Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology

Networking capability and sustainable competitive advantage of small and medium food manufacturing enterprises in Kenya

Elizabeth Kimaru — 2024-09-12

In every country's economic development objective, manufacturing firms owned by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role. They provide a variety of economic contributions; income generation, the creation of new job opportunities, the introduction of innovation, and the promotion of competition are all examples of these. Despite their substantial contribution, SMEs in the food manufacturing sector in developing economies confront a variety of problems and constraints that prevent or limit their ability to maintain a sustained competitive advantage. Networking competency has been identified as one of the missing link to the sustainability of SMEs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of network capabilities on the sustainability of SMEs in Kenya's food manufacturing enterprises. A cross-sectional approach and a descriptive survey design were utilised in this study. Quantitative primary data was obtained from 106 owners of 123 SMEs in the food and beverage sub-sector in Kenya registered by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, yielding an 86 percent response rate. The research revealed that networking capabilities account for 6.9 percent of SMEs' sustainable competitive advantage, with each unit increase in networking capabilities improving the SCA of Kenyan SMEs by 0.306.

Comparative progressive composting, evaluation and profiling of minerals and heavy metals in human solid waste collected by green toilet system, cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste composts

Shellemiah Otieno Ouma — 2024-09-12

The value of human excreta, a resource that is available in all societies is underestimated in present agriculture. In parts of South East Asia, the use of human excreta as fertilizer in agriculture is a common practice benefiting production. The excreta contain chemical elements that circulate in biogeochemical cycles necessary in plant nutrition. This study aimed to progressively detect, quantify, and profile minerals (micro, macro and heavy metals) levels in human solid waste from Green Toilet System and compare with cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste composts at different stages of composting for a time duration of six months (183 days). Green Toilet System, developed by LIXIL destined solid and liquid human wastes to different collection points with negligible or zero interaction. Micro (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe), macro nutrients (Ca, K, P, N, and Mg) and heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) analysis was done after every 21 days. Individual means were compared and separated using Duncan’s multiple range test with a significant level at p<0.05. There were significant differences between the means recorded for micro/macronutrients, and heavy metals between all composts analyzed. Micronutrients levels increased with increase in composting time. Lead and chromium reached an optimal level of 28.000±0.000mg/Kg and 35.000±0.000mg/Kg on days 168 and 105 respectively. The findings showed that composts contained different profiles of macro- and micronutrients that may contribute to soil enrichment and have agronomic value. Green Toilet System for collection of human solid waste and progressive composting of cow dung, poultry droppings, and goat waste can be used to determine optimal levels of micro/ macronutrients and heavy metals at different composting stages. In conclusion, human solid waste compost should be considered for use when the levels of micro/macronutrients are optimal and heavy metal levels are minimal after composting.

Phylogenetic analysis and abundance of culturable Fungi from Tropical glaciers; Lewis Glacier, Mt. Kenya

Isaac Okello — 2024-09-12

Equatorial and tropical glaciers of Africa are mainly found on mountains summit. Due to climatic change, the receding glaciers exposes cryoconites which are ideal spots for microbial growth. Industrially important fungi are among the psychrophilic microorganism inhabiting cryoconites. In this study, the characterization and determination of the abundant fungal taxa in the tropical glaciers; Lewis glaciers Mount Kenya was done. Randomly selected cryoconite holes were mapped out across the study area by grid method, fifty samples were collected in different reagent bottles. Each sample was then serially diluted and cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) mixed with a broad-spectrum antibiotic to inhibit bacterial growth. The culturable pure strains that successfully grew were twenty- three. The pure isolates were first morphologically characterized Genomic DNA was extracted using CTAB method followed by DNA quality and yield assessments using agarose gel electrophoresis and nanodrop. For the molecular identification of the isolated fungi at the species level, the extracted fungal DNA was amplified by PCR using specific internal transcribed spacer primer (ITS1/ITS4). The amplified products were sequenced, and the sequence data were trimmed using BioEdit. The trimmed sequences were then characterized and there was a total of hundred fungi species; most of which had a range of 80-100% similarity with other fungi when subjected to BLASTn. For evolutionary relationship studies, fungi species that had a percentage similarity ranging between 95-100% were downloaded from NCBI and saved in MEGA X for further diversity analysis. Nine filamentous fungal species were identified as Bjerkandera adusta, Coprinellus micaceus, Penicillium chrysogenum, Polyporales sp., Schizophyllum commune, Trametes hirsuta, Trametes polyzona, Trametes versicolor and uncultured fungi clone. The results showed that T. polyzona was the most abundant fungus revealed from all the locations. It was also noticed that our isolates were of two phyla identified as: Basidiomycota and Ascomycota. Most of the fungi belonged to Basidiomycota.

Development and comparison of a loop mediated isothermal amplification assay for the rapid diagnosis of lumpy skin disease

Edna W. Macharia — 2024-09-12

Lumpy skin disease virus is a poxvirus in the genus Capripoxvirus and is closely related to sheeppox virus and goatpox virus. It’s economically important in cattle and a notifiable disease by World Organization for Animal Health. Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is endemic in most parts of Africa with small-scale farmers experiencing the highest loss during outbreaks due to restricted animal trade and costly control and eradication measures. Serological methods of LSD detection are sensitive, inexpensive but can be laborious and time- consuming while, molecular methods such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and real-time PCR/quantitative PCR (qPCR) are sensitive but require expertise and sophisticated laboratories. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) molecular method is advantageous, as it does not require expertise or sophisticated equipment. Thisstudy aimed to develop a rapid, simple, specific, and sensitive detection method for LSD. Sixtytwo samples that included skin biopsies, whole blood, serum, and cell cultures were used. New LAMP primer (10_LSD) that could detect lumpy skin disease virus, was designed using Genome based LAMP primer designer (GLAPD) software. Samples were analyzed by LAMP assay and a gold standard (real-time PCR). A LAMP field-based extraction method using polyethylene glycol (PEG) was developed and used for the detection of lumpy skin disease virus. The 10_LSD had a kappa value of 0.32 against the qPCR gold standard. In terms of limit of detection, qPCR had a detection limit of 10-3 ng/µl while 10_LSD had a limit of detection of 1 ng/µl and. The 10_LSD assay showed sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 86 %. The LAMP assay did not cross-react with closely related viruses like camelpox, Orf virus, and Pestes des Petit Ruminants but could amplify sheeppox virus and goatpox virus. The average time to positivity was 14-28 minutes. The study supports the adoption of the LAMP assay for rapid Capripoxvirus diagnosis as a simpler, effective, and rapid method of detection, monitoring, and controlling outbreaks and the spread of disease in a field set up.

Analysis of power distribution transformers’ failure in rural electrification projects in Kenya

Ephantus Kamweru — 2024-09-12

Reliable, safe and stable power distribution network is pivotal for realization of a steady economic growth in a country. Power distribution transformers play an important role to enhance this stability and efficiency in national grid networks and power distribution companies. To enhance sustainability and reliability in these grid-lines performance, customer satisfaction and profitability of the grid services should be optimally maintained and in sound state. Typically, the distribution transformers used in Kenya are Oil-immersed type which has a general lifespan of 25 to 30 years; this notwithstanding, they fail in large numbers, within the first 3 years of operation or even during commissioning, due to various reasons causing enormous economic and service impact on the distribution utilities as well as the power consumers. In this study, a detailed discourse on the causes of failure in distribution transformers and possible recommendations to mitigate these challenges have been discussed with reference to data collected from Rural electrification and renewable energy corporation transformer stores and field project reports. The results show a clear indication that both power line factors and manufacturers’ defects have great impact on these failures. The conclusion and recommendations will be crucial to inform future grid line designs and policies’ formulations for the optimal functionality of these transformers.

A Predictive model for performance analysis of solar PV Systems in Kajiado County, Kenya

Benjamin Elmard Ogweno — 2024-09-12

Solar photovoltaic is one of the emerging technologies widely recognized as a potential solution to energy poverty due to its high reliability, long life, and automatic operation with minimal maintenance requirements. despite its low conversion efficiency and high capital costs. However, solar energy is non-dispatchable, hence not used as a peak load energy source, due to its sporadic nature. Solar PV system design and operation is also affected by intermittency. System design should consider site specific ambient conditions that may affect the output. Such conditions are not often modeled and designers always use standard test conditions. There is need to develop such models that can be used to guide system designers. This study focuses on the development and validation of a predictive numerical system for solar PV systems in Kajiado County. Real-time data on solar irradiance, temperature, and system performance were collected to model and simulate the performance of solar PV systems. The study employed an exploratory and predictive research design, utilizing analytical and numerical techniques to develop and refine the predictive numerical model. The model was validated using an existing solar PV system in Kajiado County, comparing the predicted performance metrics with the actual characteristics of the system. Simulation procedures involved developing the model using module specifications and intermittency variables, and conducting simulations based on site-specific data. The results were analyzed, and the accuracy of the predictive model was assessed. The model demonstrated that solar PV systems perform well at low Nominal Operating Cell Temperature (NOCT) conditions of 30 °C. Based on the simulated data output, the PV module conversion efficiency varies between 20.32% and 16.72%. This differs from the expected efficiency value, which in laboratory circumstances is 21.00%. The simulated power output values had a deviation of between 0.68% and 10.68% in comparison to experimental data from a site specific location in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study concluded that the developed predictive numerical system accurately predicts the performance of solar PV systems, and that the predicted power based on laboratory test conditions is more than the real power based on real site conditions. The findings provide valuable insights for decision-making in the design, operation, and management of solar PV systems. The research recommends further model refinement, expanded validation, real-time monitoring, collaboration, and policy support to enhance the effectiveness and applicability of the predictive numerical system in the renewable energy sector.

Urban agriculture and its determinants in Kidfarmaco estate, Kikuyu Town

Brigid J. Chesang — 2024-09-12

Urban agriculture is an important multifunctional aspect of the urban ecosystem that contributes to the sustainability and resilience of urban areas. The unplanned transition from the traditional spatial character of agriculture to that of urban agriculture presents a challenge in the residential areas of Kidfarmaco Estate, Kikuyu Town. To understand the character of urban agriculture, the paper sought to describe urban agriculture and its determinants. The study took a quantitative research approach and a survey design. Snowballing was identified as the best sampling method for the study. Data was collected from a total of 93 resident farmers. The sample size was determined during data collection upon data saturation. Questionnaires with statements describing urban agriculture and its determinants were rated on a 7-point Likert scale by resident farmers. The data was analyzed using multiple linear regression to establish whether these determinants explain urban agriculture within the Estate. Economic and social factors were found to be significant in explaining the likelihood of a resident of Kidfarmaco Estate, Kikuyu Town practicing urban agriculture at a significance of 0.000 and 0.026 respectively. Independent variables accounted for 30.7% of the variance of urban agriculture. The regression line predicted by the independent variables explains a significant amount of the variance in urban agriculture (F (6,86) =6.339, P<0.05). Economic factors included; employment creation, land productivity, and improved economy. Social factors included; food and health literacy, health and well-being, and recreational opportunities. Economic and social factors of urban agriculture should therefore be capitalized on to facilitate sustainable urban agriculture in Kikuyu Town. For ease of implementation, these strategies should conform to the legal framework (the constitution of Kenya, the Urban Areas and Cities Act, and the Agricultural Act); and be in line with the municipal, county, and national spatial plans.

Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae for Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) On-Farm Feeding: Effect on Performance and Profitability

Edwin N. Mathai — 2024-09-12

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sector in agriculture. However, this increase is constrained by the high cost of fish feeds occasioned by scarcity of fish meal (FM) which is a main source of dietary protein in aquafeeds. This necessitates the need to consider alternative protein sources that are sustainable, cheap, available and highly nutritious. Recent studies have shown that black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) and FM have a nutrient profile that is closely comparable and therefore, the fly meal is feasibly cheaper alternative to FM in making fish feeds. This study sought to find out the effect of replacing FM with BSFL meal on growth performance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L) and the corresponding profitability. The experimental diets adhered to the nutritional requirements of Nile Tilapia nutritional requirements. A total of five dietary treatments were tested. The treatments differed on the inclusion levels of BSFL meal. The experimental diets corresponded to 0% (T0; control), 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75) and 100% (T100) group. The diets were fed to a total of 600 fingerlings. The fingerlings were assigned to 20 cages built in an earthen pond, with 30 fingerlings in each. The experimental units were randomly assigned to each of the cages. Each treatment was replicated four times. The fingerlings were fed the experimental diets for 26 weeks. The results of the current study indicate that feed intake was lowest in fish fed on diets T0 and T100. However, despite treatment T75 having the highest body weight gain compared to all other treatment diets, there was no statistical significance (p>0.05) for the body weight gain amongst the treatments. Nevertheless, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in specific growth rate (SGR) within and between treatment diets. The SGR were 0.35, 0.41, 0.42, 0.44 and 0.52 for treatments diets T0, T100, T25, T50 and T75 respectively. Treatment diet T25 recorded the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other treatments diets. Further, the results indicated that survival rates from different treatment groups in the study were significantly different (P<0.05) with the highest being recorded in T75 and T100 at 95.83% and 95.00% respectively while T0, T25 and T50 resulted to survival rates of 91.67%, 90.83% and 93.33% respectively. The increasing levels of BSFL substitution with FM resulted in a corresponding reduction in feeding costs, which yielded higher gross profit margins. Treatment group T75 realized the highest return on investment (ROI) followed by T100. The cost benefit ratio (CBR) of diet group T100 was the highest followed by T75 with the lowest being realized from T0 diet. The study found that 75% (T75) replacement of FM with BSFL meal was ideal for optimal weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR) and conditional factor (K).

Adoption of SIPs among small-scale mango growers in Kitui County, Kenya

Njoki Kagimbi — 2024-09-12

Sustainable Intensification Practices (SIPs) continue to be generally acknowledged as a key factor for increasing agricultural productivity while being environmentally benign. SIPs assure the safety, quality, and availability of food. However, despite the potential benefit of SIPs, their adoption among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) – particularly mango growers – remains low. The low adoption of SIPs is generally attributed to differences in the biophysical and socioeconomic circumstances present on respective farms. Thus, this study investigates the adoption of SIPs and their determinants among mango producers in Kitui County, Kenya,Specific objective focusing on assessment of adoption of various SIPs in given counties,investigate factors determining adoption of SIPs and assessment of SIPs on production. using data collected from a cross-section survey of 438 mango farmers. The study adopted the t-tests and negative binomial regression analysis. The findings reveal that, on average, mango farmers adopted at least four (4) different SIPs. Modern crop management SIPs (5.0) having the highest mean of adoption, followed by soil management SIPs (3.0), and crop varieties and inter-crops SIPs (3.0). Water management SIPs (2.0), local crop management SIPs (2.0), and post-harvest management SIPs (0) had the least mean adoption. Comparing mango farmers who adopted SIPs versus those who did not reveals that those adopting various SIPs have significantly higher mango yields. The negative binomial regression indicates that access to market information, off-season selling, access to training, credit access, household income, distance to the tarmac, and cultivation period influences the adoption of SIPs. The results provide useful insights to direct further efforts required to encourage greater adoption of SIPs and strengthen the enabling environment for mango farmers. In addition policy makers are recommended to provide SIPs that enable farmers to produce mangoes throughout the year; Strengthen farmers SIPs capacity through training, Improve skills of extension officers and increase training's channel, Help farmers adopt measures that access credit. In addition, farmers to adopt the seed varieties that mature early to enable them sell their produce during off-season;

The role of Multi Actor Communities of practice in dissemination of push-pull technology

Esther Ngonga — 2024-09-12

Maize production is the main source of income in rural western Kenya, where 70% of the population lives below the poverty line. Many maize farmers over the years have been experiencing losses in their production that are brought about by striga weeds, stemborer, and fall armyworms as the major menaces. Push-pull technology (PPT), which was developed over three decades, has proven to be an effective organic method for reducing these biotic stressors. Multi-actor communities of practice (MACs) are important in the dissemination of agricultural technologies to diversified farming communities at different levels for enhanced adoption through the use of effective dissemination pathways. UPSCALE is a Horizon 2020 project whose aim is to promote wide-spread push-pull Pull Technology adoption through the transdisciplinary engagement of MAC. This paper focused on two objectives: to compare the differences in maize yield among adopters and non-adopters of PPT and to evaluate the effects of MACs on the adoption of push-pull technology in western Kenya. This brings the relevant stakeholders on board to ensure smallholder farmers realize the associated benefits of PPT and other agricultural technologies. It has been established that MACs collaboration can aid in increased adoption of agricultural technologies such as push-pull technology, as this is shown through responses from farmers via services they acquire from MACs. MACs inclusion is important because they interact directly with farmers to ensure farmers are up to date with new technologies in terms of information sharing, technology promotion, and the supply of inputs required to adopt technologies. Additionally, adopters tend to get higher maize yields as compared to non-adopters, based on the obtained results. Given the importance of involving MACs at every stage of technology adoption, there is a call to fully engage with stakeholders in ensuring the dissemination of agricultural research and technologies.