Food Supply
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Publication Preliminary Study on The Food and Feeding Habits of Schilbe Mystus (Linn., 1762) in River Nyando(ICIPE SCIENCE, 1994) Reuben Omondi; James OgariSchilbe mystus (Butlerfish) is one of the "endangered species" of Lake Victoria, whose fishery was once of commercial importance. The annual landings have declined from about 400 mt in 1968 to a bare 15 mt in 1991. The average size of the species is smaller than that reported by Greenwood (1 966). During the study, the size range sampled was 11.2 to 25.6 cm. fork length with the majority measuring 14.0-15.0 cm FL. The food and feeding habits of the fish are discussed. Study on the gut content shows that Schilbemystuspreys mainly on insects with chironomid larvae as the dominant Prey.Publication Genotype by environment interactions and yield stability of stem borer resistant maize hybrids in Kenya(2011-06-01) Yoseph Beyene; Stephen Mugo; Charles Mutinda; Tadele Tefera; Haron Karaya; Sammy Ajanga; Jackson Shuma; Regina Tende; Vincent KegaIn a maize breeding program, potential genotypes are usually evaluated in different environments before desirable ones are selected. Genotype x environment (G x E) interaction is associated with the differential performance of genotypes tested at different locations and in different years, and influences selection and recommendation of cultivars. Twenty one stem borer resistance maize hybrids and four commercial checks were evaluated in six environments in Kenya under infestation with Chilo partellus and Busseola fusca to determine the G x E interactions and stability of the hybrids. Analysis of variance was conducted for grain yield, days to flowering and plant and ear height. Stability for grain yield was determined using genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis. Variances due to genotype, environment and G x E interaction effects were highly significant for all traits. The GGE biplot showed that four experimental hybrids and two commercial checks had positive PC1 score indicating above average performance across environments. However, 10 experimental hybrids and two commercial checks had negative PC1 score, suggesting poor average performance. Experimental hybrids, CKIR07004 and CKIR07013, were highly desirable in terms of grain yield (>7.5 t/ha) and stability across environments. These hybrids could be released in Kenya and similar environments.Publication A demand analysis for Sahiwal breeding animals from the national sahiwal stud (NSS) between 1971 and 2007(2012) Mailu, Stephen; Ndambiri, Hillary; Ritho, C.; Nganga, S. I.; Miyancha, S. O.; Omboto, P.; Gudeta, Sileshi; Kibowon, PhilipThe main objective of this working paper is to trace the development of demand for Sahiwal breeding stock over the period 1971-2007. Such an analysis will enhance our understanding of what has happened on the demand side within the study period. There is only a handful of Sahiwal breeding farms existing in the country, which implies that a particular market structure exists. This paper thus traces the likely evolution of demand and provides some insights on what has happened over the period since 1971. The year 1971 was upon decided as a starting point for the simple pragmatic reason that data for earlier years may not be available. Demand indicators assembled from the records at KARI-Naivasha are used to establish the trends of demand in order to predict the likely trajectory of demand in the near future. Time series analysis of data shows the probability of demand for bulls to have been on a downward trend while for heifers, it has been increasing over time. Also critical in this result is that the probability for heifer crosses is soon catching up with demand for heifers and bulls and given these trends, this may be the animal in greatest demand. Results for average request sizes are mixed with an increase in the size of requests for bulls and heifer crosses until 1990s and a drop in the size of requests since. Some parts of the country also appear to have dropped off, notably Coast Province while others (North Eastern) are rare demand centres. A second part of the analysis, which involves the estimation of models that explain these trends, provides a framework within which the role of important demand shifting parameters such as prices, production systems and distances is determined in greater detailPublication Testcross performance of doubled haploid maize lines derived from tropical adapted backcross population(2012) Yoseph Beyene; Stephen Mugo; Kiru Pillay; Tadele Tefera; Sammy Ajanga; Stephen Njoka; Haron Karaya; John GakungaDoubled haploid (DH) lines produced by in vivo induction of maternal haploids are routinely used in maize breed ing. The present study was carried out to assess the performance of 75 doubled haploid maize testcrosses and six checks tested across four locations in Kenya for grain yield, agronomic traits and reaction to major leaf diseases. The 75 DH lines were derived from the backcross (BC1) plants of two CIMMYT bi-parental crosses. Significant location, genotype and genotype x location effects were observed for grain yield and anthesis-silking interval (ASI). Genotypes were significantly different for reaction to leaf blight and gray leaf spot. Location explained 69% of the total phenotypic variance while both genotype and genotype by environment interaction effects contributed 4% each. Fifteen DH testcross hybrids yielded better than the best commercial check, WH505 (5.1 t/ha). The best DH testcross hybrid (CKDHH0223) averaged over the four locations yielded 29.5% higher than WH505. These results indicate that maize testcrosses developed from DH lines produced as high a grain yield and as acceptable agro nomic traits as the commercial hybrids developed through conventional pedigree methods. The DH lines identified in the study may be useful for improving yield and disease resistance in maize breeding programs in eastern and southern Africa.Publication Impact of tissue culture banana technology in Kenya: A difference-in-difference estimation approach(Egerton University, 2012-01-01) Kikulwe, Enoch; Kabunga, Nassul; Qaim, MatinMost micro-level studies on the impact of agricultural technologies build on cross-section data, which can lead to unreliable impact estimates. Here, we use panel data covering two time periods to estimate the impact of tissue culture (TC) banana technology in the Kenyan small farm sector. TC banana is an interesting case, because previous impact studies showed mixed results. We combine propensity score matching with a difference-in-difference estimator to control for selection bias and account for temporal impact variability. TC adoption has positive impacts on banana productivity and profits. The technology increases yields by 40-50% and gross margins by around 100%. These large effects represent the impact of TC technology in combination with improved management practices and higher input use, which is recommended. Looking at the isolated TC effect may underestimate impact because of synergistic relationships. The results suggest that extension efforts to deliver the technological package to smallholder farmers should be scaled up.Publication Yield stability of stem borer resistant maize hybrids evaluated in regional trials in East Africa(2012-01-27) Yoseph Beyene; Stephen Mugo; Tadele Tefera; James Gethi; John Gakunga; Samuel Ajanga; Haron Karaya; Ruth Musila; Wilson Muasya; Regina Tende; Stephen NjokaTwenty-seven stem borer-resistant maize hybrids and three checks were evaluated in 14 locations in Kenya and Ethiopia to study the genotype x environment interaction (GEI) and yield stability. An analysis of variance was conducted for grain yield, number of days to silking, plant height, ear height and grain moisture content, and reaction to turcicum leaf blight, gray leaf spot, maize streak virus diseases and common rust. The yield stability and adaptation pattern of genotypes were examined with genotype plus genotype x environment (GGE) interaction biplot. Variations due to location, genotype and GEI effects were highly significant for all traits. Location variance among the hybrids was the most important source of variation for all traits, accounting for 58 to 90% of the total variance. The genotypic variance was higher than the GEI variance for turcicum leaf blight, plant height and silking date. The GEI variance was higher than the genotypic variance for grain yield, ear height, gray leaf spot, common rust and grain moisture content. The GGE biplot showed that 50% of the entries had positive PC1 scores suggesting above average performance, and 50% of them had negative PC1 scores indicating below average performance. Based on the mean grain yield and stability parameters, hybrid CKIR07003 (5.5 t/ha), CKIR07004 (5.5 t/ha) and CKIR07005 (5.6 t /ha) were identified as high-yielding and stable genotypes, and could be nominated for national performance trials for commercial release in various countries.Publication Assesing farmer perceptions, attitudes and preferences for tissue culture banana technology in Kenya(Springer, 2013-01-01) Masinde, J; Obare, Gideon; Owuor, George; Wasilwa, LusikeProducers' and consumers' preference for production and sell of different TCB fruits is a critical aspect in marketing and is determined mainly by its technological attributes and farmers, farm and institutional factors. The introduction of a Tissue Culture (TC) banana (Musa spp.) in Kenya is subject to farmer and consumer tastes and preferences and the evaluation is critical in enhanced adoption. The purpose of this study was to show farmers' preferences to TCB and the potential challenges for production and consumption of the product. The paper examines the factors that lead farmers' preferences of TCB technology in the four counties of west Kenya. The primary data was collected through a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 330 randomly selected farmers using a stratified multistage sampling method were interviewed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. A three tire multinomial nested logit analysis was carried out to identify the factors that lead farmers' preferences to TCB cultivar preferences. Based on the analysis, six factors were identified as the reasons for preference of TCB technology. The findings indicated that the farm size, sex of household head, educational level, and family size played a significant role in TCB cultivar preferences. These factors need to be utilized in targeting TCB technology dissemination. However, consumers' preference for banana fruits is a critical aspect of marketing and is determined mainly by its sensorial aspects, among other aspects this need to be done. In addition there is need to have more cooking cultivars in tissue culture technology.Publication Strategies for Effective Multi-Stakeholder Linkages for Innovative Agricultural Development in Eastern Kenya *(David Publishing, 2013-05-13) Kavoi, Justus; Mwangi, John; Kamau, Geoffrey; Kavoi, Justus; Kavoi, M; Sc; Mbuthia, Geoffrey; KamauSmallholder farmers in Eastern Kenya experience food insecurity due to climate change, scarce resources, poor infrastructure, and low rainfall that is poorly distributed. The less than optimal multi-stakeholder linkages for innovative agricultural development (MSLIAD) initiatives inhibit farmers' adoption of technologies and innovations. This study sought to establish the factors influencing the performance of MSLIAD. The results indicated that the stakeholders experienced challenges in translating desire into action, coordination, consensus building and avoiding duplication of efforts and wastage of resources, but could use research, agricultural innovation systems (AIS), and public-private-partnership (PPP)-based linkages to improve the situation. The researchers concluded that the stakeholders supported MSLIAD initiatives and could use strong and sustainable linkages to address community challenges; that giving farmers inappropriate messages wasted resources; that identifying stakeholders and their roles enhanced sustainable MSLIAD initiatives; that PPPs reduced transaction costs for forming and sustaining relationships; that farmers' characteristics and circumstances influenced adoption; and that AIS enhanced economic development. Consequently, extension providers should strengthen and use MSLIAD initiatives to address community challenges; should coordinate visits to farmers; should know stakeholders and their roles as well as farmers' characteristics and circumstances; and should encourage the use of AIS and formation of PPP-based linkages. Keywords: food security, household income, innovative agricultural development, public-private-partnership (PPP), challenges Resource-poor smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and particularly those in the semi-arid areas of lower Eastern Kenya face challenges of food insecurity due to their inability to access adequate and affordable food (Maeda, Pellikka, Clark, & Siljander, 2011; Ouma et al., 2011). Some of the challenges are caused by low, * The authors are grateful to Kenya National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovations for sponsoring the study and Egerton University for administering the funds and allowing the authors to use its facilities. They also appreciate the cooperation and support of their families and the valuable contributions of the persons contacted during data collection. research fields: extension management, soft skills, staff job satisfaction, motivation and morale, farmer field schools and farmer-to-farmers extension, management of Jua-Kali (small and medium) enterprises, youth empowerment and sources of livelihoods, public-private-partnerships.Publication Haematological Response of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell 1822) Fingerlings Exposed to Different Concentrations of Tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) Leaf Dust(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2013-08) Safina M. Musa; Christopher Mulanda Aura; Erick Ochieng Ogello; Reuben Omondi; Harrison Charo-Karisa; Jonathan Mbonge MungutiThe present study set out to investigate the haematological effects of tobacco leaf dust on African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, fingerlings, with a mean weight of 3.01 ± 1.25 g using “static renewal bioassay system” during a 120-hour bioassay exposure period. Water quality parameters such as pH and dissolved oxygen significantly decreased while total alkalinity and conductivity increased significantly in the exposed media, compared to the control test. Leucocytes counts increased significantly while erythrocytes counts decreased significantly with increasing concentration of tobacco dust. Packed cell volume significantly reduced with increase in the concentration of tobacco dust. Haematological examination showed that there was destruction of the erythrocytes production, and the concentration of haemoglobin was much lower in the exposed fish compared to the control depicting an anaemic condition. The results could provide baseline information for the safe limits of using tobacco leaf dust in fish ponds; hence 1.56 g L−1 concentration of tobacco leaf dust was recommended for pond preparation for Clarias gariepinus fingerling stocking. For better survival rates, the fish should only be introduced in the pond after three days of tobacco application.Publication Factors Related to the Low Uptake of Technologies and Innovations in Semi-Arid Areas of Lower Eastern Kenya(Leena and Luna International, 2014-05-14) Kavoi, Justus; Mwangi, John; Kamau, GeoffreyThe semi-arid areas of lower Eastern Kenya are characterised by poor infrastructure, low, erratic and poorly distributed rainfall. Although joint poverty-reduction initiatives have been carried out in the region, low adoption of improved technologies and innovations still inhibits farmers' ability to improve their farm productivity and household income. A study involving 165 respondents, for instance, was carried out to establish the factors related to low uptake of improved technologies and innovations. Data were collected through a survey using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS versions 17.0. Results showed that poverty-reduction joint initiatives had the potential to improve farm productivity but were being negatively affected by relatively weak linkages; breach of contracts (Weak linkages were significantly higher than strong linkages ((χ 2 = 76.07, df = 2, p = 0.001; breach of contracts was significantly higher than distorted farm-gate and market prices (χ 2 = 59.49, df = 2, p = 0.001). The researchers concluded that joint poverty-reduction initiatives were likely to help smallholder farmers improve their farm productivity and that openness among stakeholders could greatly strengthen existing linkages. Stakeholders should use the prevailing support by stakeholders in planning and implementing joint poverty-reduction initiatives while embracing transparency and accountability to enhance the uptake of technologies and innovations.Publication Challenges faced by small land holder farmer regarding decision making in innovative agricultural development: an empirical analysis from kenya(Premier Publishers, 2014-09-09) Kavoi, Justus M.; Mwangi, John G.; Kamau, Geoffrey M.Declining agricultural productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa remains a major bottleneck to the continent’s agricultural sector development. In Kenya’s semi-arid lower Eastern region, efforts have been made through public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives to address food insecurity in particular. Inadequate understanding and poor documentation of factors related to challenges facing smallholder farmers in decision-making to improve farm productivity and food security exists. A study was carried out to determine the factors related to decision-making among smallholder farmers to increase farm productivity for improved food security. It involved 34 Key Informants (KI) and five Focus Group Discussions. Data were collected using a check-list, a semi-structured questionnaire and a self-administered questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Results showed that: farmers faced challenges in deciding how to improve their farm productivity. About 76% of KI respondents observed that some of the promoted technologies did not address farmer’s immediate needs; 65% argued that technologies were promoted without considering prevailing farmers’ circumstances. The study concluded that farmers needed accurate information to make informed farming decisions; their immediate needs required technologies with diversified utilization options; analysis of farmers’ operating circumstances was crucial. Consequently, development partners should: provide adequate information on available technologies and innovations; exploit the existing PPP meetings to promote technologies and innovations with wide utilization options; put strategies in place to analyse farmers’ circumstances and promote improved technologies and innovations to increase farm productivity for improved food security.Publication Are there systematic gender differences in the adoption of sustainable agricultural intensification practices? Evidence from Kenya(Elsevier, 2014-12-01) Ndiritu, S. Wagura; Kassie, Menale; Shiferaw, BekeleThis paper uses sex-disaggregated survey data at the plot level to test whether there are systematic gender differences in the adoption of multiple sustainable intensification practices (SIPs) in Kenya. We analyze plot level adoption decisions of SIPs by male, female or joint plot managers within the household, controlling for household characteristics, asset wealth and land quality factors that condition investments in intensification options. Using a multivariate probit model, we find gender differences in the adoption pattern for some SIPs. Compared to male plot mangers, female managers are less likely to adopt minimum tillage and animal manure in crop production, indicating the existence of certain socioeconomic inequalities and barriers for female farmers. However, we find no gender differences in the adoption of soil and water conservation measures, improved seed varieties, chemical fertilizers, maize-legume intercropping, and maize-legume rotations.Publication Comparative analysis of communication channels for diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize: the case of Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga, Kenya(University of Nairobi, 2015) Carolyne Khalayi WafulaDespite the use of various communication strategies in Kenya, access and use of agricultural information by rural farming communities and other actors along the agricultural information chain is inadequate to cope with challenges in crop production leading to high levels of poverty. In Kirinyaga and Makueni counties, poverty levels of people living in urban areas are 26 % and 35% respectively, with about 67% of the rural populations living below the poverty line. This study, therefore, investigated how different communication channels used in disseminating new or proven agricultural technologies in Africa by the DONATA project among the smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga in Central and Kathonzweni in Eastern counties of Kenya have influenced the farmers decision to adopt quality protein maize (QPM). Random sampling technique was used to select respondents for the survey and primary data collected using structured questionnaires which involved 210 farmers, comprising of 110 from Kathonzweni and from 100 Kirinyaga. Descriptive statistics, covariance analysis and binary logistic regression were applied through SPSS application to ascertain the factors contributing to diffusion and adoption of QPM technologies. The levels of quality protein maize awareness in Kathonzweni were much higher 100% compared to Kirinyaga 98%. Farmer to farmer and farmer groups in Kirinyaga and extension services in Kathonzweni play a major role in farmer awareness of quality protein maize technologies. The results from the binary logistic regression indicates socio economic characteristics in Kathonzweni and Kirinyaga such as age and marital status play a big role in diffusion and adoption of quality protein maize. Field days in both study regions contributed significantly to increased QPM adoption. Farming was found to be the main source of income with 97.3% in Kathonzweni and 98% Kirinyaga. Lack of seed and climate change were major constraints affecting agricultural production in the study areas. It is therefore recommended that farmer field days, demonstrations, farmer field schools, farmer to farmer and group meetings continue being promoted through increased extension visits, and investing in farmer education via seminars, as vehicles of disseminating agricultural innovations. Information and communication technologies like radio, mobile phone and television should be used to complement the conventional channels which promote access to quality protein maize information. This will increase adoption, hence increased production and high yields which will be part of the solution to food insecurity and raising poverty levels in thePublication Comparative ecological perspectives on food security by Abanyole of Kenya(International Journal of Ecology and Ecosolution, 2015-05-25) Wandere, Donald O.; Egesah, Omar B.This paper focuses on implications of sustained food deprivation situations on the behavioural patterns of the Abanyole of Western Kenya. Using an ethnographic approach, the paper examines two ecosystems occupied by the Abanyole; the first ecosystem manifests typical indigenous, socio-cultural features, while the second epitomizes a cosmopolitan outlook. The study uses a comparative ethnography to show that while land is the main means of production in the two ecological niches, the amount of this critical resource that is available for household dispensation, and the strategies employed to exploit it, varies. This, the study finds, has implications for food security situations among households in the two areas. In addition, when faced with food deficit situations, the Abanyole resort to varying and contrasting coping mechanisms distinct to each ecosystem.Publication Determinants of intensity of market participation among banana traders in western Kenya(Academic Journals, 2015-07-16) Wanyama, J; Obare, Gideon; Owuor, George; Wasilwa, LusikeTraders both wholesaler and retailers play a significant role in banana markets. In Kenya the banana market is not fully developed. This demands targeted studies to assess their performance. This study aims at examining banana traders' intensity of participation in the markets and constraining factors. A survey was conducted in 2013 in four counties. One hundred and ninety traders were randomly selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected on personal, market parameters, and institutional factors. Descriptive statistics and Tobit model were utilized in the analysis. The results showed that traders received market information from multiple sources probable to check on the reliability and accuracy. The results of the Tobit regression showed that the age and sex of traders distance to markets, type of banana and information sources significantly influence the volume of banana fruits handled by traders. Therefore based on the study findings, some of the suggested policy recommendations include; the need to foster development of banana infrastructures and also efforts should be geared towards improving market information sources among traders.Publication Supply Chain Management Practices, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty(European Journal of Business and Management, 2016) Lagat Charles; Koech Josphine; Kemboi AmbroseAbstract In competitive business environments companies have identified the need to redesign their supply chain management practices to increase customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. This study sought to determine the effects of supply chain management practices on customer satisfaction and loyalty in selected supermarkets in Kenya. The study used systems thinking theory and it employed a survey research design. The target population was a total of 1,208 managers and procurement officers in the selected supermarkets. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of respondents. Findings indicated that strategic supplier partnership, supply postponement, customer relationship and information sharing had significant and positive effect on customer satisfaction which also increases customer loyalty. The study concludes that supply chain management practices enhances customer satisfaction in the supermarkets. The study recommends that there is need for companies to work jointly with suppliers in order to improve customer satisfaction and improve performance.Publication Gender and group dynamics in subsistence agriculture: the case of kenya(Premier Publishers, 2016-05-26) Kavoi, Justus M.; Kamau, Geoffery M.; Mwangi, John G.Sustainable food security and household income remains a major challenge among smallholder farmers in Kenya’s semi-arid counties of Kitui, Machakos and Makueni. In this region, women do most farming through self-help groups which may be women or men led. Factors related to gender and group dynamics in subsistence farming are less understood and poorly documented. This study therefore sought to analyse and document the information on such factors. Using systematic random sampling procedure, data were collected from 165farmersfrom Kitui, Machakos and Makueni Counties. Study findings showed that99% of both male and female respondents belonged to farmer self-help groups and that group management was either female dominated (62%) male dominant (20%) or equal representation (18%). In male dominated committees, conflict of interests leads to poor group, while there was less conflict in women led groups. Results also showed that 37% of the respondents depended on family labour to do farmingand that female farmers faced gender-specific constraints in farming which hindered them from improving farm productivity. The researchers concluded that networking enabled female farmers to pool financial resources to address household needs. Existing collective action among female farmers could be enhanced stakeholders ingroup management and leadership skills. Finally, effective strategies should be developed to address gender-specific constraints facing female farmersPublication Genetic Diversity of Kenyan Native Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus)(Taylor & Francis Online, 2017-01-20) Ojwang D. Otieno; Calvin Onyango; Justus Mungare Onguso; Lexa G. Matasyoh; Bramwel W. Wanjala; Mark Wamalwa; Jagger J.W. HarveyMembers of the genus Pleurotus, also commonly known as oyster mushroom, are well known for their socioeconomic and biotechnological potentials. Despite being one of the most important edible fungi, the scarce information about the genetic diversity of the species in natural populations has limited their sustainable utilization. A total of 71 isolates of Pleurotus species were collected from three natural populations: 25 isolates were obtained from Kakamega forest, 34 isolates from Arabuko Sokoke forest and 12 isolates from Mount Kenya forest. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) was applied to thirteen isolates of locally grown Pleurotus species obtained from laboratory samples using five primer pair combinations. AFLP markers and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of the ribosomal DNA were used to estimate the genetic diversity and evaluate phylogenetic relationships, respectively, among and within populations. The five primer pair combinations generated 293 polymorphic loci across the 84 isolates. The mean genetic diversity among the populations was 0.25 with the population from Arabuko Sokoke having higher (0.27) diversity estimates compared to Mount Kenya population (0.24). Diversity between the isolates from the natural population (0.25) and commercial cultivars (0.24) did not differ significantly. However, diversity was greater within (89%; P > 0.001) populations than among populations. Homology search analysis against the GenBank database using 16 rDNA ITS sequences randomly selected from the two clades of AFLP dendrogram revealed three mushroom species: P. djamor, P. floridanus and P. sapidus; the three mushrooms form part of the diversity of Pleurotus species in Kenya. The broad diversity within the Kenyan Pleurotus species suggests the possibility of obtaining native strains suitable for commercial cultivation.Publication Modulation of energy homeostasis in maize and Arabidopsis to develop lines tolerant to drought, genotoxic and oxidative stresses(Ghent University, 2018-02-01) Njuguna, Elizabeth; Coussens, Griet; Aesaert, Stijn; Neyt, Piet; Anami, Sylvester; Lijsebettens, Mieke VanAbiotic stresses cause crop losses worldwide that reduce the average yield by more than 50%. Due to the high energy consumed to enhance the respiration rates, the excessive reactive oxygen species release provokes cell death and, ultimately, whole plant decay. A metabolic engineering approach in maize (Zea mays) altered the expression of two poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation metabolic pathway proteins, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and ADP-ribose-specifIc Nudix hydrolase (NUDX) genes that play a role in the maintenance of the energy homeostasis during stresses. By means of RNAi hairpin silencing and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing strategies, the PARP expression in maize was downregulated or knocked down. The Arabidopsis NUDX7 gene and its two maize homologs, ZmNUDX2 and ZmNUDX8, were overexpressed in maize and Arabidopsis. Novel phenotypes were observed, such as significant tolerance to oxidative stress and improved yield in Arabidopsis and a trend of tolerance to mild drought stress in maize and in Arabidopsis. Key words: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Nudix hydrolase, CRISPR/Cas9, maize, oxidative stress, drought stressPublication Influence of multi-stakeholder linkages and practices on the adoption of technologies and innovations in lower Eastern Kenya(IDEAS, 2018-03) Kavoi, J. M.; Mutinda, M. N.The study is an assessment of how the factors related to multi-stakeholder linkages and practices (MSLIAD) influence the adoption of Gadam sorghum technologies and practices by farmers in six sub-counties in lower eastern Kenya where past public-private-partnership development initiatives have been implemented. The factors studied included: (i) farmers’ attitude towards MSLIAD, (ii) prevailing policies, (iii) coordination of stakeholders in production and provision of services, (iv) competition among the stakeholders, (v) information sharing among the stakeholders, and (vi) collective action in access to markets. Stratified random sampling was used to select 165 household heads who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Significant (p <.05) negative influences were found to exist between the MSLIAD factors and the adoption of technologies and practices by the farmers. Strong linkages between research, policy and practice were found necessary to enhance technology adoption. Further, existing linkages should be clearly defined for proper coordination of information sharing and feedback across all communication levels.