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Publication 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 JohnIntroduction: 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.Publication Evaluation of Common Bean Production Systems and Fertilizer Use in Nandi South(University of Nairobi, 2017) Okumu Oliver; Muthomi J.; Narla R.; Nderitu J.; Lauren J.; Ojiem J.High fertilizer cost and increased concern for ecological sustainability have led to improved interest on green manure and organic fertilizer. The study evaluated common bean production systems and organic fertilizer use by farmers in Nandi South. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to individual farmers in the form of interviews and the data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, frequency counts and percentages. Results showed that majority of the farmers were women with a mean age of 51.6 years. Many farmers 59% cultivated improved bean varieties sourced from their own farms and applied fertilizers albeit different quantities. The results further indicated that 67% of farmers in Koibem and 57% in Kapkerer applied green manure as a soil amendment. Addition of green manure to soils helps in improving soil conditions and increasing crop yields in low soil fertility areas. Green manure use as soil amendments is an ecologically sustainable way of increasing yield. Relevance to innovation. Many modern agricultural practices have unintended negative consequences and therefore there is growing concern about sustainable and better agricultural systems. It is therefore time to assess the importance and future role that soil improving legumes may play in agricultural system. Application of lablab legume species as green manure is an important practice for sustainable agriculture production as the crops fix nitrogen and has deep and extensive root system that allows for nutrients extraction and recycling. Green manure has favou..rable N to P ratios and has predictable N activity hence its application will increase yield.Publication Quality of Lablab (Lablab purpureus) Forage Preserved as Hay or Silage(Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 2021) Wangila Anthony Juma; Gachuiri Charles Karuku; Muthomi James Wanjohi; Ojiem John OkeyoShortage of livestock feeds during the dry season is a major constraint to livestock production in Kenya. This scenario is due to dependence on rain fed forage production resulting in shortages during the dry season and excess during the wet season. This situation can be ameliorated through conservation, but losses occur when forages are conserved. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of on-farm conservation methods on quality of lablab fodder. Fodder from eight varieties of lablab;DL1002, Ngwara Nyeupe, Echo-Cream, Black Rongai, Eldo-Kt-Cream, Eldo-Kt-Black1, Brown Rongai and Eldo-Kt-Black2 were conserved on-farm either as hay or silage. The conserved and fresh fodder were analyzed for dry matter content, crude protein, ash content, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Lablab silage was analyzed for pH and total ammonia nitrogen. Crude protein content declined significantly; by 4.2 g/100 g when fodder was conserved as hay and by 6.0 g/100 g in silage. The NDF content increased significantly by 7.6 g/100g in lablab hay but declined by 4.2 g/100 g in silage while ADF increased by 6.1 g/100 g in hay and declined by 5.0 g/100 g in silage. A significant decline of 3.2 g/100 g of lignin was observed in silage with no difference in the hay. The IVDMD declined significantly by2.8 g/100 g in lablab hay and increased by 4.5 g/100 g in silage. The pH of lablab silage ranged from 4.37 to 4.89 while total ammonia nitrogen ranged from 27 to 41 g/100 g for different lablab varieties. Conservation of lablab as silage was found to be a superior on-farm method compared to hay making.