KALRO e-Repository
The KALRO Repository stands as a digital hub for the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, dedicated to advancing the dissemination and accessibility of valuable resources in the field of agricultural and livestock research. This repository serves as a comprehensive platform housing a myriad of research outputs, scholarly publications, datasets, and other pertinent materials generated by KALRO.
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Exploring Inclusiveness of Vulnerable and Marginalized People in the Cassava Value Chain in the Lake Region, Kenya
(Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics, 2023) Omondi, S.W.; Tana, P.; Lutomia, C.; Makini, F.; Wasilwa, L.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; Seed Systems Group
Vulnerable and marginalised groups (VMGs) who comprise widows, orphans, people living with disability and HIV, have not been given sufficient attention in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by policy makers, development partners, research, and extension, yet they comprise nearly one-quarter of all smallholder farmers. This study explored inclusion of VMGs in cassava value chain in the Lake Region of Kenya. Formal survey, focus group discussions (FGD), and key informant interviews (KIIs) were used to collect data from VMGs, common interest groups (CIGs) and stakeholders in the cassava value chain. The results showed that the majority of VMG farmers were women, mainly widows, orphans, people living with HIV, and difficulty in mobility. Compared to CIGs, there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in access to value chain support services. Key barriers reinforcing marginalization were policy, socio economic and technological in nature. It is argued that affirmative action that aims to reach the marginalised farmers and actors in cassava value chain should entail national and institutional policy frameworks to enhance visibil-ity and involvement of VMGs in technology development and innovation as well as in the design and implementation of projects geared towards improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The findings of this study suggest the need for mapping and assessing VMGs for targeted value chain institutional support to access inputs, training, financing and market linkages in order to close gaps in cassava production and marketing. It is concluded that the cassava value chain in the Lake Region is less inclusive for VMGs. Thus, the study recommends affirmative action and establishment of a platform for VMG farmers to increase their voice in decision making.
Variation of Sensitivity of Trypanosoma evansi Isolates from Isiolo and Marsabit Counties of Kenya to Locally Available Trypanocidal Drugs
(PLoS One, 2023-02-02) Mdachi, R.E.; Ogolla, K.O.; Auma, J.E.; Wamwiri, F.N.; Kurgat, R.K.; Wanjala, K.B.; Mugunieri, L.G.; Chemuliti, J.K.; Mukiria, P.W.; Okoth, S.O.; Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization ; East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)\East African Community
Trypanocidal resistance is a major cause of treatment failure. This study evaluated the sensitivity of Trypanosoma evansi field isolates collected from Marsabit and Isiolo counties, Kenya. A total of 2,750 camels were screened using parasitological tests for trypanosomes. Of the screened camels, 113 tested positive from which 40 T. evansi isolates were tested using the single dose mice sensitivity test. Five treatment groups each comprising of 6 mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with 1x105 trypanosomes of each isolate and treated 24 hours later with isometamidium chloride at 1 mg/kg, homidium chloride at 1mg/kg, diminazene aceturate at 20 mg/kg and quinapyramine sulphate & chloride at 1 mg/kg. The fifth group was left untreated (positive control). The mice were monitored daily for 60 days. A survey on camel owners’ practices that influence development of resistance to trypanocidal drugs was then conducted. Results indicated presence of drug resistance in all the 7 study sites that had infected camels. Seven of the isolates tested were resistant to diminazene aceturate whereas, 28, 33 and 34 were resistant to isometamidium chloride, quinapyramine sulphate & chloride and homidium chloride, respectively. Seven (17.5%) isolates of the 40 tested were sensitive to all 4 drugs, whereas, 7.5%, 10%,55% and 10% were resistant to 1,2,3 and 4 drugs, respectively. The prevalence of multiple drug resistance was 75%. Survey data indicated that camel management practices influenced the prevalence and degree of drug resistance. In conclusion, the multiple drug resistance observed in the two counties may not be an indication of total trypanocidal drug failure. Judicious treatment of confirmed trypanosomiasis cases with correct dosage would still be effective in controlling the disease since the observed resistance was at the population and not clonal level. However, integrated control of the disease and the vectors using available alternative methods is recommended to reduce drug use.
Multiple Mycotoxins in Kenyan Rice
(MDPI, 2021-03-11) Mutiga, S.K.; Mutuku, J.M.; Koskei, V.; Gitau, J.K.; Ng’ang’a, F.; Musyoka, J.; Chemining’wa, G.N.; Murori, R.; International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub ; University of Arkansas ; National Irrigation Authority (NIA) ; University of Nairobi ; International Rice Research Institute
Multiple mycotoxins were tested in milled rice samples (n = 200) from traders at different milling points within the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kenya. Traders provided the names of the cultivar, village where paddy was cultivated, sampling locality, miller, and month of paddy harvest between 2018 and 2019. Aflatoxin, citrinin, fumonisin, ochratoxin A, diacetoxyscirpenol, T2, HT2, and sterigmatocystin were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Deoxynivalenol was tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Mycotoxins occurred in ranges and frequencies in the following order: sterigmatocystin (0–7 ppb; 74.5%), aflatoxin (0–993 ppb; 55.5%), citrinin (0–9 ppb; 55.5%), ochratoxin A (0–110 ppb; 30%), fumonisin (0–76 ppb; 26%), diacetoxyscirpenol (0–24 ppb; 20.5%), and combined HT2 + T2 (0–62 ppb; 14.5%), and deoxynivalenol was detected in only one sample at 510 ppb. Overall, low amounts of toxins were observed in rice with a low frequency of samples above the regulatory limits for aflatoxin, 13.5%; ochratoxin A, 6%; and HT2 + T2, 0.5%. The maximum co-contamination was for 3.5% samples with six toxins in different combinations. The rice cultivar, paddy environment, time of harvest, and millers influenced the occurrence of different mycotoxins. There is a need to establish integrated approaches for the mitigation of mycotoxin accumulation in the Kenyan rice.
Spatial–Temporal Variations in Parasitological Prevalence and Host-Related Risk Factors of Camel Trypanosomiasis and Its Vectors in North Eastern Kenya: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study
(Hindawi, 2023-04-28) Ogolla, K.O.; Chemuliti, J.K.; Wamwiri, F.N.; Auma, J.E.; Kurgat, R.K.; Wanjala, K.B.; Mugunieri, L.G.; Alusi, P.M.; Mdachi, R.E.; Mukiria, P.W.; Okoth, S.O.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)/East African Community
Camel trypanosomiasis (Surra) is endemic in the Horn of Africa. Understanding the spatiotemporal variations in Surra prevalence, vector dynamics, and host‐related risk factors is important in developing effective control strategies. A repeated cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the Surra parasitological prevalence, livestock reservoirs, vector density/diversity, and host‐related risk factors in Kenya. Random samples of 847, 1079, and 824 camels were screened at the start of the dry season, peak dry season, and during the rainy season, respectively. Blood samples were examined using the dark ground/phase contrast buffy‐coat technique, and Trypanosoma species were identified based on their movement and morphology in wet and stained thin smears. Reservoir status for Trypanosoma evansi was assessed in 406 cattle and 372 goats. A rainy and dry seasons entomological surveys were conducted to determine the Surra vector abundance/diversity and spatiotemporal density changes. Surra prevalence was 7.1%, 3.4%, and 4.1% at the start of the dry season, peak dry season, and rainy season, respectively. Camel co‐infections by Trypanozoon (T. evansi or Trypanosoma brucei brucei) and Trypanosoma vivax were recorded. Spatial variations in Surra prevalence were recorded at the beginning of dry (X7846,N=2=110.9, p ≤ 0.001), peak dry (X71079,N=2=42.2, p ≤ 0.001), and rainy (X7824,N=2=29.1, p ≤ 0.001) seasons. The screened cattle and goats tested negative for Trypanozoon (T. evansi or T. b. brucei), while two cattle tested positive for Trypanosoma congolense. Biting fly catches were composed of a single species from Tabanus, Atylotus, Philoliche, Chrysops, and Stomoxys genera. The total catches for Philoliche, Chrysops, and Stomoxys were higher in the rainy than dry season consistent with the prevalence results. Surra remains an important camel disease in the region with its prevalence varying in space and time. Camel co‐infections by Trypanozoon (T. evansi or T. b. brucei) and T. vivax necessitate proper diagnosis of suspected cases and targeted therapy.
Smallholders’ Adaptation to Climate Change in Western Kenya: Considering Socioeconomic, Institutional, and Biophysical Determinants
(Elsevier B.V., 2022) Musafiri, C.M.; Kiboi, M.; Macharia, J.; Ng’etich, O.K.; Kosgei, D.K.; Mulianga, B.; Okoti, M.; Ngetich, F.K.; University of Embu ; Cortile Scientific Company Ltd ; Kenyatta University ; Moi University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ;Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)
Climate change has stimulated detrimental threats to the global agricultural ecosystems. The study investigated i) the climate change perceptions, drivers, effects, and barriers, and ii) determinants of climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in Western Kenya. The study interviewed 300 households using a semi-structured face-to-face interview schedule. The study employed two indices, i.e., weighted average and problem confrontation, and two regression models, i.e., Binary logistic and Poisson regression. The findings indicated that smallholder farmers were aware of climate change, its drivers, and its effects. The main barriers to climate change adaptation were unpredictable weather patterns, financial constraints, and limited agricultural training. Group membership and site negatively influenced climate change adaptation. Household head's education, experience, remittance receipt, access to credit on inputs, climate change perception, access to weather information, and cultivated farm size positively influenced climate change adaptation. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring smallholder farmers' dynamics in climate change policies to enhance adaptation. The negative prediction of group membership needs to be emphasized to prevent demotivating farmers from joining community associations. The study highlights the need to incorporate farmers' perceptions of climate change, climate awareness creation, and monetary assistance to enhance climate change resilience among smallholder farmers.
