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Item Alley cropping of maize with calliandra and leucaena in the subhumid highlands of Kenya Part 1. Soil-fertility changes and maize yield(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999-06) Mugwe, Jayne; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Nair, P.K.; O’neill, M.K.; Woomer, P.L.Although N-rich leaf biomass of multipurpose trees is known to be a good source of N to crops, integrating such trees into crop production systems is a major challenge in the development of viable agroforestry systems. An approach to integrating calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissner) and leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit), two promising agroforestry tree species, into maize (Zea mays L.) production system was investigated in the subhumid highlands of central Kenya during four maize-growing seasons from 1994 to 1996. The experiment consisted of maize plots to which tree prunings obtained from hedgerows grown either in situ (alley cropping) or ex situ (biomass transfer from outside) were applied. When alley-cropped with leucaena, maize produced significantly higher yields compared to maize monoculture (both non-fertilized and fertilized) treatments, but when alley-cropped with calliandra, the yield of maize was less than that of the monocropped unfertilized control. Application of ex situ grown calliandra and leucaena prunings with or without fertilizer resulted in higher maize grain yield than in the nonfertilized and fertilized treatments. Yields of calliandra alleycropped maize were 11% to 51% lower than those of nonalley-cropped treatments receiving calliandra prunings from ex situ grown trees; the decrease was 2% to 17% with leucaena, indicating that calliandra hedges were more competitive than leucaena hedges. The alley-cropped prunings-removed treatments produced the lowest maize yields. The study showed that, in the subhumid tropical highlands of Kenya, inclusion of calliandra hedges on cropland adversely affected maize yields. On the other hand, alley cropping with leucaena was advantageousItem World Economic Plants: A Standard Reference(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001) Nair, P.K.; Mugendi, Daniel N.Use of scientific (Latin) names of living organisms is a basic norm in all scientific literature. Yet, to write these names correctly is a daunting task for not only the novices, but even seasoned professionals. This is particularly true in agroforestry literature, where we often deal with little-known and underexploited species. Many authors have a tendency to refer to them with common or parochial names only. But different plants may have the same common name and the same plant may have different common names in different places. Furthermore, as knowledge evolves continuously, the Latin names of some of the plants, especially the little-studied ones that are common in agroforestry, may be revised according to the rules of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Therefore, it is essential that unambiguous and currently accepted Latin names of plants are given in scientific literature and even in international commerce. Authoritative books and well-researched reference materials that accurately give this information, though a must for scientific writing, are hard to find. This remarkable book fills that void. It is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive publication, which contains taxonomic information for nearly 10,000 species of economically important vascular plants from all over the world. That the book was reviewed before its publication by 150 specialists is a feature that most other publications cannot claim. The book contains two major parts, each arranged alphabetically. The first, 536 pages long, is the ‘Catalog of Economic Plants.’ It contains scientific names of vascular plants along with associated data such as synonymy, common names, economic impacts, and geographical distributions. The second part, the ‘Index to Common Names,’ is 213 pages of information in small print, providing a list of 19,200 common names, including nearly 7,500 non-English derivations, of the plants included in Part one. Thus, starting from a common name of a plant, a user can locate its relevant botanical data in Part one. As already mentioned, a reference book of this nature is a must for all agroforestry students and researchers. Almost all the trees that this reviewer has looked for randomly are listed in the book. If some are not (e.g., Allophyllus africanus P. Beauv., Conocarpus lancifolius Engl., and Rothmania spp.), it could well be that the species have undergone name changes, about which the reviewer is not aware. Admittedly, the common names are not exhaustive, especially when it comes to non- English derivations; but it is almost impossible, nor is it necessary, to list all the innumerable local names of all the species in a compilation like this. Readers need to be cautioned, however, that this book is not a species-identification guide. The hard-bound book is very well produced. Its consistency of formatting is admirable. All in all, it is an invaluable reference book. By producing this book, its authors and the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture that supported the compilation of the book have provided an outstanding service to plant-research community all over the world.Item Improving food production using ‘best bet’ soil fertility technologies in the Central highlands of Kenya(Springer, 2007) Mugendi, Daniel N.; Mucheru-Muna, Monicah; Mugwe, Jayne; Kung’u, James; Bationo, A.Declining crop productivity is a major challenge facing smallholder farmers in central highlands of Kenya. This decline is caused by continuous cultivation of soils without adequate addition of external inputs in form of manures and fertilizers. With this background, an on-station trial was initiated at Embu in 1992 to evaluate the feasibility of using two leguminous shrubs; Calliandra calothyrsus and Leucaena leucocephala for improving food production. In 2000, an off-station farmers’ participatory trial aimed at offering farmers soil enhancing technologies for replenishing soil fertility was established in Meru South District. The results from the Embu on-station trial indicate that, over the 11 years of study, calliandra and leucaena biomass transfer with half recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer treatments gave the best average maize grain yields of 3.3 Mg ha-1. Treatment where calliandra was alley cropped with maize but the prunings removed recorded the lowest maize yield of 1.2 Mg ha-1. Treatments with calliandra and leucana biomass transfer had similar yields but treatments that were alley cropped with leucaena did better than those that were alley cropped with calliandra. On the other hand, results from the off-station trial in Meru South indicate that, on average, across the seven seasons, sole tithonia gave the highest maize grain yield followed closely by tithonia with half recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer with 6.4 and 6.3 Mg ha-1 respectively. Control gave the lowest yield of 2.2 Mg ha-1 across the seasons. On average, integration of organic an inorganic sources of nutrients gave higher yields compared to all the other treatments.Item Changes in Soil Organic Matter as Influenced by Organic Residue Management Regimes in Selected Experiments in Kenya(Springer, 2007) Waswa, B.S.; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Vanlauwe, B.; Kung’u, J.The failure to understand the dynamics of soil organic matter (SOM) is a major limitation to the sustainability of smallholder production systems that predominantly relied on organic resources for the maintenance of soil fertility. This study evaluated the influence of organic resource management on SOM in three selected experiments in central and western highlands of Kenya. Results showed that soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and carbon-13 (13C) values in the three experiments were depending on the amounts of the organic residues applied as well as the duration of application indicating that organic residue management practices have a profound impact on the final contribution to the SOM pools. Kabete experiment had the narrowest C, N and 13C values pointing to its young age as well as the low quantity of the organic residues applied. On the other hand, Embu experiment had soil C values above the critical level of 2.0% indicating a positive effect of continued application of organic residues. In all the three sites, aggregate mineral fraction (MF) size distribution were dominated by macroaggregates (250–500μm and >500 μm) which on average accounted for about 72%, 65% and 69% of the dry soil weight for Maseno, Kabete and Embu experiments, respectively. Similarly higher proportions of aggregate light fractions (LF) C and N were observed in macroaggregate fractions for the three experiments with organic treatments having higher proportions. The 13C signatures of the LF in the macroaggregates (>250 μm) were more negative as compared to the 13C values in the microaggregate (53–250 μm) LF suggesting a more C contribution from C3 vegetation to the most recently incorporated SOM poolItem Impacts of vegetative contour hedges on soil inorganic-N cycling and erosional losses in Arable Steep-lands of the Central Highlands of Kenya(Springer, 2007) Mutegi, James; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Verchot, Louis V.; Kungu, JamesModerate to steep landscapes and severe soil, water and nutrient losses characterize over 40% of arable land in the central highlands of Kenya. To study the effectiveness of biological methods in management and enhancement of productivity of these arable steep-lands, we established contour double row hedges of sole Calliandra, Leucaena and napier and combination hedges of either Calliandra or Leucaena with napier. Hedges were established on slopes exceeding 5%, pruned regularly and the resulting biomass cut into fine pieces, which were then incorporated into the plots they served. We then evaluated these plots for inorganic-N changes with depth, soil conservation and soil loss/crop growth relationships. We observed accumulation of inorganic-N in the sub-soil in the control and napier plots but a reduction of sub-soil inorganic-N and its re-accumulation in the top-soil in the leguminous hedge plots after 20 months of trial. The first season on average, registered higher soil losses (P = 0.004) than the second season for treatments with hedges and vice versa for the control. During the first season there were significantly lower (P < 0.001) soil losses in plots with hedges relative to the control on slopes exceeding 10% but with the exception of napier, no significant differences among different types of hedges. We observed higher soil loss reduction in the combination hedge relative to individual tree hedges across the two seasons (P = 0.012). The relationship between cumulative soil loss and any of the four crop growth parameters i.e., grain weight, plant height, stover weight and total above ground biomass was negative, linear and highly significant (P < 0.0001), indicating decreased crop growth with soil loss. We conclude that there are heavy productivity losses as a result of soil erosion in arable steep-lands of the central highlands of Kenya and that well spaced, managed and combined contour hedges of leguminous trees and napier can reduce soil and nutrient losses from steep arable landscapes while simultaneously enhancing soil fertilityItem Fertilizer nitrogen recovery as affected by soil organic matter status in two sites in Kenya(Springer, 2007) Karunditu, M.W.; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Kung’u, James; Vanlauwe, B.Management of nitrogen (N) nutrition is a vital aspect in maize production systems ofKenya. In Central andWestern parts of Kenya, high population density has eliminated the use of traditional fallow farming systems for replenishing soil fertility while high unevenly distributed rainfall increase chances of N leaching. A study was conducted at Maseno, and Kabete to investigate the fate of fertilizer N in the soil-plant system using treatments that had been receiving leaf prunings of Calliandra calothyrsus and Tithonia diversifolia. Two microplots were installed in the main treatments to which labelled fertilizer was applied. At the beginning and at the end of 2002 long rains, soil was sampled to 200 cm for N and 15N enrichment analysis at the two trials. Also at the end of the season plant samples were collected for N and 15N analysis. At Maseno trial, evenly distributed rainfall and the influence of organic resource quality enhanced good fertilizer nitrogen recovery in the maize crop. Also substantial nitrate movement down the soil profile was observed in the control followed closely by calliandra at the end of the 2002 long rains season. At Kabete trial recorded the poorest fertilizer N recovery due to unevenly distributed rainfall. Limited soil moisture reduced both soil and fertilizer N uptake which was reflected in high N in the top soil and low recovery in plant. Most of the nitrate-N was left in the tp soil as a result of low rainfall which couldn’t move it into the lower soil depthsItem Partial balance of nitrogen in a maize cropping system in humic nitisol of Central Kenya(Springer Netherlands, 2007) Kimetu, J.M.; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Bationo, A.; Palm, C.A.; Mutuo, P.K.; Kihara, J.; Nandwa, S.; Giller, K.The application of nitrogen in a soil under agricultural production is subject to several pathways including de-nitrification, leaching and recovery by an annual crop. This is as well greatly influenced by the management practices, nitrogen source and soil conditions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the loss of nitrogen (N) through nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and mineral N leaching and uptake by annual crop as influenced by the N source. The study was carried out at Kabete in Central Kenya. Measurements were taken during the second season after two seasons of repeated application of N as urea and Tithonia diversifolia(tithonia) leaves. Results obtained indicated that nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions at 4 weeks after planting were as high as 12.3μg N m-2 h-1 for tithonia treatment and 2.9μg N m-2h-1 for urea treatment. Tithonia green biomass treatment was found to emit N2O at relatively higher rate compared to urea treatment. This was only evident during the fourth week after treatment application.Soil mineral N content at the end of the season increased down the profile. This was evident in the three treatments (urea, tithonia and control) investigated in the study. Urea treatment exhibited significantly higher mineral N content down the soil profile (9% of the applied N) compared to tithonia (0.6% of the applied N). This was attributed to the washing down of the nitrate-N from the topsoil accumulating in the lower layers of the soil profile. However, there was no significant difference in N content down the soil profile between tithonia treatment and the control. It could be concluded that there was no nitrate leaching in the tithonia treatment. Nitrogen recovery by the maize crop was higher in the urea treatment (76% of the applied N) as compared to tithonia treatment (55.5% of the applied N). This was also true for the residual mineral N in the soil at the end of the season which was about 7.8% of the applied N in the urea treatment and 5.2% in the tithonia treatment.From this study, it was therefore evident that although there is relatively lower N recovery by maize supplied with tithonia green biomass compared to maize supplied with urea, more nitrogen is being lost (through leaching) from the soil–plant system in the urea applied plots than in tithonia applied plots. However, a greater percentage (37.8%) of the tithonia-applied N could not be accounted for and might have been entrapped in the soil organic matter unlike urea-applied N whose greater percentage (92%) could be accounted for.Item Evaluation of the Potential of Using Nitrogen Fixing Legumes in Smallholder Farms of Meru South District, Kenya(Springer, 2007) Mugwe, Jayne; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Odee, D.W.Soil fertility depletion in sub-Saharan Africa is a big constraint to increased food production to feed the ever-growing human population. Use of legumes to improve soil fertility is an option in the central highlands of Kenya and this study evaluated soil characteristics on farms and screened effectiveness of five rhizobia strains on four legumes. Soilssampled from 31 farms showed that the soils were generally acidic with more than 50% of the farms having pH inthe range of extremely acidic and strongly acidic (pH < 5.0). Organic carbon was low «2%) on most farms and total nitrogen was deficient with more than 80% having <0.2% N while P ranged from 1.3 to 15.8 ppm with more than70% of the farms being critically deficient in P. Nodulation on Mucuna pruriens and Crotalaria ochroleuca was observed to be variable within farms with individual farms having fewer nodules per plant than on-farm researcher managed trial. Consequently trials to evaluate effectiveness of rhizobia strains were conducted under glass house conditions. Results showed that KWN35 and TAL 1145 were highly effective on C. calothyrsus and L. trichandra and not on C. ochroleuca. Crotalaria ochroleuca nodulated effectively only with CP354 and NGR457. The NGR 457was highly effective on all the legume plants while NGR185 was only effective on L. trichandra. These studies showed that performance of legumes among the smallholder farms was likely to vary due to varying soil characteristics and that them could be potential for improving legume performance within the smallholder farms through inoculationItem Assessment of farmers’ perceptions of soil quality indicators within smallholder farms in the central highlands of Kenya(Springer, 2007) Mairura, F.S.; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Mwanje, J.I.; Ramisch, J.J.; Mbugua, P.K.A study was conducted to determine farmers’ perceptions of soil quality and soil management practices that influenced soil fertility within farmers’ fields in Chuka and Gachoka divisions in central Kenya highlands. Soils were characterized by farmers after which they were geo-referenced and sampled at surface depth (0–20 cm) for subsequent physical and chemical analyses, to determine differences within farmers’ soil quality categories. Special attention was given to agricultural weed species. Indicators for distinguishing productive and non-productive fields included crop yield, crop performance, soil colour and soil texture. A total of 18 weed species were used to distinguish between high and low soil categories. Significant differences among soil fertility categories implied that there were qualitative difference in the soils that were chacterised as different by farmers. Fertile soils had significantly higher pH, total organic carbon and exchangeable cations, with available-N being significantly different in Gachoka. Factor analysis on 15 soil properties identified 4 factors that explained 65% of the total variance in soil quality. Soil fertility and crop management practices that were investigated indicated that farmers understood and consequently utilized spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability in soil quality status within their farms as a resource to maintain or enhance agricultural productivityItem Long-term effects of tillage, sub-soiling, and profile strata on properties of a Vitric Andosol in the Kenyan highlands(2008-09) Ngetich, F.K.; Wandahwa, Philip; Wakindiki, Isaiah I.C.Tillage alters the structure and composition of soil aggregates affecting infiltration rate (IR) and hydraulic conductivity (K). This study investigated the long-term effects of conventional, minimum, and no-tillage with or without subsoiling on aggregate stability, soil organic carbon (SOC), bulk density, IR, and K of a stratified Vitric Andosol in Kenyan highlands. The experiment was laid out in a spilt-split plot design with three replicates. Stepwise profiles were dug in order to expose the soil layers at 0 to 30, 30 to 60, and 60 to 90 cm depths. Soil bulk density was 6% lower in the minimum tilled and 12% lower in the conventionally tilled plots that were subsoiled compared to treatments with no subsoiling and tillage. Subsoiled treatments also increased sequestration of SOC by 20% in the 30 to 60 cm layer. Conventional tillage, however, decreased aggregate stability by 32% compared to no-tillage treatments. Subsoiling in combination with minimum tillage decreased IR by 25% but increased IR about three-fold in conventionally tilled plots. Hydraulic conductivity in the 60 to 90 cm layer was lowest, which constrained water movement in this stratified soil.Item Explanatory reasoning in Junior high Science textbooks(SensePublishers, 2012) Pegg, Jerine; Karuku, SimonCurrent reforms in science education emphasize the importance of using inquiry- based teaching strategies that engage students in formulating explanations from evidence (National Research Council [NRC], 2000). Specifically, for example, the National Science Education Standards in the United States state that students in grades 5 to 8 should “develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence” and “think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations” (NRC, 1996, p. 145). As an additional example, current science education curriculum documents in Alberta include outcomes that expect students to investigate, explain, interpret, and discuss evidence for scientific concepts. For example, the Planet Earth unit in Grade 7 includes outcomes such as “Investigate and interpret evidence that Earth’s surface undergoes both gradual and sudden change” and “Interpret models that show a layered structure for Earth’s interior; and describe, in general terms, evidence for such models” (Alberta Learning, 2003, p. 27).Item The Potential of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources in Sub-Saharan African Crop Farming Systems(2012-02) Ngetich, F.K.; Shisanya, C.A.; Mugwe, Jayne; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Mugendi, Daniel N.Item Biology of the Cell: Notes(LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2014-11) Njiruh, Nthakanio P.After a number of years of teaching, I have used notes which, I feel, can be compiled into condensed and precise note book as a point of reference of those I have taught and those others that would want to benefit from the notes. Cell being the fundamental unit of life need to be well understood by all students taking life sciences. It is for this reason I wish to avail my notes for publication so that, they can be easily be shared by all leaners and scholars. This book can be used as precise learner’s pocket notes. It will serve as a first level entry to studying Cell Biology. This will give the necessary preparation in understanding my other notes in Molecular Cell Biology and Cellular Bio-Engineering. The book will be a good prescription, option to other authors, to all students taking life sciences including Biology, Agriculture, Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary among others.Item Integrating Farmers and Scientific Methods for Evaluating Climate Change Adaptation Options in Embu County(Springer International Publishing, 2014-11) Njeru, P.N.; Mugwe, Jayne; Maina, I.; Mucheru-Muna, Monicah; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Lekasi, J.K.; Kimani, S.; Miriti, J.; Oeba, V.O.; Esilaba, A.O.; Mutuma, E.; Rao, K.P.; Muriithi, F.Potential for promoting sorghum crop as a climate change adaptation strategy for rain-fed agriculture in Embu County, Kenya was evaluated using farmer perceptions and scientific methods. Three hundred and sixty six smallholder farmers participated in the evaluation. The treatments which were overall rated as ‘good’ are tied ridges with a mean score of 2.9 and mean rank (2,873.87). Under this treatment sorghum grain yield of 3.7 t ha−1 was recorded with application of 40 kg P ha−1 + 20 kg N ha−1 + Manure 2.5 t ha−1. This was closely followed by tied ridges and contour furrows overall rated ‘good’ best three under the same soil fertility management options with a mean score ranging from 2.65 to 2.8 and yielding 2.7–3.7 t ha−1. However, the treatments which were rated as ‘poor’ were experiment controls with a mean score below (1.43), mean rank (1,101.24) and yielding as low as (0.7 t ha−1). Therefore, integration of organic and inorganic inputs under various water harvesting technologies could be considered as an alternative option towards food security under climate change for semi-arid areas of Embu County.Item Adapting African Agriculture to Climate Change(Springer, 2015) Kisaka, Oscar M.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Ngetich, F.K.; Mugwe, Jayne; Mugendi, Daniel N.; Mairura, F.Drier parts of Embu County, Eastern Kenya, endure persistent crop failure and declining agricultural productivity which have been attributed, in part, to prolonged dry-spells and erratic rainfall. Nonetheless, understanding spatialtemporal variability of rainfall especially at seasonal level, is an imperative facet to rain-fed agricultural productivity and natural resource management (NRM). This study evaluated the extent of seasonal rainfall variability and the drought characteristics as the first step of combating declining agricultural productivity in the region. Cumulative Departure Index (CDI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI) and Coefficients-of-Variance (CV) and probabilistic statistics were utilized in the analyses of rainfall variability. Analyses showed 90 % chance of below croppingthreshold rainfall (500 mm) exceeding 213.5 mm (Machanga) and 258.1 mm (Embu) during SRs for one year return-period. Rainfall variability was found to be high in seasonal amounts (CV = 0.56 and 0.38) and in number of rainy-days (CV = 0.88 and 0.27) at Machang’a and Embu, respectively. Monthly rainfall variability was found to be equally high even during April (peak) and November (CV = 0.42 and 0.48 and 0.76 and 0.43) with high probabilities (0.40 and 0.67) of droughts exceeding 15 days in Embu and Machang’a, respectively. Dry-spell probabilities within growing months were high (81 %) and (60 %) in Machang’a and Embu respectively. To optimize yield in the area, use of soil-water conservation and supplementary irrigation, crop selection and timely accurate rainfall forecasting should be prioritizedItem The Genetics of Molecular Biology:Principles and Applications(LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, 2015-04) Njiruh, Nthakanio P.This book is compiled from work and experiences of a number of years of teaching Cell Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology. Therefore, the content included is long-time tested practices written with a practical approach. It becomes in form of precise notes, that are recommended reference to those people who are beginning and also advancing their careers in Molecular Biology. Moreover, students and researchers in varied fields of study including Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biology, Genetics, Agriculture, Medicine, Pharmacy,Veterinary, Biophysics, Bioinformatics among others, will find this book a very valuable resource.Item Towards a Harmonized Curriculum in East Africa: A Comparative Perspective of the Intended Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda(Springer, 2016) Karuku, Simon; Tennant, GeoffThis chapter presents the results and insights gained from a comparative analysis of the national secondary school mathematics syllabuses of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Whilst considerable commonalities were found, it was particularly Rwanda, with a different colonial past, which was found to have a more formal curriculum, exemplified in the lack of mention of measurement below the fourth year of primary school and the absence of approximation as a topic. Differences in sequencing topics were found, e.g. Uganda and Rwanda introduce number sequences in year 4 as a means of contextualizing algebra, Tanzania and Kenya introduce them in year 10 somewhat more formally. The continuance of calculations in shillings and cents in Tanzania and Kenya, and the use of logarithms as a calculation tool in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya can be taken as evidence of a mismatch between what happens in school and the outside world. Differences are acknowledged between the stated curriculum on the one hand, and what gets taught by teachers and indeed learnt by children on the other. Whilst considerable work has been undertaken already to update the curricula in different ways, further work is required to ensure that the syllabus across the region is fit for purpose for the 21st century, not least in engaging all learners in this important subject.Item Economics of Land Degradation and Improvement in Kenya(Springer International Publishing, 2016) Mulinge, Wellington; Gicheru, Patrick; Murithi, Festus; Maingi, Peter; Kihiu, Evelyne N.; Kirui, Oliver K.; Mirzabaev, AlisherKenya is an agricultural nation, with over 12 million people residing in areas with degraded lands. Unfortunately, the food crop productivity growth in the country has failed to exceed the population growth. The growth of agricultural output in Kenya is constrained by many challenges including soil erosion, low productivity, agro-biodiversity loss, and soil nutrient depletion. Land exploitation devoid of proper compensating investments in soil and water conservation will lead to severe land degradation. This will translate to loss of rural livelihoods, diminished water supplies and threaten the wildlife habitat. This study explores the causes, extent and impacts of land degradation in Kenya, discusses the costs of action versus inaction in rehabilitating degraded lands, and proposes policy options for promoting sustainable land management (SLM). In order to appropriately support SLM, there is a need to account for the total economic value (TEV) of land degradation, i.e. including the value of both provisioning and indirect ecosystem services of land. Using such a TEV approach, findings show that the costs of land degradation due to land use and land cover changes (LUCC) in Kenya reach the equivalent of 1.3 billion USD annually between 2001 and 2009. Moreover, the costs of rangeland degradation calculated through losses in milk and meat production, as well as in livestock live weight decreases reach about 80 million USD annually. Furthermore, the costs of “soil nutrient mining” leading to lower yields for three crops, namely wheat, maize and rice in Kenya were estimated at about 270 million USD annually. The cost of taking action to rehabilitate lands degraded through LUCC is found to be lower than the cost of inaction by 4 times over a 30 year period, i.e. each dollar invested in land rehabilitation is likely to yield four dollars of returns. This may strongly justify the urgent need for taking action against land degradation. Addressing land degradation involves investments in SLM. Our econometric results show that improving access to information on SLM and to the markets (input, output, financial) may likely stimulate investments into SLM by agricultural households.Item The Cell Bio-engineering: Biotechnology Practice Notes(Lambert Academic Publishing, 2016) Njiruh, Nthakanio P.This book is compiled from work and experiences of a number of years of teaching Cell Biology, Genetics and Molecular Biology. Thus, the content included is attested practices written with a practical bio-production approach. It comes in form of precise notes that are recommended reference to those people who are beginning and also advancing their careers in biotechnology practice. Moreover, students and researchers who wish to put biotechnology into practice will find this book a very valuable resource. The book mainly, dowels on cell culture and cellular bio-engineering which is purposely written for greater understanding of cellular products.Item Issues for quality enhancement and harmonization of education in East Africa.(Springer Link, 2016-03) Mohamed, Mussa; Karuku, Simon; Halai, AnjumThis chapter provides a description of the historical and political development of the current mass education system in East Africa. It goes on to provide a comparative analysis of the structure of the school education system in the East African countries, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Finally, on the basis of the historical and comparative analysis of the education system the chapter raises questions for harmonization of the education system in the partner states in the East African Community.