Food security (48)
Papers preferred under this subtheme would be those discussing research outputs, innovations or transformative actions that inform opportunities and challenges in attaining the zero hunger goal targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 2. These include Increasing Agricultural Productivity and Incomes, Sustainable Animal and Crop Production Systems; Sustainable Utilization of Genetic Diversity, Safe and Nutritious Foods; Malnutrition Interventions; Food Science and Technology; Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness.
Farmers’ Opinion on the Effectiveness of Management Interventions for Endometritis in Smallholder Zero-grazed Dairy Farms in Rwanda
Written by P. Nyabinwa1,3, O. B. Kashongwe3 , J. P. Habimana2 , C. d’Andre Hirwa1 and B. O. Bebe3*Endometritis is a prevalent disease in postpartum cows resulting in substantial economic losses due to decreases in productivity and profitability of the dairy farms. Therefore, knowledge on effectiveness of management interventions (MIs) towards endometritis are essential to make good decisions on its preventive measures and improve dairy cow’s productivity
Estimating Prevalence of Endometritis in Smallholder Zero-Grazed Dairy Cows in Rwanda
Written by P. Nyabinwa1,3, O. B. Kashongwe3 , J. P. Habimana2 , C. d’Andre Hirwa1 and B. O. Bebe3*Endometritis is a postpartum uterine disease of cows that interrupts reproductive cycles resulting in suboptimal fertility, reduced performance, and profitability of the dairy herd. The objective of the study was to estimate the perceived and observed prevalence of endometritis among zero-grazed dairy cows in smallholder farms in Rwanda.
Developing Youth Agribusiness Opportunities for attaining the SDG targets: Experience from Egerton University
Written by Prof. P. M. MshengaAfrica has great potential to realize food security, poverty reduction as well as reduce youth unemployment through the agricultural sector. Consequently, many African governments have emphasized the importance of agricultural productivity and competitiveness in achieving the SDG “to create conditions for sustainable, inclusive and sustained economic growth, shared prosperity and decent work for all, taking into account different levels of national development and capacities.”
Aquaculture Productivity in Kenya
Written by Dr. P. Orina1*, E. Kembenya2 and H. Charo-Karisa3Kenya’s aquaculture dates back to 1920s and in the 1960s, deliberate efforts to develop the sector were seen through international agencies, bilateral donor programs and the Kenyan government but has experienced slowed growth just like in many other developing countries despite immense water resource and an array of potential aquaculture fish species.
Managing Agricultural and Food Production Residuals: Innovations for Value-Added Products Recovery and Improving Household Air Quality to Enhance the Economies of Rural Communities
Written by Dr. J. A. OgejoOpen-air markets are outlets for most agri-food products. The markets provide convenience and competitive pricing for agricultural products, but more importantly, they play a role in ensuring food availability and accessibility. However, huge amounts of agricultural production and food waste generated at these open-air markets present a health risk to users and surrounding communities, if not managed properly. Proper management of the refuse needs no emphasis.
Agricultural Productivity Fails to Grow in East Africa: Urgent Action Needed to Change Course
Written by Prof. Tom ThompsonThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 calls for doubling agricultural productivity of the world’s smallholder farmers. Productivity growth – increasing the output of crops and livestock using fewer resources – is critical for food and nutrition security, rural development, and climate change adaptation.
Factors influencing Tea Farmers’ Decisions to Utilize Sources of Credit in Nyaruguru District, Rwanda: A Multivariate Probit Regression Analysis
Written by A. Kabayiza1,2*, 2G. Owuor, 2J. K. Langat, and 1F. NiyitangaCredit access is among key determinants to increase level of tea production and income of small scale-farmers in Rwanda and its demand has been increasing with the time. Accessed credit help farmers to meet costs of farm inputs such as fertilizers, seedlings and labour as well.
Host Plant Resistance to Blast Disease (Pyricularia grisea) in Selected Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn) Genotypes
Written by J. T. Manyasi1, P. K. Kimurto1 and J. J. Mafurah1Pyricularia grisea (anamorph Magnaporthe grisea) is the most destructive fungal pathogen causing blast disease in finger millet (Eleusine coracana) causing significant yield loss ranging from 28-100% and most cultivars grown by farmers are susceptible to the disease.
Role of Networking Capability, Socio-Economic and Institutional Characteristics on Adoption Tendencies of Clean Seed Potato Agri-enterprises in Central Rift Valley, Kenya
Written by M.J. Ong’ayo1, E. O. Gido 1, O.I. AYUYA1, M. Mwangi2, A.M. Kibe2Even though quality of seed is a major yield determinant in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production and global food security, inadequate availability of and access to high quality (certified) seed is a major challenge to potato producers in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Drivers and Responses to Climate Variability by Agropastoralists in Kenya: The Case of Laikipia County
Written by G. O. Atsiaya, O. I. Ayuya, L. W. Nakhone, J. K. LagatThis paper examines factors influencing the choice of response strategies and the actual strategies smallholder farmers use to respond to the effects of climate variability in transitional climatic zones of Africa, specifically Laikipia West Sub-County in Kenya.
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A Review on Climate Resilience Strategies in Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Production for Food Security
Written by V.W. Njuguna1 and J. M. Ouma1Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a promising food security crop due to its ability to tolerate drought. A literature review was carried out with an aim of highlighting strategies that sorghum farmers could adopt in the wake of changing climate for improved crop production and livelihoods.
Growth, Yield and Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Potato Varieties under Variable Phosphorus Rates
Written by P. Aarakit1, J. P. Ouma1 and J. J. Lelei1The use of poor quality potato seeds as well as low soil fertility majorly limit potato production in Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine effect of phosphorus rates on growth, yield and phosphorus use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties propagated from rooted apical cuttings.
The Role of African Leafy Vegetables as Health Boosters among Students and Potential for Improved Livelihoods of Smallholder Farmers in Busia County, Western Kenya
Written by 1Harun O. Odhiambo, 2Victor Wasike, 3Nasambu Okoko, 4Lusike Wasilwa,The African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are a major source of essential nutrients critical in providing a balanced diet. They are rich in micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and contain bioactive phytochemicals, which provide protection to the body against disease.
REVIEW OF STRATEGIC MARKETING OPTIONS TO BE EMPLOYED IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF DAIRY VALUE CHAIN FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Written by Dr. Patrick N. KoyiDairy farming is ranked highly among the agricultural enterprises due to its potential to enhance food security and alleviate poverty. Various technologies have been adopted in breeding, feeding and disease control which has enhanced productivity.
