Browsing by Author "Ojiem John"

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    An Economic Analysis of Grain Legumes Profitability in Nandi County, Kenya
    (Research in Agricultural & Applied Economics, 2016) Onyango Mercy; OtienoDavid Jakinda; Nyikal Rose Adhiambo; Ojiem John
    Grain legumes have great potential for improving smallholder farmers’ productivity in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) though their potential has not been fully exploited due to critical problems including high insect pests and disease infestation. As part of the process of addressing these challenges, the Collaborative Crop Research Program (CCRP) of the McKnight Foundation in collaboration with Cornell University and Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) recently introduced crop and soil enhancing strategies in Western Kenya. One of the strategies introduced included use of multipurpose grain legumes species in Nandi County (Koibem, Kapkerer and Kiptaruswo sites). Through this initiative, various legume species including common bean, cowpea, groundnuts, lablab and soybean of different varieties are being promoted at the farm level. However, no empirical study has assessed the economic benefits that farmers are likely to obtain if they adopt the legume species. In order to address the aforementioned knowledge gap, the present study sought to evaluate economic proftitability from the production of grain legumes. Gross margins and profits were computed from farm-level data gathered from a random sample of 163 legume farmers in the above CCRP sites. Results showed that grain legumes species differed in terms of their gross margins; beans, groundnuts, cowpeas and soybean had positive gross margins while lablab had a .negative gross margin. Further, the farm-area under grain legumes, age of the farmer, access to extension services and access to credit had significant influence on the amount of gross margin obtained by a farmer. The results point to the need for recruitment of more extension staff at local levels to enhance extension service delivery. Also, there is need for the county government to promote credit awareness and establish credit associations, which can boost farmers’ access to credit
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    Do Food Security Indicators Vary between Male and Female-Headed Households? Evidence from Legume Farmers in Western Kenya
    (2024) Oburu Susan Atieno; Otieno David Jakinda; Chimoita Evans; Ojiem John
    Introduction: Food security is an important aspect of sustainable development at global, national and local levels. However, differences in resource endowments and control thereof, may privilege some households and regions than others. As a result, households’ diets may be varied leading to differences in food security status. Various initiatives that seek to diversify diets through legume integration on farms have been promoted in developing countries; but, their effects on household food security remains undocumented. In order to address the above knowledge gap, this study compares the food security indicators of male and female-headed households that integrate legumes in their farms in Nandi County, Kenya. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from 374 respondents, various food security scores were computed. Subsequently, the ordinary least squares regression model was applied to determine factors that influence the food security scores. Results and discussion: The results revealed that the food security scores were in the normal range; acceptable food consumption score of 62.20 and medium household dietary diversity score of 5.24. In both the male- and female-headed households; land size, access to credit and distance to nearest open-air market from the household significantly affected food security scores positively, while number of meals per day had significant negative effect. Further, in the male-headed households, the food security score was positively affected by household size and years of farming experience, while the household head’s age negatively affected the food security score. These findings provide useful insights on the need to target specific interventions that support the attainment of desired levels of food security in male- and female-headed households based on their distinct levels of resource endowments and control.
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    Effect of Lablab Green Manure on Population of Soil Microorganisms and Establishment of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
    (American Journal of Agricultural Science, 2018-11-05) Okumu Oliver Otieno; Muthomi James; Ojiem John; Narla Rama; Nderitu John
    Green manures improve soil health and fertility but application of undecomposed lablab residues lead to low crop establishment. The study was carried out to determine the effect of green manure on microbial population and establishment of bean crop. Bean varieties were planted on plots each treated with lablab green manure at one ton ha-1 over whole plots and in rows, DAP fertilizer was applied at 75 kg/ha. Data was collected on microbial population, crop emergence, root rot incidence and severity, and yield. Green manure incorporation increased soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium but reduced germination percentage by about 35% and increased incidences of root rot by 30% compared to plots without green manure. The population of root rot pathogens was significantly higher in plots treated with green manure two weeks after emergence while the population of saprophytic fungi was low. Plots treated with lablab green manure reduced grain and biomass yields by 25%. Green manure increases soil nutrients directly and improves crop establishment after decomposition. Results of the study revealed a considerable increase in the population of root rot pathogens with corresponding decrease in the population of antagonistic fungi thus the poor emergence and crop establishment can be associated with increase in population of root rot pathogens and stress experienced by seeds during decomposition.
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    Effect of Legume Extracts on Germination, Seedling Health of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Soil Microorganisms
    (International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 2019-05-10) Okumu Oliver Otieno; Muthomi James Wanjohi; Ojiem John; Narla Rama; Nderitu John Huria
    Application of undecomposed green manure has been reported to cause poor emergence and establishment of common beans in the field. Therefore, to understand the mechanisms’ contributing to the poor crop establishment, the effect of extracts from fresh and decomposed legume green manures on bean seed germination, fungal mycelial growth, spore germination and germ tube elongation were evaluated. The extracts were prepared in either ethanol or distilled water. Data was collected on percentage seed germination, seedling length, mycelial radial growth, spore germination and germ tube elongation. Ethanol extracts from fresh lablab inhibited bean germination by 56%, increased mean germination time to 8 days, and decreased germination index while ethanol extracts of groundnut and beans caused highest inhibition in bean shoot length and reduced biomass. Ethanol extracts from fresh green manures significantly inhibited fungal mycelia growth while the aqueous extracts from beans, groundnuts and soybean had significant level of antifungal activity while aqueous lablab extracts stimulated mycelial. Aqueous extract of lablab and soybean enhanced spore germination by over 70% with more pronounced effect on germ tube length and number of germ tubes by 8.0% and 13% respectively. The study comparatively reveals that the extract of lablab was inhibitory to common bean germination compared to other legume extracts and also stimulated the growth of root rot pathogens that may have resulted in poor establishment of beans.
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    Effect Of Phosphorus Fortified Compost on Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays L.) And Lablab (Lablab Purpureus L.) Intercropped Maize in Acidic Soils of Western Kenya
    (African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2021-02) Orandi Jairus; Mwonga Samuel; Ojiem John; Lauren Julie
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    Effect of Time after Incorporation of Lablab Green Manure on Root Rot Pathogens and Establishment of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
    (World Journal of Agricultural Research, 2018) Okumu Oliver; Muthomi James; Ojiem John; Narla Rama; Nderitu John
    Green manure incorporation is important for restoration of soil quality, particularly buildup of organic matter and supply of nutrients to plants. However, undecomposed plant residues reduce crop establishment and plant stand. Therefore, there is need to determine suitable time for green manure incorporation before planting. The effect of time after incorporation of lablab green manure on soilborne pathogens and bean crop establishment was evaluated by incorporating 12t/ha of lablab green manure at planting and at 7, 14, and 28 days before planting. Soil samples were collected before and after incorporation of green manure at planting, and at two, four and six weeks after planting. Data was collected on crop emergence, plant stand, yield, incidence and severity of root rot, and population of root rot pathogens. Incorporation of lablab residues 28 days before planting resulted in 21% improvement in germination, with corresponding reduction in root rot incidence and severity of 8% and 36%, respectively, compared to plots incorporated with green manure at planting. Plots incorporated with lablab green manure earlier before planting had reduced population of root rot pathogens, while those incorporation at planting excited the population of root rot pathogens and also had up to 71% reduction in grain yield compared to plots where lablab residue was incorporated 28 days before planting. The results of the study showed that a period of 28 days between Lablab green manure incorporation and planting is necessary to allow for proper decomposition, resulting in a reduction in root rot incidence and an increase in grain yield.
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    Residual Effects of Lablab Green Manure on Root Rot Pathogens and Performance of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.)
    (Innovations in Agriculture, 2023-10-04) Okumu Oliver Otieno; Muthomi James Wanjohi; Ojiem John; Nderitu John Huria
    Organic manures often have considerable residual effect on the subsequent crops in the soil. Residual effects of lablab green manure on root rot pathogens and bean crop establishment was evaluated by conducting field experiments at two sites with varying soil fertility in Nandi South. Common bean varieties KK8 and GLP2 seeds were planted on plots previously treated with different soil amendments. Soil samples were collected before planting and six weeks after emergence to determine the populations of root rot pathogens. Throughout the experiment, data was collected on crop emergence, plant stand, root rot incidence and severity, as well as crop yield. There was increase in crop emergence by 40% for GLP2 and 19% for KK8 with corresponding 7% reduction in root rot incidence in plots previously treated with lablab green manure. There were variations in the population of root rot pathogens between the two studies, with Kapkerer exhibiting a higher pathogen population compared to Koibem. The primary root rot pathogens isolated and identified were F. solani, F. oxysporum and Pythium ultimum, F. solani and F. oxysporum were the most dominant species isolated in over 90% plant and soil samples. Residual plots treated with lablab green manure recorded a substantial in yield with an impressive increase of 22% when compared to other treatments. Correlation analysis established that disease incidence, and severity was negatively correlated with yield while plant stand was positively correlated with yield. Our research highlights the long-term benefits of lablab green manure as an organic soil amendment, showcasing its ability to improve crop emergence, reduce root rot incidence, and boost overall crop yield. This knowledge can guide farmers in optimizing their agricultural practices for increased productivity and sustainable soil health.