School of Agriculture & Biotechnology

EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL FINISHING OF COTTON USING POKEWEED BERRY DYE MORDANTED WITH ALOE VERA

2026-09-10T09:46:06Z

EVALUATION OF THE FUNCTIONAL FINISHING OF COTTON USING POKEWEED BERRY DYE MORDANTED WITH ALOE VERA AKOLEBIRUNGI, Bridget; SEREM, Dorcas; MWASIAGI, Josphat Cotton has a high reputation for being one of the most used fabrics in the world but because it is hydrophilic, has an extreme susceptibility to microbial damage, causing degradation of the fabric and skin irritations. Although synthetic antimicrobial finishes for cotton have shown effectiveness over time, they carry issues of environmental toxicity and the development of microbial resistance, therefore, the need for sustainable and plant-based alternatives must be fulfilled. This paper presents the use of a plant-derived functional finish using pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) berry dye and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) extract, together to cotton fabric. A two-step pre-treatment method was employed on the used cotton to increase the fabric’s absorption potential. The procedure consisted of applying fresh aloe vera extract (varying concentrations 10% - 100% v/v) as the pre-mordant, then applying an aqueous pokeweed dye. To evaluate for antimicrobial activity of the finished samples before and after laundry (following AATCC LP2 procedure), Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were used as test organisms with AATCC 147 qualitative test procedure. Results indicated that aloe vera is a viable bio-mordant, the antimicrobial activity of the fabrics increased with increasing concentration of aloe vera pre-mordant with the maximum zone of inhibition occurring at the 100% concentration of the aloe vera extract. However, the after-laundry test showed a dramatic loss of activity, emphasising the need for non-toxic cross-linking agents for practical applications. This paper provides a foundational framework for the use of indigenous bio-resources in green fashion for hygiene-sensitive textile industries.

EFFECT OF HARVESTING FREQUENCY ON COWPEA GROWTH AND LEAF YIELD IN TRANS NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA

2026-09-07T13:30:26Z

EFFECT OF HARVESTING FREQUENCY ON COWPEA GROWTH AND LEAF YIELD IN TRANS NZOIA COUNTY, KENYA Masinde, A; Omami, E; Rop, N The frequency of leaf harvesting is a yield determinant factor and leaf defoliation has been shown to stimulate leaf production in cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.). However, cowpea farmers continue getting low yields due to harvesting method, among other factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of four (4) harvesting frequencies on cowpea growth, and cumulative leaf yield. The four-leaf harvesting frequency experiment was in RCBD with three replications at KALRO- Kitale (UM4) in Trans Nzoia County. Data were collected on plant height, shoot number, shoot length, and cowpea yield. The data was subjected to ANOVA on SAS software. Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) at p=0.05 was used to compare the treatments effects. The cowpea plant height increased significantly with increasing harvesting frequency a time-period. The highest average plant height (22cm) was recorded in F1 (where harvesting was done every seven days) and lower in F3 with an average of 15cm (where harvesting was done after every 21 days) (F3), and lowest for F0 though not significantly different from F3. There were significant differences in the effect of harvesting frequencies on shoot length, which increased significantly as yields increased. The average length of the cowpea plant shoot for uprooted plants at the onset of harvesting frequency (F0) was about 48cm. and longer (about 82cm) where harvesting was done at seven days intervals of leaf harvesting (F1) and lower (67cm) at 21 days interval of leaf harvesting (F3). There was a significant difference in shoot numbers between F0 (no capping) and the rest of the frequencies (F1, F2, and F3). There were significant differences in cumulative yield for the four harvesting frequencies. Harvesting at seven days intervals (F1) was significantly high and outstanding at 5.40 tons/ha while uprooting at the onset of harvesting(F0) was significantly low (1.28 tons/ha). Therefore, the innovation of sequential harvesting promotion will enhance increased yields.

Effect of Fashion Adoption on Consumers' Behaviour Towards Second-Hand Clothes in Nakuru Town, Kenya

2026-09-07T08:46:06Z

Effect of Fashion Adoption on Consumers' Behaviour Towards Second-Hand Clothes in Nakuru Town, Kenya Njuguna, Racheal; Mugalavai, Violet; Sempele, Catherine Consumer behavior is portrayed by people when planning, purchasing and using goods and services and the better fashion designers understand consumer behavior, the more likely they become successful in the market. The study determined the effects of fashion adoption on consumer behaviour towards second-hand clothes in Nakuru town, Kenya. This study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted 803 traders selling second- hand clothes in the Nasher market based in Nakuru town. The study used Yamane's (1967) formula to determine the sample size where 267 respondents were randomly sampled to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires. Questionnaires were filled on site. Data was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 25. Both descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple regression) was carried out. Descriptive results showed that respondents agreed that fashion adoption had an effect on consumers' behaviour towards second-hand clothes in Nakuru town, Kenya. Additionally, fashion adoption (β = 0.156, p = 0.011) affected consumers' behaviour towards second-hand clothes positively and significantly. Fashion adoption significantly influences consumer behavior toward second-hand clothing in Nakuru, with consumers altering garments to align with trends and personal style. The study recommends promoting fashion adoption through tailoring hubs, upcycling workshops, and influencers to enhance sustainable and trend-conscious consumption practices.

Integrated Effects of Lime and Fertilizer Applications on Soil Properties and Sorghum Performance in Acidic Soils of Western Kenya

2026-08-18T10:16:12Z

Integrated Effects of Lime and Fertilizer Applications on Soil Properties and Sorghum Performance in Acidic Soils of Western Kenya Rotich, Edwin K.; Kisinyo, Peter Oloo; Opala, Peter Acidic soils cover significant portions of agricultural land in tropical regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where soil acidity limits crop productivity through multiple mechanisms, including aluminum toxicity, phosphorus fixation, and impaired nutrient cycling. In Western Kenya, where smallholder farmers predominantly grow sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) as a staple crop, these soil constraints contribute to chronic yield gaps. While agricultural lime and mineral fertilizers are recognized solutions for soil acidity amelioration, their site-specific interactions and comprehensive effects on both soil health and crop performance remain insufficiently documented. This study evaluated the effects of liming and nutrient microdosing on soil chemical properties and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) productivity in the acidic soils of Western Kenya, using factorial field trials conducted in Kakamega and Siaya counties. Treatments combined two lime levels (0 and 4 t ha−1) with varying nitrogen (0, 18.8, 37.5, and 75 kg N ha−1) and phosphorus (0, 6.5, 13, and 26 kg P ha−1) rates. Application of 4 t ha−1 lime significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved soil chemical properties, increasing soil pH by 20– 27%, reducing exchangeable aluminum by 56–89%, enhancing available phosphorus by up to 57%, and increasing total nitrogen by 8–17%. Additionally, soil organic carbon was significantly elevated (p < 0.001), with the greatest improvement (39%) observed in Siaya. Microdosing at 37.5 kg N and 13 kg P ha−1 (N37.5P13) produced the highest sorghum biomass and grain yield responses, with biomass yield increasing by 62–69% and grain yield significantly enhanced at Kakamega (p < 0.001). Grain yield over the control rose by 73%, while agronomic efficiency peaked at 24.1 kg grain kg−1 nutrient at Siaya. Nutrient uptake also improved under liming and optimal fertilization, with stover nitrogen uptake increasing by 55% at Kakamega and grain phosphorus uptake rising by 44% at Siaya Site 2 (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that integrating site-specific liming with nutrient microdosing can substantially improve soil fertility and sorghum productivity in acid-degraded soils of Western Kenya.

Prevalence of Fasciola Gigantica in Cattle and Sheep Slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse, Kenya

2026-06-29T13:19:09Z

Prevalence of Fasciola Gigantica in Cattle and Sheep Slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse, Kenya Tawane, Fardosa; Omega, Joseph; Kitilit, Jackson Fasciolosis impact livestock production globally, particularly in Sub- Saharan Africa, necessitating studies to develop intervention strategies. The objectives of the current study were The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in cattle and sheep slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse in Kenya with a null hypothesis of Ho1: There is no Fasciola gigantica in cattle and sheep slaughtered at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse in Kenya. The livestock traders are not aware of the nutritional depletion associated with fasciola and hydatid cyst. From 3rd May,2024 to 3rd June, 2024, a 30-day study was carried out at the Eldoret Slaughterhouse on cattle and sheep slaughtered. The study was carried out on a total of 479 cattle and 313 sheep which were examined in 30 days. The results at the slaughter house revealed a high Fasciola gigantica prevalence of 64.8% in cattle and 33.2% in sheep. There were higher detection rates in bile compared to faecal samples. In Conclusion there was high prevalence of fasciola gigantica and hydatid cyst in cattle compared to sheep. Recommendations include Implementing a comprehensive parasite control program, including regular deworming of livestock with effective fasciolicides. Improving pasture management to reduce the risk of Fasciola gigantica infection, such as fencing off wet areas and providing clean drinking water sources. Educating farmers on the lifecycle of Fasciola gigantica and preventive measures they can take to reduce infection rates in their herds and flocks. Conducting regular monitoring and surveillance of fasciolosis in livestock to track the effectiveness of control measures over time.

NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, SOCIOCULTURAL PRACTICES AND NUTRITION STATUS AMONG PREGNANT AND LACTATING ADOLESCENTS IN TURKANA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

2026-06-15T07:08:12Z

NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, SOCIOCULTURAL PRACTICES AND NUTRITION STATUS AMONG PREGNANT AND LACTATING ADOLESCENTS IN TURKANA SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, KENYA NGIPUO, BENJAMIN Worldwide, teen pregnancies are on the rise, with the majority of instances (99%) being recorded in poorer nations. The World Health Organization report in 2018 showed a global increase in teenage pregnancy at a rate of 46 births per 100 girls. In Kenya teenage pregnancy rate is at 18% and lactation at 12%. The cultural practices coupled with the high food insecurity status in the region tend to exacerbate the situation in Turkana risking major health conditions including malnutrition. This study investigated the nutrition knowledge, sociocultural practices and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating adolescents in Turkana South Sub-County. The study adopted a cross-sectional analytical design to collect primary data. The target population was adolescent girls aged 15-19 years (9,361) from which 384 respondents were selected. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to identify the respondents. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaires, focus group discussions and direct observations. Data collected was analysed using GENSTAT version 18.0. and Nutri-Survey version 20. Correlation between mothers’ knowledge and their nutritional status was tested using Pearson’s correlation. The results indicated that most respondents were unemployed (62.3%), and their households were in the poorest quintile (71.5%), negatively affecting their dietary diversity. Most (44.4%) of the respondents had no formal education and 67.3% had low nutrition knowledge, which directly affected their dietary diversity (p<0.05). Most respondents did not meet their daily caloric energy intake (725.06 and 805.29 kcal for pregnant and lactating women, respectively) and other vital minerals including calcium and iron, vital during pregnancy and lactation. While education level was positively associated (p<0.05) with nutrition knowledge, dietary diversity was significantly linked to it, likely due to cultural food restrictions and economic limitations. The low dietary diversity, coupled with cultural practices that limited the intake of nutritious foods, contributed to insufficient energy and nutrient intake among both pregnant and lactating mothers, leading to a high prevalence of underweight and suboptimal nutritional status among lactating (39.6%) and pregnant (75.8%) mothers respectively. The findings indicate that improving education, especially nutrition education among adolescent mothers could aid in promoting good eating practices and, hence, maintain proper health for the mother and baby. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including comprehensive nutrition education programs and improved access to nutritious foods, to address the complex challenges facing adolescent mothers in Turkana County and ensure the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.

HYGIENE AND MICROBIAL SAFETY OF ROADSIDE ROASTED MEAT FROM NAMAWOJJOLO AND LUKAYA FOOD MARKETS, UGANDA

2026-06-11T06:26:26Z

HYGIENE AND MICROBIAL SAFETY OF ROADSIDE ROASTED MEAT FROM NAMAWOJJOLO AND LUKAYA FOOD MARKETS, UGANDA T NANFUKA, ANNET Roadside roasted meats provide a rich source of proteins, especially for long-distance travelers. However, there are many food-borne illnesses associated with their consumption, necessitating continuous assessment of the quality and safety. The objective of this study was to investigate hygiene and microbial safety of roadside roasted meats from two food markets of Namawojjolo and Lukaya in Uganda. Using an observation checklist and questionnaire, 90 meat vendors were observed and interviewed on compliance with standard hygiene practices. Also, a total of 89 meat samples of chicken, beef and goats’ meat comprising 30 fresh (raw), 28 hot from fire and 31cold ready-to-eat meat that had been exposed to consumers for about 30 minutes, were obtained. The samples were analyzed using enriched specific media for E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, Listeria and Campylobactor. Descriptive analysis of the hygiene practices of the vendors in meat handling was done and scores above 70% were used to determine good hygiene practices. The study found that only 6.7% vendors had good hygiene practices and 88.9% did not store leftover meat in refrigerators. Laboratory findings revealed that bacterial contamination was higher than Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) levels. Raw samples exhibited the highest contamination across all pathogens where S. aureus in raw chicken (8 ± 0.56 log10 CFU/g) and raw goat (8 ± 0.97 log10 CFU/g) far exceeded the limit. Similarly, cold samples mostly matched or surpassed hot samples in contamination. For example, cold beef showed higher Listeria counts (5 ± 1.93 log10 CFU/g) than hot beef (3 ± 2.71 log10 CFU/g). All tested meat types showed microbial contamination above UNBS safety limits for all microbes examined which is ≤2 log10 CFU/g for S.aureus and E.coli or completely absent for Salmonella, Lysteria and Campylobacter. However, S. aureus was consistently the highest for all the three meat types for example 8.4 ± 9.0 log10 CFU/g for goat meat compared to 5.5 ± 5.7 shown for Salmonella in goat meat The study found that there were food safety concerns in roadside roasted meat vending, with contamination linked to poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation measures. Fresh/raw meat had the highest contamination levels compared to hot and cold meat, highlighting significant public health risks. There is need to sensitize vendors on food safety and hygiene plus routine health inspections of these markets.

BREEDING WITH WILD RELATIVES: SCREENING SORGHUM PRE- BREEDING MATERIAL FOR PERFORMANCE AND ADAPTATION IN WESTERN KENYA

2026-06-10T12:10:27Z

BREEDING WITH WILD RELATIVES: SCREENING SORGHUM PRE- BREEDING MATERIAL FOR PERFORMANCE AND ADAPTATION IN WESTERN KENYA OKOTH, KENNEDY Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an essential cereal for food security and resilience to climate change in Kenya. Continuous utilization of traditional landraces coupled with biotic and abiotic stresses have led to low sorghum yields in western Kenya. Further, the limited amount of genetic variation within the cultivated sorghum gene pool has constrained breeding efforts to overcome major production constraints. The development of new sorghum diversity through the use of wild and weedy species to enrich cultivated sorghum germplasm offers a novel and promising opportunity. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine agronomic performance of sorghum wild relatives (SWR) in western Kenya (ii) determine genotype by environment interaction and stability of SWR in selected sites in western Kenya. (iii) Introgress genes from sorghum wild relatives into selected cultivated Kenyan Lines and determine the amount of heterosis in the sorghum crosses for selected traits. Twenty-one (21) SWR plus 4 checks were evaluated for performance in a 5 X 5 alpha lattice replicated thrice at Kibos, Nyabisawa, Sega and Godkwer agro-ecologies. Genotype by Environment interaction (GEI) and yield stability was determined using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model across 4 environments. A total of 9 crosses were developed and evaluated at Kibos site using RCBD replicated thrice.Results showed significant variation at p < 0.05 among sorghum tested for majority of traits studied at the four sites which indicated the existing genetic, difference among the entries tested. The mean grain yield was higher in Kibos (2.1t/ha) in comparison to the other 3 sites mainly because of higher soil fertility levels while Nyabisawa site had the least mean yield of 1.6 t/ha. Entries 466 and 588 were the most promising for grain yield. The AMMI ANOVA for grain yield showed significant effects for genotype (G), environment (E) and GEI. For grain yield, the differences among the (E) accounted for 8.7% of the total variation while the G and GEI accounted for 42.1% and 15.4% respectively of the variation. About 20% of SWR Genotypes were more stable than the checks. A total of 9 crosses were developed and 85% of them exhibited high mid- parent heterosis on majority of the phenotypic traits tested which showed transgressive inheritance and hence possibility for further breeding using the SWRs. 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 yield- contributing components. This study has identified and developed potentially diverse new sorghum germplasm which can be useful in further breeding and yields improvement in western Kenya.

HYGIENE AND MICROBIAL SAFETY OF ROADSIDE ROASTED MEAT FROM NAMAWOJJOLO AND LUKAYA FOOD MARKETS, UGANDA

2026-06-10T09:45:14Z

HYGIENE AND MICROBIAL SAFETY OF ROADSIDE ROASTED MEAT FROM NAMAWOJJOLO AND LUKAYA FOOD MARKETS, UGANDA NANFUKA, ANNET Roadside roasted meats provide a rich source of proteins, especially for long-distance travelers. However, there are many food-borne illnesses associated with their consumption, necessitating continuous assessment of the quality and safety. The objective of this study was to investigate hygiene and microbial safety of roadside roasted meats from two food markets of Namawojjolo and Lukaya in Uganda. Using an observation checklist and questionnaire, 90 meat vendors were observed and interviewed on compliance with standard hygiene practices. Also, a total of 89 meat samples of chicken, beef and goats’ meat comprising 30 fresh (raw), 28 hot from fire and 31cold ready-to-eat meat that had been exposed to consumers for about 30 minutes, were obtained. The samples were analyzed using enriched specific media for E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, Listeria and Campylobactor. Descriptive analysis of the hygiene practices of the vendors in meat handling was done and scores above 70% were used to determine good hygiene practices. The study found that only 6.7% vendors had good hygiene practices and 88.9% did not store leftover meat in refrigerators. Laboratory findings revealed that bacterial contamination was higher than Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) levels. Raw samples exhibited the highest contamination across all pathogens where S. aureus in raw chicken (8 ± 0.56 log10 CFU/g) and raw goat (8 ± 0.97 log10 CFU/g) far exceeded the limit. Similarly, cold samples mostly matched or surpassed hot samples in contamination. For example, cold beef showed higher Listeria counts (5 ± 1.93 log10 CFU/g) than hot beef (3 ± 2.71 log10 CFU/g). All tested meat types showed microbial contamination above UNBS safety limits for all microbes examined which is ≤2 log10 CFU/g for S.aureus and E.coli or completely absent for Salmonella, Lysteria and Campylobacter. However, S. aureus was consistently the highest for all the three meat types for example 8.4 ± 9.0 log10 CFU/g for goat meat compared to 5.5 ± 5.7 shown for Salmonella in goat meat The study found that there were food safety concerns in roadside roasted meat vending, with contamination linked to poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation measures. Fresh/raw meat had the highest contamination levels compared to hot and cold meat, highlighting significant public health risks. There is need to sensitize vendors on food safety and hygiene plus routine health inspections of these markets.

EVALUATION OF AGROECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND SOIL PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA

2026-06-10T06:04:42Z

EVALUATION OF AGROECOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND SOIL PRODUCTIVITY OF SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA NYAGUTI, SUZZETTE KERUBO Agroecological biodiversity signifies the above ground variety and variability of different biological elements in agricultural systems; crops, livestock, tree species, and farm activities. Soil productivity relates to how capable a soil is concerning supporting plant growth and maintaining agricultural production over an area and time. The term, therefore, is synonymous with physical features of the soil in question as well as chemical, which include fertility, organic matter, and microbial activity. This research initiated in 2024, was fundamentally designed to critically assess the influence of agroecological biodiversity on soil productivity within the context of smallholder farming systems in Busia County, Kenya. The overarching goal was to empirically determine if diversification practices, specifically those aligned with established agroecological principles, yield a measurable, positive effect on soil productivity indicators. To quantify the degree of agroecological biodiversity practiced by farmers, the study employed the FAO’s Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) framework. This structured approach integrated four key, interlinked indicators; crop, livestock, tree, and diversified farm activities, to derive a composite agroecological biodiversity score for each participating farmer and the study area as a whole. The requisite sample size (n=210) was purposively acquired from the Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and Fisheries of Busia County's smallholder farmer population using Fisher's formula to ensure statistical representativeness. The specific criterion for inclusion was documented exposure to, and current implementation of, agroecological biodiversification practices since 2020, facilitated either by government agencies or private development entities. A random sampling technique was then strategically applied to select farmers. Six distinct administrative wards were initially identified for the study. In wards where the number of eligible farmers exceeded 35 (n>35), a simple random sampling procedure was executed using Microsoft Excel to select the final participants. For wards containing fewer than 35 farmers, or where selected farmers were unavailable or declined consent to participate, a snowball sampling method was utilized. This ensured that the target sample size of n=210 was achieved across the study area. Primary data collection was executed via a structured questionnaire survey administered using the mobile data collection platform, KoboCollect. The survey instrument was comprehensive, capturing essential information on farmer demographics, detailed inventories of crops cultivated, livestock held, and trees planted, the range of farm activities undertaken, and critically, actual maize yield data from the most recent harvesting season. The data was analysed through mixed methods evaluation using both Microsoft Excel and R software. Most of the households were male headed, with most (67.0%) in the age category of 18–35 years and 42.7% having attained tertiary education. Agriculture (87.9%) accounted as a major source of income. The observed agroecological diversity pattern showed unsustainable extents of practice: crops scored 40.5%, livestock 31.25%, trees 45.5%, and farm activities 41.75%. Despite observed diversification such as predominance of kienyeji poultry, maize cultivation, and single-species tree systems; soil productivity remained predominantly low, with most farms falling under SPI Class V (0–19%). Correlation analysis of agroecological biodiversity with soil productivity results in an R value of -0.0383, implying no significant relationship between agroecological biodiversity and soil productivity. These findings imply that although to a minimal extent v agroecological diversification exists, soil productivity is not directly influenced by it. However, the diversification might promote the resilience of soil over time, as influenced by climate change or from some other secondary intervention on soil vitality. Farm-specific interventions such as soil testing are recommended to address productivity challenges, while future research should explore the resilience benefits of agroecological biodiversity.