http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/4 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:05:31 GMT 2026-04-28T14:05:31Z 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 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/166828 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. Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/166818 2024-08-27T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/163598 Home Environment and Utilization of English Language in Public Day Secondary Schools in Bunyala Sub County, Busia, Kenya Kulo, S. A.; Odundo, P. Home environment as a context of learning outcome contributes to learner social interaction and self-actualization towards using English in a school setting. School systems expect learners to be competent in the English language being the medium for learning and instruction. However, social interaction at school and home varies, resulting in a need for more English input. The study focused on establishing the influence of the home environment on the utilization of the English language in school. Emphasizing language use at home, provision of reading materials, and attitude towards learning the English language, the study used descriptive survey design in six public day secondary schools in Bunyala Sub County. Bronfenbrenners ecological systems theory and Krashen's Input Hypothesis theory were used in the study with a sample of 160 from two learners and 12 parents. Primary data was collected using self - administered questionnaires and an interview guide. The findings revealed that learners used their mother tongue while away from school, which interfered with the usage of English at school. In addition, most parents needed to be economically empowered to provide extra reading materials and a favorable reading atmosphere for learners to have sufficient English language input. Most parents had low academic backgrounds and did not monitor learners' knowledge of the English language. The study concluded that the home environment influenced the utilization of the English language. The study recommends that parents develop a positive attitude towards the need for learners to know the English language for successful learning. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/163598 2023-03-31T00:00:00Z http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/163597 Funding and Spending of TVET Curriculum for Sustainable Development: Policy Options Achievements and Constraints Anyiendah, M. S.; Odundo, P. A.; Ganira, L. K. The study examined the status of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the County Government of Vihiga. The focus on TVET is premised on the fact that TVET education is a devolved function. A phenomenological research design was adopted for the study. Relevant policy documents were scrutinized, interviews were conducted, and a questionnaire was administered. The findings were analyzed thematically. A total of 25 managers from the registered and licensed TVET centers in the county were involved. The five TVET officers in the five sub-counties of Vihiga were also participants in the study. Further, 50 instructors and 75 TVET students were involved in the study. The study participants agreed that the issue of funding, spending, curriculum, and policy options need to be addressed. Although the sector faces numerous constraints, the sector has made valuable progress in addressing youth unemployability in the county. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/163597 2023-03-31T00:00:00Z