http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/30 2026-04-19T08:39:51Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2624 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. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2581 Evaluating Physico-Mechanical Behaviour of Pyrethrum Using Principal Component Analysis and Response Surface Modeling for Optimal Design and Performance of Precision Harvesters Mwamba, Andrew; Mwiti, Frankline; Mulindi, Solomon Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium L.) is an industrial crop with complex morphology and diverse physico-mechanical properties that jeopardize the optimal design of precision harvesters. This study adopted multivariate correlation, Principal component analysis (PCA) and Response surface methodology (RSM) to characterize mechanistic relationships among morpho-physio-mechanical properties of pyrethrum plant to optimize design and performance of precision harvesters. Mature stalks were established in a completely randomized design of three (3) diverse field sites, with triplications (3) in Kenya’s Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Kericho counties, under irrigated and rainfed agriculture. Results showed that all bio-physical-mechanical parameters had bell-shaped frequency distribution, indicating generalized normality and good statistical range for adoption in mechanized harvesters. Multivariate analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (0.91) of wet floral unit volume (Vf) with unit floral mass (MIF). In contrast, floral diameter (FD) with porosity (Ф), and dry floral volume (Vd) with volumetric coefficient of expansion (Ψv) had the most significant negative correlation (−0.98). However, MIF with shoot internode length (SIL), actual density (ρt) with MIF, biomass repose angle (θ) with floral head diameter (FHD), θ with ρt, shear strength (τ) with FD, and Ψv with bulk porosity (ε), respectively, were uncorrelated (0.0). Cutting resistance force (Rc), plucking force (Fp), and mechanical compressibility (ć) were non-linearly correlated. First-order linear model characterized the relationship between Rc, moisture content (MC), and mature stalk height (MSH).The first-order regression model best described Vd as a function of Ѱv and Vf. The first-ordersurface response model also characterized MSH, flower canopy width (FCW), and SIL. Second-order surface response characterized Fp, Rc, and ć forces during mechanized harvesting. Further, a downward second-order open parabola characterized Rc, MC, and Fp, and their optimal response model was curvilinearly quadratic. However, MC, τ, and FD were asymmetrically curvilinear but revealed a second-order surface. Lowest τ values occurred at high MC and lowest FD. All bio-physical-mechanical characteristics of pyrethrum significantly (p < 0.01) affect the design of precision harvesters. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2576 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. 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2575 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. 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2572 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. 2024-03-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2561 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. 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2558 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. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2554 Influence of Planting Materials and Land tenure system on Mango Production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya Kipchumba, Abraham; Odwori, Paul O.; Kebeney, Syphyline Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is Kenya’s third most important fruit in terms of acreage and total production. Mango is grown in Coastal, Eastern, and Central and in Rift valley dominantly in Kerio Valley belt due to favourable environmental conditions. Recent research, however, has reported a decline in mango production in Endo Ward. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the factors that affect smallholder mango production in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County. A survey was carried out in which a sample population of 281 farmers were chosen from a target population of 937 farmers. A simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the locations and the respondents. Primary data was obtained using questionnaires and interview on key informants. Data collected was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicated that 42.96% of planting materials are obtained by farmers from local private nurseries while 23.47% get from Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) nurseries. Thus, the high cost deterred some farmers from accessing mango planting materials easily hence decline in production. Results also showed that the land tenure system was such that 89.53% of the farmers owned land communally while only 10.47 % owned individual land. This lack of property rights on Land resource did not motivate farmers sufficiently enough to invest optimally in mango production. This study recommends that there is need to assist the farmers to access affordably planting materials and grant tittle deeds to farmers to motivate optimum individual effort. 2023-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2551 INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENT AND ITS INTERACTION EFFECTSON NEW POTATO [(Solanum tuberosum (L.)] MUTANT LINES Muasya, Mutati; Kinyua, Miriam; Chepkoech, Emmy 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2543 Soil-Plant Nutrient Dynamics and Fertilizer Use Efficiency in Maize & Desmodium Cropping System Odera, Irine Akinyi; Otinga, Abigael Nekesa; Njoroge, Ruth; Mutua, Scholastica Soil fertility decline and inefficient nutrient use remain major challenges limiting maize productivity in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. This study evaluated the effects of integrating farmyard manure (FYM) with inorganic fertilizers on soil properties, nutrient uptake, yield performance, and efficiency indices in sole maize sole desmodium and maize-desmodium intercrop systems under field conditions in Keiyo North. The experiment consisted of six fertilizer substitution ratios (0-0, 25-75, 50-50, 75-25, 100-0, and 0-100% farmyard manure-inorganic N equivalence) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Soil chemical parameters (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻, pH, N, P, and C), plant nutrient uptake, and agronomic and recovery efficiencies were assessed. Results showed that combined farmyard manure – inorganic treatments, particularly 25-75 and 75-25, significantly improved soil nutrient status, enhanced N and P uptake, and increased maize and desmodium yields compared to sole applications. Farmyard manure -rich combinations improved moisture retention and microbial activity, sustaining nutrient release, while inorganic fertilizers ensured rapid early growth. Intercropping enhanced biological nitrogen fixation and nutrient recovery, leading to higher agronomic efficiency and resilience under moisture-limited conditions. The findings underscore that partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers with farmyard manure, coupled with maize-desmodium intercropping, offers a sustainable pathway to enhance soil fertility, nutrient use efficiency, and productivity in arid and semi-arid lands farming systems. 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z