By Dr Jesse Kagai Biogas is a product of a process where micro-organisms decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This organic matter can come from diff erent sources, e.g. animal manure, agricultural residues and by-products and food waste from kitchens and markets. The end products of this process are methane gas used for […]
Benefits of biogas for smallholder farmers Read More »
By Esther Mwanth Tree planting is a practice that is encouraged due to its myriad benefits. In Kenya, there are various initiatives and policies that have been formulated to promote agroforestry and protect natural resources such as water sources and public forests. These are: National tree growing and restoration campaign This campaign was launched on
Policies Governing Planting of Trees in Kenya Read More »
By Leah Munala Water is an important natural resource in sustaining life for plants and animals. However ,its inequitable distribution has led to the exploitation of alternative sources. Harvested water plays a crucial role in both agricultural production and domestic use. Most farming communities depend on rain-fed agriculture, which is sometimes characterized by acute dry
Water harvesting for agricultural use through terracing Read More »
By Samuel Monene A Kitchen garden or home garden is a garden or area where vegetables, spices or herbs are grown primarily for domestic use. Establishing a kitchen garden provides a reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective way to produce fresh, organic food while promoting self-sufficiency. A small plot of land and key materials such as manure
Tips for a thriving kitchen garden Read More »
By Dr. Ruth Waineina Record keeping entails collection of relevant information that can help make good decisions and to keep track of activities, production, and important events on a farm. Records should not be complex, rather, they should be limited to only necessary information. Complex records will probably increase chances of making mistakes or they
Record keeping for dairy goats Read More »
By Dr.Ruth Waineina There are about 28 million goats in Kenya, with dairy goats constituting about 502,044. The dairy goats include exotic breeds like the Toggenburg, Alpine, Saanen, and Anglo-Nubian, and their crosses with the indigenous goats, which are the Galla and the small East African goat. The majority of goats in Kenya are indigenous,
Markets for dairy goats and their products Read More »
By Dr. Ruth Waineina Dairy goats require specific husbandry practices to perform optimally. Goat care and management depend on the dairy goat’s age, health status, nutrition and pregnancy status, as well as production needs, the environment, and facilities. Kids need primary care that is different from the older, mature goats. Thus, proper management practices that
Doe and kid management Read More »
Dr. Ruth Waineina Dairy goats contribute to food and nutritional security through the direct consumption of milk and meat from cull dairy goats, and income stability through the sale of milk and dairy goats’ offspring. Goat milk serves a niche market because of the unique flavor and aroma of its products, such as yoghurt and
Feeding Dairy Goats Read More »
By Dr. Ruth Waineina Proper housing is key in dairy goat keeping. It ensures that goats are safe from harsh weather conditions that can lead to diseases such as helminths and pneumonia, which are the most common diseases affecting goats. Proper goat housing can greatly prevent these diseases. Requirements for a dairy goats houseA dairy
Appropriate Housing Solutions for Dairy Goats Read More »
Dr. Ruth Waineina Milk production in arid and semi-arid environments is primarily derived from indigenous goats typically raised formeat under large production systems. In cooler regions, milk is produced from exotic dairy goat breeds and crossbredgenotypes that are predominantly kept in smallholder intensive and semi-intensive systems. Alpine, Saanen, Toggenburg and their crosses with indigenous are