Abstract/Overview Finite element method is a class of mathematical tool which approximates solutions to initial and boundary value problems. Finite element, basic functions, stiffness matrices, systems of ordinary differential equations and hence approximate solutions of partial differential equations which involves rendering the partial differential equation into system of ordinary differential equations. The ordinary differential equations are then numerically integrated. We present a f...
ABSTRACT The issue of greenhouse emissions, global warming and climate change have become major environment concerns of the twenty-first century in both local and international conventions. Moreover, it is an undisputable fact that the process of gas flaring during crude oil exploration has been a major source of greenhouse emission in oil producing countries like Nigeria. Therefore, this study examines the problem of greenhouse emission which occur as a result of gas flaring in Bayelsa state...
Abstract River catchments sustain human civilization and related biodiversity. The numerous resource bases from river catchments include: drinking water supply, abstraction of water for agriculture, for hydropower generation, recreation, transport, construction materials and fishing. However, despite their value to mankind river catchments are under pressure and are facing degradation and threat from communities and from climate change. Kasikeu River catchment is located within the Kilungu ca...
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...
A great number and diversity of animal species are capable of parasitizing fish, ranging from microscopic protozoan to grossly visible crustaceans and annelids. In the wild fish, there is large range of parasites but they are usually only present in small numbers, they can be considered a normal finding and rarely cause disease problems (FAO, 2016). In cultured fish, there is a more limited range of parasites but they are often present in much large numbers than seen in the wild. There is al...
ABSTRACT Production risk is very important in developing countries, including Tanzania, which result in variance in production that may have severe consequences for a smallholder farmer and his family. The main aim of this study was to assess the determinants of production risk associated with adoption of improved maize seed varieties in order to inform sustainable food security. The specific objectives were to; (i) evaluate factors affecting the adoption and diffusion of improved maize seed ...
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 prima...
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 prima...
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 the Upper West Region of Ghana, most the people are engaged in subsistence agriculture. A major challenge that they face is a long dry season of about eight months that renders most of them jobless. This research assessed the possibility of dry season farming in improving living standards of rural farmers. The research revealed that most farmers used dams with canals and furrows, others used canals with fuel powered pumps and some used wells for irrigating their crops. An average ...
Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region beset with challenges, not least its ability to feed itself. Low agricultural productivity, exploding populations, and escalating urbanization have led to declining per capita food availability. In order to reverse this trend, crop production systems must intensify, which brings with it an elevated threat from pests and diseases, including plant-parasitic nematodes. A holistic systems approach to pest management recognizes disciplinary integrati...
ABSTRACT Tobacco farming as an agricultural development issue, has been identified among others as an important theme to study the relationship of its production to deforestation. This study was carried out in Tutuo ward, Sikonge district in Tabora region to assess land use changes due to switch from tobacco to sunflower as an alternative cash crop; and its influence on deforestation. The villages namely Usanganya, Mole and Tutuo were involved. Household questionnaire, checklists, participant...
ABSTRACT An assessment of the sustainability of food crop production in the fadamas of southern guinea savanna of Niger State, Nigeria was carried out within the framework of small-scale farming households utilizing fadama for the cultivation of food crops. The study identified the pattern of land use and management, estimated technical efficiency, identified determinants of technical inefficiency and determined productivity and profitability of food crop production in the fadama. It also de...
This study utilized fractal disk dimension characterization to investigate the system response of a nonlinear, harmonically driven pendulum of mass, m (or weight. W) and length I over a well-defined parameter plane of excitation amplitude versus damping factor. The system response was simulated at three drive ffequencies (symbol,*) of 1/3, 2/3 and 313. A Runge-Kutta fourth order algorithm, coded in FORTRAN programming language was used to simulate the System response over a 101 by 101 para...
xiii ABSTRACT Climate variability is an emerging phenomenon that is threatening dairy farming globally. The dairy-climate change dilemma in Kenya cannot be mistaken. However, extensive research into dairy farming and an understanding of the dynamics of climate variability effects is greatly lacking.The study investigated the effects of climate variability on dairy farming in Masaba North Sub-county of Nyamira County, Kenya. The main objective was to determine the effects of climate variabilit...