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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 prioritized
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 advantageous
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 productivity
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.
Bringing Climate Smart Agriculture to Scale: Experiences from the Water Productivity Project in East and Central Africa
(IntechOpen, 2018-03) Mogaka, Hezron R.; Kwena, Kizito; Ademe, Fitih; Serge, Joseph; Asmerom, Nezeghty; Musana, Bernard; Razakamiaramanana, Razaka; Ruttoh, Reuben; Dereje, Assefa; Woldearegey, Kifle; Esilaba, Anthony; Emongor, Rosemary
Since 2010, six research organizations in the region have implemented a regional project that sought to combat food insecurity, poverty and climate change by up-scaling Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies across farms and landscapes using the Climate Smart Landscape (CSL) approach. Several CSA technologies were evaluated and promoted across landscapes using this approach with remarkable success. Maize yields in Kenya rose from 0.5 to 3.2 t ha-1, resulting in over 90% of the watershed communities being food secure. In Madagascar, rice yields increased from 2 to 4 t ha-1 whilst onion yields increased from 10 to 25 t ha-1, resulting in watershed communities being 60% food-secure. In Eritrea, sorghum yields increased from 0.6 to 2 t ha-1. Farmers in Ethiopia earned US$10,749 from the sale of pasture whilst in Madagascar, watershed communities earned additional income of about US$2500/ha/year from the sale of onions and potatoes during off-season. Adoption levels of various CSA technologies rose from less than 30% to over 100% across the participating countries, resulting in rehabilitation of huge tracts of degraded land. In a nutshell, the potential for CSL in the region is huge and if exploited could significantly improve our economies, lives and environment.
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.
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 inoculation
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 depths
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.
Human-Wildlife conflicts at the interface between Mt. Kenya National Park/National Forest and small holder farming communities in Embu County
(Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 2021-06) Nyaga, Justine M.; Rock, Kim; Kjellander, Petter
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a common problem for many farming communities around protected areas like parks, reserves and forests all around the world. In Kenya where most farming occurs at smallholder levels, HWC:s could be highly significant as it may lead to a complete loss of crops and livestock. Such cases have previously been experienced by smallholder farming communities around Mt. Kenya national park/natural forest, but many have gone unreported. To minimise these conflicts, the government of Kenya, in collaboration with the Rhino Ark Foundation have constructed an electric fence around the forest. The main aim of this study was to collate and document experiences of crop raiding by wildlife on small holder farms in Embu County, Kenya that are adjacent to the forest. It also aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the electric wildlife fence along the forest line through Embu County. To achieve this, questionnaires were administered to 181 small holder farmers living and farming within 5 km of the electric fence on the approximately 60 km long forest line. The questionnaires sought to gather information on the wildlife species causing damages, the magnitude of damage suffered by the farmers on the crops and livestock before and after the construction of the fence, the interventions they have in place to prevent such damage and other suggestions to prevent wildlife raids. Wildlife cameras were also used to track wildlife activity at night time. A total of 169 questionnaires were retrieved and 455 pictures downloaded from the cameras. Results show that the percentage of crops destroyed by wildlife was significantly higher in the year before the wildlife fence was constructed in 2016 compared to the period after the fence (2016-19). Currently the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber) and the Kenyan African (Tachyoryctes ibeanus) were reported as the most frequent pests on crops after the fence construction. Elephants were the most severe crop raiders before the fence construction, but their raiding ceased completely after the fence installation. The white tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) and eagles (Accipitridae family) were the most frequently reported raiders on livestock. Maize, macadamia and bananas were the most commonly targeted crops while chickens were the most targeted livestock. Over 90% of the farmers indicated that the fence significantly contributed to a reduction of HWC:s. However, they also suggested additional fencing for both crops and livestock, as well as trapping and poisoning of raiders like moles and mongooses that were responsible for most of the crop damage and livestock attacks. This study recommends that farmers devise innovative ways of dealing with the threat of small animals. These may include aggressive fencing and growing crops and keeping livestock that are not targeted by small animals. It is also recommends that the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) develop innovative ways of compensating affected farmers and prevent further loss. The KWS may also train farmers on procedures to follow in reporting cases of wildlife invasion and on food choices of various wildlife species inhabiting the forest so that they avoid growing crops or keeping livestock that are prime targets for wildlife.
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, James
Moderate 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 fertility
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Study of The Effects of Varrying The Concentration Of Aluminium on The Properties of Caal2o4: Ce3+ Phosphors.
(University of Embu, 2019) Kipchumba, Jepsat Dorcas
Population increase has been observed in the past few years and as a result there is need for development in order to improve living standards of people. Lighting in homes and industries one of the major areas that needs to be improved. In the past few years electricity has been used as a source of lighting, however its high cost of production makes it expensive for use. Long afterglow phosphor materials have been studied as a substitute for the use of electricity. In this study effects of varying concentration of aluminum ion on the properties of CaAl2O4: Ce3+ phosphor was determined. In particular the absorbance of CaAl2O4: Ce3+ at different wavelengths prepared by solution combustion method were investigated. CaAl2O4: Ce3+ phosphor was prepared by solution combustion method at 500⁰C. The samples obtained were then characterized using spectrophotometer to measure their absorbance. It is observed that the samples showed the highest absorbance at 400 nm wavelength.

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