Journal Articles

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A computer mediated simulation module for teaching cell division in secondary school biology
(International Journal of Educational Research and Development, 2013-05-04) Wekesa, Duncan Wekesa; Wekesa E. W.; Amadalo M. M.
This paper describes the design and development of a valid, reliable and flexible instrument, a Computer-Mediated Simulation (CMS) module for teaching cell division topic in secondary school biology. The design was based on the generic instructional approach of Plan, Do, See and Improve (PDSI). Each step has an outcome that feeds the subsequent step or results in modification of the prior step. The design and development of a CMS module is aimed at bringing out the dynamics of the process of cell division to facilitate students understanding of the topic better. The process of cell division specifically involved the aspects of meiosis and mitosis. The module was also developed to fill, in some way, the special need for media and technology in biology teaching at secondary school level in Kenya and perhaps elsewhere. Evaluation of the CMS results of the actual implementation in test schools provide improvement highlights of the strengths of the module geared towards shifting the point set presently to a more desirable outcome
A Contextual Analysis of Community Radio Programming and Peace Promotion in Political Campaigns in Kenya: A Case of Migori County
(New Media and Mass Communication, 2018-03-09) Mac' Ouma, Enock; Kinya, Henry; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai; Oluoch, John
With their ability to reach and influence a large number of people, community radios wield immense power in shaping the course of political discourse and contestations. Although many examples of the media’s negative contribution to escalation of violence and conflicts exist, fair and accurate journalism that builds confidence and counteracts misperceptions has the potential to transform and prevent political violence. Migori County is listed by the National Commission on Integration and Cohesion(NCIC) as one of the political violence hotspots in Kenya. The aim of this study was to investigate both programme genre and broadcast content of three community radios in the region. The objectives of the study were: To establish whether Milambo Radio 103.8 FM, Radio Tarumbeta 90.4 FM and Radio Rameny88.3 FM have programmes designed for promoting peaceful political campaigns in Migori County; to determine the extent to which such programmes are used in promoting peaceful political campaigns and to explore strategies through which the programmes may be made more effective in promoting peaceful political campaigns. The study used face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Agenda Setting Theory supported by the Media Effects Theory were used.
A Critical Discourse Analysis of Radio Call-in Discourses in the Lubukusu Radio Stations
(KIBU, 2023-06-16) Wekesa, Ben Nyongesa; Wakoko, Macarios W.
A Historical Development of Language in Education and Language Testing In Kenya
(International Journal of Current Research, 2020-09-30) Wekesa, Ben Nyongesa
In an attempt to trace the development of English language teaching and testing in Kenya, this paper looks at language in education in Kenya. Language in education aims at defining three major issues. Firstly, it defines the role of English language in teaching and testing in the pre-independent era. Secondly, it assesses the place of English in teaching and evaluation during post-independent Kenya, during the 8-4-4 system and finally in the newly rolled out Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). Unlike other literature which focus on language policy, this paper traces the history of English language in the Kenyan education with a special focus on language testing; a component of teaching and learning process. The paper concludes that although, efforts have been made in improving the teaching and testing of English language in Kenya since the colonial era, there seem to be some form of rigidity in testing in that very little changes can be cited compared to the art of teaching. Teaching of English language has progressively changed in its approach, however, language testing has not been adaptive to these changes, for example, testing at secondary school level is more of the structuralism approach yet the teaching approach is communicative. Speech work is not overtly examined both at primary and at secondary school levels. All examinations are wholly written. This disregard for speech work leads to poor communicative competence yet it is the main objective of the English syllabus.
A Program for Understanding Mathematical Probabiliy Concepts in Secondary Schools.
(International Journal of Development Research, 2018-03-03) Wekesa, Duncan Wasike
The pace of technological development in educational setting is on the increase in Kenya. The literature is replete with studies indicating that Computer Based Instructional programs enhance students learning outcomes. With the introduction of e-learning in Kenyan schools now at the pilot stage, there is need to develop computer-based programs in the area of mathematics where little or no studies have been done.
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.
A Study of Terrorism Discourse in TaifaLeo Newspaper of Kenya
(Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2013-03-10) Owala, Silas Odhiambo; Indede, Florence; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai
Terrorism is a global concern and usually elicits a lot of sensationalism every time it occurs. The media often finds itself in the middle of debates over this issue. Apart from the role of informing the public, the media has a responsibility of avoiding the creation of animosity amongst the readers. The choice of language used by the media can create a negative attitude towards one another among the readers and the public in general. This research investigated discourse on national and international terrorism in Taifa Leo, a daily published in Kiswahili language in Kenya. The main objective was to analyze the language used in reporting terrorism news in the newspaper. The intention was to find out how the language used in those specific news items created bias in presentation of terrorism news. The parts of the newspaper that had reports on terrorism were isolated and analyzed over a period of one year. The study revealed that there was bias in the way this newspaper reported terrorism news. The biases that were noted were mostly caused by discourse structures that were provided by either the reporters or the sources they quoted.
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.
Ameriketako Ametsa
(Mendebalde Kultura Alkartea,, 2001-11-15) Walibora, Ken; Ormazabal, Manu
This story published in 2001 won the 2003 Jomo Kenyatta Prize organized by the Kenya Publihers Association. Issa, a Kenyan village boy, tells us the story of his life. “Itxoin eta egingo duk amets Amerikarekin. Orduan prest egongo haiz harantz abiatzeko” (‘Wait and you’ll dream of America. Then you’ll be ready to go.’), his friend told him. And Issa will have that dream. In Nairobi the two of them, together with a third “friend, will make plans for America. There will be lessons to learn from their adventures.
An Analysis of Lukabaras Borrowed Verbs from English
(Journal of Linguistics, Literary and Communication Studies, 2024-09-22) Mudogo, Maxmillah; Mandillah, Lucy; Wekesa, Ben Nyongesa
English as an official language, has come in contact with indigenous languages in Kenya. English has therefore become one of the major donors of loanwords to these indigenous languages, Lukabaras being one of the beneficiaries. This study investigated the morpho-phonological constraints that English loan verbs encounter when adapting into Lukabaras. The research utilized Lukabaras native speakers as respondents to elicit data. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 15 English loan verbs, which were then analyzed descriptively based on the tenets of Optimality Theory which states that constraints are universal and are fixed in their ranking and apply to all languages. The loan verbs were transcribed, and the study first analyzed the morphological constraints, followed by the phonological constraints. The findings reveal that English and Lukabaras have different morphological and phonological structures, leading to modifications of English loan verbs to fit the morphological and phonological patterns of Lukabaras. Additionally, the study identifies specific morpho-phonological constraints affecting the adaptation of English loan verbs into Lukabaras, including NOCODA, COMPLEX C, MAX IO, ONSET, DEP IO, IDENT IO, DEP-PREF, DEP-SUFFIX, and ALIGN left edge. Furthermore, faithful constraints are ranked higher than markedness constraints in Lukabaras. The study’s findings contribute to the understanding of morpho-phonological adaptation processes in language contact scenarios. Overall, the study’s findings align with the theoretical framework provided by OT, illustrating how languages manage the integration of foreign elements through a balance of faithfulness and markedness constraints. These findings not only enhance the understanding of loanword adaptation in Lukabaras but also contribute to the broader field of language contact and borrowing, providing a detailed case study of how specific constraints operate in a real-world linguistic context.
An Exposition of Some Adapted Lexemes in Dholuo
(Linguistics and Literature Studies, 2013-03-10) Okal, Benard Odoyo; Indede, Florence; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai
The paper gives an exposition of some adapted English lexemes into Dholuo. The work relied on a descriptive design. Total purposive sampling technique was incorporated in collecting secondary data to saturation level. All the adapted nominal lexemes from the English Dholuo Dictionary (EDD) were collected, qualitatively analyzed, edited and presented thematically by showing the adapted lexemes in various areas. The results indicate that adapted lexemes in this lexicographical work are manifested in the following areas: religion, people, subjects, places, measurements, clothing, vegetables, foodstuff, equipment, vehicles and months. We have gathered that as we adapt some lexemes from English into Dholuo, then phonemes such as /ʃ (sh), z/ automatically change to /s/, /v/ changes to /f/ and /q/ changes to /k/. We have concluded that English consonant phonemes such as / ʃ (sh), z, v, q/ are not manifested in Dholuo. Therefore, translators have to adapt them by using both the transference and naturalization translation procedures in order to achieve the desirable translated text.
An Investigation of Language Maintenance Strategies Among the Maragoli Youth of Uriri Subcounty, Kenya
(Academic Research International, 2018-12-09) Nabeta, K.N. S., Nyandiba N. C. & Mohochi, E. S. (2018).
Uriri Sub County has a complex language ecology composed of Dholuo, Kuria, EkeGusii, Somali, Luhya dialects, among other languages. Some of these languages have been in contact for many years. It has been imperative that every community maintains their own language. Language maintenance is an integral part of any language survival, as espoused by UNESCO and ACALAN. UNESCO has extensively researched on language death, attrition and shift and reported that many indigenous languages across the globe are dying due to shift and disuse by the speakers, a situation that has been rendered dire. UNESCO has been of the opinion that every effort must be put in place, theoretically and in practice, to save dying languages and to maintain those that are surviving. Lullogoli, a dialect of Luhya, has been in contact with Dholuo for over 78 years and still shows signs of survival despite the fact that it has fewer speakers in Uriri Sub County compared to Dholuo. In an attempt to fulfil the UNESCO and ACALAN mandate, this paper investigated language maintenance strategies employed by the minority Maragoli youth living in Uriri Sub County, Kenya. Our data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and observations. Our findings shows that the Maragoli youth in Uriri Sub County have been using strategies like speaking Lullogoli at home, listening to Lullogoli radio broadcasts, learning from parents and guardians at home among other strategies to keep alive their language
Analysis of Students’ Attitudes towards the Use of Kiswahili in Teaching Communication Skills in Technical Institutes in Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2018-07-09) Kavoi, Jackson Mutuku; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai; Mwenda, Mukuthuria
This study investigated students’ attitudes towards the use of Kiswahili in teaching communication skills in technical institutes, in Kenya. An adapted communication skills attitude scale was used as a tool for measuring attitudes. Also, 5 institutions and 148 respondents were involved. A descriptive survey design and SPSS data analysis tool was used. 2.82% of 142 respondents depicted negative attitudes, while 97.18% were positive about being taught Communication Skills in Kiswahili. Alongside, students pursuing arts-related courses posted low positive attitudes compared to the science ones. Likewise, the diploma students reflected low positive attitudes compared to the certificate ones, hence the level of study had no attitudes influence towards the use of Kiswahili in teaching communication skills. The reason behind the positivity and difference in attitudes, was feeling of incompetence, hence the need to sharpen their communication skills. Contrary, the gender factor influenced attitudes towards the use of Kiswahili in teaching communications skills
Application of National Education Management System to Student Enrollment and Secondary School Administration in Bungoma County's, Kenya
(International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 2022-12-03) Khaemba, Lorna; Kipkenei, Simon; Wekesa, Duncan Wasike
National Educational Management Information System (NEMIS) is the Kenyan integrated Education Management Information System. NEMIS is necessary to support overall education management. It is in form of a portal helps the Ministry of Education to gather accurate and real time information on learners, staff and learning institutions. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of NEMIS students’ enrolment on secondary school management. The study was guided by the Technological Acceptance Model. Descriptive survey research design was employed with a target population 553 respondents comprising of managerial teaching staff from Extra County, county and sub county schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 164 respondents from the 30 public secondary schools in Bungoma West Sub County. Questionnaires, and interview schedule were used to collect data from the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research findings revealed that NEMIS was well managed in Extra County and County Schools and then in Sub County Schools hence it had a significant influence student enrolment in the system. The study recommends training of all senior management in the utilization of NEMIS and have all school adopt digital record keeping systems that are compatible with NEMIS for easy retrieval of data on enrollment.
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
Athari ya Uraibu wa Dawa za Kulevya kwa wanajamii kupitia Nyimbo za Kizazi Kipya Mtandaoni
(Eastern Africa Journal of Kiswahili, 2025-07-06) Ndinyo, Stephen Muyundo; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai; Musungu, Joseph Juma
Suala la dawa za kulevya ni mojawapo ya masuala ibuka lenye athari kubwa katika jamii huku mtandao ukichangia hali hii. Makala haya yalichunguza madhara yake yalivyosawiriwa katika mapambano dhidi ya mihadarati kupitia nyimbo za kizazi kipya mtandaoni. Kazi hii iliongozwa na Nadharia ya Athari ya Vyombo vya Habari iliyoasisiwa na McLuhan’s (1964). Muundo wa kithamano mkabala wa kiutendaji ulitumika. Mbinu ya ukusanyaji data iliyotumika ni uchanganuzi wa yaliyomo. Mwongozo wa uchanganuzi wa yaliyomo ulitumika kukusanya data mtandaoni. Umma lengwa ulihusisha nyimbo za kizazi kipya na mtandao. Mbinu ya usampulishaji wa kimaksudi ilitumika kuchagua nyimbo za kizazi kipya za Kiswahili, suala la dawa za kulevya na mtandao wa You Tube. Kisha, usampulishaji wa kitabaka ulitumika kuainisha nyimbo kidhima na kwa kurejelea aina tofauti ya mihadarati iliyosawiriwa. Jumla ya nyimbo tano na mtandao mmoja ulilengwa. Kazi hii ililenga kupata data ya kimaelezo iliyowasilishwa kwa kutumia maelezo ya kifafanuzi, mijadala, mifano na dondoo. Matokeo ya kazi hii ni kwamba nyimbo za kizazi kipya ziliangazia athari zake kwa jamii, familia na waraibu wa dawa tofauti za kulevya kama njia mojawapo ya kuhamasisha jamii katika mapambano dhidi ya mihadarati. Makala haya yanapendekeza mitandao mbalimbali tofauti na ule wa YouTube kutafitiwa kwa kurejelea madhara ya mihadarati. Pili, uchunguzi wa athari ya uraibu wa mihadarati kwa kurejelea nyimbo nyinginezo mbali na zile za kizazi kipya. Hatimaye, madhara ya mihadarati pia yatafitiwe katika tanzu nyingine za fasihi pepe kama vile vichekesho, filamu na vipindi vya runinga
Athari za Dhana Potofu Kuhusu Afrika na Mwafrika Kwa Jamii ya Waafrika Kama Zinavyodhihirishwa Katika Riwaya Teule za Euphrase Kezilahab
(CHAKITA, 2021-11-26) Malugu, Alfred; Mohochi, Ernest Sangai; Mulokozi, Mugyabuso Mlinzi
Suala la dhana potofu kuhusu Afrika na Mwafrika lina historia ndefu sana. Historia yake inaweza kutazamwa kuanzia kipindi cha ukoloni. Dhana hizo potofu kuhusu Afrika na Mwafrika zilijengewa msingi wake sio tu katika vitabu vya dini kama vile Biblia Takatifu, bali pia kwa wanafalsafa na wasomi maarufu wa kale wa Kimagharibi kama vile Carl Meinhof na Georg Hegel. Dhana potofu zilizopandikizwa zilichochea kutawaliwa kwa Waafrika na Afrika kwa jumla. Kwa mfano, kwa kupitia Biblia Takatifu kuna hoja kuwa masaibu, shida, majanga na mambo mbalimbali yanayomsibu Mwafrika yanatokana na kulaaniwa. Kutokana na kuwapo kwa dhana potofu, makala hii inakusudia kutathmini mikakati mbalimbali inayopendekezwa na Euphrase Kezilahabi katika kukabiliana na dhana hizo. Mikakati hiyo itabainishwa kupitia riwaya za Kezilahabi za Gamba la Nyoka, Nagona na Mzingile. Aidha, katika kubainisha dhana hizo, tutaongozwa na baadhi ya mihimili ya Nadharia ya Ubaadaukoloni. Hii ni Nadharia inayofungamanishwa na Edward Said hususani baada ya kuandika kitabu chake cha Orientalism (1978).
Baseline Survey on Software and Tools for Odel and Digital Learning during and Post Covid 19 in Selected Universities in Kenya
(International Journal of Computer Applications Technology and Research, 2024) Mbuguah, Samwel Mungai; Njoki, Catherine; Wekesa, Ben Nyongesa; Njuguna, Alice; Ikoha, Anselmo Peters; Barasa, Cyrus; Makokha, John; Nambiro, Alice
One the mitigating measures adopted against the spread of COVID-19 was closure of business, suspension of face to face learning in institution of learning in Kenya and cancellation of international flights worldwide. There was also enforced locked down within highly infected areas. To survive educational institutions adopted mainly online/digital learning. In this paper we provide findings on a survey conducted in selected eleven universities in Kenya on the status of the soft wares and tools that facilitate online/ digital learning. The finding indicate that even though the universities had adopted blended learning the soft wares and tools are still a challenge. The Paper recommends the need of the institutions to enhance the acquisitions of tools and soft wares for an enhanced digital learning and inclusion..
Big Data Analytics and Electronic Resource Usage in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of a Private University in Kenya
(2019-05-01) Wakahia; Samuel kairigo
The purpose of the study was to apply Big Data analytics as a tool for evaluating electronic resources usage in the academic library setup in Kenya with reference to the library of one private university. Log files of postgraduate students were mined from the server where the offsite access platform (ezproxy) has been installed. Descriptive statistical techniques such as mean, standard deviation and percentages were computed. Data was transferred to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was aided in the analysis. Results revealed that in terms of usage intensity, total URL count was 2,352, the highest user made 283 downloads and the mean URL count was 49 downloads. Further findings revealed that no user utilized more than 5 databases over a period of one year. The mean usage intensity score for respondents who were trained or orientated on e-resource usage was above average at 69.0 while those who had not received training were below average at 29.8. It was concluded that big data analytics is a necessary and powerful tool for investigating electronic resources seeking and usage trends and patterns within Kenyan university libraries. Through big data analysis and data mining, usage patterns and trends such as usage intensity that might not have accurately been revealed through other tools are unearthed. Big data analytics has revealed user preferences and intensity of utilization of various databases and helped in detection of redundant databases. From the usage patterns, it was clear that the level of utilization of the University library’s e-resource platform was very low. Most of the databases accessible through the platform were redundant. Further, only two databases namely e-book central and ebscohost were the most popular among users while the rest were barely being utilized if at all. For most students, just one or two databases were sufficient in meeting their research needs. An integrated data analytics model for investigating university library’s e-resources usage is proposed
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.

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