Browsing by Author "Mutonyi, Jonathan"

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A Promising Early Maturing Sugarcane Variety from the East African Sugar Development Project (EASDP)
(Open Access Library Journal, 2022-06-10) Mutonyi, Jonathan; Khaemba, Michael Jones
Variety FR 95-2345 imported from Visacane, Cirad germplasm collection in Montpellier, France through the East African Sugar Development Project was evaluated along with five locally bred sugarcane varieties KEN 98-530, KEN 98-533, KEN 00-3811, KEN 82-472 and KEN 83-737 from 2017-2019 at Mu- mias in Western Kenya. The varieties were selected for earliness in maturity. Variety KEN 83-737 was included as a local standard and the plant crop was harvested at the age of 17 months. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among the varieties in all sampled parameters. The highest yielding va- riety was KEN 83-737 at 135.6 t/ha followed by KEN 98-530 at 111.5 t/ha and FR 95-2345 at 95.6 t/ha. The lowest yield was recorded on variety KEN 82-472 at 37.9 t/ha. No common diseases and pests were observed on the crop throughout the experiments. From the result, one locally bred variety KEN 98-530 and FR 95-2345 imported from Cirad were promising, having achieved 82.7% and 70.5% yield compared with the local standard. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in cane quality from the Brix readings, however, variety FR 95-2345 recorded the highest top:bottom ratio of 0.77, a desirable indicator for earliness in maturity. Testing of the two varieties for ratooning ability is recommended. Promotion and expansion of the area un- der fast-maturing varieties will address the raw material shortage that has negatively affected the sugar industry in Kenya.
Access and Use of Information for Enhanced Adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices among Smallholder Farmers in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya
(AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 2024-06-26) Ajwang, Stephen; Owoche, Patrick; Mutonyi, Jonathan
The value of information in agricultural production cannot be overemphasized given the challenges caused by the impact of climate change. This study evaluated the importance of accessing and using information for enhanced adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices in sorghum production among smallholder farmers in Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. The study used a quantitative research method with a correlation design, collecting data from 382 farmers through a questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted with a 10% sample size to assess reliability and validity achieving a CVI value of 0.877445696 and Cronbach’s alpha (α) value of 0.809. Descriptive statistics were used to determine information access and use, while correlation analysis examined associations between age and education and information access and use. The findings showed that farmers obtained information primarily from television, radio, extension workers, and neighbors and friends. The accessibility and use of this information were influenced by age and level of education. The findings are significant since they can help agricultural stakeholders identify and use appropriate channel and context-specific information to disseminate information that would enhance the adoption of CSA practices for improved sorghum yield. This may increase farmers' resilience to climate variability and improve their farming knowledge and skills, potentially leading to better livelihoods for the farming communities in the region. By advocating the provision of easily accessible and relevant information in the appropriate format and media, the findings may aid in policy formulation by providing policymakers with insights when formulating agricultural policies and legislation.
Assessing the Long-Term Changes in Selected Meteorological Parameters over the North-Rift, Kenya: A Regional Climatology Perspective
(Hydrology, 2024-12-03) Makokha, John Wanjala; Masayi, Nelly Nambande; Barasa, Peter; Ikoha, Peters Anselemo; Konje, Martha Muthoni; Mutonyi, Jonathan; Okello, Victor Samuel; Wechuli, Alice Nambiro; Majengo, Collins Otieno; Khamala, Geoffrey Wanjala
Understanding long-term trends in climatic variables is essential for assessing climate change impacts on regional ecosystems and human livelihoods. A regional analysis of climatic variables over some domains is inevitable due to their geographical location and importance to the agricultural sector. Due to the aforementioned demands, the current study analyzes, trends in precipitation (from Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS)), and minimum and maximum temperatures (from TerraClimate) over the North-Rift region of Kenya for over thirty (30) years using satellite data. The seasonal decomposition analysis was performed for each variable to explore the trends and residual components. The findings by the current study indicate that most counties, have experienced enhance precipitation which corresponds to a declining diurnal temperature from 2019 onwards. The seasonality component reveals repeated patterns or variations occurring at steady intervals within each region's data, hence suggesting a distinct regional seasonal trend in the selected meteorological parameters over time. Basically, all counties have reported a relatively constant variability in both maximum and minimum temperatures during the study period except from 2017 onwards where significant variability in the two properties is recorded. In conclusion, the foregoing results that the selected climatic variables exhibit significant spatiotemporal and interannual variability
Characterization of Biochar Produced from Locally Available Agricultural Waste Resources for Soil Enhancement in Western Kenya
(AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 2025-06-15) Majengo, Collins Otieno; Mutonyi, Jonathan; Kundu, Caroline Agamala; Muyekho, Francis Namasake
Valorization of agricultural waste offers a circular pathway to mitigate the intertwined crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Slow pyrolysis provides an effective route for transforming biomass into biochar, a porous carbonaceous material that can condition degraded soils. We quantified the physicochemical attributes of biochar produced from three contrasting residues that dominate western Kenya’s agroecosystems: coffee husk (CH), sugarcane bagasse (SB), and wood sawdust (WS). Each feedstock was air-dried for 72 h, pyrolyzed in a sealed metal kiln at 350 °C for 60 min, and cooled under an inert atmosphere. Yields averaged 37 % for CH, 32 % for SB, and 28 % for WS. Resultant biochars displayed high pH (8.4–9.2), surface area (145–275 m² g⁻¹), and cation-exchange capacity up to 92 cmol c kg⁻¹, indicating liming and nutrient-retention potential. Elemental analysis revealed increasing aromaticity (H/C < 0.35) and carbon stability with decreasing O/C ratios. Bulk density followed the order WS > SB > CH, whereas porosity exhibited the opposite pattern, reflecting structural differences in the biomasses. The correlation of ash alkalinity with calcium and magnesium contents suggested that feedstock mineralogy largely governs biochar buffering capacity. On the basis of these metrics, CH biochar emerged as the most suitable amendment for acidic Ferralsols, whereas WS biochar may serve better in sandy Arenosols requiring structural improvement. The findings supply evidence that can guide county-level policies seeking to couple waste reduction with soil fertility restoration through biochar adoption within smallholder systems.
Effects of agricultural lime and phosphorus application to sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) growth, yield and quality
(International Journal of AgriScience, 2014-11-05) Shibairo, Solomon Igosangwa; Chemining’wa, George Ndiema; Mutonyi, Jonathan
Effects of agricultural lime (L), phosphorus (P) and their interaction on sugarcane growth, yield and quality were determined in field experiments conducted between 2009 and 2011 in the Mumias sugar zone (MSZ) of western Kenya. Treatments consisted of two levels of L at 0 and 3 tons/ha and five rates of P at 0, 46, 92, 138 and 184 kg/ha P2O5 laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Emergence, tillering, stalk population, height, inter-node length, millable cane, sugar cane and sugar yields were significantly (p<0.05) high with L and with P application. Sugarcane yield was increased 28.1-45.2 % with increase in P in limed compared with 19.0 – 19.8 % in un-limed treatments. Although incremental levels of P improved the sugarcane growth and quality parameters, there were no differences among P levels beyond 92 kg/ha P2O5. While higher value cost ratios (VCR) were observed in un-limed treatments, net returns (NR) were higher in the limed treatments. It is suggested that the inclusion of agricultural lime in the fertilizer regime in MSZ is necessary and cost effective. Where agricultural lime is applied the recommended P dose of 92 kg/ha P2O5 be reduced to 46 kg/ha P2O5
Effects of N and K fertilization of sugarcane (Saccharum oficinarum) on acrisols in western Kenya
(Elixir Agriculture, 2014-02-11) Mutonyi, Jonathan; Shibairo Solomon I.; Chemining’wa, G.N.; Olubayo, F.O.; Nyongesa, H.W.; Konje, M. M.
Sugarcane fertilization in Kenyan plantations is largely concentrated on Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Use of Potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients is altogether missing. Recent soil analysis results indicate that soils in the Mumias Sugar zone of western Kenya that accounts for 50-60 % of national production are K- deficient. In examining the quality factor in sugarcane payment systems as envisaged in recent legislation, adoption of balanced nutrition by inclusion of K would help improve sugar cane productivity and enhance sugar recovery. This paper reports the effect of K, N and their interaction on sugarcane yield and juice quality on acrisols. Four experiments were established in several locations from 2009- 2011. The treatments included a factorial combination of four rates of K at 0, 60, 120 and 180 kg/ha K2O and four rates of N at 0, 46, 92 and 138 kg/ha N. Recommended basal phosphate was included in every plot at 92 kg/ha P2O5. Each experiment was harvested after 18 months of growth. Results showed significant responses to K and N. Agronomic efficiency was higher in plots supplied with K along with N. Nitrogen and K2O application rates that produced optimum cane yields were: N = 46kg/ha and K2O = 60 kg/ha; however, economically profitable rates were N = 46-92 kg/ha and K2O at 60 kg/ha. Productivity gains did not offset costs when rates were higher than 120 kg/ha of K2O and 138 kg/ha of N. The results imply that the inclusion of K in the sugar cane fertilization regime at Mumias will be beneficial. An initial rate of 60kg/ha K2O (2 bags of 50 kg muriate of potash is recommended on soils with K-deficiency. There were strong indications that with K fertilization the current N recommendation of 120 – 150 kg N/ha could be reduced to only 78-92 kg/ha due to better N utilization from the interaction with K.
Incidence And Prevalence of Ratoon Stunting Disease (Leifsonia Xyli Subsp. Xyli, Evtushenko) In The Mumias Sugar Cane Growing Zone Kenya
(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, 2016-11-05) Mutonyi, Jonathan; Nyongesa, H.
Surveys of ratoon stunting disease (RSD) incidence in sugar cane crop (Sacharrum officinurum L) in Mumias were conducted between 2012-2016. Majority of farms constituted seed cane and commercial fields were randomly selected for survey purposes. Samples from 967 farms in four main growing zones including the miller-owned nucleus estate were collected and diagnosed. Multi-stage random sampling method was used to select 967 households, while purposive sampling was used to select commercial fields. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Incidence of RSD in the mill supply areas stood at 37%. Disease prevalence was high in N 14 (50%) followed by KEN 83-737 (47%), CO 617 (42%), EAK 73335 (38%), CO 945 and CO 421 each at (37%) and other varieties (27%). There was a positive significant impact on disease occurrence on ratoon crops (p < 0.05). Variety, zone and crop cycle were all significant in influencing the prevalence of RSD. The incidence of RSD was serious in Mumias sugar zone and could be contributing to the low sugarcane yields. Rigorous field hygiene measures such as sterilization of cane knives at harvesting, eradication of volunteer cane and consistent production of healthy seed cane through hot water treatment should be emphasized.
Information Needs of Smallholder Farmers in Lake Victoria Basin for Enhancing Climate-smart Agricultural Practices
(International Journal of Computing Sciences Research, 2024-01-21) Ajwang, Stephen; Owoche, Patrick; Mutonyi, Jonathan
Purpose – The purpose of this study was to bridge the awareness gap in agricultural information need and use by farmers to improve information access and utilization for enhanced adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) practices . Method – Using a mixed methods approach, the study examined the information needs of smallholder farmers in 5 counties in the Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from 382 farmers and 20 county directors of agriculture, ICT, meteorology, and crop production. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis was used on qualitative data. 2712 Results – The findings showed that many farmers (82.46%) were aware of the existence of climate change which had reduced sorghum yield to 0.45 t/Ha . Therefore, farmers had initiated sustainable practices including planting different crop varieties (83.51%) and varying planting dates (65.18%). High yield was prevalent among farmers practicing crop rotation (95.1%)while those who practiced mono-cropping achieved low yields. Also, the use of inorganic fertilizers led to higher yields. Farmers who planted early maturing crops had log odds that were 1.647 points higher for being in a higher yield level than farmers who planted late maturing crops. Conclusion – The study has the potential to enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change using suitable CSA practices based on readily available, accessible, and context - specific information. Recommendations – The study recommends that farmers be provided with and/or have access to reliable, actionable, relevant, and timely information that matches their needs to enhance resilience through the adoption of climate - adaptive farming techniques. Implications – These findings contribute to research by recommending context - specific information to help farmers bridge the information gap. The findings may contribute to policy by proposing CSA strategies that involve information -based support to smallholder farmers to implement sustainable farming practices
Socio-economic Determinants of Sugarcane-Soybean Intercropping among Smallholder Farmers in Awendo Sub-County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2022-11-01) Ouko, Kevin Okoth; Ogola, Robert John O.; Oketch, Modock Odiwuor; Midamba, Dick Chune; Ogweno, Peter Oyier; Nyangweso, Gaster N.; Mutonyi, Jonathan; Ng'ong’a, Charles Adino; Muteti, Francisca Ndinda
Global climate change and decreases in available land are significant challenges humans currently face. Alternative management approaches for sugarcane fields have great potential to help mitigate these problems in Kenya. Intercropping as a crop diversification strategy is a crucial coping mechanism for agriculture's income, production, and marketing risks. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the determinants of sugarcane-soybean intercropping among sugarcane farmers to inform policymakers about policy adjustment. The study used primary data collected from 246 households using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptivestatisticsand a logistic regression model. Results showed that 63% of the respondents had adopted sugarcane monocropping compared to only 37 % whohadadopted sugarcane-soybean intercropping. Specifically, the study found that sugarcane farming experience (p =<0.10), production acreage (p =<0.10), land ownership (p =<0.10), and divorced as marital status ((p =<0.05) had negative and significant effects on sugarcane –soybean intercropping, while farmers' age (p =<0.10) and widowed as a marital status (p =<0.01) depicted a positive and significant association with sugarcane –soybean intercropping. From the findings, lack of credit for farm operations and the high cost of farm inputs also emerged as barriersto the adoption of sugarcane intercropping systems. Based on the results, the study suggests the need for government to promote the development of agricultural policy that supports the shift from non-diversification to crop diversification through developing guaranteed access to inputs and subsidies on farming input resources with priority given to smallholder farmers
Transforming Agricultural Waste into Sustainable Energy
(University of Huddersfield, 2024-11-13) Abuya, Joshua; Allport, John; Mutonyi, Jonathan; Langat, Hassan
In Kenya, the Sugar industry is a key economic sector but faces environmental challenges, especially in managing bagasse, a by product of sugarcane processing. Improper disposal of bagasse near rural communities, contaminates land and water, posing serious public health risks. Despite these issues, bagasse has potential as a biomass fuel, but its high moisture content makes it difficult to burn without drying. Conventional drying methods are costly and risky for rural areas. our research aims to develop an affordable, sustainable bagasse drying technology using local materials, converting bagasse into a reliable fuel source while reducing environmental hazards.
Using Digital Tools to Assess Soil Variables in Selected Counties in North Rift, Kenya
(AgroEnvironmental Sustainability, 2025-03-15) Mutonyi, Jonathan; Masayi, Nelly Nambande; Majengo, Collins Otieno; Konje, Martha Muthoni; Makokha, John Wanjala
The need for techniques and instruments that enable rapid soil testing has gained attention in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. This could improve efficiency and productivity by providing real-time, high-quality, and accessible data for decision-making. This study used GPS tools to visualize, analyze, and gather essential field information and applied Near Infra-Red Spectrometry to assess soil parameters and recommend corrective action for sustainable livelihood in five Counties in North Rift Kenya. Soil reaction varied from 5.5 in Kaptega, Transnzoia, to 7.8 in Kospir, Turkana counties. Low soil pH and CEC were recorded in parts of Nandi and Transnzoia counties. Soils from the dryland ecologies in Turkana, W. Pokot, and Samburu were predominantly alkaline. Total organic Carbon was generally low in the dryland ecologies of Samburu and Turkana. Low soil fertility was generally indicated in Samburu, Turkana, and W. Pokot. This was attributable to the low organic carbon levels and low precipitation, which may have negatively influenced soil microbial activity. Sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, mulching, mixed farming, cover cropping, and minimum/conservation tillage are recommended in areas where crop cultivation is feasible. Amelioration of soils with agricultural lime and organic matter is highly recommended in the affected areas within the agropastoral counties for improved production to guarantee food security and sustainable livelihoods
What Do Data on Dry Bulk Density (BD) And Porosity (P) Tell About The Quality of Soils in the Mumias Sugar Zone, Western Kenya?
(IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), 2019-03-05) Mutonyi, Jonathan; Muturi, P.
A study conducted from 2009-2011 on soils in the Mumias sugar zone of western Kenya involved the determination of dry bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC) and porosity (P) in 31 sites. Bulk density varied from site to site ranging from 1.46 g/cm3 to 1.81 g/ cm3; BD was generally higher in the 30-60 cm layer than in the 0-30 cm layer. Soil moisture content varied from one sampling site to another ranging from 17.8 – 37.5 %. Soils were drier in the top 0-30 cm layer than in the lower 30-60 cm layer. Average porosity ranged from 31.9% - 44.5%. Porosity, being inversely related to BD was highest in areas with least BD. Porosity was generally higher in the top soil 0-30 cm layer than in the lower 30-60 cm soil layer. This study demonstrated that the sugarcane production practices in Mumias had led to serious deterioration of two soil physical quality parameters the bulk density (BD) and porosity which may have contributed to sugarcane yield decline over the years. The enhancement of minimum tillage practices, green cane harvesting, trash blanketing, good soil conservation practices and avoidance of heavy machinery on fields in the wet on both the miller owned farm and among smallholder farmers is recommended