East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Comparative Analysis of Biotechnology Policies and Biosafety Regulatory Regime in the Eastern Africa Countries
Get PDFBuilding a vibrant bio-economy enterprise in the East African region requires facilitative policies and regulatory regimes that allow for the development and application of bio-based technologies in the national production systems. Modern biotechnology, the ability to transfer genes from one organism to another, across species barriers and resulting in genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is a critical technological tool in the sustainable exploitation of genetic resources. The Eastern Africa States are at various stages in the development of biotechnology policies and biosafety regulatory frameworks for the governance of modern biotechnology in response to the global biosafety regulatory instrument, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB). This variance presents a hindrance in the countries’ full application of modern biotechnology, thereby limiting their ability to effectively participate in the global bio-economy enterprise. A desk analysis methodology was applied to review information available in the public domain as regards the status of biotechnology policies and biosafety regulatory regimes in eight Eastern Africa countries. The objective of the analysis was to assess their readiness to harness modern biotechnology and generate policy advisory to facilitate the development and application of modern biotechnology. The overall impression of the biotechnology policies and biosafety regulatory regimes in the region is generally restrictive. There is a ban on the importation of genetically modified food in Kenya, a moratorium on the same in Rwanda, strict liability in Tanzania, and varying degrees of precautionary overtones in policy statements in some of the other countries. A recent review of restrictive provisions of biosafety laws in Ethiopia and biosafety regulations in Tanzania has allowed the commercial growing of genetically modified crops (Bt. Cotton) and conduct of confined field trials research on GMOs, respectively
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Neospora caninum and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus in smallholder dairy cattle in Kenya
Get PDFLittle is known of the risk factors associated with occurrence of Neospora caninum and Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) infection in Kenya. This cross-sectional study hypothesized that there are significant biosecurity measures associated with N. caninum and BVDV infections on smallholder dairy farms in Kenya that could be adopted to reduce seroprevalence and impacts. From 158 randomly selected farms in Meru County, Kenya, 470 serum samples were collected from dairy cattle (over six months of age and unvaccinated for these two pathogens). Sera were analyzed for antibodies to N. caninum and antibodies and antigens to BVDV. Data on risk factors were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the farmers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify significant risk factors associated with seropositivity for the pathogens. The apparent seroprevalence of N. caninum, BVDV antibody, BVDV antigen, and co-infection with N. caninum and BVDV antibody and/or antigen were 35.1%, 47.1%, 36.2% and 18.5%, respectively. Risk factors associated with N. caninum antibody included: introducing milking cows into the farm, lending of cattle between farms, farm dogs having access to bovine aborted fetuses, and dogs whelping in the farm compound, with an interaction between the last two variables. BVDV antigen was associated with cattle having contact with pigs, and an interaction between cattle age and whether farms introduced new calves onto farms, and cattle age and whether visiting dairy farmers have access to the cow shed. Cows had higher odds of having BVDV antibodies compared to heifers. Factors associated with co-infection included cow parity, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and goats, and introducing new milking cows into the farms. Antibody and antigen results may be partly a function of classical swine fever virus or border disease virus interactions. Farmer education on these biosecurity measures is recommended, along with introduction of BVDV vaccination
Characterization and pathogenicity of symbiotic bacteria associated with entomopathogenic nematode: Steinernema species KALRO
Get PDFThe soil inhibiting entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), in the family Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae, are useful insect biological control agents. They have been used in the management of economically important crop pests. The EPNs are mutually associated with symbiotic bacteria genus Xenorhabdus and Photoharbdus respectively. The study aimed to isolate, characterize and evaluate the pathogenicity of symbiotic bacteria associated with EPN Steinernema sp. Kalro (Accession MW151701). The EPN Steinernema sp. Karlo was multiplied using the insect baiting technique. Its bacteria symbiont was isolated and characterized based on microscopic, biochemical, and physiological features like Gram staining, urease, motility test, and glucose fermentation test). Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis were performed on 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence. Pathogenicity of the bacteria isolate was evaluated against Tuta absoluta larvae with mortality data recorded after 24 and 48hours of exposure to the bacterial cell suspension. The bacteria were found to be motile and glucose fermentation positive. Sequence analysis of 16S rDNA region resulted in 1500bp sequence with maximum similarity of between 97 and 98.93%, with Xenorhabdus spp Accessions from Genbank. It closely matched to Xenorhabdus sp. My8NJ with 98.93% similarity (Accession AB507811.1). Mean percent larval mortality of 68±4.9 and 88±8.0 in the lowest cell suspension was observed in 24 and 48h of exposure. It’s concluded that, the symbiotic bacteria associated with Steinernema sp. Kalro is Xenorhabdus sp. strain Kalro Genbank Accession MW245845. The bacteria is a potential biological control agent against Tuta absoluta larvae. Further classification of the bacteria to species level and pathogenicity trials in the screen house and field are recommended
Epidemiological patterns of Rift Valley Fever from diverse habitats during an extreme unprecedented flooding of Lake Baringo basin, Kenya, 2012-2013
Get PDFMosquitoes’ ecology and associated arboviruses are heavily influenced by precipitation and retention of water in the environment. In 2011 and 2014, unprecedented floods occurred in the Lake Baringo basin inundating approximately 88 km2 of the shoreline land. This caused abrupt environmental changes raising fears of an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) disease. This study was carried out to determine the situation of RVF disease in livestock from diverse habitats during the extreme unprecedented flooding phenomenon that occurred in the Lake Baringo basin, in 2012-2013. Blood was drawn from the ear vein of livestock selected randomly from the three study areas (lakeshore land, swamp marshy, and dry rangeland habitats). Mosquitoes were trapped using CDC light traps and identified morphologically. From a total of 77 blood samples, eight were positive for RVF virus (RVFV) representing an overall infection of 12%. RVF prevalence from livestock residents in flooded lakeshore land habitat was 2.6% (N=77) compared to the swamp marshy habitat at 7.8% (N=77). No infections were recorded from dry rangeland (0%). Mosquitoes of genus Mansonia dominated the catches in flooded lakeshore (98%). Highest individual catches of mosquitoes of genus Aedes was from swamp marshy area whose abundance was 96.8% and below 2% in other habitats. The Simpson’s Diversity Index for mosquitoes from swamp marshy habitat was 0.56, dry rangeland 0.57, and lakeshore land 0.13. The flooded lakeshore land was the most affected by the unprecedented floods resulting in uneven mosquito diversity and subsequently low prevalence of RVF in this habitat. This could be attributed to prolonged disruption of biotic and abiotic factors creating unfavorable breeding sites of multiple species of primary vectors of RVF in flooded lakeshore land unlike in other habitats
Spatiotemporal characteristics of smallholder milk production under changing climate: A case of Nandi County, Kenya
Get PDFMilk production in Kenya is predominantly smallholder and dependent on rainfall. The study assesses spatiotemporal characteristics of smallholder milk production in Nandi County under changing climate. Climate (Rainfall and temperature), fodder availability (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and soil moisture content) and milk production data were used. Methods included trend analysis, spatial plots, correlation and multi-regression analysis. Monthly NDVI and soil moisture content were high between April and November with seasonal analysis indicating highest/lowest June-August (JJA)/December-February (DJF) values. Percentage change (%Δ) for NDVI was 6.0% (DJF), 1.96% (March-May, MAM), 2.13% (JJA), 4.16% (September-November, SON) and (2.53% (Annual). Seasonal and annual %Δ for soil moisture content ranged 7.2-17.1% at 0-10cm level and 8.1-23.7% at 10-40 level. Trend analysis of milk production showed positive change from 2007 to 2016 and highest/lowest in December/April with seasonal %Δ of up to 186% (MAM), 183% (JJA), 202% (SON), 214% (DJF) and 204% (Annual). Majority of household (HH) owned between 1 and 20 acres of land with only 0.5 to 2 acres allocated to dairy farming while those allocating less than 1 acre practiced zero grazing. On average, HH had 2 lactating cows throughout the year with majority of dairy farmers (98.6%) owning improved cow breeds. Amount of milk per HH supplied to the farmer organization varied between 2.3 litres and 3.8 litres with computed daily average milk produced per HH being 18.8 litres. Active milk suppliers were highest/lowest in December/April whereas daily average milk production per HH between 2010 and 2016 was highest/lowest in January (23.7 litres)/August (15.6 litres). Lowest/highest correlation coefficients were found in precipitation/minimum temperature. Multi-regression analysis indicated that precipitation had significant contribution to dairy productivity. Given the sensitivity of milk production to climate and fodder availability, adequate adaptation and mitigation measures are necessary in order to sustainably enhance milk production
Development of nutritious, safe and acceptable cassava-soy bean flakes
Get PDFCassava (Manihot esculenta) and soybean (Glycine max) utilization is reduced by presence of natural chemical hazards which require processing to lower them to safe levels. In addition, cassava is nutritionally deficient of quality protein and minerals. This study sought to evaluate how formulation of safe Cassava-Soybean flakes could be achieved while striking a balance between maximizing nutrition aspects and sensory aspects. A single Pearson square was employed to give a target of 25% of soybean incorporation that resulted to half of recommended daily intake of protein for age 2-5 yrs. Variation above and below 25% of soybean incorporation level was done to give the following formulations; 0:100, 15:85, 25:75, 35:65 and 50:50 soybean to cassava, respectively. After formulation, the samples were subjected to chemical and descriptive sensory evaluation. Proximate composition of the formulations differed significantly (p<0.05). With focus on protein content, as level of incorporation of soybean increased, protein content of the flakes increased too with the highest level in formulation being 22.12%. Mineral content of flakes had a similar trend with the highest level at 4.04% in formulation. Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) content for all the samples were within safe range of below 10 mg/kg for the formulated samples and significantly differed at (p<0.05) with the lowest and highest levels being 8.35 mg/kg and 9.72 mg/kg, respectively. Sensory results showed sample with 65% and 35% cassava and soybean had the highest score of 6.4 on a seven-point hedonic scale for overall acceptability and exhibited significant difference from the rest of samples. There was no significant difference (p<0.05) for beany flavor in all the sample formulations an indicator that the objectionable flavor that hamper utilization of soybean and soy related products had been eliminated while processing the soybeans
Energy and Water Use for Processing by Horticultural Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Get PDFMicro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for over 99% of companies and about 60% of employment opportunities can be attributed to them in most countries globally. MSMEs uses energy and water intensively, is a major driver in the economy with respect to innovations, Gross Domestic Product, investments as well as exports. Despite MSMEs key role in the economy, they have not been the focus in the energy and water policy actions of the majority of countries in spite of their intensive usage of energy and water for horticultural processing. Thus, to address this gap the paper undertook a systematic literature review of energy and water for horticultural processing. Out of the 486 articles retrieved from the various databases, 18 publications met the inclusion criteria. From the literature synthesis, it’s evident that energy conservation opportunities lie in the use of renewable energy. The food processing sector globally utilizes 200 exajoules of energy annually. This consumption causes decreasing resources and large levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Processing operations consume 78% of the water supplied to a processing plant. The study recommends the utilization of the best available technologies so as to ensure energy and water use efficiency. Efficient use of energy and water by MSMEs is largely dependent on a country’s legal and regulatory framework
Comparison of the efficiency of solar-powered prototype vapour compression cooler with evaporative charcoal cooler in maintaining quality of French beans
Get PDFThe quality and shelf life of French beans is affected by the time of harvesting and storage period. Cooling immediately after harvesting is important. The use of a solar evaporative cooling system is suitable for use in rural areas with no power grid connections. This study compared evaporative charcoal cooler and solar cooling systems on improving the quality and shelf life of French beans. The prototype was made using mathematical modeling equations and was powered by solar power while the evaporative charcoal cooler was made from iron sheets with charcoal walls. Freshly harvested French beans were stored under the two cooling systems. The weight and temperature of the stored produce were checked hourly. At the end of the day, produce was packed into modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) bags and stored for 7 days in a cold room. After seven days, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels were measured using a Bridge gas analyzer. The results show significant differences in weight loss between produce stored in evaporative charcoal shed and solar cooler prototype with those stored in evaporative charcoal cooler having 5% weight reduction while those solar coolers having 3% weight loss. A higher accumulation of CO2 was realized in the evaporative charcoal cooler than in the solar-powered cooler. The solar-powered cooler maintained weight, reduced the temperature of products, and maintained the balance between carbon dioxide and oxygen thus reduction in metabolic activities. This enhanced the shelf life and quality of the produce
Molecular detection of Campylobacter species from human and cattle faecal samples in Kilosa District, Tanzania
Get PDFA growing number of Campylobacter species other than C. jejuni and C. coli have been considered as emerging human and animal pathogens but their contribution to human gastroenteritis is poorly documented. This study aimed at detecting Campylobacter species from human and cattle faecal samples in Kilosa District, Tanzania using molecular techniques without culture. Seventy (70) faecal samples were collected from five diarrheic and 65 non-diarrheic human patients attending Kilosa District Hospital in Tanzania from July to October 2019. During the same period, 30 faecal samples were also collected from healthy cattle in the same district. Genus and species identification of Campylobacter was conducted on the samples using molecular techniques [the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 16S rRNA sequencing]. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out by comparison of the 16S rRNA gene sequences to reference strains by the Neighbor-Joining method in MEGA X. Campylobacter species detection rate by PCR was 65.7% (46/70) and 20% (6/30) in humans and cattle, respectively. There were five human diarrheic cases, four of which were positive for Campylobacter and of these, two were children ≤15 years of age. In humans, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that C. concisus was the most predominant species occurring at a frequency of 37.8% (14/37), followed by uncultured Campylobacter spp. 24.3% (9/37) and C. hominis 21.6% (8/37). The least represented species were C. jejuni and C. lanienae, all occurring at 2.7% (1/37). In cattle, five (100%) sequenced PCR products matched with C. lanienae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that with the exception of C. lanienae, 16S rRNA sequences of Campylobacter species were closely related to the reference strains used (Percent identity: 90.51-96.56%). Based on our findings, we recommend that molecular techniques, mainly PCR be adopted for the direct detection of Campylobacter species during laboratory screening and surveillance studies
Impact of agricultural commercialization on household food security among smallholder farmers in Zhombe North Rural District, Zimbabwe
Get PDFAgricultural commercialization is one of the proposed strategies to alleviate the problem of food insecurity in Africa. This paper contributes to the debate on the impact of agricultural commercialization on household food security by assessing the impact of agricultural commercialization on household food security. Cross-sectional data for the 2017/18 farming season was collected from 165 smallholder farmer households in Zhombe North Rural District in Zimbabwe. A propensity score matching model was used for data analysis. Crop output market participation share (COMPS) and crop input market participation share (CIMPS) were jointly used as a proxy of agricultural commercialization of a household. Findings indicated that agricultural commercialization had a positive significant average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) of 5.25 modified food consumption scores on households’ food security. The paper recommends the promotion of agricultural commercialization as a strategy to improve household food security