School of Agriculture & Biotechnology

PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND HYDATID CYSTS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AT ELDORET SLAUGHTERHOUSE, KENYA

2026-05-09T12:23:03Z

PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND HYDATID CYSTS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AT ELDORET SLAUGHTERHOUSE, KENYA TAWANE, FARDOSA ABASS Fasciolosis and hydatidosis significantly affect livestock production globally, with a high prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, along with the financial losses associated with organ condemnation and to assess the knowledge of farmers, meat sellers and meat inspectors about fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, at Eldoret Slaughterhouse. A total of 479 cattle and 313 sheep carcasses were examined and various samples, including bile, faeces, and condemned organs, were analysed at the Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, Eldoret. Data were collected through systematic post-mortem inspection using visual examination, palpation, incision and laboratory analysis. The collected data were analysed using spss. The findings revealed a Fasciola gigantica prevalence of 91.77% in cattle and 58.58% in sheep. In cattle, 39.09% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 19.41% in faeces. Additionally, 19.83% whole and 13.5% partially trimmed livers of cattle were condemned. In sheep, 24.92% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 14.69% in faeces, with 11.82% of livers entirely condemned and 4.15% partially trimmed. Hydatidosis had a prevalence of 13.36% in cattle and 9.9% in sheep. Financial losses due to organ condemnation were substantial: KSh 329,580 from cattle livers and KSh 27,990 due to fasciolosis in cattle, while sheep-related losses amounted to KSh 29,520 for condemned livers and KSh 2,850 for hydatidosis-infected lungs. Awareness among respondents showed that 66% recognized economic losses caused by these parasitic infections, 14% had limited awareness, and 20% highlighted inadequate government support. The study concluded that Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts were more prevalent in cattle than in sheep. Recommendations conducting regular deworm programme in livestock, Educating the farmers on parasites control and improved animal husbandry i.e. emphasized fencing of wet areas, provision of clean water, regulate stray dogs and avoid feeding them raw infected offal’s to break the hydatid life cycles.

EFFICIENCY OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN ENHANCING PHOSPHORUS AND COPPER UTILIZATION IN WHEAT GROWN IN FERRALSOLS OF UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

2026-05-09T12:15:39Z

EFFICIENCY OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN ENHANCING PHOSPHORUS AND COPPER UTILIZATION IN WHEAT GROWN IN FERRALSOLS OF UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA Njoki, Anne Declining soil fertility characterized by deficiency of both macro and micronutrients is a major challenge to sustainable wheat production. Integrating bio-stimulants such as Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with inorganic fertilizers has been shown to have the potential to enhance wheat production by optimizing their mutual benefits. However, a combination of AMF and micronutrients has not been given the necessary attention, especially in low-input systems such as those dominant in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the current study was conducted in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, for two seasons to evaluate the effect of integrating AMF with phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) fertilizers on wheat grain yield, nutrient uptake, and use efficiency. Two levels of AMF (0 and 60 kg ha -1 ) were applied with three levels of P: 0 kg, 8.8 kg, and 17.6 kg ha -1 , and three levels of Cu at 0 kg, 5 kg, and 10 kg ha -1 . The experiment was conducted in an RCBD, and fertilizer treatments were applied in a factorial arrangement in the 2018 and 2019 long rains seasons. Results showed that while AMF did not have a significant impact on soil available P, available Cu increased by 32% - 40% compared to the control. AMF also enhanced P and Cu uptake by 27 - 30% and 24 - 38%, respectively. Furthermore, AMF boosted P and Cu uptake efficiency by 30 - 35% and 25 - 40%, respectively, whereas P and Cu use efficiency increased by about 15 - 31% and 18 - 35% above the plots without AMF, respectively. Co-application of P at 8.8 kg ha -1 and 60 kg AMF ha -1 recorded the highest wheat grain yield of 2.84 and 4.72 Mg ha -1 during the 2018 and 2019 long rain seasons, respectively. The study shows that the use of AMF could play a significant role in reducing the amount of inorganic fertilizers, which cuts down the cost of production to most smallholder farmers, but at the same time enhancing nutrient uptake and use efficiencies, and thus grain yield. This study recommends co-application of 60 kg ha -1 of AMF and 8.8 kg P ha -1 for optimal wheat yield and P nutrition in wheat.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ORGANIC AND REDUCED INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON YIELD AND FODDER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF MAIZE IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-05-09T12:02:09Z

EFFECTIVENESS OF ORGANIC AND REDUCED INORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON YIELD AND FODDER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF MAIZE IN WESTERN KENYA HATANGIMANA, MODESTE Maize remains a vital staple in Kenya, providing food for over 90% of the population and serving as the backbone of both food security and livestock nutrition. Despite its importance, maize production has declined in recent years, largely due to soil fertility depletion. This study, therefore, adopts the Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) principle of combining inorganic and organic P amendments to improve soil health and increase maize yields. The study leverages pressmud, a nutrient-rich residue from sugarcane processing that remains largely untapped in East Africa, despite its potential to improve soil health. Field trials were set up using a randomized complete block design to evaluate effect of sole application of pressmud in combination with cattle manure and reduced doses of P inorganic fertilizers in enhancing soil fertility, maize performance (grain yield and forage quality) and economic returns in two agro-ecological zones of western Kenya- Bungoma (LM2) and Kisumu (LM3). Soil samples were collected before and after the season to monitor changes in pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Agronomic data, including plant growth, grain yield, forage quality and cost- effectiveness, were also recorded and analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed that pressmud applied at 30 kg P ha-1 (PM30) improved soil pH, available phosphorus and organic carbon, while cattle manure was more effective at boosting nitrogen content. The combination of 15kg Pha-1 from both organic and inorganic sources (TSP15+PM15 or TSP15+CM15) consistently resulted in grain yields exceeding 4.4 tons per ha, improved plant growth, crude protein in fodder and showed superior profitability while forage dry matter yields peaked under TSP10+PM10+CM10 in Bungoma and TSP22.5+PM7.5 in Kisumu. While not all treatments enhanced every aspect of forage quality most improved digestibility and maintained acceptable fiber levels but however, fodder from Bungoma showed slightly inferior acid detergent fiber (ADF) content. Based on these findings, farmers in similar regions are encouraged to use PM30 for improving phosphorus availability or CM30 for boosting nitrogen. To maximize grain yields and profitability, TSP15+CM15 (75kgTSP+3.06 t per ha of cattle manure) is recommended which also supports better fodder quality. Further research is needed in other agro-ecological zones and to better understand the factors behind reduced fodder quality.

HETEROSIS FOR YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS IN SORGHUM HYBRIDS DEVELOPED BETWEEN WILD AND EXOTIC SORGHUM IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-04-23T08:49:45Z

HETEROSIS FOR YIELD AND ITS COMPONENTS IN SORGHUM HYBRIDS DEVELOPED BETWEEN WILD AND EXOTIC SORGHUM IN WESTERN KENYA Otieno, Kennedy; Ouma, Evans; Kiplagat, Oliver Hybrid breeding facilitates the development of high-yielding cultivars relative to one or both parents across a wider range of crops which is key to meeting future food demands. This study was conducted to determine the magnitude of hybrid vigour (heterosis) for selected traits in sorghum crosses. A total of 7 improved sorghum varieties obtained from Rongo University sorghum breeding program together with 7 sorghum wild relatives (SWRs) obtained from ICRISAT-Mali were crossed using North Carolina Mating design II. A total of 9 successful hybrid crosses together with their parents were evaluated at Kibos Research Station in Kisumu County in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Each entry was sown in a single row plot of 4 m length with a uniform spacing of 60 x 15 cm. Phenotypic data was collected throughout the growing period as per IPGRI, (1993) descriptors for sorghum on 15 randomly selected plants. The low number of crosses obtained was attributed to the partial incompatibilities between the SWRs and cultivated sorghum. Results showed high heterosis among the crosses for most of the selected traits. Heterosis for grain yield ranged from -31.48% to 194.27% and -49.39% to 137.89% for mid and better parent, respectively while for days to 50% Flowering, Average Heterosis ranged between -8.86% and 4.04% and that of better parent ranging from -6.49% to 7.46%. The best grain yield per plant heterotic cross combination identified was (RUC26 X 586) which expressed high positive heterosis over both mid and better parent (194.27% and 137.89%, respectively). This cross also showed significant positive average heterosis and heterobeltiosis for yieldcontributing components. Likewise, RUMUK 154 X 586 was identified as the most promising cross combination recording -8.86% average heterosis and -6.49% heterobeltiosis in the case of days to 50% flowering. The negative average heterosis and heterobeltiosis expressed in this cross showed that it was very early maturing, a trait for escaping terminal drought in rainfed agriculture, characteristic of the Kenyan cultivation system. The results illustrate the potential of improving sorghum yield potential using Sorghum wild relatives.

PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: A CASE OF UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

2026-04-15T12:53:25Z

PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: A CASE OF UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA KOSGEI, SHEILA CHEBICHII Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most widespread micronutrient deficiency in Africa and South Asia. About 2 billion people in these continents have IDA with approximately 50% of them being children of preschool-age. In Kenya, IDA among preschool-aged children stands at 25% which is relatively high yet very minimal intervention is conducted for that age group. Furthermore, despite the fact that Uasin Gishu County is Kenya’s food basket, reports indicate high levels of malnutrition among preschool-aged children in the county with 33% being stunted, 11% being underweight and 3% being wasted. Little is known about micronutrient deficiencies such as IDA in this county despite its tremendous consequences, especially among preschool-aged children. This study therefore sought to contribute towards improved community nutrition by assessing the predictors of IDA among preschool-aged children in Uasin Gishu County. The objectives of this study were; to evaluate the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and IDA among preschool-aged children in Uasin Gishu County, to assess the nutrition status of preschool-aged children through anthropometric measures in Uasin Gishu County, to determine the prevalence of IDA among preschool-aged children in Uasin Gishu County and to determine the influence of dietary diversity on IDA among preschool-aged children in Uasin Gishu County. A cross-sectional study design was used with a target sample size of 289 children aged 6- 59 months. A three-tier sampling technique was used consisting of purposive sampling,stratified sampling and simple random sampling. Data was collected by use of researcher-administered questionnaires and the Hemoglobin levels were measured by the use of a portable HemoCue® Hb 201+ system. WHO Anthro Software and STATA version 18 were used to analyze data. From the results it’s evident that the prevalence of IDA was 48.4%. The highest number of children suffering from IDA were between the ages of 6-12 months (44.4%) and 24-35 months with (44.8%) There was no statistically significant relationship between IDA and children’s age group, (χ2 = 5.5201, p-value=0.701). Children from married parents were 4.53 times more likely to be normal (not suffering from IDA) [Odds ratio (OR):4.53; 95%CI], p-value <0.01. An increase in wealth was found to be associated with a decreased risk of IDA, [OR: 5.45; (95% CI, 1.18 to 5.125), p-value<0.01]. A statistically significant relationship between dietary diversity and IDA, Tau (2, N = 289) = 0.0667, p-value = 0.0445. The predictors of IDA are poor nutrition status, low maternal education, low dietary diversity and low household wealth index. Due to the high prevalence of IDA, the government should consider prophylactic iron supplementation for susceptible children.

Spatial–Temporal Influence of Sand Dams on Chemical and Microbial Properties of Water from Scooping Holes in Degraded Semi-Arid Regions

2026-04-13T08:26:28Z

Spatial–Temporal Influence of Sand Dams on Chemical and Microbial Properties of Water from Scooping Holes in Degraded Semi-Arid Regions Churu, Harrison; Kamau, Solomon; Ngetich, Wilson; Magiroi, Keziah; Alkamoi, Bonface; Kebeney, Syphyline; Wamalwa, Fred; Mumo, James Communities in semi-arid lands use sand dams to enhance access water during the dry seasons. However, there is limited information on the quality of water derived from these sand dams, especially in degraded lands where storm surface runoff poses contamination risk. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the spatial–temporal variations in water quality of sand dams in Chepareria, West Pokot County in Kenya. Water samples were collected from scooping holes across 18 purposefully selected sand dams. Results obtained showed significant differences in water quality based on a sand dam’s age and location of the scooping holes, but the magnitude of these differences differed with specific properties. For instance, in recently constructed sand dams (<1 year), scooping holes near the sand dam wall had lower pH values (8.5) than holes scooped a distance from the sand dam wall (9.2). For total dissolved solutes and microbial properties, sand dam age had the greatest impact, over the location of the scooping holes. For example, water obtained from <1 year old sand dams had significantly higher TDS with an average value of 100.3 mg L−1 . The thermotolerant coliforms (TTC) exceeded the maximum allowable levels recommended by The World Health Organization. Thus, water obtained from these sand dams should be treated before consumption. Finally, sand dams meant for domestic water harvesting should be protected. Shallow wells with appropriate aprons for effective protection against contamination should be installed to enhance abstraction of safe water from sand dams.

A Review on Challenges and Opportunities in Management of Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya

2026-04-08T08:54:48Z

A Review on Challenges and Opportunities in Management of Soils of Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Kenya Nyuma, Henry Tamba; Churu, Harrison Arid and semi-arid lands occupy currently 88% of arable land mass in Kenya, a region with significant diversity of production systems and economic opportunities. However, these areas are characterised by low and erratic rainfall, hence challenges to agriculture and socioeconomic development in the wake of an increasing population and the impacts of climate change. This review seeks to identify key challenges and opportunities associated with the management of agricultural soils in these arid and semi-arid communities. Arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya are dominated by 10 soil types; Solanchaks, Solonetz, Cambisols, Arenosols, Leptosols, Vertisols, Fluvisols, Phoezems, Calcisols, and Gypsisols. Among the main soil fertility challenges in these soils are moisture stress, high erodibility, and low organic matter content, salinity, and sodium toxicity, the deficiencies of mainly N, P, Zn, and Fe, hence the vulnerability of over 14 million inhabitants to the shocks of low crop and pasture production. Moreover, the adoption of soil conservation practices remains low as existing soil fertility management technologies have been criticized for being too abstract and not providing context and site-specific solutions. Improving soil fertility and moisture levels enhances soil ecosystem functions and food and pasture production in these regions. Encouraging farmers to join soil and water conservation groups, while providing economic incentives, could potentially accelerate the adoption of soil and water practices at the farm level through pulling resources together. Future research to validate a site and context-specific integrated soil fertility improvement technologies for these soils is evitable to enhance soil functions, agricultural production and livelihood at house hold level.

Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio- economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment

2026-03-27T13:20:24Z

Drivers of Gully Erosion and its Socio- economic and Environmental Effects in a Tropical Semi-arid Environment Churu, Harrison; Kamau, Solomon; Ng’etich, Wilson; Magiroi, Keziah; Alkamoi, Bonface; Kebeney, Syphyline; Wamalwa, Fred; Mumo, James Gully erosion is a form of severe land degradation, which is more pronounced in semi-arid and arid environments due to their vulnerable ecosystems. Establishing the causes and effects of gully erosion is therefore fundamental in policy formulation and resource allocation for up-scaling context-specific gully mitigation and rehabilitation measures. Thus, this study aimed at assessing the causes and effects of gully erosion in semi-arid region, in the North-West part of Kenya. A cross-sectional survey, field measurements, laboratory analysis, focus group discussions and key informants’ interviews were used to collect data on drivers and effects of gully erosion. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyze the data. From the findings, 60 % of the respondents reported deforestation as the main driver of gully erosion. Further, 37 and 34 % of the respondents reported surface runoff and steep slopes, respectively, as major drivers of gully erosion. Soils in the region had a high dispersion ratio, with values of between 0.3 and 0.9, making them highly erodible. About 66 and 55 % of the respondents reported that the major effects of gully erosion were reduction in arable land size and death of livestock due to fatal falls, respectively. Approximately 14 ha of arable land and 1,483,600 Mg of sediment have been lost to gully erosion at the rate of about 2,410 Mg ha-1 over a period of 45 years. The average growth rate and density of gullies in the study site stood at 154 Mg ha-1 yr-1 and 0.7 km km-2, respectively. Four people and about 100 cattle had died due to fatal falls into the deep gullies. Thus, there is an urgent need to rehabilitate existing gullies while mitigating occurrence of new gullies in the study area. This would convert existing badlands into hotspots of biodiversity.

Enhancing Sorghum Productivity in Acidic Soils Through Lime– Fertilizer Synergism: Agronomic, Economic, and Composite Performance Analysis

2026-03-26T12:24:41Z

Enhancing Sorghum Productivity in Acidic Soils Through Lime– Fertilizer Synergism: Agronomic, Economic, and Composite Performance Analysis Rotich, Edwin Kiprono; Oloo, Peter Kisinyo; Opala, Peter Asbon; Odundo, Gudu Samwel Sorghum productivity in Western Kenya is severely constrained by acidic soils, particularly Ferralsols and Acrisols prone to aluminum toxicity and phosphorus fixation. This study assessed the performance of limeintegrated fertilizer treatments under smallholder conditions using a randomized complete block design across three sites. Sorghum grain yield (SGY), agronomic efficiency (AE), nutrient uptake efficiency (NUE), and gross margin (GM) were measured alongside the formulation of a composite Performance Index (PI) designed to simulate both physiological and economic effects. We developed a composite Performance Index to integrate agronomic and economic outcomes, enabling balanced evaluation of lime–fertilizer strategies across acid-prone sites. The PI incorporated weighting scenarios reflecting equal and smallholder-adjusted preferences. Results showed that lime enhanced AE (up to 55%), NUE (up to 34.6%), and SGY ≥ 1.8 t ha⁻¹ across sites, with intermediate fertilizer rates yielding superior performance. GM exceeding $450 ha⁻¹ and benefit–cost ratios over 2.0, demonstrating strong economic viability, Lime + N37.5P13 consistently outperformed other treatments, offering agronomic–economic balance and robust PI ranking across sensitivity models. Radar and contour plots identified optimal combinations and revealed trade-offs between efficiency and yield. These findings support lime as a foundational input rather than a supplemental one, and advocate for context-driven ISFM strategies aligned with smallholder realities. The PI framework offers a flexible and empirically grounded tool for sustainable intensification decisions in acid soil systems.

EVALUATION OF YELLOW MAIZE (Zea mays L) INBRED LINES’ PERFORMANCE AND COMBINING ABILITY USING LINE BY TESTER ANALYSIS IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-03-24T09:44:26Z

EVALUATION OF YELLOW MAIZE (Zea mays L) INBRED LINES’ PERFORMANCE AND COMBINING ABILITY USING LINE BY TESTER ANALYSIS IN WESTERN KENYA SHIUNDU, DANIEL WAMACHE There is need to continuously develop and deploy highly adaptable and productive maize hybrid varieties for use by farmers against the greatly dynamic biotic and abiotic stresses that face production of this crop in the country. The objective of this study was to estimate the hybrid performance and the combining abilities of yellow maize inbred lines and their testcrosses for grain yield and yield-related traits across three locations. Sixty-five yellow maize inbred lines were crossed to two-line testers; Cimmyt maize lines (CML) 486 (Tester A) and 451 (Tester B) using a line by tester design. Resultant a hundred and thirty F1 testcrosses with three check varieties were evaluated on three locations in western Kenya using a 7×19 alpha lattice with two replications. Data on grain yield and yield-related traits was collected. Means and variance components on hybrid performance were computed in META-R version VI and combining ability analysis done using Restricted maximum likelihood (REML). Grain yield means ranged between 12.4T/Ha and 2.8T/Ha with testcross L45×TA producing the highest grain yield mean across sites. High heritability (>60%) was recorded for grain yield and other yield-related traits except for northern leaf blight which was moderate. All yield-related traits in the study except northern leaf blight had significant phenotypic correlations with grain yield. Ear height had the highest positive correlation at 0.7(P<0.001). Across sites Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed highly significant (p<0.001) mean squares for sites, hybrids, line general combining ability (GCA) line GCA by site, hybrid by site, specific combining ability (SCA) as well as SCA by site. L45 had the highest positive GCA for grain yield at 2.7 (p<0.05). L23, L65, L29 and L25 crossed with tester A showed positive significant SCA estimates for grain yield whereas L36×TA had a negative but significant SCA for grain yield at -1.9 (p<0.05). Based on SCA estimates with the testers, the inbred lines grouped into two heterotic groups A and B with 60% and 38.5% of the inbred lines respectively. L45 and other 33 lines that had positive GCA for grain yield could be exploited in the development of high yielding yellow maize hybrids. Testcrosses L45xTA, L47xTA and L35xTB showing equivalent or better performance to the mean of the checks have potential for further evaluation and consideration for release as adaptable and stable superior yielding yellow maize single cross hybrids.