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DSpace is the world leading open source repository platform that enables organisations to:

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 13

Recent Submissions

Benefits and Environmental Impacts of Growing Eucalyptus Species
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation, 2025) Matonyei Thomas
Eucalyptus is a diverse genus of flowering plants with over 900 species. It belongs to the family Myrtaceae and subfamily Myrotideae. Majority of the species are native to Australia and Tasmania with a few species originating from New Guinea, the Philippines and Indonesia. Eucalyptus was introduced into Kenya in 1902 to provide fuelwood for the Kenya-Uganda railway. The species has many uses making it a multipurpose species including; Fuel wood, charcoal making, electricity transmission poles, posts, rails, source of essential oils, industrially used as timber, source of plywood, paper and pulp manufacture, ecologically provides honey flora, shade, and wind- break, ornamentals and for aesthetic enhancement of landscapes. Eucalyptus has many positive effects to the environment; among them are fast production of biomass which benefits the environment by using up large volumes of carbon IV oxide and emitting oxygen, thus regulating greenhouse gases. The species also have many perceived negative effects on the environment. These include; implication on depletion of soil nutrients required by crops thus causing poor crop yields, although it adds organic matter, it produces allelo-chemicals which influence negative performance of agricultural crops. Many species of this tree and in particular, E. globulus sheds its bark continuously and produces enormous leaf litter which could offer an innovative venture in harvesting of these components for commercial use. Few species (E. globulus) are prone to beetle attack with E. regnans hardly coppicing which may discourage farmers from its growing. KEFRI has however, attempted to provide guidelines on selecting and matching sites in Kenya with potential species to encourage farmers to grow the tree species.
Vital Relations in Dholuo Conceptual Metaphors
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation, 2025) Joseph Rotumoi; Cellyne Anudo
Our conversations are laced with conceptual metaphors which are pivotal in meaning construction. These metaphors are embedded in our conceptual systems. This study sought to examine vital relations in Dholuo conceptual metaphors limited to human body parts, animals and food. Vital relation is a pivotal principle in the Conceptual Integration Theory (CIT) initiated by Fauconnier and Turner (2002); it plays a key role in the conceptualization of metaphors in Dholuo. Data was collected using an interview schedule which was augmented with a tape recorder. A total of one hundred and fifty metaphorical expressions were collected and analysed qualitatively. The study revealed that vital relations such as Analogy, Part-Whole, Similarity, Disanalogy and Category are registered in Dholuo conceptual metaphors limited to human body parts, food and animals. Additionally, the study found out that although vital relations are significant, not all of them are manifested in a single Dholuo conceptual metaphor. The study further revealed that Analogy and Part-Whole were the most pervasive vital relations in Dholuo conceptual metaphors.
A Conceptual Analysis of Dholuo Insults
(International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Innovation, 2025) Joseph Rotumoi; Cellyne Anudo
Swearing is a universal phenomenon shared and normalized in everyday conversations; it plays a pivotal role in the management of feelings and emotions. Though tabooed in many societies, insults are frequently used in daily interactions moreover, they provide a platform upon which linguistic analyses can be conducted. Insults, a sub set of swearing, cover a variety of topics and play different roles for example, some insults help language users get relief from anger and tension incertain situations. Othersare used to humiliate or belittle while some are used to challenge the existing social power. Insults are context and culture dependent as such, what may be considered an insult in one society may not be in another. Insults take varied forms, there are those that are direct others indirect. Additionally, there are those that are short consisting of just a word while others consist of two or more sentences. This study sought to classify Dholuo insults and describe the images used therein; examine the imageschemas in Dholuo insults and explain the functions of Dholuo insults. The study employed the Conceptual Integration Theory by Fauconnier and Turner (2002) which helped in the construction of meaning of conceptual metaphors used in Dholuo insults and the Image schema theory by Johnson (1987) which helped unravel the meanings portrayed in the varied metaphors used in Dholuo insults. The data which was collected using an interview schedule was analyzed qualitatively. The study revealed that Dholuo insults are not only used to release pent up emotions but also for humour.
Gaining The Ground: Rethinking The Role of Sweet Potato Crop as A Strategy to Combat Household Food Insecurity in Kenya
(International Journal of Science Academic Research, 2025-09-30) Joseph O. Otieno
Roots and tuber crops that include sweet potatoes, potatoes, cassava and yams are grown by many small holder farmers in many developing countries as part of the agricultural system to provide family dietary requirements and occasionally as cash crop. In many of these countries, they are only second to cereals as staples and provide energy and carbohydrates and contribute significantly to food security at the household level. However, at the national policy level, little attention has been given to these crops (except for Irish potatoes) as one avenue of tackling food insecurity. Most government strategies meant to combat food insecurity focuses on increasing cereal crop production, relying on external market access to food items, food aid or assistance during famines and improving infrastructure and financing for ‘traditional food’ crops such as maize, wheat, sorghum, beans and Irish potatoes. This paper argues that there is need to re-orient policy and strategies that tackle food insecurity by promoting the adoption of technologies that will improve production, processing, commercialization, and consumption of these crops, especially sweet potatoes given its’ adaptability to grow in different ecological zones; The adaptability of the crop makes it suitable for those areas considered marginal for most cereal cultivation. The commercialization and processing will provide income streams that famers can use to complement their own farm food production. The paper is based on an analysis of policy and agricultural production data from various government agencies.
Plant functional traits can guide the regeneration of soil fertility in Kenyan grasslands
(Australasian Plant Pathology, 2025-12-09) Ellen L. Fry; Yuda Odongo; Barthelemew Nyakundi; Josh S. Lynn; Joseph Hitimana; John N. Quinton; Mariana C. Rufino; Richard D. Bardgett
Background and aims In mesic areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, grassland and soil degradation is widespread and accelerating through overgrazing, alien plant encroachment, and climate change. Selection of native plant species that help to regenerate soil fertility is needed. Here we used a plant functional traitbased approach to species selection aiming to identify traits of native grassland plants that may regenerate soil fertility in degraded grasslands. Methods We set up a mesocosm experiment with degraded and undegraded grassland soils from two contrasting locations in western Kenya. Mesocosms were planted with 18 local plant species. After six months, we harvested the plants and measured survival, plant functional traits, and a range of soil chemical and biological properties related to soil health. Results Seedling mortality was widespread, with eleven out of eighteen species not surviving after six months when planted in the degraded soils. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations of degraded soils from both sites were lower than for undegraded soils, as was microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen. In soil of the surviving plant species, we found greater carbon and nitrogen, and enhanced enzyme activity for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling. This was linked to plant traits, including lower leaf dry matter content, high tissue nutrient content, and deep roots. Conclusion Overall, our findings provide evidence that sowing native plant species with dense and nutrient rich tissues, such as high yielding forage grasses and slow-growing legumes, can help regenerate the fertility of degraded grassland soils in mesic tropical regions.