Agroforestry

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Factors Influencing Development of Farm Forestry in Lugari District, Kakamega County, Western Kenya
(Agricultural and Food Sciences, Environmental Science IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 0002) Otsieno Fredrick Sikuku; Apudo Musa Gweya; Ototo Gilbert O.
This study was conducted to establish the factors influencing the development of farm forestry in Lugari Division, Western Kenya. Data was collected between December 2007 to January 2008. Structured questionnaires/schedules, key informant interviewing, and secondary sources of data were used to collect data. All collected data were entered in SPSS 13.5 to facilitate statistical analysis using descriptive statistics such as frequency distributions and cross tabulations. Significant differences between expected and observed attributes were analyzed by non-parametric Chi- square tests. Farm sizes, species preferences, end use of tree products, access to and availability of preferred germplasm and planting materials, availability of resources for raising seedlings, access to extension services, and marketing constraints as well as biological and technical factors such as diseases, pests and planting methodologies were established as important factors influencing farm forestry and tree planting in general, in the division. This study has also demonstrated that farm forestry can be a useful tool for enhancing the livelihoods of many people and contributing to rural development in Lugari, and can be readily adopted if identified challenges can be comprehensively addressed. It is recommended that tree propagation techniques and distribution networks should be developed to enable affordable access to a wide range of appropriate germplasm. Small scale farmers should be assisted, through extension services, to manage and enhance the value of their tree crops. Institutional support through incentives such as credits, subsidies, technical support and creation of market opportunities including forest policy and legislation sensitization and implementation would boost farm forestry Collapse
Flavour Compounds in Backslop Fermented Uji (An East African Sour Porridge)
(ResearchGate, 2000-12) Onyango Calvin; Heike Raddatz; Bley Thomas
The potential of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentocaceus, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, different mixtures of these lactic acid bacteria and backslop starter cultures to acidify and form flavour compounds in uji was investigated. The bacteria chosen are the most prevalent species in fermented uji. Flavour compounds were analysed using GC-MS and GC-FID with HP5 non-polar column and DB-Wax polar columns respectively. Use of pure single or mixed cultures did not improve the flavour profile of fermented uji. On the basis of peak areas of unfermented and fermented uji aromagrams, pentanal, hexanal and hexadecanoic, 9,12-octadecadienoic, oleic and octadecanoic acids were found to be native to the flours, while 3-methyl-1-butanol, octanoate, nonanoate, hexadecanoate, linoleate, oleate and hexanoic, heptanoic, octanoic and nonanoic acids were synthesised during submerged culture fermentation. Ethanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, lactic acid and ethylacetate were synthesised prior to fermentation and synthesis of these compounds continued during fermentation.
Participatory Selection Of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.) Cultivars Using Mother And Baby Trial In Western Kenya
(ResearchGate, 2011-10) Odhiambo G.O; Kwach J.K.; Gichuki Simon T.; Dida Mathews
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) is a drought tolerant food security crop. Western Kenya accounts for 60% of the national production. Intensive production is constrained by lack of improved high yielding cultivars tolerant to pests and diseases. Currently, average farmer root yields range between 5.6-13.0 t ha-1. The objective of this study is to evaluate with the farmers eleven sweet potato cultivars improved for high yielding and high nutrition value; 'Kemb10', 'SPK004', 'Mugande', 'Namaswakhe', 'K117', 'Polista', 'Bungoma', 'Odinga', '292-H-12', 'Zapallo' and 'Improved Nyathi Odiewo'. These were tested against four local popular farmer cultivars; 'Uimprove Nyathi Odiewo', 'Jayalo', 'Amina' and 'Kuny kibuonjo'. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 15 treatments replicated four times per each of four locations in mother and baby trials. Assessments were done on biomass and root tuber yields. Results showed that there were significant differences in yield performance between the cultivars with 'Mugande' yielding the highest across locations. Conversely, the farmers cultivars; 'Nyathi Odiewo' and 'Kuny kibounjo' were comparable to the improved cultivars; 'Mugande', 'K117', 'Improved Nyathi Odiewo', 'Namaswakhe', 'Kemb10', and 'Odinga'. All the cultivars had dry matter content above 30% except 'Zapallo' that had 21.6%. The improved sweet potato cultivars have the potential to increase farmers' food security since they yielded 14-28 t ha-1. Involvement of farmers has been decisive in the selection of preferred sweet potato cultivars for commercial and domestic use. These cultivars could be further developed through a multiplication and marketing program to incorporate the preferred qualities for
Agriculture Projects Offered for Examinations in Secondary Education:: Perceptions towards Factors Influencing Initiation and Implementation in Kisii District,Kenya Paperback
(‎ LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2012-03-14) Nyang'au Martha K.
Agriculture projects were introduced in Secondary Education examinations in 1989 to equip learners with basic skills for self-reliance. However, the primary objective is often down played. The initiation and implementation of the projects might be poor since schools struggle to exploit the examination process at the expense of equipping learners with the practical skills; hence there is need for improvement. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education should organize regular workshops to develop and sustain the positive perceptions of school principals and agriculture teachers towards factors influencing project initiation and implementation. And to encourage co-operation among them during initiation. Further, the Ministry, should incorporate in the training curriculum for agriculture educators the factors perceived to be influencing the projects. School principals, and possibly Board of Governors should provide financial resources to improve and sustain positive perceptions of learners towards the factors influencing implementation of the projects
Haematological Response of African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus Burchell 1822) Fingerlings Exposed to Different Concentrations of Tobacco (Nicotiana Tobaccum) Leaf Dust
(International Scholarly Reseach, 2013-09-17) Safina M. Musa; Aura Christopher Mulanda; Ogello Erick Ochieng; Omondi Reuben; Charo-Karisa Harrison; Munguti Jonathan Mbonge
The 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.
MITIGATION OF IN-DOOR AIR POLLUTION AND GREEN HOUSE GASES BY USE OF RETROFITTED PRESSURE LAMP UTILIZING STRAIGHT VEGETABLE OIL
(2014) Ogari, A. N.; H. M. Ndiritu; B. B. Gathitu
The potential of traditional fossil fuels to be exhausted has increased of late. This has affected the many sectors of the economy which rely on petroleum products. Apart from depletion of fossil fuel and escalating oil prices, there is also need to conserve the environment to reduce global warming, ozone layer depletion, and climate change. This will reduce health issues associated with pollutant emissions from fossil fuel use. Among the efforts being made is the search for alternative renewable fuels. The objectives of the study were to study the performance characteristics of pressure lamps while using pure kerosene, kerosene-straight vegetable oil (SVO) blends and finally to modify the pressure lamp to utilize higher SVO/ kerosene blends. The performance of unmodified lamp was investigated and compared to that of a retrofitted pressure lamp utilizing straight vegetable oil/kerosene blends at 1.5 bar, 2.0 bar and 2.5 bar lamp pressure. Light output, carbon monoxide (CO) emission, carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, particulate matter (PM) emission, fuel consumption and heat generated were compared. Using a portable air compressor, air regulators and hoses, the lamps were maintained at constant pressures. Carbon dioxide data logger was used to monitor and record CO2 in real time. Easy Log carbon monoxide data logger was used to record carbon monoxide concentrations. University of Caronia, Barkley (UCB) particle monitor was used to monitor and record particulate matter in the room. Light output was measured using lux meters. Heat generated was measured using thermocouple. The unmodified lamp handled a maximum of 30% blend. Retrofitted lamp had an average of 17% CO reduction, 18% particulate matter reduction, 5.5% fuel consumption reduction, 10% temperature reduction, 5% CO2 increase while light output increased between 11% and 23% compared to the unmodified pressure lamp. In conclusion, the retrofitted pressure lamp utilizing SVO was designed and fabricated. This lamp emitted comparatively more light and CO2 but less PM and CO than the unmodified lamp at all pressures and fuel blends. The fuel consumed increased with increase in lamp pressure for both lamps. It is recommended that the lamps be tested in households to compare the outcome with the lab results. Further work should also be done to improve atomization of the fuel in lamps. Other emissions like NOx, and SOx should also be measured.
An assessment of morphological and physiological traits that correlate with faster growth rate and high biomass production in Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne seedlings
(Advances in Life Science and Technology, 2015) Kireger, Eliud K.; Rop, Simon K.
Presently, there are no procedures for selecting superior genotypes at seedling stage. We do not know which morphological or physiological characteristics can be used to predict superior growth in trees. Field testing of genotypes requires a substantial amount of time and money before a genotype shows significant promise in the field. For this reason, morphological and physiological parameters that correlate with growth rate were sought as early indicators of field performance. Six seed provenances of Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayne collected from areas of varying aridity where compared in biomass productivity and gas exchange traits. After 3.5 months of growth, biomass ranged from 1-2 g. Significant provenance variation was observed in total biomass productivity, root dry weight, leaf area, net photosynthetic rates per unit leaf area, stomatal conductance (P<0.001) and leaf transpiration rate (P<0.05). More xeric provenances exhibited lower biomass productivity compared to mesic ones. They also showed lower photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance’s and low photosynthetic capacity. Larger leaf areas, high stomatal conductances and photosynthetic rates appeared to be positively correlated with total biomass productivity since faster growing provenances had a greater leaf area, higher stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates. Taken together, the results suggest that differences in leaf area, stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates (photosynthetic capacity) among provenances may be responsible for the variation in biomass productivity in Acacia tortilis provenances. The probable premise and sequence of physiological events responsible for the variability depends on photosynthetic rate, total leaf area and leaf longevity.
Variation in Seedling Density, Herbivory and Disease Incidence among Seedling Stages and Mother Prunus Africana Trees Growing on Varying Microsites in a Transitional Rainforest in Kenya
(Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2015) Kireger, Eliud K.; Hall, John B.; Rop, Simon
The study was carried out at Kakamega Forest which is generally considered to be the easternmost limit in today’s climate of the lowland Guineo Congolean rainforest of central Africa. Faunally and florally, Kakamega is dominated by central African lowland species, but due to its elevation (1,400-2,300 meters (4,000-7,000 ft.) and proximity to the formerly contiguous Nandi Forests it also contains well-represented highland elements and is thus unique, thus, it is a significant island of biodiversity that has developed along its own unique evolutionary course for thousands of years and which shows a high level of endemism. The objective of the study was to determine how herbivory and disease incidence vary among seedling stages and trees growing in varying micro sites. The study began at the end of the fruiting season and start of germination of seeds. A natural stand was identified where Prunus africana was abundant because the species density. The results indicated that seedling abundance, disease incidence and herbivory varied among trees and microsites
Prevalence and Adoption of Agroforestry Technologies and Practices in Semi-Arid Regions of West-Pokot County, Kenya
(Research Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, 2015-06) Mandila B.; Hitimana J.; Kiplagat A.; Mengich E.; Wekesa T.
Apart from being few, studies on agroforestry in ASALs have failed to consider different categories of farmers depending on the number of years they have practiced the technology. This has led to scanty information to the advocators of agroforestry and individual farmers in need of agroforestry information. This study therefore determined effective agroforestry technologies suitable for Kenya’s ASALs based on the prevalence and adoption levels in Chepareria and Lelan sub-locations of West-Pokot County. The study employed independent group research design. A total of 181 households were selected (90 in Chepareria and 91 in Lelan from a target population of 2199 households). Data was collected through questionnaires, key informants drawn from field officers and contact farmers, and direct field observation. Mann-Whitney U test and kruskal Wallis test were used to analyze data with the aim of determining significant differences between and among independent groups. The results indicated that most common agroforestry technologies include boundary tree planting, home-garden, woodlot, scattered trees, alley cropping, and fodder bank. The six technologies across the study area were dominated by boundary tree planting (Chepareria 63.4%, Lelan 68%). However, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of agroforestry technologies between the sub-locations (U = 1685, d.f= 1, N= 181, P= 0.378). In addition, the difference in the adoption levels of the six technologies between the sub-locations was statistically insignificant (U = 3196.500, N= 181, d.f 1, P > 0.05). However, kruskal Wallis test indicated significant difference within adoption levels in sub-location [(Chepareria χ 2= 312.132, d.f =5, N = 90, P =.0000), (Lelan χ2 =145.674, d.f = 5, N = 91, P=.0000)]. At the adopters’ level, boundary planting had a significantly higher number of households as compared to any other technology. In this regard, extension officers need to organize for training to create awareness and empower farmers on least prevalent and non-adopted technologies.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Agroforestry Technologies in Semi-Arid Regions of West-Pokot County, Kenya
(2016) Mandila, B.; Hitimana, J.; Kiplagat, K.; Mengich, E.; Namaswa, T.
West-Pokot County, Kenya experiences harsh arid andsemi-arid climatic conditions associated with high povertyindicators. To alleviate poverty, Non-GovernmentalOrganizations initiated projects to promote agroforestryin order to increase sustainable farm forestry managementfor food, energy security and wealth creation. However,adoption of agroforestry technologies has been slowin these regions due to scanty information on theirprofitability. This study determined costs, benefits andbenefit-cost ratios (B/C) of agroforestry technologies inWest-Pokot with the aim of scaling up of profitable andsustainable agroforestry. Purposive sampling techniquewas used to select two sub-locations of the county, Lelanand Chepareria. Systematic random sampling techniquewas used to select 91 and 90 households respectively.Questionnaire based interviews and field observationswere used in collecting data. Mann–Whitney U test wasused for pair wise analysis to determine B/C ratios ofagroforestry technologies in Chepareria and Lelan thatwere significantly different. Boundary tree planting hadthe highest B/C in Lelan (9.4) and Chepareria (6.88),while scattered trees on farm had the lowest B/C of 0.68in Lelan and 1.11 in Chepareria. Mann Whitney U testindicated that the B/C ratios of agroforestry technologiesin Chepareria and Lelan were significantly different (U=210.500, P < 0.005). Boundary planting and fodder banktechnologies had higher B/C in Lelan as compared toChepareria. In conclusion, all agroforestry technologies,except scattered trees on farms in Lelan were profitable inWest-Pokot as they had a B/C greater than 1.
Evaluation of Cercaricidal and Miracicidal Activity of Selected Plant Extracts Against Larval Stages of Schistosoma Mansoni
(IISTE, 2016) Obare, Benter A.; Yole, Dorcas; Nonoh, James; Lwande, Wilber
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood-flukes of the genus Schistosoma. It is one of the most widespread of all human parasitic diseases, ranking second only to malaria in terms of its socioeconomic and public health importance in tropical and subtropical areas.More than 207 million people, 85% of whom live in Africa, are infected with schistosomiasis,and an estimated700 million people are at risk of infection in 76 countries.Control of schistosomiasis faces serious drawbacks of emergence of drug resistant parasites and molluscicide resistant snail hosts.Due to improper waste disposal,infected faecal matter enter water bodies such as canals rivers and springs where miracidia that hatch from parasite eggs develop into cercariae inside snail intermediate hosts and are infective to humans upon release in to the water.This study sought to evaluate the miracicidal and cercaricidal activity of selected plant extracts on larval stages of Schistosoma mansoni.Ten cercariae and miracidia were exposed to extract concentrations ranging from 10-150ppm.The most active extracts were Phytolacca dodecandra (LT50 10.84 and16.91minutes) and Solanum linaeanum (LT50 of 22.86 and 26.96 minutes) respectively that killed 50% of miracidia and cercariae in less than 30minutes.This was followed closely by Solanum americanum (LT50 31.02 and 31.89) and Anonna squamosa LT50 35.29 and 40.46minutes respectively.Piper nigrum was the least active recording LT50 46.84 and 56.75 of miracidia and cercaria respectively.Miracidia were more susceptible to extracts than cercariae.The higher susceptibility of miracidia to extracts has also been reported in other studies and it is advantageous since killing one miracidium prevents the formation of thousands of cercariae which are infective to humans.All the extracts killed larvae within one hour at concentration less than 100ppm and could be categorized as potent cercaricide and miracicides.
Productivity gaps among groundnut farmers in Kenya and Uganda: A stochastic production frontier analysis
(African Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2016) Asekenye Cresenia; Bravo-Ureta Boris E; Deom Mike; Kidula Nelson; Okello David Kalule; Okoko Nasambu; Puppala Naveen
Productivity gaps for 321 groundnut farmers from Uganda and Kenya were analysed using data from the 2009 growing seasons. Farmers who planted improved varieties enjoyed output advantages of 143% in Uganda and 58.6% in Kenya over those who planted only local varieties. Farmers had a mean technical efficiency of 54.6% in Uganda and 54.4% in Kenya. No significant differences were found in the mean technical efficiencies of research and non-research farmers, and between maleand female-managed plots. Productivity therefore could be enhanced if high-efficiency households invest more in improved varieties and if low-efficiency households make better use of their existing technology. Continued development of improved varieties will further shift the production frontier outward. The apparent spill-over effect of the technical support received by research and nonresearch farmers suggests that farmer education has a multiplier effect. An improvement in extension service delivery could help to enhance the managerial skills of both farmer categories.
Influence of Land Use Activities on Riparian Vegetation, Soil and Water Quality: An Indicator of Biodiversity Loss, South West Mau Forest, Kenya
(Scientific research publishing, 2016-01) Naomi Njue; Eric Koech; Joseph Hitimana; Peter Sirmah
Watershed and riparian areas of Mau Forest Complex in Kenya are experiencing increased threats due to unsustainable land use activities geared towards economic growth amidst growing population. This study was carried out to examine effects of land use activities on riparian vegetation, soil and water quality along two major rivers (Chemosit and Kipsonoi) of South West Mau Forest (SWMF). Land use activities adjacent to these rivers and biodiversity disturbance on the riparian zone were identified and underpinned to changes on Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, Potassium, Sulphur, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Total Suspended Solids and soil Organic Carbon. Three sampling sites designated(upstream, midstream and downstream) were identified and established along each river as guided by existing land use activities represented by forest, tea plantation and mixed agricultural farming respectively. At each sampling site, a 200 m × 50 m section was systematically marked on each side of the river bank; the longest side being parallel to the river flow and divided into three belts transects each 20 m × 50 m, spaced 70 m apart. Six distinct land use activities (indigenous forest, food crop, tree and tea farming, livestock keeping and urban settlement) were identified as the major land use activities in SWMF. Plant species richness decreased and overall riparian disturbance increased from upstream (intact canopy with native vegetation) to mid-stream and downstream as epitomized by the structure, biodiversity disturbance resulting from extensive and intensive farming, intrusion of exotic species to livestock grazing and urban settlement. Variation among sampling sites in Total Suspended Solids, pH, Total Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were associated to different land use activities along the riparian zone. Total Nitrogen and water pH showed significant sensitivity to land use changes (p < 0.05). Put together these results indicate loss of biodiversity, riparian disturbance hence a need to adopt environmental-friendly land use planning and sustainable farming systems in SWMF.
Challenges Affecting the Adoption of Agroforestry Practices around Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 2018-09-28) Masibo, Monica Mbatha; Hitimana, Joseph; Yegon, Ann Sitienei; Owino, Yuda Odongo
Anthropogenic activities around Chepalungu forest has lead to its reduction in size and has resulted in its degradation. Continued dependency on this forest may result in its total depletion despite its high biological diversity and the value of its natural resources. Farmers in the area have been largely uninterested in adopting agroforestry practice around Chepalungu forest, despite the potential for these practices to reduce demands on the forest. This study identified barriers to adopting agroforestry practices around Chepalungu forest in Bomet County, Kenya. Researchers adopted descriptive survey research design in this study. The study was done in 2016. The study sites were four locations around Chepalungu forest (Bing’wa, Siongiroi, Ndanai, and Abosi), which are 5 km from the forest edge and were selected using simple random sampling method. A total of 377 household questionnaires were administered in the four locations. Chi-Square and Mann Whitney U tests were used in the data analysis. Significance levels were expressed at P<0.05 using SPSS version 17 software. The results showed that there was a significant association (c2= 530.8; P <0.01) between the types of agroforestry practices and challenges affecting the adoption of agroforestry practices. Notable challenges were: damage by animals, damage by man, tree nursery problems, inadequate capital, natural calamities, competing land uses, managerial problems and seed acquisition problems.
PfHRP2-PfHRP3 diversity among Kenyan isolates and comparative evaluation of PfHRP2/pLDH malaria RDT with microscopy and nested PCR methodologies
(Elsevier, 2018-12-01) Nderu, David; Kimani, Francis; Thiong'o, Kelvin; Akinyi, Maureen; Karanja, Evaline; Meyer, Christian G.; Velavan, Thirumalaisamy P.
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are valuable tools that support prudent and timely use of antimalarial drugs, particularly if reliable microscopy is not available. However, the performance and reliability of these tests vary between and within geographical regions. The present study evaluated the performance of routine malaria RDT in Kenyan febrile patients in Busia County, Kenya. A cross sectional study design was employed to recruit febrile patients attending health facilities between August and November 2016. A total of 192 febrile patients who were slide positive and negative were evaluated for their infection status by nested PCR and RDTs (PfHRP2/pLDH). In addition, P. falciparum diversity of the histidine-rich proteins 2 and 3, that influences the RDT test results were determined. All individuals were P. falciparum positive. Among the investigated 192 febrile patients, 76 (40%) were positive by microscopy, 101 (53%) by RDTs and 80 (42%) were PCR positive. The performance of the CareStart™ HRP2/pLDH (pf) RDTs was better than microscopy (Sensitivity 94%; Specificity 75%) and Nucleic acid testing (sensitivity 95%, specificity 77%) with high negative predictive values, indicating the suitability of the RDT in routine practice. Specific pfhrp2/pfhrp3 deletions shown to associate with RDT false negativity was not observed. However, high genetic diversity among pfhrp2 gene was observed. Eleven new PfHRP2 and nine PfHRP3 repeats were observed. False positivity by microscopy and under reporting of infections may thus be a barrier in malaria control and elimination programs. The HRP2/pLDH(Pf) based RDT yet demonstrate to be an effective tool for malaria surveillance program.
Work environment and the performance of forest rangers in South West Mau Forest, Kenya
(East African Journal of Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2019) Etemesi, Nduku Issa; Sirmah, Peter k.; Chepkwony, Josiah
The objective of this research was to evaluate and understand how the working environment of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) forest rangers affects their performance. The rangers, under the Enforcement and Compliance Division (ENCOM) of KFS are mandated to implement the enforcement of laws and policies pertaining to forests and its allied resources as prescribed in the Kenya Forest Act of 2005. Qualitative research approach was employed in the data collection using structured questionnaires in four forest stations. From a population of 46 rangers, 32 rangers, 8 serving in each of the three forest stations (Londiani, Masaita, and Sorget) of Kericho Zone, Mau complex and the Kericho Ecosystem Conservetor’s Office were sampled randomly. A pre-tested questionnaire on demographic trends, duration of service, work environment variables constituting of remuneration, living conditions, motivation, appraisals, rewards, empowerment, communication, work tools, mobility, uniforms, challenges and personal life were administered in January 2016. The performance indicators gave dissatisfaction rates of 59% and 63% in most of the parameters tested. Comparison of the finding of this study with the findings of the surveys of 2010 and 2013 in different conservancies in Kenya gave an index of 51.4% and 56.74% satisfaction respectively. The results therefore denote a progressive correlation between the working conditions drivers and the performance of forest rangers. Kenya Forest Service under ENCOM Division has a responsibility and large task to improve the working conditions and environment of the rangers. No matter how efficient conservation and regeneration programs may be undertaken while enforcement lags the cumulative performance of the entire process shall ever record dismal performance. More radical measures must be undertaken to enhance the performance and productivity of rangers through motivation, improve both their intrinsic and extrinsic working environment. KFS must as well acknowledge that low employee satisfaction rates shall ever incapacitate the forest rangers’ performance.
Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein (PfHRP2 and 3) diversity in Western and Coastal Kenya
(Nature Publishing Group, 2019-02-08) Nderu, David; Kimani, Francis; Thiong’o, Kelvin; Karanja, Evaline; Akinyi, Maureen; Too, Edwin; Chege, William; Nambati, Eva; Meyer, Christian G.; Velavan, Thirumalaisamy P.
Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich proteins 2 (PfHRP2) based RDTs are advocated in falciparum malaria-endemic regions, particularly when quality microscopy is not available. However, diversity and any deletion in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes can affect the performance of PfHRP2-based RDTs. A total of 400 samples collected from uncomplicated malaria cases from Kenya were investigated for the amino acid repeat profiles in exon 2 of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes. In addition, PfHRP2 levels were measured in 96 individuals with uncomplicated malaria. We observed a unique distribution pattern of amino acid repeats both in the PfHRP2 and PfHRP3. 228 PfHRP2 and 124 PfHRP3 different amino acid sequences were identified. Of this, 214 (94%) PfHRP2 and 81 (65%) PfHRP3 amino acid sequences occurred only once. Thirty-nine new PfHRP2 and 20 new PfHRP3 amino acid repeat types were identified. PfHRP2 levels were not correlated with parasitemia or the number of PfHRP2 repeat types. This study shows the variability of PfHRP2, PfHRP3 and PfHRP2 concentration among uncomplicated malaria cases. These findings will be useful to understand the performance of PfHRP2-based RDTs in Kenya.
Domestication and Survival of Selected Medicinal Trees and Shrubs in Chapereria Division West Pokot County Kenya
(Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports, 2019-02-08) Maina, Peris Nyambura; Mandila, Brexidis
Depletion of medicinal plant species as a result of over over-extraction in their natural habitats will have detrimental effects on the livelihood of the locals that herbal medicine is part and parcel of their health systems. Though domestication is the best strategy to conserve medicinal tree and shrub species, most medicinal trees and shrubs have remained undomesticated due to low survival rates and inadequate information on the best strategies to improve survival rates. This study was designated to determine the domestication level and survival rates of selected medicinal tree and shrub species in the semi-arid regions of Chepareria division. A cross-sectional research design was employed in this study. Chepareria division was purposely selected. 384 households were selected using systematic random sampling technique. A pre-designed data collection sheet was used to collect the information on medicinal plant species and photographs were taken where necessary during data collection. The study indicated that there were 25 medicinal tree and/or shrubs in Chepareria division. It was also found that 91.7% households had domesticated trees on their farms with Croton megalocarpus (71.3%) being the highly domesticated tree while Myrsine afriana was the least (0.9%) prevalent medicinal tree in the area. Further analysis using Chi- Square (χ 2 ) test of fitness indicated that there were significant differences in the number of households that have domesticated different medicinal trees and/or shrub species in Chepareria division (P <.0001). The indicated that the various medicinal trees and/or shrubs had different survival rates in the area. The mean survival rates of Aloe graminicola (62.6%), Croton macrostachyus (69.8%) Vernonia amygdalina (69.3%) and Croton megalocarpus (72.7%) are significantly higher while the survival rates of Tamarindus indica (12.0%), Myrsine afriana (6.6%), Dalbergia vaccinifolia (9. 4%) and Commiphoraboi viniana (7.2%) are significantly lower. Chapareria to increase the domestication and survival rate of trees/shrubs.
Evaluating Efficiency of Sampling Schemes in Tropical Natural Forests: Review and Simulation Experience from Kenya
(Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry, 2019-08-08) Joseph Hitimana; James Legilisho Ole Kiyiapi; Balozi Kirongo Bekuta
Forest measurements, especially in natural forests are cumbersome and complex. 100% enumeration is costly and inefficient. This study sought to find out reliable, efficient and costeffective sampling schemes for use in tropical rain forest (TRF), moist montane forest (MMF) and dry woodland forest (DWF) in Kenya. Forty-eight sampling schemes (each combining sampling intensity (5, 10, 20, 30%), plot size (25, 50, 100, 400 m2 ) and sampling technique (simple random sampling, systematic sampling along North-South and along East-West orientations) were generated for testing estimates of forest attributes such as regeneration through simulation using R-software. Sampling error and effort were used to measure efficiency of each sampling scheme in relation to actual values. Though forest sites differed in biophysical characteristics, cost of sampling increased with decreasing plot size regardless of the forest type and attribute. Accuracy of inventory increased with decreasing plot size. Plot sizes that captured inherent variability were 5mx5m for regeneration and trees ha-1 across forest types but varied between forest types for basal area. Different sampling schemes were ranked for relative efficiency through simulation techniques, using regeneration as an example. In many instances systematic sampling-based sampling schemes were most effective. Sub-sampling in one-hectare forest unit gave reliable results in TRF (e.g. SSV-5mx5m-30%) and DWF (e.g. SSV-10mx10m-30%) but not in MMF (5mx5m-100%). Onehectare-complete-inventory method was found inevitable for regeneration assessment in montane forest.
Prevalence, Severity and Causative Agents of Dieback in Calotropis procera in Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya
(American Research Institute for Policy Development, 2020-06) Mandila, Brexidis; Odhiambo, Kenneth; Muchugi, Alice; Nyamai, Daniel; Musyoka, Damaris
Calotropis procera has a great potential for domestication and commercialization in Kenya for fibre production. However, the shrub experiences dieback condition caused by unidentified fungi. This makes it difficult to prevent dieback during cultivation, a situation that may lead to low productivity and financial losses. This study determined dieback prevalence, severity and causative agents among naturally growing Calotropis procera in the semi-arid regions of Kenya. A repeated measure research design was used. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting Tharaka and Makueni as study sites. Simple and systematic random sampling techniques were used in developing main and sub plots, respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting 16 cuttings from each block for laboratory analysis. In the laboratory, specimens were obtained from samples, sterilized, rinsed, blotted and incubated at 23°C followed by observation of spores under a Microscope. Mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and 2*4*6 factorial ANOVA using SPSS version 25 was used in analysis. There were significant differences in dieback prevalence and severity at different time points with the highest prevalence (78.56%) and severity index (3.54) reported in (September-November) 2019. Fusarium was the dominant dieback causative fungi with dominance ranging from 32.29% to 43.38%. In conclusion, the study established that naturally growing Calotropis procera stands in semi-arid regions of Kenya experience dieback throughout the year though at varying levels.

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