Abstract/Overview A number of logistic, financial and administrative challenges make it difficult collect adequate and suitable data in order to apply classical fisheries management strategies. Consequently, the more data intensive classical fisheries biological and economic (bio-economic) models do not provide adequate and reliable analytical results for fisheries management. Alternative models are required to deal with the data poor situations in Lake Victoria but also to provide a robu...
Abstract/Overview Dairy farming plays a major role in the Kenyan agricultural sector as it is dominated by smallholder farmers who contribute approximately 80 per cent of the total milk production. In Kinangop Sub County, there are many credit service providers however, not all smallholder dairy farmers have benefited from such services, instead smallholder dairy farmers have continued to experience challenges such as limited access to financial services. This study therefore analyzed the...
Abstract/Overview Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) is a major annual oilseed crop and its economic and nutritive quality makes the crop a beneficial enterprise for rural farmers in Ndhiwa Sub-County. Researchers have recommended adoption of technology and increased contact with extension agents as one way of increasing production but productivity remains low. Crop productivity or yield is a function of environment, plant, management and socio economic factors that interact at optimum levels...
Abstract/Overview Plant composition of urban green spaces is an important component of urban ecosystem as it influences the provision of many environmental and social services that contribute to the quality life. In Nairobi, a few remnants of continuous highland forest exist but they are under increasing pressure from the rapidly changing surrounding landscape. The plant composition is being altered by human encroachment and other related activities. The status of the current plant compos...
Abstract/Overview Developing countries are facing major challenges today with regard to food security because of changes in land use, coupled with population pressure and adverse weather conditions. Kenya government has responded to this by ensuring that farmers are given relevant information on farming through various sources such as availing information from research institutions, formal training, agricultural extension service agents, and media services through television and radio and...
Abstract/Overview This study aimed at estimating the Phytoplankton quotients; Bay, and to determine eutrophic levels of the bay. The study was conducted from April 2009 to April 2010. Nutrients and phytoplankton analyses were determined by spectrophotometric and microscopic techniques, respectively. Significantly higher (p
Abstract/Overview Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) seeds were scarified with an 18 N H2S04 solution, then primed for one week at 10De in PEG- 6000, NaCl or natural sea water. Germination tests were carried out at 30De, which is normally inhibitory for spinach seed germination. The germination rate of scarified seeds was higher than the untreated ones. Four successive use of the acid solution did not reduce its scarifying potential; the most suitable soaking time depended on seed size. When ...
Abstract/Overview Indigenous vegetables form a key component of farming systems in most communities in Africa including Kenya. Its increased awareness and utilization has been attributed to its reported superior nutritional quality, medicinal value and ecological adaptability to existing weather conditions. Utilization of these vegetables among low, middle and high income earners in Kenya has improved tremendously and this calls for high quality vegetables to maintain confidence. Improved...
Abstract/Overview The wild-type Solanumu villosum is an important leafy vegetable in Kenya, which however is low-yielding mainly due to the early flowering and prolific fruiting. Two new genotypes of S. villosum, T-5 and octoploid with different flowering and fruiting characteristics from the wild-type have been developed. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate leaf yield, plant height and iron content of the genotypes under varying nitrogen levels. The experiments were laid out as ...
Abstract/Overview Tuberose sold on the domestic market fetches very low prices during the low export season. Value addition to the crop would make its production more sustainable. A study was carried out to identify the constituent chemical compounds of tuberose fragrance grown in high altitude regions (Meru, 2068m asl and Tigoni, 1850m asl) and low altitude regions (Sagana, 1214m asl and Juja, 1350m asl) in Kenya. The volatiles were trapped between 5.30pm to 9.00pm from fully-opened inta...
Abstract/Overview African nightshades ( Solanum nigrum- related species) are some of the most widely consumed traditional leafy herbs and vegetables, particularly in Africa and South-East Asia. The leaves contain high levels of vitamins (especially A, B and C), mineral fibres (such as iron, calcium and phosphorus), carbohydrates and proteins. They also contain phenolics and alkaloids, such as nicotine, quinine, cocaine, and morphine, which are known for their medicinal attributes. With th...
Abstract/Overview The study focused on a value chain analysis geared towards identifying the various, processes, inputs and major players in the mango value chain system. Data was collected from the main actors in the mango value chain at different segments including input suppliers, producers, traders and consumers using a structured questionnaire. The sampling method employed included stratification of respondents on the basis of functional roles of the various actors followed by a Sequ...
Abstract/Overview Anthocyanins are a group of plant pigments responsible for colors ranging from red to violet and blue. Anthocyanins are pigments that accumulate in the vacuoles of plant epidermal cells. Chroma and hue are dependent on conditions inside and outside the vacuoles. Also conditions within the vacuole that facilitate formation of complexes with several metal ions. The aim of this study was to examine changes in accumulation of anthocyanins and the resultant colour in tuberose...
Abstract/Overview frican nightshades ( Solanum section Solanum ) are an important source of daily nutrients and income for small-scale farmers in sub- Saharan Africa and are a delicacy for urban inhabitants. The section is one of the most ubiquitous, largest and most diverse sp ecies groups of the genus Solanum , with more than 30 reported species. Complete profiling of the species in this section has been hampered by several morphological, cytological and taxonomic complexities. There is...
Abstract/Overview The perception of African nightshades ( Solanum section Solanum ) as “healthy” foods, supported by documentation of their high nutri- tional and medicinal benefits, has led to a sudden and steady upsurge in their consumption, demand and monetary value in Africa and most parts of South-East Asia. However, due to very low leaf yields, production of these vegetables remains on small-scales, re sulting in acute shortages and escalating prices, especially in urban areas. ...