http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/10322 2026-04-28T14:05:49Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/166828 Optimizing Costs: How Biosecurity Measures Transform Smallholder Poultry Economics Otieno, W. A.; Nyikal, R. A.; Mbogoh, S. G.; Rao, E. J. Attempts to manage poultry diseases through clinical treatment are both costly and increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study was motivated by the need to tackle the dual challenge of diseases leading to AMR and low poultry productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. It assesses the cost efficiency of farmers who use varying levels of biosecurity measures. We employ a three-step estimation procedure: first, a latent class analysis (LCA) model to describe adoption patterns. Secondly, a stochastic frontier analysis is used to generate cost efficiency scores and inefficiency effects. Lastly, a one-way ANOVA is used to compare cost efficiency by adoption categories. The LCA model reveals three uptake patterns for biosecurity measures with low, moderate, and high adoption behaviors. The average cost efficiency scores are 49.5%, 61.6%, and 68.6%, respectively, for the low, moderate, and high adoption categories. The overall score of 60.4% indicates that poultry farmers in Nyanza are largely cost-efficient. We demonstrate from the observed pattern that there is room to improve cost performance through increased use of biosecurity measures. Years of experience in poultry farming and larger stock sizes reduce farm cost inefficiency. These findings form the basis for the promotion of biosecurity measures 2024-08-07T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/166818 Exploring farmers’ perspectives on desert locust management in Kenya: a comparison of Q and R-methodologies Lumumba, B. O.; Otieno, D. J.; Nyikal, R. A. While desert locust invasions threaten agricultural production and household incomes, a common understanding of how to implement integrated control is missing. This study aimed to provide new insights on targeted policies that address the heterogeneity of perspectives held by farmers. To do so, the study compared both R and Q-methodologies to identify perspectives on desert locust management from a sample of 473 farmers. Based on internal consistency checks, the Q-methodology was found to better explain farmers’ perspectives through ranking and identification of distinguishing statements. The four different perspectives were labelled as "threat-aware but unprepared," “enthusiasts of indigenous control methods," “proponents of information access,” and “advocates of timely control and post-recovery assistance." The study also linked the various socio-economic and institutional factors that distinguish farmers across the four perspectives. A key finding is that farmers holding different perspectives agreed that integrated desert locust control is the best strategy. Considering the diversity in farmers' opinions, a mixed-policy framework is essential. Such policies should focus on information access, engagement of community members in desert locust control teams, and targeted postrecovery assistance, which would facilitate the implementation of integrated desert locust management. 2024-08-27T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/107122 Water use Efficiency and Yield of Potato in Potato-legume Based Intercropping Systems in a Semi-humid Region, Kenya Gitari, Harun; Gachene, Charles 2017-07-01T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/103423 Role of AIVs in Climate Smart Agriculture Hutchinson, DM; Andika, DD; Kioko, DE; Mulwa, DR; Isutsa, PD; Musieba, MF 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z