Site-specific organic and conventional crop yields in a long-term farming systems comparison in sub-humid central Kenya

Organic farming is increasingly being taken up by farmers and agricultural development agencies in tropics. This is in a bid to improve world food security and rural livelihoods in a sustainable way. Long-term field trial that compares organic and conventional systems was set up in sub-humid central Kenya since 2006 to provide a scientific basis for organic agriculture in the region. The project seeks to gather data on how organic farming affects: yield and yield stability; stability of the agro-ecological system; and natural and economic resource efficiency. The experiments were set up at two sites namely Chuka and Thika. Both sites are at an altitude of 1500m asl. While Chuka lies in a high potential area with 2000 mm of rainfall and good soil phosphorus availability, Thika has fair yield potential, 1000 mm rainfall and low phosphorus availability. Crop rotations include maize, beans and vegetables.” The trials compares organic and conventional systems at two input levels, namely subsistence and commercial levels, resulting in four treatments: Conventional high input, organic high input, conventional low input and organic low input. In Chuka, organic yields were on average the same as conventional yields. On the low potential site of Thika, organic yields reached an average 55% of the conventional yields. Organic yields on the low input level were on average 13% lower than conventional yields on the low input level. On the high input level, organic yields were on average 26% lower than conventional yields. Organic maize yields achieved on average 77% of conventional maize yields, whereas organic brassica yields were 66% lower than conventional brassica yields. No significant difference was observed between mean organic and conventional legume crop yields. Our results suggest that: on high potential site of Chuka, organic crops can be grown without yield reduction; on low potential site of Thika, especially if low nutrient availability coincide with low rainfall, considerable yield reductions must be expected in organic systems in the transition phase; low input systems are less sensitive to conversion to organic agriculture than high input systems and relative yield levels in organic systems vary between crops

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

Long-term performance of organic crop rotations in the tropics: First results from a high and a medium potential site in sub-humid Central Kenya

Organic Agriculture is perceived by many stakeholders as a promising approach to increase food security in developing countries. However, only few attempts have been made so far to assess agronomic and economic performance of Organic Agriculture in these regions in a systematic way. The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), together with its partners, is presently establishing long-term comparisons of farming systems in various agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts to study the different parameters that are essential for sustainable development. To date, three study areas have been selected: (a) a sub-humid area in Kenya where farming is subsistence-oriented; (b) a semi-arid area in India where cotton is produced for the export market; and (c) a humid area in Bolivia where cacao and other perennial products are produced for the export and domestic markets. The key elements are replicated long-term field trials. These are complemented by farm surveys and short-term trials under on-farm conditions. This network of comparison of farming systems in the tropics is expected to (1) put the discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of Organic Agriculture on a rational basis; (2) help to identify challenges for Organic Agriculture that can then be addressed systematically; (3) provide physical reference points for stakeholders in agricultural research and development and thus support agricultural policy dialogue at different levels. In Kenya, the two trials sites are located in a high potential zone in Meru South District (Chuka) and in a medium potential zone in Maragua District (Thika). They consist of four treatments: conventional and organic, each at a low and a high input level, representing subsistence oriented and commercial farming, respectively. Maize, brassicas and maize were planted during the first, second and third season respectively in both organic and conventional plots. In the first three seasons, we found the following results: in Chuka, organic yields of the low input treatments were on average 4% lower than conventional yields. On the high input level, organic yields were 6% lower. In Thika, organic yields were on average 57% (low input level) and 33% (high input level) lower than conventional yields. It is assumed that the organic crops in Chuka could benefit from N and P mobilisation from the soil. In Thika, where N and P were probably less available, the crop depended on the easily soluble nutrients applied in the conventional treatments. The effect of lower nutrient availability in the organic treatments in Thika was possibly aggravated by serious drought spells during the second and third season. The questions of interest are a) whether the organic treatments can keep the yield level of the conventional treatments in Chuka or if they will go through a depression typical for conversion from conventional to Organic Agriculture; and b) if the organic treatments can improve soil fertility and thus the organic yield levels in Thika in the coming years

Factors motivating the application of Sustainability Management Accounting Tools among corporations in East Africa

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Commerce at Strathmore UniversitySustainability Accounting is gradually gaining momentum, since then, awareness on environmental, economic and social issues in the business sector has increased mainly due to the increased pressure from stakeholders to ensure that their companies minimize their negative impact while maximizing on the positive effect of their operations and thus contributing to global sustainable development. The study was guided by the main objective, to establish the factors that influence the adoption of SMAT among companies in East Africa and the following objectives; to identify the level of application of sustainability management accounting tools among companies in East Africa and to identify the motivating factors that influence this level of application of sustainability management accounting tools in East Africa. The study followed a descriptive research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data in fulfilling the research objectives. A questionnaire was emailed to 119 respondents out of which 83 were duly submitted. The quantitative data collection tool was a questionnaire and the qualitative data collection tool used was observation methods and data analysis. The target population of the study will focus on forty four (44) companies in East Africa that have submitted their non-financial statements on the GRI website. From the study, application of the tools was found to be moderately low but each organization admitted to using at least one tool. Environmental tools were the most frequently used. Pressure to reduce costs, meet societal and stakeholders needs and develop and promote products that meet customers; demands accounted for the higher percentage of motivating factors. In conclusion, the study found a high correlation between application of Sustainability Management Tools in East Africa and motivating factors with legitimacy being the main factor of influence

Effect of plant biomass, manure and inorganic fertilizer on maize yield in the central Highlands of Kenya

Soil fertility degradation remains the major biophysical cause of declining per capita crop production on smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa. Appropriate soil fertility regimes, are therefore, critical for improved crop productivity. This study investigated the feasibility of using sole organics or their combinations with inorganicfertilisers to improve maize (Zea mays) production in the highlands central Kenya. Sole application of Calliandra calotyrsus, Leucaena trichandra trichandra, Mucuna pruriens, Crotalaria ochroleuca, Tithonia diversifolia and cattle manure at 60 kg N ha-1 or combined application of the organic materials (30 kg N ha-1) plus inorganic fertiliser (30 kg N ha-1) gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher maize grain yields than the recommended rate of inorganic fertiliser (60 kg N ha-1). These treatments maintained maize yields at 4 to 6 t ha-1. Farmers had theirown innovations where they combined organic resources and generally appreciable yields (3.0 to 5.6 t ha-1) were obtained from these innovations. However, there was a maize yield gap between on station and on farm trials with on station yields having on average 65% more yields than the on-farm yields. This was mainly attributedto differences in management practices arising from partial adoption of recommended rates. There is need therefore to develop and implement mechanisms tailored to ensure that farmers’ modications recommended soil amendment regimes and other agronomic practices are appropriate for enhanced crop productivity. Further studies are needed to establish the optimum mixture of different organic materials

Knowledge and practices towards rabies and determinants of dog rabies vaccination in households: a cross sectional study in an area with high dog bite incidents in Kakamega County, Kenya, 2013

Introduction:&nbsp;an estimated 55,000 people die from rabies annually. Factors promoting dog vaccination, estimates of vaccination coverage and knowledge on rabies are important for effective rabies control. We sought to establish these estimates at household (HH) level and whether rabies knowledge is associated with proper control practices. Methods:&nbsp;cross-sectional cluster survey with two-stage sampling was employed in Kakamega County to enroll HH members above 18 years. A set of questions related to rabies knowledge and practice were used to score participant response. Score above the sample mean was equated to adequate knowledge and proper practices respectively. Independent t-test was used to evaluate the differences of sample mean scores based on dog vaccination status. Bivariate analysis was used to associate knowledge to practices. Results:&nbsp;three hundred and ninety HHs enrolled and had a population of 754 dogs with 35% (n=119) HH having vaccinated dogs within past 12 months. Overall mean score for knowledge was 7.0 (±2.8) with range (0-11) and 6.3 (±1.2) for practice with range (0-8). There was a statistically significant difference in mean knowledge (DF=288, p&lt;0.01) and practice (DF=283, p=0.001) of HH with vaccinated dogs compared to ones with unvaccinated dogs. Participants with adequate rabies knowledge were more likely to have proper health seeking practices 139 (80%) (OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.4-6.8) and proper handling practices of suspected rabid dog 327 (88%) (OR=5.4, 95% CI=2.7-10.6). Conclusion:&nbsp;rabies vaccination below the 80% recommended for herd immunity. Mass vaccination campaign needed. More innovative ways of translating knowledge into proper rabies control practice are warranted

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

Soil water use efficiency under integrated soil management practices in the drylands of Kenya

Soil moisture scarcity and soil fertility decline in the drylands contribute to declining crop productivity. The possible synergistic effects of integrating soil & water conservation, and soil fertility management practices on soil moisture, and hence water use efficiency (WUE) in the drylands of Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya was assessed. The experiment was laid in a three by three split plot arrangement, with four replications, for four cropping seasons. Minimum tillagewith mulch, tied ridges, and conventional tillage formed the main plot factors. The sub-plot factors included animal manure plus fertilizer at 120, 60, and 30 N kg ha−1. There was significant improvement in soil moisture by 35 and 28% by minimum tillage with mulch and tied ridges, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. Manure plus fertilizer rates of 120 and 60 N kg ha−1 had significantly lower soil moisture by 12 and 10%, respectively than the 30 N kg ha−1across the seasons. The WUE was significantly enhanced by 150 and 65% under minimum tillage with mulch and tied ridges, respectively, compared to conventional tillage. Compared with 30 N kg ha−1, the 120 N kg ha−1 and 60 kg ha−1significantly enhanced the WUE by 66 and 25%, respectively. Across the seasons, the best treatment combination for improving WUE was minimum tillage with mulch at 120 N kg ha−1 rate of manure plus fertilizer

The Application of Porter’s Five Forces Model on Organization Performance: A Case of Cooperative Bank of Kenya Ltd

The apex of environmental scanning with regard to competition can only be found in Porter’s Five Forces model. This is a long side External environment scanning tools such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis and Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) analysis and calculate its coping with competition, how to retain or increase a company’s market share among others. This requires accurate competitive analysis in the face of these complexities. This may adversely affect the application and continued use of the five forces in Kenya. This study was an assessment of the application of Porter’s Five forces model of competitive analysis amidst the rapidly changing environment in the Kenyan Banking industry. The problem in this study was that the failure to use and under-utilisation of the five forces by banks has led to poor performance. The purpose of the study was to assess the application of the five forces model in terms of its benefits and limitations, and how it can be modified to cope with the Kenyan banking industry. This study would be of great significance in enriching the body of knowledge on Porter’s five forces model and providing a meaningful and contextual evaluation of the Kenyan banking industry consequently coming up with useful insights. A descriptive survey design was used and a triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative methods. A sample of 62 respondents was randomly selected from the stratified target population of top, middle and operational level managers in Cooperative Bank of Kenya and given questionnaires. The data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively and processed through computer (SPSS) with special emphasis on the facts and emerging themes that addressed the research questions and the resulting correlation and regression analyses results presented, discussed and interpreted. This was a mixed methodology of descriptive and inferential statistics to establish the existing relationships between the independent and dependent variables. Based on the findings, this study concludes that there is a strong positive relationship shown by R value of 0.8 between Porter’s Five Forces model and the performance of Cooperative Bank of Kenya. It also concludes that the strength and effects of substitutes should not be ignored; competitors are significant in benchmarking, keeping the management on toes and increasing efficiency and effectiveness thus aiding in success and achievement of competitive edge through innovation; the Bargaining power of buyers within the banking industry is critical in terms of understanding the bank’s buyers and successfully meeting their demands as a way of retaining them and achieving high customer satisfaction for repeat sales; the Bargaining power of sellers apply to the banking industry was a factor to watch as increase in the cost of their services leads to an increase in the cost of services offered by Cooperative Bank and the quality of their services also such as assured security and clean working environment determines employee motivation and satisfaction. Threat of new entrants was found to apply to the banking industry and needed mitigation measures as stated in the recommendations of the study