory bioassays were conducted to evaluate the suitability of A. papayae to parasitize PMB. Parasitism rates, sex ratio and development time of the parasitoid were evaluated under choice and no-choice experimental conditions. High parasitism rates of 72.5 ± 5.9 and 75.0 ± 3.8% were recorded in third instar and adult female PMB, respectively, and lower parasitism rates of 43.8 ± 4.6 % were recorded in second instars, under no-choice test conditions. Significant differences in host choice were noted when A. papayae was offered several host stages, with third instars being preferred over second instars. Adult females were preferred over third instars. Adult parasitoids were released and monitored for their establishment at six papaya farms in the Coastal region of Kenya from December 2021 to November 2022. Parasitoid establishment was recovered within the first month of release. Parasitism levels varied across the sites with the highest parasitism of 72.89 % recorded in Kwale. Findings from this study highlight the potential of A. papayae as a good candidate for biological control of PMB in Kenya and Africa beyond.

Soil Microbial Biomass, Microbial Population and Diversity in Maize-Banana Based Agroforestry System in Kisii County, Kenya

Soil microbes are involved in many important ecosystem processes including nutrient acquisition, biogeochemical cycling and soil aggregation. Soil microbial diversity affects the soil belowground dynamics and fate of carbon and nutrients. Soil microbes are important for agricultural and plant production systems, hence understanding the effects of agroforestry systems on the soil microbes, is necessary in order to improve on soil health and fertility. The objective of the study was to determine the soil microbial biomass, microbial populations and microbial diversity in maize-banana based agroforestry system. The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization farm in Kisii County. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with maize and banana intercropped with agroforestry trees. The treatments were; Maize, banana (MMBB), Maize-banana, Calliandra (MBCC), Maize (MM), banana (BB), Maize-banana, Leucaena (MBLL), Maize-banana, Sesbania (MBSS) and Maize, fertilizer (MMF). Soil samples were collected from the agroforestry fields using a soil auger. Soil microbial biomass was measured using the chloroform fumigation extraction. Fungi and bacteria were enumerated by serial dilution plate method.Shannon diversity index (H’) and Simpson diversity index (1 - D) were used for the calculation of species diversity. SAS (version 9) statistical software was used for analysis. The treatments with agroforestry tree species had significantly higher soil microbial biomass (MBSS-86.33, MBCC-52.66 and MBLL- 47.0MgC/Kg) populations of bacteria (MBSS-197, MBCC-128.0 and MBLL-111.25x108cfu g-1soil) and fungi (MBSS-50.83, MBCC-29.167 and MBLL-14.0x105cfu g-1 soil) and diversity of bacteria (MBSS- (H' =1.61, D = 1), MBCC- (H' =1.04, D = 0.83), MBLL (H' = 0.52, D = 0.5) and fungi MBSS (H' =1.39, D = 1) MBCC (H' =1.04, D= 0.83), MBLL (H' =1.56, D = 0.93). MBSS increased microbial biomass, microbial populations and microbial diversity significantly an indication of improved soil health and hence recommended for adoption by farmers.

WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta) UNDER VARYING WATERING REGIMES AND PLANTING DENSITIES IN EMBU, KENYA

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Taro (<em>Colocasia esculenta</em>) can be grown in a variety of environmental and edaphic conditions, but it is most typically grown in wetlands. The optimal conditions for its growth are two water regimes i.e., waterlogged or flooded conditions to dryland or unflooded conditions. An important criterion in crop yield is water use efficiency (WUE), and it has been suggested that crop production per unit of water used can be increased. <strong>Objectives.</strong> To determine the WUE of taro in Kenya’s sub-humid environment under different watering regimes and planting densities. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) 2021, short rains (SR) 2021/2022, and long rains (LR) 2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was used. The main factor was the irrigation levels while the sub-factor was the planting density, with three replications. The three irrigation levels were at 100 %, 60 %, and 30 % based on the field capacity (FC). The planting densities used were 0.5m × 0.5m (40,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), 1m × 0.5m (20,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), and 1m × 1m (10,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities respectively. <strong>Results.</strong> The WUE was influenced by season and watering regime (<em>P < 0.05</em>). The 30% FC had the highest WUE with the 100 % FC having the lowest. The high WUE under 30 % FC (19.40 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>mm<sup>-1</sup>) was associated with the high biomass (1.97 kg) and low water use (2269.41 mm) recorded under limited water conditions. The medium (1m × 0.5m) planting density attained the highest WUE (12.16 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>mm<sup>-1</sup>) with the high planting density (0.5m × 0.5m) having the lowest (10.65 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>mm<sup>-1</sup>), though no significant differences were recorded. <strong>Implications. </strong>The<strong> </strong>varying watering regimes and planting densities in this study have different capacities to utilize the supplied water. The total taro biomass increased with decrease in water supplied and in turn maximized the water use efficiency. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> To achieve the highest yield per unit of water consumed, a watering regime of 30 % FC and a planting density of 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha<sup>-1</sup>) is recommended.</p><p> </p><div id="gtx-trans" style="position: absolute; left: 179px; top: 404.969px;"> </div>

Climate change scenario projections and their implications on food systems in Taita Taveta County, Kenya

This study explored how Taita Taveta County could use the power of climate scenarios in planning agricultural activities on food systems to enhance sustainable food. The study involved the use of climate scenarios to model the past, present and future climate with the view of predicting probable changes in climate and how these changes may impact on food production, transformation and utilization and the ultimate handling of ensuing food wastes to mitigate the looming climate change scenarios. The research was conducted in Taita Taveta County that is characterized into three agro-ecological zones based on altitude and an ensemble of the top two models (ICHEC-EC-EARTH and MPI-M-MPI-ESM-LR) was used to analyse climate projections following RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 pathways. Rainfall and temperature from the Kenya Meteorological Department and supplemented with datasets from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast Reanalysis v5 (ERA5) respectively for the period 1981–2021 were used. The results exhibited occurrences of climate variability and change, and the seasons when the rainfall amounts were highest and lowest. Projected temperatures up to 2065 revealed likelihood of significant future warming and predicted future rainfall variations indicated insignificant increase. The study concluded by predicting a significant rise in temperatures and insignificant increase in rainfall leading to probable decrease in food production. The study recommended adoption climate smart technologies and early warning systems by the communities and policy makers to mainstream climate information in food systems, particularly production, transformation and utilization to enhance efficiency and avoid unnecessary wastage. State and non-state actors and other stakeholders could leverage these results to devise suitable adaptation and mitigation measures in the county.

A microbial bioherbicide for Striga hermonthica control: production, development, and effectiveness of a seed coating agent.

Witchweed (Striga hermonthica), also called striga, is a parasitic weed that causes high yield losses in maize on more than 200 000 ha in Kenya alone. A new commercial, biological herbicide developed in Kenya is able to control striga effectively. The product was approved for use by the Pest Control Products Board in Kenya in September, 2021. It is self-produced in villages using a secondary inoculum provided by a commercial company. The formulated product has some disadvantages, which are a complicated production process, a very short shelf life and high application rate. Additionally, the product has to be applied manually and therefore can only be used in manual production, leaving out the opportunity for farmers using mechanization. For this reason, efforts have been made to formulate the active ingredient Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae strain DSM 33471, as a powder and to use it as a seed coating agent. This article deals with the production of the Fusarium spore powder, its properties, its application to the seed, and its herbicidal effect demonstrated in the first two field trials. The F. oxysporum strain was originally isolated from a wilting striga plant in Kenya. The strain was virulence enhanced to over produce the amino acids leucine, methionine and tyrosine. These amino acids are responsible for a second mode of action apart from the wilting causing effect of the fungus on striga. Whereas leucine and tyrosine have a herbicidal effect, ethylene from methionine triggers the germination of striga seeds in the soil. Additionally, the strain has been improved to be resistant to the fungicide captan, which is commonly used to treat maize seed in Kenya. Seed coating tests conducted on 25 striga-infested small holder farms spread out in six counties of western Kenya reported yield increases of up to 88%. A second trial carried out by the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization showed a 93% reduction of emerged striga plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sheep supplementation in the arid and semi-arid areas of northern Kenya

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of partial supplementation of 1.5 years old blackhead Persian sheep with hay, molasses and local salt (Chalbi salt). The nutritive values of hay, molasses and Chalbi salt were determined. The selected sheep were assigned to three treatments in a completely randomized design; 10 sheep were given to the farmer and were herded based on his management practice (denoted as treatment A), 10 were grazed for 5 h and later supplemented with 600 g of chopped hay mixed with molasses per sheep daily and Chalbi salt ad libitum (denoted as treatment B), 10 were introduced to a government research farm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO-Marsabit) flock and managed on the free range with no supplementation except Chalbi salt. They were also grazed for 8 h daily (denoted as treatment C). Feed resources for partial supplementation were analysed for proximate analysis, Van soest, in-vitro dry matter digestibility and mineral profiles. Molasses was spread on hay to increase palatability and intake. Chalbi salt was provided ad libitum to the supplemented group. All 30 sheep were weighed weekly. The data on sheep weights were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The mean sheep weight over the study period was higher among the supplemented group B (25.95 kg), followed by on-station research farm-managed group C (22.60 kg) and lastly farmer-managed group A (19.50 kg). Supplementation of sheep using local feed resources enhances weight gain and this is recommended, essentially in a weight-based marketing system. Keywords: Market, nutrients, sheep, supplement, weight.

Effects of Watering Regimes and Planting Density on Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Growth, Yield, and Yield Components in Embu, Kenya

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is one of the most underutilized crops in sub-Saharan Africa and an important staple food in the tropics. Understanding its growth response under selected watering regimes and planting densities underpins this research. A study was conducted at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Embu Research Centre, during the long rains (LR) in 2021 and the short rains (SR) in 2021–2022. A factorial experiment with a split-plot layout arranged in a completely randomized block design was used. The main factor was the irrigation levels, while the subfactor was the planting density, with three replications. The three irrigation levels were at 100%, 60%, and 30% based on the field capacity (FC). The planting densities used were 0.5 m × 0.5 m (40,000 plants ha−1), 1 m × 0.5 m (20,000 plants ha−1), and 1 m × 1 m (10,000 plants ha−1), representative of high, medium, and low planting densities, respectively. Time and season ( P < 0.05 ) significantly influenced taro growth components (plant height, leaf area, leaf area index, and vegetative growth index) and yield components (corm length, corm diameter, corm mass, yield, and total biomass). Planting density influenced the leaf area and the leaf area index ( P < 0.05 ). The watering regime did not affect taro growth or yield components. Corm mass (0.59 kg), total biomass (49.8 t/ha), and yield (13.38 t/ha) were all the highest in the 30% FC. The 1 m × 0.5 m spacing produced the highest corm mass (0.62 kg). The high planting density (0.5 m × 0.5 m) resulted in the highest total biomass (70.2 t/ha), yield (20.84 t/ha), and harvest index (30.44%). As a result, the 0.5 m × 0.5 m planting density and 30% FC watering regime are recommended to farmers in the area for increased yields and food security.

English

Tillage system is one of the main factors influencing growth and physiology of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), that eventually translates to high yield and good kernel quality. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the ridge (RT) and flat tillage (FT) systems on (i) growth and production of spring wheat, (ii) root growth and physiology and (iii) soil physical properties. Trials were conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, Njoro and Egerton University. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split plot arrangement with tillage system as the main plot and cultivar as sub-plot was used in the study. Data analysis was done using PROC GLM procedure from SAS software version 9.4. The study showed that root length, surface area and volume were 34.66, 42.17 and 47.56% higher in RT than FT, respectively. The RT had 8, 7.66, 39.19 and 20% higher NDVI, TKW, yield and HI, than FT. Soil moisture and electrical conductivity were 38.43 and 9.02% higher in the RT than FT. Soil temperature and BD were 1.05 and 38.94% higher in FT than RT. The RT provided a conducive environment for wheat growth and physiology, resulting in high yield and kernel quality. Key words: Wheat, physiology, ridge-furrow, flat-tillage, grain yield.

Effect of Stakeholder Linkages on Organizational Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

Effect of Stakeholder Linkages on Organizational Performance of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

Assessment of Soil Erosion Hazards in Kambiti Subcatchment, Murang’a County, Kenya

Erosion is a global problem that destroys soil and adversely affects ecosystem productivity. Soil erosion generally involves many processes but the major activities involve particles being transported and deposited to another location. With an increasing population, soil erosion, water availability, energy production, and biodiversity loss are some of the most pressing environmental problems around the world. Erosion is a hazard associated with agriculture in tropical and semi-arid areas. Kambiti sub catchment is part of the upper Tana catchment. The upper Tana catchment includes 25% of Kenya gazette forest. A large area of land has been degraded, resulting in a drastic reduction in surface water availability during the dry season and poor-quality water during the wet season caused by high silt levels. The main objective of the study is to assess erosion hazards using RUSLE model in Kambiti sub catchment area, Murang’a County. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of rainfall erosivity and soil erodibility factor in Kambiti Sub catchment area in Murang’a County, to determine effect of slope factor to soil loss in Kambiti Sub-catchment area in Murang’a County, to determine the effect of crop protection and management factor in Kambiti Sub catchment area in Murang’a County to soil loss and to determine the strategies for management of soil and water in Kambiti Sub catchment area in Murang’a County. Data was collected from the catchment and analyzed using arc Geographical Information System to obtain the specific parameters in the revised universal soil loss equation model. Interpolation method was used to determine the mean annual precipitation. The k factor is a function of soil texture. Shape file for geological structure for Kenya was obtained from Kenya Agriculture and livestock Research Organisation and analyzed by use of arc GIS to obtain soil erodibility factor. The slope factor was analyzed using digital elevation model from arc view. Digital elevation model was gotten from STRM download. The C factor was derived from Landsat imagery from sentinel of 30metres by 30 metres. It was further analysed by unsupervised classification from Arc GIS. The sentinel clip of Kambiti sub-catchment was joined with ground trothing observations. The results were useful in estimation of soil loss therefore profiling the areas prone to soil loss. Study findings indicated rain drop impact and runoff were primarily responsible for causing erosion in Kambiti sub catchment. Anthropogenic factors played an important role in amplifying the severity of the damage, such as persistent vegetative degradation and destruction of soil structure due to organic matter depletion and routine shallow tillage. In recent years, erosion control has been hampered by the occurrence of gaps in knowledge regarding the integrated nature of erosion processes, leading to land damage caused by rill and inter-rill erosion going unaddressed. Poor people and those lacking capital to invest in reclaiming land are the main causes of abandoning degraded land. Through strategic awareness campaigns and education, soil erosion will be assessed and the knowledge gap will be closed. Participation of farmers in land use decisions is inevitable as it ensures that people who utilize land resources are recognized as equal partners in identifying problems and designing solutions. It was also recommended that Identification and operationalization of alternative off-farm income.

English

Characterization and conservation of germplasm is a critical step toward the genetic improvement of the crop. This study assessed variation in 257 common bean genotypes which included 207 accessions obtained the National Gene Bank of Kenya, 33 accessions from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), 13 landraces collected from farmers’ fields and four commercial varieties for various agronomic traits. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Kenya) for four seasons between 2019 and 2020. Significant differences (P≤0.05) existed among the common bean accessions for all traits studied. Seed yield ranged from 220.6 to 4641.9 kg/ha (KNB0106) among the accessions with a mean of 1267.0 kg/ha. Significant (P ≤0.05) positive correlation was recorded for days to flowering and days to maturity (0.73), while 100-seed weight had a significantly negative correlation with the number of pods per plant (-0.66) and the number of seeds per pod (-0.65). High (>20%) broad-sense heritability was recorded for 100-seed weight (89.0%), days to flowering (76.8%), and grain yield (60.5%). Nineteen accessions that combined early maturity and high-yielding traits were identified. On average, higher seed yields were recorded for large-seeded and climbing genotypes compared to small-seeded and bush types. Common bean accessions characterized can be exploited in breeding programs. Key words: Common bean, agronomic traits, Phaseolus vulgaris, variability, broad sense heritability.

INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF TILLAGE METHODS AND INORGANIC NUTRIENTS ON MAIZE AND BEANS PERFORMANCE IN EMBU COUNTY, KENYA

The decrease in maize and bean production is a major concern in the food security of the majority of small household farmers in Embu County, Kenya. A farm profile study conducted in the region revealed that the yields of the two crops are low at 1.2 and 0.5 tons/ha against the expected 6.0 and 2.3 tons/ha per season for maize and bean, respectively. The low production is attributed to reliance on conventional farming methods and application of fertilizers majorly NPK based without attention to essential nutrients like Mg, Ca, Zn, B and S despite their demonstrated benefits. Conservation agriculture is an alternative for halting the effects of conventional tillage and leads to an increase in yields and sustaining soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine the interactive effect of minimum tillage and conventional tillage and inorganic nutrients on maize and bean crop performance. An on-station trial was conducted for two seasons in one of the research stations at Kenya Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) located in Embu County. The trial was laid in a randomized complete block design with asplitplot arrangement. Minimum tillage and conventional tillage made up the main plots. Each of the main plots were divided into five sub-plots that were applied with five different inorganic fertilizers that include, NK, NP, KP, NPK and MM. Maize and bean performance data collected included days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, days to tasseling, plant height, number of leaves, cobs, biomass and grain weights. The results of maize crops showed a significant interaction between conservation tillage and a combination of MM which recorded The decrease in maize and bean production is a major concern in the food security of the majority of small household farmers in Embu County, Kenya. A farm profile study conducted in the region revealed that the yields of the two crops are low at 1.2 and 0.5 tons/ha against the expected 6.0 and 2.3 tons/ha per season for maize and bean, respectively. The low production is attributed to reliance on conventional farming methods and application of fertilizers majorly NPK based without attention to essential nutrients like Mg, Ca, Zn, B and S despite their demonstrated benefits. Conservation agriculture is an alternative for halting the effects of conventional tillage and leads to an increase in yields and sustaining soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine the interactive effect of minimum tillage and conventional tillage and inorganic nutrients on maize and bean crop performance. An on-station trial was conducted for two seasons in one of the research stations at Kenya Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) located in Embu County. The trial was laid in a randomized complete block design with asplitplot arrangement. Minimum tillage and conventional tillage made up the main plots. Each of the main plots were divided into five sub-plots that were applied with five different inorganic fertilizers that include, NK, NP, KP, NPK and MM. Maize and bean performance data collected included days to flowering, days to physiological maturity, days to tasseling, plant height, number of leaves, cobs, biomass and grain weights. The results of maize crops showed a significant interaction between conservation tillage and a combination of MM which recorded 4.18 tons/ha while the interaction of convention tillage and MM recorded 3.58 tons/ha. The results of bean crops showed a significant interaction between conservation tillage and a combination of MM which recorded 1.98 tons/ha while the interaction of convention tillage and MM recorded 1.78 tons/ha. The increased yields can be explained by the mulch in conservation tillage which ensured moisture availability by reducing evaporation, especially on the dry season during the growth cycle of the maize and bean plant. In addition, the presence of macro and micro-nutrients which are key for the growth of the maize and bean accelerated its growth and development. The study, therefore, recommends the use of a combination of MM in conservation tillage.