Stakeholder Involvement in Upscaling of Soil Fertility Research Output in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya

Food insecurity in Sub-Saharan Africa has prompted a lot of research in the development of soil fertility technologies; however, few of the recommendations from soil fertility management research have been put into use by the target end-users. The objective of the study was to investigate information exchange pathways used by researchers in upscaling of soil fertility in Maara and Mbeere South Sub-counties in Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 22 researchers and 240 farmers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequency, mean, and percentages, while Chi-square, Kendal\u27s correlation coefficient was used to test the magnitude of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Inadequate resources materials and poor networking among stakeholders were among the challenges that the researchers faced in the dissemination of their research outputs. The findings also showed that there was a positive and significant correlation between farm size and the mass media approach. Researchers and extension agents should use a mixed approach; this is the use of combined individual, group, and mass media approaches to cater to the different preferences based on socio-economic characteristics of farmers

Perspectives on Science Literacy: A comparative study of United States and Kenya

Results from a science literacy survey administered to the American and Kenyan educators are presented. Sixty-three educators from the U.S. and Kenya responded to a survey about their perspectives on science literacy. The research questions were designed to examine the factors that affect students’ performance in science, the skills required for students to be successful in science, and the challenges of teaching science and recommendations for improving scientific literacy in both countries. Results indicate that educators from both countries have similar concerns about science teaching and learning but they also face some unique problems. The participants were all in agreement regarding proficiency in English language and literacy skills as key contributors to the acquisition of science literacy. The educators integrated these skills through reading, writing of science materials, research, and the discourse of science. The main challenges identified included students’ attitude towards science and lack of interest. In addition, the Kenya educators also identified lack of proficiency in English language, lack of good science foundations, and lack of resources and materials as additional challenges. The results of this study imply that both science and literacy educators should work together to increase students’ proficiency in science

Evaluation of Self-Help Groups in Promoting Women Socio-Economic Empowerment in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Women play a crucial role in developing the economy, but their contribution has been negatively affected by limited financial services access. The study investigated the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in promoting women\u27s economic empowerment in Kibra, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The sample size was 108 SHGs as respondents. The study utilized primary means of data collection by using questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focused group discussions (FGDs). The findings showed that SHGs utilize group savings to expand credit access to vulnerable women in the sub-county. Leadership experience in SGHs has changed women\u27s ability to make major decisions in their lives and improve confidence. SHGs have positively boosted the economy by empowering women and diversifying income sources. The study recommends periodical training on leadership and income-generating activities. The government needs to offer market and build infrastructure for products produced by groups\u27 projects and provide subsidized loans to SHGs. Great emphasis should be put on women education and creating awareness while encouraging young women to join SHGs to start earning their incomes at early ages and making savings for their projects

Accessibility and Reliability of Information Sources in Dissemination of Soil Fertility Management in Eastern Kenya

Increased recognition of soil fertility depletion as the main factor limiting crop production in many small holder farms in sub-Saharan African has renewed interest in the dissemination of soil fertility management technologies. Despite soil technology development and research outputs, few of the recommendations from various soil fertility management research activities have been adopted by the small-scale farmers on a large-scale level. Only a small proportion of allocated research resources is invested in dissemination among research institutions. The objective of the study was to investigate communication channels used in dissemination of soil fertility management practices in Mbeere and Meru South Districts. Two hundred and forty randomly selected farmers were interviewed. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS. The study revealed that 32.5% of the farmers who used combined organic and inorganic fertilizers received information from government extension officers while 41.3% of the farmers who use animal manure utilized their own farming experience. In disseminating soil erosion control measures, 51.2% of the farmers indicated that, farmer to farmer extension was the most commonly used. Also, 33.8% mentioned demonstration as the main method used in training soil fertility management practices. In general, the most common source of information was other farmers while there was least participation of researchers and agro input dealers in dissemination of soil fertility technologies. Thus, the study recommended more participation of stakeholders other than government extension officers as well as use of combined extension methods with farmer involvement in dissemination of soil fertility management practices.  Keywords: manure, extension agents, farmer to farmer extension method, demonstration DOI: 10.7176/DCS/10-11-03 Publication date: November 30th 202

Effects of project complexity on project success: the case of telecom firms in Nairobi

A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration at Strathmore University Business SchoolProject complexity is mentioned as one of the factors that both directly and indirectly influences project success and therefore an important factor to be managed along the project lifecycle. Complexity affects cost, time and quality objectives of a project, inhibits clear identification of goals and objectives, as well as influencing project planning and controlling practices. However, different forms of project complexities affect projects in different economic sectors differently. This study focused on investigating the effects of project complexity on project success. The study focused on project success in terms of project efficiency and organizational benefits. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey of telecom operators’ base in Nairobi, Kenya. The study used simple random and convenience sampling methods to select respondents from the target population. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used establish the effect of project complexities on project success. Multiple linear regression showed that technological complexity positively influenced project efficiency but not organizational benefits. Organizational and environmental complexities positively influenced organizational benefits but not project efficiency. The study recommends that project implementers should find ways of streamlining technological, organizational and environmental complexities in order to influence project success

The role of social media as marketing tool for tourism in Kenya. Case study: Kenya Safari and Tours

Social media has become extremely effective form of marketing which has raised the brand awareness, brand loyalty, customer services and lead to increase sales hence opening tremendous opportunities for companies to market their products and services using social media. The objective of this research was to find out how tourism companies are integrating social media into marketing so as to boast awareness and generate excitement about tourism destination as well as finding what exactly has social media strategies done to market tourism companies. The theoretical background was based on theories of social media marketing mainly collected from social media literature that included both books and articles journals and the aim of this was actually to provide readers general understanding of social media and its impacts on the customers. The empirical study was performed through discussions, interviews and observation in the case company. The study was performed using a qualitative research approach and a case study method was utilized. After all the data was gathered and the information was carefully analyzed to give the reasons why companies use social media as a marketing tool for their companies. The research finding of the study are to proposed important suggestion for Kenya Safari and Tour in using social media as a part of its marketing strategy Keywords: Social networking, social media, tourism, social media marketing strateg

Utilizing Service Learning in the Analytical Chemistry Classroom

Service learning has been incorporated into the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory to give students a real world sampling experience including both soil and water, alongside professionals in their fields. Analysis of the soil and water includes metals, suspended solids, phosphorus and nitrogen containing compounds requiring knowledge of several different instrumental and wet chemical techniques. Most educational experiences do not afford students the chance to see the real world applications of their classroom knowledge, but with the service learning aspects this deficiency has been resolved. In the soil experience, students provide homeowners from the Highland Park and South Wedge neighbors with lead analysis of their soil as well as written reports of those levels and information on removing or working with lead contaminated soil. For the water project, students are providing baseline analysis of nutrients and metals found in Buckland Creek for the Department of Environmental Services, Division of Pure Waters, which studies the effects of industrial expansion and human activity on water quality in Rochester. The analytical chemistry students further their experience in an advanced analytical chemistry course the following year by performing further analysis on the soil and water, but on a more independent level. They use their previous learned skills to gather water after rainfall and perform analysis back in the laboratory with no structured guidance. The class is also expanding to include a plant biology section, where students will test the affects on growth and safety of plants grown in leaded soil. This experiment will allow students to provide proof to homeowners as to which plants are healthy to eat and which can be used for phytoremediation. In addition to feeling like active contributors to the community, the students and homeowners have been interviewed and photographed for an article detailing lead contamination issues

Adoption and utilisation of Zai pits for improved farm productivity in drier upper Eastern Kenya

Inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall and declining soil fertility have led to low crop productivity in most smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. As a result, there has been a renewed quest for sustainable and resource-use efficient agricultural production practices. Zai pit technology is a practice that has the potential to alleviate water stress and enhance soil fertility. We assessed the factors that influence farmers' adoption and utilisation of Zai pits in Tharaka-Nithi County in upper Eastern Kenya. We interviewed 291 farm household heads. Descriptive statistical analysis and a logistic regression model were applied to evaluate socio-economic factors that affect the adoption of Zai pits by farmers. Binary logistic regression estimation revealed that the number of non-formal training, beneficiaries of nongovernmental organisations, wealth status and membership of a social group play an essential role in the adoption of Zai pits. Based on the findings, we recommend that farm characteristics and socio-economic characteristics of farmers should be considered in the promotion of Zai pits as a water harvesting technology. The results of the study will be useful to extension service providers in planning, designing and evaluating effective and efficient agricultural policies, programs and projects at local, regional and national scales in the dissemination of Zai pit technology among smallholder farmers in the semi-arid tropics

Effect of Neem Kernel Cake Powder (NKCP) on Fusarium Wilt of Tomato when Used as Soil Amendment

A study was conducted to investigate effect of Neem Kernel Cake Powder (NKCP) at 1.75, 3.5 and 7g rates on development of tomato Fusarium wilt in 1997 at the National Horticultural Research Center, Thika, Kenya. Inoculum density of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Sacc.) was two 14mm - diameter disks per planting hole taken from 10 day old cultures growing on PDA. Plant performance was based on shoot height and weight; stem diameter; number and weight of tomato fruits. Disease assessment was based on wilt index of shoots and length of discolouration of vascular tissues. Performance of plants grown in NKCP amended and non-amended soils was significantly (p=0.05) different (33.3 - 93.3%). Disease severity based on the wilt index (0.53-2.87) and length of discoloured vascular tissues (7.4cm - 25.62cm) differed significantly (p=0.05) among treatments