Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of a microcomputer as a tool of information handling. Specifically, this involved developing software packages for use on an Apple II Plus microcomputer. The Willow Bend Demonstrational Farm in Union, West Virginia, was chosen. A farm records and budgets model was developed. Receipts and expenses from the Electronic Farm Accounting records were used to test the model for use by the farm operators in West Virginia. Enterpris...
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the factors affecting sheep and goat milk consumption in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya. Specifically the study sought to assess sheep and goat milk production, assess sheep and goat milk consumption, and identify sheep and goat management practices for optimal milk production in Kyawango and Kibauni Locations of Mwala Sub County of Machakos County. Data was collected from a sample of 120 respondents using questionnaires and observations and ...
Abstract: Ensuring food security is a global significant challenge despite struggles to increase agricultural productivity, food distribution and identify appropriate policy interventions to cub food shortage. The recent recurrent incidences of food deficit in Kenya have placed the nation among the 20 most food insecure countries in the world. Food insecurity in the country is a prevalent issue since approximately 84% the country’s landmass is covered by arid and semi-arid land. Achieving ...
Abstract: Livestock production is critical in poverty reduction through food security improvement and rural development. Demographic characteristics, agro-ecological zone and market structure influences the the different livestock production systems. In order to plan for suitable interventions by Kitui County to enhance livestock production, this study aims to identify and document existing livestock production systems,and assessed household vulnerability to food insecurity in identified liv...
Abstract: Cookability of common bean is constrained by hardness which results to extend cooking times, low widespread consumption, and high cost of cooking fuel, the consequence of this is malnutrition due to nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity. A study was conducted in the seed Laboratory of Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (KALRO)-Katumani to investigate the effects of physical properties of eleven bean varieties (GLPX92, KATX69, EMBEAN118, WAIRIMU, EMBEAN14, GL...
Abstract: Traditional/backyard pig production systems are found in the larger Western Kenya while commercial systems are predominant in Eastern and Central Kenya including Nairobi. The pig holdings in Coast and few in North-Eastern are commercial systems. The expansion and improvement of the market for pigs and pig products generally in Kenya may explain why pig- keeping is beginning to be found outside traditional pig-keeping areas. The objectives of the study were: 1) To characterize pig p...
Abstract: In 2010, the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) was initiated by the Government of Kenya with the aim of encouraging aquaculture in Kenya. Kitui Central Sub- County benefited with 200 fish ponds under ESP. However, their status is not known in terms of production, challenges and the contribution of fish farming to household wellbeing. To address this, a sample of sixty (60) fish farmers were used from the targeted 200 fish farmers who benefited from the Government’s support. The pri...
Abstract: In today’s globalized world trade is one of the most powerful forces linking our lives. International trade has proved to be a source of immense wealth, yet millions of the world’s poorest populations are getting poorer every day. Increased prosperity among developed countries and multi-national corporations has occurred as poverty in developing countries has increased. The already obscene gap between the rich in the global north and the poor in the global south has widened. Ac...
Abstract: There is evidence that food insecurity has been increasing recently in Sub-Saharan Africa. The foundation of this statement is that development of agriculture can contribute both to the increase of food supply and constitute the main source for generating income, thus ensuring access to food by the greater proportion of food insecure people. This study was guided by various objectives in reviewing the global concerns and trends underlying the threat to food security. Emphasis is on...
Abstract: Not all individuals or communities can participate in development projects at the ideal intensity, levels, usage rates and time commitments to development. This study evaluates the implementation of an agricultural technology program, specifically the availability and access of the technologies to and by the rural communities, capacity-building efforts by the change agents, and challenges faced by both the implementer and the small-holder farmers. This qualitative research employed...
Abstract: The general study objective was to assess the effect of devolved governance in strengthening food security Mandera County. The study was guided by the following research questions: How does devolved governance affect provision of credit facilities to farmers in their pursuit to supporting food security in Mandera County? What is the effect of devolved governance on capacity development of farmers in enhancing food security in Mandera County? Lastly, how does devolved governance aff...
Abstract: Is Africa capable of feeding itself given the alarming performance and projections shared by international organizations on poverty and food insecurity prevalence in the continent? What seems to be holding back agricultural production in most African countries? This research has sought to answer these questions and has identified that the Agriculture sector will spearhead this transformation since the economic development of most African states is driven by the growth of the sector...
Abstract: Findings from the study show that KARI scientists used research processes that were participatory and educative. These included conducting farmer trainings at KARI centre and at on-farm demonstration sites, holding of field days and exchange visits, availability of documented evidence on the technology benefits, ensuring farmers were free to gain entry to the KARI on-station demonstration trails, issuance of clean planting materials, frequent follow ups to farmer's fields, and that...
Abstract: Many have discussed Africa's food security crisis for decades but little has been done to change the state of affairs. Discussions concerning genetically engineered agricultural crops, otherwise known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have emerged after the green revolution that has been witnessed in parts of Asia and Latin America. This new technology has come with a lot of controversy upon which this paper seeks to shed some light. The purpose of this study was to investig...
Abstract: While taking Kenya as a case study, the study was designed to assess the state of food security in Africa. It specifically assessed food production and consumption trends, evaluated efforts being made by the Kenyan government and other players (NGOs) to address food security concerns in Kenya, and explored the challenges and opportunities attributed to food security concerns in the country. The type of design adopted for this particular study was a case study. The study comprised n...