Browsing by Author "et.al"

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Al-Shabaab’s Financial Fortitude: The Link between Funding Strategies and Organizational Resiliency
(Open Journal of Political Science, 2025-04-24) Odhiambo,Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
Al-Shabaab poses a serious threat to regional stability and security. Its financial resilience is notable, as the group has maintained its operational capabilities despite increased global counter-terrorism efforts. The ongoing political instability in Somalia, combined with weak governance structures, has created an environment that allows the group to survive and adapt. Theoretical frameworks such as the Reach Theory, the Terror-Crime Nexus Model, and the Market Model provide important insights into Al-Shabaab’s strategies. A critical factor in Al-Shabaab’s effectiveness is its ability to diversify funding sources. The results of this research indicate that the organization’s territorial control is the major source of its funding. A comprehensive understanding of Al-Shabaab’s financial mechanisms is vital for informing policy decisions aimed at disrupting its funding networks.
Antimicrobial Activity and Characteristics of Bacteriocin Producing Bacillus subtilis against Mastitis Pathogens
(American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2021-04-20) Wafula, Eliud N.; et.al
The use of drugs and antibiotics has increased the resistance of pathogenic bacteria in both animals and humans. This has been a significant problem and therefore triggers the investigation of novel antimicrobial agents produced by a bacterial strain of low virulence and having antimicrobial activity with a wide range of clinical significance. The use of bacteriocin has been extensively used in food industries, animals, and pharmaceutical industries. This is because it has been linked to antimicrobial activity, which has specific self-protection mechanisms. This study sought to evaluate antimicrobial activity and characteristics of bacteriocin producing Bacillus subtilis against Mastitis pathogens. For the screening of the isolates for bacteriocin properties against mastitis pathogens, antimicrobial activity was done using well diffusion methods on the nutrient agar. The results were obtained after 24hours and 48hours. Physiochemical characterization of the bacteriocin from Bacillus subtilis was determined at different temperatures of 60°C to 121°C for 15 minutes and monitor the effect of the temperature. The bacteriocin was also prepared at different pH (3-9) and incubated at room temperature; each sample's residual activity was determined against the indicator organisms. Metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Fe2+) on crude bacteriocin activity were determined to assess the residual antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion assay. The results showed that bacteriocins from Bacillus subtilis were effective against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia. Physiochemical characterization showed that bacteriocin from different isolates had no inhibition from pH 3-5 and varied inhibition from pH 6-9 across the test organisms' isolates. On the temperature, crude bacteriocins at a temperature of 50°C to 60°C showed no activity loss based on initial activity. As temperature increases to 70°C to 80°C, there is reduced the bacteriocin activity of about 20%. 100°C had a 40% loss of the bacteriocin activity and 121°C with more than 50% loss of the activity. On metal ions, Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+ had a varied effect on bacteriocin activity against test organisms.
Application of the Marketing Concept and Performance of Supermarkets in Kisumu City, Kenya
(Greener Journal of Business and Management Studies, 2013-09-30) Ojera, Patrick B.; et.al
This paper sought to examine the relationship between the application marketing concept and performance of retail supermarkets in Kisumu City, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive survey design to explore the above relationship. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 162 employees out of a population of 410 employees. A self administered structure and semi structure Questionnaires were used to obtain primary data from the field. The Regression results showed that 39.8% or (R2 =0.398, p<0.05) of variation in retail supermarkets’ financial performance was explained by the application of the Marketing Concept and 52.5% (R2 =0.525, p<0.05) of non-financial performance.The study provided an exposition of the Marketing Concept application by supermarkets by concluding that it exerted a significant influence on both non-financial performance and financial performance measures. To the academia, the output will contribute to enriching the knowledge base particularly in the field of Marketing Concepts and its performance consequences in the context of emerging and developing economies.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Local-Based Approaches Adopted Towards Addressing Terrorism in Lamu County, Kenya and Baadadhe District, Somalia
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024-02-18) Odhiambo, Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
In the global context, terrorism has evolved into a complex and transnational threat. Al-Shabaab posed significant threats, particularly to East African countries, due to its capacity for numerous attacks in Somalia and neighboring nations. Despite employing alternative strategies, such as a multiagency and comprehensive government approach to tackle terrorism in Lamu and Baadadhe, acts of terror persisted in the region. The study explored the efficacy of a populace-centered approach in curbing terrorism in Somalia and Kenya. The populace-centered approach aimed to actively involve the local population in Lamu County, Basuba Ward, in socio-economic development initiated by security personnel to address the root cause of insecurity problems. The approach was guided by the Securitization theory, System theory, and Power theory, which held a significant relationship with the terror threats and insecurity challenges in Lamu County and Baadadhe district. The study employed a descriptive research design with stratified sampling, with target population 4506 and a sample size of 363 obtained through Slovin sampling formula. It gathered stakeholders' perspectives through questionnaires, interviews, and group discussions. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses . Quantitative data was analyzed through statistical analysis while qualitative data was analyzed thematic analysis. The analysis revealed community responses to terrorism, including physical and cyber threats, through initiatives like neighborhood watch groups and religious collaborations. The study highlighted the importance of strengthening existing structures like neighborhood watch groups and enhancing collaborations with religious leaders and schools. The study concluded that the populace involvement in countering terrorism in Lamu, Kenya and Baadadhe, Somalia reflects a vigilant and multifaceted approach encompassing various aspects, from physical to cyber threats. Further, the research concluded that populace-centered approach is effective in curbing terrorism through information sharing. The study recommended for active involvement of community leaders in security committees and advocated for a legal framework supporting a populace-centered approach to counter-terrorism. Policymakers and security agencies should consider diverse economic and environmental contexts in Lamu County, Kenya, Baadadhe, Somalia
Assessing the Socio-Economic Impact of the Chinese Transfer of Values, Skills, and Technology in Infrastructural Development in Kenya
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2023-02-18) Odhiambo, Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
This study assessed the socio-economic impact of Chinese principle of transfer of values, skills and technology in infrastructural development in Kenya. This study was based on dependency, modernization and power theories which informed the conceptual framework of the research. This study adopted descriptive research design. Data was collected by the use of Questionnaires, interview guides and focus group discussion and desk top review. Qualitative and quantitative techniques were used for data analysis and presentation. The data obtained was presented in bar graphs, tables and percentages. The study found that during Chinese infrastructural development in Kenya, the informal sector benefited from China's skill transfer. The study concluded that Kenya-China bilateral relations has impacted positively on Kenya's international relation which is indicated by increased Foreign Direct Investments into Kenya by specifically Western states. The researcher recommends that Kenyan government should formulate a policy that will ensure that the technological skills impacted on Kenyan workers by the Chinese construction firms should be improved and included in the Kenyan schools’ curriculum.
Challenges to Peaceful Nominations: Youth Participation in Politics in Homa Bay County, Kenya
(African Journal of Empirical Research, 2024-02-18) Odhiambo,Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
This research article underscored challenges to peaceful nominations by focusing on youth participation in politics of Homa Bay County Kenya. The research reviewed various literatures that informed the findings of the study. The article was informed by two theories; institutionalism theory and pluralism theory. Since it was a qualitative study, it adopted cross sectional research design. Data was collected by use of interview guides, focus group discussions and secondary sources. It was analyzed by use of content and thematic analysis. The analyzed data was presented by use of themes and verbatim quotations. The researcher found out that; Political violence, fueled by socio-economic and ethnic tensions, disrupts peaceful nominations in Homa Bay, compromising democratic integrity and limiting youth participation. It concluded that; Political violence undermines Homa Bay’s democratic stability, fostering fear and exclusion. Institutional and pluralism theories support reforms for inclusive electoral processes. Therefore, the researcher recommended that; Strengthen electoral institutions, ensure transparency, foster socio-economic development, and promote dialogue to reduce political violence and support youth engagement.
Contribution of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices on Food Availability among Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya
(Rigorous Journal of Research and Development (RJRD), 2024-11-13) Recha, Charles W.; et.al
Climate change has negatively impacted on bio-diversity, rural livelihoods, national and global economies. Several smallholder farmers in Laikipia County have adopted a number of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices (CSAPs) as mitigation measures and coping strategies, including water harvesting and use, conservation agriculture, agroforestry, pest and disease control, and crop diversification. This study sought to assess the contribution of climate smart agricultural practices on food availability among smallholder farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya. It was guided by the action theory of adaptation and the correlation research design was used. The accessible population were 74,282 households who were practicing small scale farming in Laikipia County during the 2021/2022 cropping season. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 384. Questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were used to collect primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics (ordered logistic regression) using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) program version 28 were used to analyze data. Results showed that food availability significantly improved as a result of climate-smart agriculture [the coefficient for Climate-Smart Agriculture (0.400) was positive and statistically significant at 5% (p-value = 0.000)]. Smallholder farmers who have not implemented CSAPs recommendations should be encouraged to start practicing due to its positive contribution to food availability.
Contribution of Foreign Direct Investment on the Growth of Agro-Processing Sector :
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2015-12-31) Ojera, Patrick B.; et.al
World Investment Report’s like United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) detail trends in global foreign direct investments in which Kenya is ranked below its neighbours and other emerging markets. This study evaluated the contribution of Foreign Direct Investment on the growth of Agro-Processing Sector. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of use of FDI and its contribution on the growth of Agro processing sector. This study adopted a survey design. The study target population was 350 respondents. Sample size was 78 respondents selected using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis and a 5 point Likert scale. Study results showed that Foreign Direct Investment in the Agro processing Sector influenced technology spill over, creation of employment opportunities and resource improvement; FDI accelerated to a greater extent growth in the sector; and a positive relationship existed between FDI and growth of the agro processing sector; correlation oefficients determined confirmed a positive association between FDI and growth of the sector where production volumes and profit are output variables that measure growth in the agro-processing sector.
Disaster Response Operations Incident Command Systems in Mombasa County, Kenya
(Open Access Library Journal, 2023-06-06) Odhiambo, E. Onyango Standslause; et.al
Most of the previous disaster response by first responders shows the insigni ficant existence of a management structure that syntheses complex disaster scenarios and response under exceptional circumstances as a unitary system. Cases of Delay in response to emergencies resulting in death and uncoordi nated response are prevalent among response organizations due to minimal use of Incident Command System. Globally, the U.S. response organization’s ability to provide effective and coordinated responses to complex incidents came under intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the dissemination of anthrax in 2001. Regionally, the response to the Ebola virus outbreak in Sierra Leone overwhelmed the national capacity to contain it necessitating a massive international response. The inapplicability of the Incident Command System contributed to the duplication of efforts between the coordination groups, and slow resource mobilization. At a national level, the 2002 Mombasa attack was a two-pronged terrorist attack on 28 November 2002 in Mombasa, Kenya against an Israeli-owned hotel and a plane belong ing to Arkia Airlines. An all-terrain vehicle crashed through a barrier outside the Paradise Hotel and blew up, killing 13 and injuring 80. At the same time, attackers fired two surface-to-air missiles at an Israeli charter plane. The Pa radise Hotel was the only Israeli-owned hotel in Mombasa. The Paradise Ho tel terror attack in 2002 in Mombasa and the Westgate terror attack in 2013 in Nairobi showed operation decay. The Westgate terror attack siege lasted 80 hours and resulted in at least 67 deaths and more than 175 people wounded in the mass shooting. A fatal friendly fire incident between security forces undermined the response and left the attackers free to prolong their slaugh ter. This research, therefore, sought to examine the structure of Mombasa County Incident Command System of a few selected organizations influen cing disaster response operations. Contingency theory and goal theory guided the study. A descriptive research design was used. A stratified sampling tech nique was used to determine the sample category of 155 respondents from, the Red Cross Society, Kenya Police Service, Mombasa Fire Brigade, and National Youth Service. The instruments of data collection were structured questionnaires. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze data and then presented it on tables and graphs. Test validity refers to the degree to which the test ac tually measures what it claims to measure. Test validity is also the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. Validity was determined using content va lidity while reliability using a retest process. Results indicated that differences in organizations’ Incident Command System affected effective response to disaster operations. Also, lack of cooperation by multiagency, waste and dup lication of resources, and difficulty in coordinating response activities were the challenges identified that an organization face while responding to large disasters in the absence of the Incident Command System. The study recom mends that response agencies should embrace fostering cooperation during joint operations to avoid waste of resources and duplication of roles and dif ficulty in coordinating response activities through the use of the Incident Command System.
Effect of Budgetary Control on Financial Performance:
(IOSR Journal of Economics and Finance (IOSR-JEF), 2021-10-30) Ojera, Patrick B.; et.al
Manufacturing sector plays a vital role in providing livelihoods and national revenues, incomes, employment and foreign exchange savings to Kenya. The core problem affecting Kenya sugar industry is the persistent deterioration in profitability and liquidity. At the moment, five public-owned mills are indebted to the tune of over One hundred billion shillings. Budgetary control is one of the major technic used in planning and control function of any organization. Previous research has been done on the effect of budgetary control on financial performance of other institutions. However, no research has been done on its effect on financial performance of sugar manufacturing companies. The general objective was to investigate the effect of budgetary control on financial performance through a comparative study of sugar manufacturing company in western Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine the effect of budgetary planning, budgetary implementation, budgetary variance analysis and budgetary evaluation on financial performance of sugar manufacturing companies. A descriptive survey research design was applied. Purposive sampling was used to select individual respondents to participate in the study; respondent was staff dealing with finance and budgeting cost centers. A sample of respondents was collected from Butali and Nzoia Sugar Company (this represents public and private sector in western region). Primary data was used while the instrument of data collection was questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics analyses were used. The survey under descriptive analysis revealed that, budgetary planning had a direct positive impact on financial performance, budgetary implementation had a direct positive impact on financial performance, budgetary variance analysis had a direct positive impact on financial performance and budgetary evaluation had a direct positive impact on financial performance. In conclusion, budgetary control is key to financial performance process of the firms analyzed in the survey and therefore the survey recommends that all the budgetary control processes should apply as a tool for financial control. The study recommends that there is a gap to focus on other factors that could influence financial performance after having looked at budgetary control that is well functional but the industry is still persistent deterioration in profitability and liquidity accompanied with a lot of debts.
Effect of Business Risk on Performance of Deposit Taking Saccos in North Rift Counties, Kenya
(International Journal of Finance, Accounting and Economics (IJFAE), 2020-10-30) Ojera, Patrick B.; et.al
Saccos perform an important role in the financial sector in Kenya by providing savings and credit services to a large portion of the population. Dividend decision is the policy that the management formulates in regard to earnings for distribution as dividends among shareholders. The determinants of dividend decisions include, Sacco returns, Sacco size, business risks, growth opportunities among others. Saccos and more so deposit taking Saccos need to issue dividends to their members. Deposit taking Saccos in Kenya and the North Rift in particular has to adjust their way of doing business in order to maximize the shareholder value and increase the market share. The main purpose of this study is to establish the determinants of dividends policy decisions on performance of deposit taking Saccos’ in North Rift Counties, Kenya. Specifically, the study determined the effect of business risk on performance of deposit taking Saccos’ Rift Counties in Kenya. The study was guided by Agency theoy. The target population was all nine Saccos that had been registered by SASRA in the North Rift Region by the end of July 2018. The respondents included all the management and board members of the deposit taking Saccos in the North Rift Region. Primary data and secondary data was used and the data was collected using open ended questionnaires. Data was be analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The SPSS Version 24 was used to aid in the data analysis. The study established that Sacco returns had a positive and significant effect on performance of deposit taking Saccos (β= 0.170; p< 0.05). The findings of the study were of great significance to managers and policy makers to make policies which enhances the performance of the Saccos. The finding also does provide input for future academic works to be conducted on the Sacco performance.
The Effect of Competitive Advantage on the Relationship between Strategic Change and Performance of Firms in the Alcohol Industry in Kenya
(iJARS GROUP, 2016-06-15) Ojera, Patrick B.; et.al
This paper examined the effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between strategic change and firm characteristics on performance of firms in the alcohol industry in Kenya. Previous studies dwelt on effect of limited aspects of strategic change such as marketing leaving out critical aspects like scope of strategies, resource deployment patterns and competitive advantages. The study was underpinned by the Resource-Based Theory (RBT). The study adopted a mixed method survey research design using qualitative and quantitative methods. The population was 25 local firms registered by Kenya Revenue Authority by 2012 and approved by National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, (NACADA) by 2015. A saturated sample consisted of 100 respondents to get primary data. Correlation and regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between competitive advantage and organizational performance. Pearson correlation was used to describe how the variables were related and the strengths of the relationship between competitive advantage and organizational performance. Findings revealed that there was a fairly strong significant positive correlation between competitive advantage and organizational performance.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on nutrients and anti-nutrients of African black nightshade and African spider plant
(ELSEVIER, 2023-06-14) Wafula, Eliud Nalianya; et.al
African black nightshade is a leafy vegetable consumed in many parts of Africa. African spi der plant is also a very important indigenous leafy vegetable consumed all around Africa. Both the African black nightshade and African spider plant are popular despite their te dious preparation techniques which involve boiling and discarding the first water or a lengthy boiling duration to remove bitterness. However, this preparation technique reduces heat-labile and water-soluble nutrients. Fermentation can be a better alternative process ing technique since it has been observed that fermented products have better nutritional content and increased safety. However, there is still limited literature on the effect of fermentation on the nutrients and anti-nutrients content of these vegetables. This study aimed to ferment African black nightshade and African spider plant using Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactococcus lactis cultures and determined the effect of the fermentation on their nutrients and anti-nutrients content. Both vegetables were submerged in a 3% sugar and 3% salt brine solution. Total ash, crude proteins and crude fibres significantly increased in starter culture inoculated vegetables. However, both β-carotene and ascorbic acid were slightly reduced in all fermented batches. Anti-nutrients were significantly re duced in all fermented batches. In conclusion, lactic acid fermentation of these vegetables demonstrated the ability to maintain or increase nutrients while reducing of anti-nutrients
Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Capacity, Sensory Acceptability and Microbial Safety of African Black Nightshade and African Spider Plant Vegetables
(BACTERIA MDPI, 2023-02-11) Wafula, Eliud N.; et.al
Traditional preparation of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) such as African black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and African spiderplant (Cleome gynandra) involves either boiling and discarding the first water or lengthy boiling. Fermentation is considered a better alternative processing technique due to the enhanced retention of phytochemical contents and sensory properties. However, little is known about the impact of lactic acid fermentation on the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, sensory acceptability and microbial safety of the African black nightshade and African spiderplant. This study aimed to ferment AIVs using combined starter cultures (Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactococcus lactis) and further determine their effect on the phytochemical content (phenolic compoundsandflavonoids), antioxidantcapacity, sensory acceptability and microbial safety of the vegetables. There was a marked increase in phenol and flavonoid contents in all fermented vegetables (p < 0.05). The starter-culture-inoculated African black nightshade, while flavonoid content was 10.6 mg/g QE (quercetin equivalent) in the same. Starter-culture-inoculated AIVs presented significantly higher antioxidant capacity with a 60–80% radical scavenging activity compared to levels in uninoculated batches (p < 0.05). Fermented vegetables were more liked than the boiled vegetables and were microbiologically safe. In conclusion, lactic fermentation of AIVs increased phytochemical contents (phenolic compounds and flavonoids), maintained antioxidant capacity and improved product safety and sensory acceptability. Therefore, fermentation and consumption of the African indigenous vegetables are to be encouraged
Effective Management of Strategic Issues in the Insurance Industry, Kenya
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2015-01-30) Ojera, Patrick B.; Swalehe, Mkamunduli A.; et.al
The purpose of this study is to examine how companies could prepare themselves to deal effectively with strategic issues affecting them with particular reference to the insurance industry in Kenya. This follows the turbulent environment in which the insurance industry in general and the Kenyan insurance industry in particular are currently operating in: international competition, the rapid technological changes, regional integration and globalization, change in customer needs and preference among others. These pressures have created the need to explore the current strategic issue management practices in the insurance companies in Kenya. In order to meet this objective, a census of all 38 insurance firms in Kenya was conducted by use of questionnaires. The findings led to the conclusions that, although most insurance companies in Kenya study strategic issues affecting their operations, none demonstrated the use of superior methods such as the European matrix method.
Effectiveness of Multitrack Diplomacy Actors in Critical Assessment of Kenya’s Presidential Election Outcomes, 2007-2017
(Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 2021-02-18) Odhiambo, Elijah Onyango Standslause; et.al
In Kenya’s last four presidential elections, election observers had been seriously looked upon by both the Kenyan voters and the international community to provide alternative but credible information on the process and outcomes of presidential elections in Kenya. This was expected to promote legitimacy of the outcomes. Given that there was a dearth of specific scholarship to address the question, this study was conducted. This paper therefore examines the effectiveness of multitrack diplomacy in monitoring Kenya’s presidential election outcomes. The study was epistemological. It was conducted in 8 of the 17 constituencies of Nairobi City County which hosts the Kenya’s largest city and its capital with a natural representation of the population of the entire country. Out of the over 4 million residents of Nairobi City County, total sample size was 441 (384 questionnaire respondents, 32 focus group discussion participants and 25 key informant interview respondents). The study reached 436 (384 questionnaire respondents, 32 focus group discussion participants and 20 key informant interview respondents) out of 4 million people. Targeted were Kenya citizens who had voted at least once for a presidential candidate in any of the presidential elections held between 2007 and 2017 for the survey; individuals working with and for government institutions in Kenya’s electoral systems especially the election management body, ministry of foreign affairs, members of parliament, the Chief Justice, pollsters, the media, non-governmental organizations, religious institutions across all faiths as to Muslims, Christians and Hindu, major political parties, former election observers and diplomatic missions. The study found that multitrack diplomacy (MTD) actors or election observer missions (EOMs) observed election irregularities to above 50%. They detected electoral fraud in the 2007 presidential elections, identified election irregularities in the 2013 and the 2017 presidential elections but could not deter nor prevent outcome fraud. The paper, based on the study, concluded that multitrack diplomacy actors that monitored the presidential elections were fairly effective, they had reasonable capacity, fairly above 50%. Overall, multitrack diplomacy is effective in monitoring of Kenya’s presidential election but inefficacious in preventing and deterring election outcome fraud. Multitrack diplomacy actors-the election observation missions (EOMs) to use enhanced technology to match the electoral systems technology, improve on their objectivity during monitoring and be granted full accesses by governments and election management bodies (EMBs) for systematic, comprehensive and accurate monitoring.
Extent of Adoption of Selected Climate smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya
(International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 2024-08-31) Recha, Charles W.; et.al
Aim: Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) is an integrative approach to address the challenges of food security and climate change. This study sought to assess the extent of adoption of climate smart agricultural practices in Laikipia County, Kenya. Study Design: This study used correlation research design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Laikipia county. Specifically in the sub counties Laikipia West, Laikipia East and Laikipia North. The study was carried out in July – August 2022. Methodology: A multi-stage sampling technique was used to obtain a representative sample of 384 smallholder farmers households across the three sub-counties. Systematic random sampling was used to select every tenth household from the sample size. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the sampled households (all of whom were smallholder farmers). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine the extent of adoption of selected Climate Smart Agricultural Practices among smallholder farmers in Laikipia County, Kenya. The study used a chi-square (X²) test of independence to establish a relationship in the adoption of CSA practices across the three study sites Results: This study found that crop diversification (87%), mixed farming (crop farming and livestock keeping) (83%), use of pesticides and fungicides (80%) and crop rotation (74%) were the most adopted climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs). On extent of adoption, full adoption was highest on pest and disease control (54%) and diversification of farming practices (52%); partial adoption was highest in conservation agriculture (54%); and non-adoption was highest on agroforestry (42%). Conclusion: It is recommended that stakeholders should improve the adoption of water harvesting/use, conservation agriculture and agroforestry – critical climate smart agricultural practices in semi-arid environments.
Fermentation of African nightshade leaves with lactic acid bacterial starter cultures
(International Journal of Food Microbiology, 2021-01-04) Wafula, Eliud N.; et.al
The interest in the consumption of African indigenous leafy vegetables increased in African countries, e.g. Kenya, within the last years. One example of African indigenous leafy vegetables is African nightshade (Solanum sca brum) which is nutritious, rich in proteins and micronutrients and therefore could contribute to a healthy diet. African nightshade has several agricultural advantages. However, the most important disadvantage is the fast perishability which leads to enormous post-harvest losses. In this study, we investigated the fermentation of African nightshade as a post-harvest processing method to reduce post-harvest losses. The two lactic acid bac terial starter strains Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BFE 5092 and Limosilactobacillus fermentum BFE 6620 were used to inoculate fermentations of African nightshade leaves with initial counts of 106–107 cfu/ml. Uninoculated controls were conducted for each fermentation trial. Fermentations were performed both in Kenya and in Ger many. The success of the inoculated starter cultures was proven by the measurement of pH values and deter mination of lactic acid concentration. Lactobacilli strains dominated the microbiota of the starter inoculated samples in contrast to the non-inoculated controls. This was supported by classical culture-dependent plating on different microbiological media as well as by the culture-independent molecular biological methods denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene high-throughput amplicon sequencing. We could demonstrate that the use of the selected starter cultures for fermentation of African nightshade leaves led to controlled and reliable fermentations with quick acidification. Thus, controlled fermentation with appropriate starter cultures is a promising method for post-harvest treatment of African nightshade leaves.
A global perspective on soil science education at third educational level :
(Elsevier, 2022-07-10) Recha, Charles W.; et.al
The pivotal role of soil as a resource is not fully appreciated by the general public. Improving education in soil science represents a challenge in a world where soil resources are under serious threat. Today’s high school students, the world’s future landowners, agriculturalists, and decision makers, have the potential to change society’s apathy towards soils issues. This research aimed to compare the level of soil education in high and/or secondary schools in forty-three countries worldwide, together comprising 62% of the world’s population. Comparisons were made between soil science content discussed in educationally appropriate textbooks via a newly proposed soil information coefficient (SIC). Interviews with teachers were undertaken to better understand how soil science education is implemented in the classroom. Statistical analyses were investigated using clustering. Results showed that gaps in soil science education were most commonly observed in countries where soil science is a non-compulsory or optional subject. Soil science concepts are predominantly a part of geography or environmental science curricula. Consequently, considerable variability in soil science education systems among investigated countries exists. Soil information coefficient‘s outcomes demonstrated that a methodological approach combining textbooks and the use of modern digitally based strategies in the educational process significantly improved soil education performances. Overall, soil science education is under-represented in schools worldwide. Dynamic new approaches are needed to improve pivotal issues such as: i) promoting collaborations and agreements between high school and universities; ii) encouraging workshops and practical exercises such as field activities; and, iii) implementing technology tools. This, in turn, will prepare the next generation to contribute meaningfully towards solving present and future soil problems.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SPONTANEOUSLY FERMENTED AFRICAN NIGHTSHADE (SOLANUM SCABRUM) LEAVES
(Journal of microbiology,Biotechnology and Food science (JMBFS), 2025-10-01) Wafula, Eliud N.; et.al
African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) is one of the most commonly consumed indigenous leafy vegetables in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The vegetable is an excellent source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, C, E, iron, iodine, zinc, potassium, and protein, making it one of the most essential foods in addressing the malnutrition challenge among people experiencing poverty. This study focused on isolating, characterizing, and identifying dominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in naturally fermenting African nightshade leaves. The identification of LAB involved morphological, phenotypic, and molecular methods, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 24 LAB strains were isolated and identified through phenotypic and 16S rRNA gene analyses. African nightshade fermentation was dominated by five genera of lactic acid bacteria: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (38%), Leuconostoc spp (33%), Levilactobacillus brevis (13%), Weissella spp (13%) and Lactococcus lactis (3%). The findings reveal a rich and diverse community of LAB in fermented African nightshade, underscoring its potential as a natural reservoir of beneficial microorganisms. These LAB strains could have significant commercial and industrial potential, especially as starter cultures and probiotics in the production of fermented foods.