Research Publications
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Item 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.alClimate 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.Item 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.alAim: 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.Item Ethical Considerations in Authorship and Postgraduate Supervision in Universities in Kenya(Journal of Education and Practice, 2023-05-31) Recha, Charles W.; Wanyonyi, MulaluThe emergence of knowledge economy has put premium on higher education. This has led to a rise in the number of postgraduate training and reforms in higher education. Research, a core mandate of institutions of higher learning, should enable states to meet development needs. Research for development will require the highest standards possible in the conduct of research. This has led to calls for research ethics to protect individuals, communities and the environment. In this study, we explore ethical considerations in authorship and postgraduate supervision in universities in Kenya using a desktop survey. The study established that in Kenya, Universities Standards and Guidelines 2014 and Harmonized Criteria and Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Academic Staff in Universities in Kenya have apportioned the highest score on research and publication for appointment and promotion of academic staff in universities. This is likely to trigger unethical practices, increase authorship disputes and undermine collaborative research. The existing framework does not provide for a criteria on authorship listing; and the mandate of Institutional Ethics Review Committees (IERCs) is limited to approval of research proposal and treatment of human participants. Universities in Kenya have developed procedures for appointment and specified the responsibilities of supervisors of postgraduate students. However, very little has been done to train and inculcate research ethics in postgraduate students and supervisors. To mitigate these, universities should develop criterion for awarding publication credit. IERCs should expand their mandate to include ethical consideration beyond a research proposal and universities should train supervisors on supervision and research ethics before appointment. Further research is required to determine the preparedness of supervisors of postgraduate students in Kenya in the responsible conduct of research.Item Influence of Smallholder Farmers’ Socio-economic Characteristics on and Perceived Benefits of Organic Agriculture Farming(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 2022-12-30) Recha, Charles W.The decision to adopt an agricultural technology is categorized into characteristics specific to farmers and their households and socio-economic factors. The difference in factors influencing the smallholder farmers' adoption of Organic Farming (OF) practices varies across the world. Thus, this paper investigates the influence of smallholder farmers' socio-economic characteristics on the adoption of OF in Kisii Central, Kisii County. The study adopted mixed-method research that involved a household survey and key informants. The results indicate that the major socio-economic characteristics influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption of organic farming were farm size (79%), income (73%), family size (67%), and age (66%). In addition, there is a positive correlation between education and the use of crop residues (r=0.113), animal manure (r=0.114), and cover crop (r=0.121). The study recommends that promoters of OF consider specific socio-economic characteristics of the farmers in adopting OF.Item Smallholder Farmers’ Practice and Perception of Organic Farming in Kisii Central Sub - County, Kisii County, Kenya(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 2022-12-24) Recha, Charles W.Organic farming (OF) is known to contribute to: healthy living, increase in farm income, and safe and sustainable environments. It is in view of the benefits that OF systems are encouraged across countries in SubSaharan Africa, including Kenya. This paper investigates smallholder farmers’ practice and perception of organic farming in Kisii Central Sub – County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive survey research design where a total of 306 respondents were interviewed. Results show that nearly all (97%) of smallholder farmers are practicing OF with use of animal manure (87%), crop rotation (72%) and cover crops (55%) as the predominant practices. The high number of farmers practicing OF can be attributed to information on OF farming being easily available (52%); strong agreement on positive effects of OF farming on environment (69%), and the anticipated future demand for OF products (84%). This study recommends that promoters of organic farming should take note of the positive rating and perception of organic farming.Item A global perspective on soil science education at third educational level :(Elsevier, 2022-07-10) Recha, Charles W.; et.alThe 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.Item Diarrhea Disease among Children under 5 Years of Age: A Global Systematic Review(Open Journal of Epidemiology, 2021-06-28) Recha, Charles W.; Manetu, Winfred MbinyaDiarrhea diseases remain the second leading cause of death among children under five years globally. Nearly one in every five child deaths, about 1.6 mil lion each year, are due to diarrhea. Further, diarrhea kills more young child ren than malaria, measles and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) combined. As a result, better understanding of childhood diarrhea occurrence can perhaps help reduce associated morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, this study conducted a global systematic review on occurrence of childhood diarrhea. The broad objective of this study was to review present and past researches on childhood diarrhea and most importantly for children under 5 years of age. The review focused on understanding the burden of di arrhea, causes of childhood diarrhea and solutions to the disease. A systemat ic literature review was conducted using the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Search key terms used were childhood diarrhea, risk factors and intervention practices. Journal articles and related reports were filtered and limited from 2005 to 2020. Sixty-one reports and ar ticles that met inclusion criteria were used in this review. Review found that, childhood diarrhea imposes economic costs on the health system and fami lies. Also, repeated bouts of diarrhea can lead to malnutrition, stunting and delayed brain growth later in life and can lead to stress and tension to the af fected households. The dependence on open water sources which are often contaminated with fecal materials was found as the major cause of the rising prevalence of childhood diarrhea. Other important factors were poor hygienic practices and lack of sanitation facilities contribute to the spread of diarrhea diseases. Improvements in the quality of drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene practices especially in low and middle income countries have been suggested by many studies as an intervention to reduce childhood di arrhea.