Molecular characterisation of Aspergillus flavus on imported maize through gazetted and ungazetted points of Entries in Kenya

Maize is a vital staple crop in Kenya, serving as a primary source of food and feed. Contamination of maize (Zea mays) by Aspergillus flavus  and the subsequent production of aflatoxins pose significant threats to food safety and human health. The risk of A. flavus contamination on imported maize at both gazetted and un-gazetted points […]

Maize yield response to potassium and lime application at Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties, Western Kenya

Maize is the most important staple food in Kenya, and is grown across a wide range of agro-ecological zones, accounting for about 40 present of daily calories. A major constraint in maize production in Kenya is low and declining soil fertility. Nutrient input and output studies on farmlands across Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa show an […]

Total aflatoxin levels on imported Maize through Gazetted and Un-gazetted points of Entries in Kenya

Maize is a crucial staple crop that serves as both food and feed in Kenya. However, its widespread cultivation in tropical and subtropical climates often results in contamination with Aspergillus flavus during transportation and storage. The main objective of this study was to assess moisture content and level of aflatoxin contamination present in imported maize […]

Indigenous knowledge practices on management of key crop pests in Kitui West Subcounty, Kenya

Sub-Saharan Africa’s subsistence agriculture is characterized by food deficits, recurrent famines, and poverty caused by irregular rainfall, deteriorating soil fertility, pests, and illnesses. Pests have not spared Kitui County’s small-scale farmers. They’ve resorted to unjustified and unregulated pesticide use. In addition to chemical exposure, there is a risk of degradation and loss of valuable Indigenous […]

Effectiveness of extension services for food and nutrition security through integrated crop-livestock farming systems: A case study of smallholder farmers in Rarieda Sub County, Kenya

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems (ICLFS) are globally recognized for their contributions to improving agricultural sustainability. These systems also play a big role in conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) since they reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus assisting in coping with the effects of climate change. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of extension services […]

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of water users that affect water resource use in lower thiba sub-catchment, Kenya

Water resource in Lower Thiba Sub-catchment is important as over 70% of the population in the area rely on it for irrigation among other uses. This study was carried out to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the community affecting its use. Data was collected from 361 households (n=361) within the sub-catchment. For ease […]

Establishment and early growth of Brachiaria grass cultivars in Coastal Lowlands of Kenya

A study was conducted to evaluate the establishment and early growth of Brachiaria cultivars; Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk, Brachiaria. brizantha cvs. Marandu, Piata, Xaraes and MG-4, Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II and Brachiaria humidicola cv. Llanero and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana cv. Ex-Tozi) as control. The experiment was conducted between November 2013 and April 2014 […]

Assessment of cassava mosaic disease and field status of cassava begomoviruses in Kenya

Cassava production in Kenya is affected by cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs). This study was carried out in 2013 to determine the status of cassava mosaic begomoviruses in farmers’ fields in Kenya. The survey covered major cassava growing regions of Kenya of Coast, Eastern, Western and Nyanza. The survey covered a […]

Ecological impacts of improper waste management frameworks on biodiversity conservation in Nairobi County, Kenya

Nairobi County is a world’s unique biodiversity hub with an attractive national park in the city detailing its beauty. For the last decade, urban migration has led to an increase in population, resultantly an increase in its waste generation depicted by the sporadic mushrooming of unplanned dumpsites. With expected double inhabitants by 2050, the urgent […]

Farmers perception on production constraints, trait preference and variety selection of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Kenya

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production in Kenya is mainly practiced on a small scale and productivity per hectare is lower compared with the world average, despite its promotion in different regions. The chickpea adoption rate is also relatively slow, despite its benefits. This study investigated farmers’ production constraints, preferred traits, and selection criteria for specific […]