East African Journal Of Science, Technology and Innovation
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Applying conjoint analysis to match farmer\u27s preferences for cattle traits with those conferred by the improved trypanotolerant Orma Boran cattle in coastal Kenya
Get PDFBovine trypanosomiasis is a key constraint to increased livestock production across all production systems of Kwale County in coastal Kenya. Genetically controlled trypanotolerance of cattle is regarded as one of the promising methods available to mitigate the impact of this disease, and the improved trypanonotolerant Orma Boran is one of the breeds available in Kenya for this purpose. Conjoint analysis was thus used to match farmer’s preference for cattle traits against those conferred by this breed in three production systems of Kwale County. The study also estimated the transaction costs (TC) that would influence access to breeding services while availing the breed. The aim was to identify production systems where the breed matches well with farmer preferences, as an initial step towards its dissemination. In order of importance, farmers preferred cattle that were resistant to trypanosomiasis, had large body size, exhibited resistance to tick-borne diseases (TBD), and had high milk output. However, there were inter-production system differences in trait preferences, where resistance to TBD was least valued in the agro-pastoral system, with more emphasis put on the size of animal and trypanotolerance respectively. On the other hand, in medium potential and marginal pastoral systems, more emphasis was placed on TBD resistance, followed by trypanosomiasis resistance. The agro-pastoral production system was therefore delineated as a potential area for disseminating the breed. Regarding transaction costs, the price of service was the most important transaction costs element. Furthermore, whereas bull service was preferred over artificial insemination (AI) services in marginal pastoral and medium potential systems, AI was given preference in an agro-pastoral system. It was thus concluded that the Orma Boran dissemination would be successful among agro-pastoral households system, and should be delivered using subsidized AI services
Bivariate Based Susceptibility Mapping for Gully Erosion in Wanjoga River Catchment Upper Tana Basin, Kenya
Get PDFGullies occur in semi-arid regions characterized by rainfall variability and seasonality, increased overland flow, affecting ecological fragility of an area. In most gully prone areas, extent of land affected by gullies is increasing. Thus, predicting susceptibility to gully erosion in semi-arid environment is an important step towards effectively rehabilitating and prevention against gully erosion. Proneness to gully occurrence was assessed against; Land cover/land use, slope, soil characteristics, rainfall variability and elevation, and modelled using geographical information system (GIS)-based bivariate statistical approach. Objectives of the study were; a) to assess influence of geomorphological factors on gully erosion, b) analyze and develop gully erosion susceptibility map, c) verify gully susceptibility images using error matrix of class labels in classified map against ground truth reference data. Total of 66 gullied areas (width and depth ≥ ranging 0.5), were mapped using 15m resolution Landsat images for 2018 and field surveys to estimate susceptibility to gully erosion by Global Mapper software in GIS. The images were verified using 120 pixels of known 15 gully presence or absence to produce an error matrix based on comparison of actual outcomes to predicted outcomes. Influence of conditioning factors to gully erosion showed a significant positive relationship between gully susceptibility and gully conditioning factors with consistency value; CR =0.097; value< 0.1, indicating, individual conditioning factors had an importance in influencing gully erosion. Slope (43%) and soil lithotype (25%), most influenced gully susceptibility, while land cover/land use (12%) and rainfall (12%) had least impact. Verification results showed satisfactory agreement between susceptibility map and field data on gullied areas at approximately 76.2%, an error of positive value of 4% and a negative value of 7%. Thus, production of susceptibility map by bivariate statistical method represents a useful tool for ending long and short-term gully emergencies by planning conservation of semi-arid regions
Traffic flow rate on Kigali roads: a case of national roads (RN1 and RN3)
Get PDFTraffic flow study plays a key important in various functionalities of cities all over the world. The study of traffic flow is also viewed as an essential facility of the country when it wants to establish traffic operations patterns in the progress of road planning. Blockages are accountable for a sequence of harmful effects such as loss of time, scheduling difficulties, carbon dioxide production, and risks of accidents as well as external expenses. Besides, inadequate transportation facilities and increased traffic volume hamper urban development, especially in developing nations. The objective of the study was to assess the traffic flow state in two selected national roads of Kigali city. The traffic data were collected from 5 am to 8 pm on two National Roads (RN1 and RN3). The relationship between density and flow rate was analyzed using the fundamental diagram of traffic flow. It was found that the peak hours were from 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 8 pm. The highest number of vehicles counted were motorcycles due to shortcuts taken to reduce travel time. The results on RN3 revealed a proportion increase of traffic flow and density in the free-flow regime from 0 to maximum flow of 3346.6 veh/h correspondent to a critical density of 114.9 veh/km. However, in the congested zone regime, there was a decrease in traffic flow and an increase in density. It was found that the curve of flow versus density tended to increase on-road RN1. This study proposed the promotion of public transport and e-commerce as strategies to mitigate the congestion. Also, further research may be carried out on all roads of Kigali city, to provide the level of congestion useful for traffic deviation accordingly
Bio control of water hyacinth with Cercospora piaropi and Myrothecium roridum corn oil formulations for enhanced water resources management and conservation
No full textWater hyacinth hinders extraction and supply of clean water by clogging intake systems. Despite control efforts, it has remained resurgent and difficult to manage under current methods. Efficacious control for the weed is therefore necessary. This study’s goal was determination of effect of corn oil spore formulations of Cercospora piaropi Tharp and Myrothecium roridum Tode Fries on; disease intensity, relative shoot length and relative biomass of water hyacinth. It was conducted in Maseno University and in a greenhouse at Kibos in Kisumu situated at latitude 00 37’ S and longitude 370 20’ E. The conditions were 25 to 300 C and 22 to 270 C temperature averages during the day and night respectively and 60 to 69% relative humidity. Isolations of C. piaropi and M. roridium were made, grown on PDA, harvested and formulated in corn oil at 1x105, 1x106, 1x107, 1x108 and 1x109 spores/ml. Healthy plants were misted with the corn oil formulations and placed in 90 cm diameter and 1.5 cm depth plastic basins filled with 20 liters of water that had been kept in a container for 24 hours for chlorine to be released. The experimental design was completely randomized design with three replications. Disease intensity, relative shoot length and relative biomass were determined biweekly for 6 weeks. Analysis of variance on the means was done using SAS Institute, Inc.1999 computer software and LSD (p?0.05) used for mean separation. Disease intensity, AUDPS, relative shoot length and relative biomass scores for both pathogens showed a significant (p ?. 05) increase as the concentration of spores in the formulations increased. Cercospora piaropi and M. roridum in corn oil formulation at 1x108 and 1x109 spores/ml were found effective for lowering water hyacinth biomass and shoot growth respectively and with potential for use in open waters for water hyacinth control
Constraints and Opportunities for Greenhouse Farming Technology as an Adaptation Strategy to Climate Variability by Smallholder Farmers of Nyandarua County of Kenya
Get PDFNyandarua County of Kenya has been for a long time, manifested itself as one of the major food baskets in the country. This is because of its high and sustainable output in crop farming i.e., maize, Irish potatoes, wheat, and other horticultural crops like vegetables and fruits. However, this scenario has recently changed because the usual high crop output has not been forthcoming due to recent changes in climatic patterns where rainfall has become very unreliable and temperatures very extreme. In an attempt to adapt to this climate variability and its associated negative impacts on crop farming, smallholder farmers have tried to apply the greenhouse farming technology for them to be able to maintain and or improve the various crop output amid the climatic changes. The study aims to examine and assess the socio-economic determinants and constraints associated with this attempt of adaptation strategy. Using the primary data of 300 respondents (Smallholder farmers) in the County, the study adopted a logistic regression analysis model to associate the demographic, socio-economic, and constraints encountered by the smallholder farmers with the adoption of the greenhouse farming technology. The study results indicate that this adaptation strategy was reported by 25 out the 300 smallholder farmers (5.83%). The study results further suggest that financial constraints (27%) and lack of information (22.3%) are the major constraints preventing smallholder farmers from effectively adopting this adaptation strategy. However, the probability results of logistic regression analysis (68%) indicate that if properly adopted, the method can provide a solution to the currently reduced food shortages and increase food security among the smallholder farmers of Nyandarua County of Kenya
Consumer awareness, practices and purchasing behavior towards green consumerism in Kenya
Get PDFSustainable consumption and production are related to maximizing natural resource use while minimizing waste generation to reduce the environment\u27s negative impacts. There has been limited research on consumer approaches to Kenya\u27s environmental concerns, and their consumption behaviours remain unknown. This study sought to assess the Kenyan consumers\u27 knowledge of green products, their sustainable practices (SCP), and eco-labels influence on their purchasing decisions. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 205 participants randomly selected in five constituencies within Nairobi County. The consumer\u27s educational level significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the knowledge of sustainable consumption and production (39%) as compared to 61% who are not aware of SCP practices. However, SCP knowledge was not significantly different (p=0.76) among the male and female respondents. The prices (86.3%) and product quality (79.5%) were the most considered during purchase than only 40% of the consumers who preferred environmentally friendly products during purchase. Even though only 27% agreed that eco-labelling plays a key role when purchasing products, most (70%) of the respondents would buy green products if green credentials were emphasized. The respondents\u27 trust levels on eco-labels were not significantly different among male and female respondents (c2 = 5.89, p=0.47) and regardless of the educational levels (c2 = 5.51, p=0.99), However, the high costs (69.8%), lack of adequate information (44.4%), and unavailability (39.5%) were the primary constraints to buying green products. While environmental activists were found to be the most important (66.1%) sources of information, increased awareness (98%), environmental education (90.7%), and provision of monetary incentives (78%) would help promote sustainable consumption and production. In conclusion, there is a need for creating more awareness on the consumption and production of green horticultural food products to sensitize the public on sustainable environmental practices among Kenyan consumers to promote green consumerism
Consumption patterns and characteristics of free-range chicken consumers in Embakasi Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFConsumption of free range chicken is on the increase in Kenya and more so in urban set up with sources being Peri-urban or rural areas. Limited information exists on consumption pattern of free range chicken among peri-urban inhabitants in major Kenyan cities, Nairobi included. The current study aimed at determining the consumption pattern among inhabitants in Embakasi Sub-county Nairobi County. This was a cross-sectional survey involving both qualitative and quantitative aspects, data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that there was high consumption of free-range chicken (78.1%) than exotic broilers (15.7%) among the 242 inhabitants that were surveyed. Consumption was also high among males (61%) compared to females (39%). Those who consumed the free-range chicken once a week accounted for 35.1% while those who consumed the chicken once a month accounted for 22.7%. Chicken muscle had a preference of 85.1%. The gizzard and liver had a preference of 4.5%, and 1.7%, respectively. The units of packaging ranged from 0.25kgs to >1kg, though most consumers preferred whole chicken at 47.5%. Significantly (p<0.05) high number of respondents (43.8%) purchased poultry products from the street-side market, Kiosk-Butchers (40.5%) while few (8.3%) purchased products from supermarkets. Consumption of free-range chicken is more popular among male gender, frequencies are dependent on disposable income, occupation and quality attributes such as taste. This study provides information on free range chicken consumption useful to consumer, producer, policy makers, authorities and other stake holders in Poultry research
Food Safety Knowledge and Hygienic Practices among Vendors of Vegetable Salads in Pipeline Ward of Nairobi County, Kenya
Get PDFStreet sold foods are a source of inexpensive, nutritious food for many people living both in the urban and rural areas. It is also a major source of income for many people, particularly women by providing self-employment and the opportunity to develop business skills with low capital investment. However, ready-to-eat foods are a source of contamination and can transmit food-borne diseases through those handling the salads. Therefore, a quantitative cross-sectional survey of exhaustively sampled 120 vendors was carried out to assess food safety knowledge and hygienic practices among vendors of vegetable salads in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study established that the majority (60 %) of the respondents were males aged between 26-35 (53 %) and most of them had up to the secondary level of education (73 %). The majority of the vendors (59 %) had been trained on food handling practices and therefore had good knowledge of food hygiene, and practiced good hygiene. The results indicate that even though most respondents used gloves and aprons, some did not practice food handling hygienic practices and this could predispose the salads to contamination. The study indicates that the majority of the respondents had formal education and were trained on food handling practices, and this may have had an effect on their perception of hygiene. However, some of the vendors exhibited poor food handling practices and therefore there is a need to enhance training and law enforcement governing street food vending business
Knowledge, attitudes and practices synthesis of waste management among horticultural processing MSMES in Kenya
Get PDFHorticultural processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya utilize raw agricultural produce and generate large quantities of solid and liquid wastes. However, there is limited information on knowledge, attitude, and current waste management practices among horticultural processing MSMEs in Kenya. This study sought to establish the current knowledge, attitude, and practices on waste management among horticultural processing MSMEs in Kenya. The survey adopted quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, thirty-one (31) Certified MSMEs from Nairobi, Central, and Western regions were surveyed. using a structured questionnaire. The MSMEs indicated that improper waste disposal has adverse effects on the environment, reuse/reduce/recycle were the core principles of waste management and wastes pollutes the environment. Segregation of wastes was considered good practice while improper waste disposal compromises the quality of the environment. Improper waste disposal is harmful to their environment, their workplace and neighborhoods ought to be clean (71%) each respectively while different waste management practices were used (6.8%). About 83.9% segregated their waste while 93.5% were not ISO 14001 compliant thereby indicating the need for the MSMEs to work towards certification for productivity and external competitiveness. The respondent-s knowledge on wastes reduction showed that majority of the MSMEs employ the principles of reuse and waste minimization to manage wastes at 52% and 45% respectively. This was followed by recycling at 19% and energy recovery at 16%. The standardized beta coefficient on knowledge, attitude and practice on waste management indicated; values of 0.097(t=0.526), 0.628 (t=4.349) and 0.739 (t=5.913) respectively. Thus, no significant (p=0.603) relationship of knowledge on waste management. There was a significant relationship (p=0.000) between attitude and practices on waste management among Horticultural processing MSMEs. There is a need to enhance knowledge through training towards sustainable consumption production and practices in MSMEs
Hardware-based security approach for secure distributed cloud data storage and retrieval
Get PDFThe East African Community (EAC) recognizes the fundamental role of science and technology in economic development. This led the Partner States to promote cooperation in the development and application of science and technology within the Community. The adoption of cloud computing in East Africa Community member states may induce a number of paths for Internet-based service provisioning to satisfy various demands in the community. However, data privacy and security has turned into crucial issues that resist cloud adoption for the past decades in the area of computerized systems. The dominating issue regarding security and privacy is pointed out on the data accessibility whereby cloud service providers and consumers simply gain access to secret information (data). The issue resulted in the cloud service consumer’s fear and slowed down the adoption speed of cloud computing from diverse areas of applications, i.e., governmental, medical and financial institutions; therefore, in this article we address this issue and propose a robust Hardware-Based Security (HBS) approach, whereby the cloud service provider and consumers are limited to simply access any stored data in the cloud data centers. This approach halves data files into data segments and distributes encrypted file segments to different cloud data centers. Our approach is built on Secure Data Distribution (SDD) and Data Retrieval (DR) Algorithms described in a Secure Efficient Data Distribution Model (SEDD). The analysis shows robust data security and less computation power which can resist unauthorized data accessibility with less latency. Therefore, once the East African Community member states adopt a secure cloud services, the development and application of science and technology within the community will boost the sustainable economic development