http://repository.tharaka.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/1/4351 2026-05-25T13:22:34Z http://repository.tharaka.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/1/4467 MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DUCKWEED (LEMNACEAE) IN SELECTED WETLANDS AND POND WATERS OF THARAKA- NITHI COUNTY, KENYA MUTHIKE, KATHENYA G Duckweeds are aquatic herbs adapted to various geographic and climatic zones, with significant applications in wastewater treatment, animal feeds, biofuel production, and as a culinary ingredient in some Asian countries. In Kenya, including Tharaka-Nithi County, duckweed has attracted the attention of farmers as a feed supplement for livestock. However, commercial extraction poses a threat to the survival of the plant and its ecological roles, necessitating its conservation and promotion of sustainable utilization. This study aimed at characterizing local duckweed species to understand their taxonomic variation and distribution in Tharaka-Nithi County. Samples were collected from selected wetlands and ponds, with GPS coordinates and elevation of sampling points recorded for analysis of their distribution. Morphological features of duckweed were studied and the DNA extracted for molecular characterization using DNA barcoding markers. One hundred and forty-four samples of duckweed were collected and from morphological characterization, they were grouped into nine clones. All the nine clones had parallel veins and obovate fronds with rounded apices. Morphological features such as frond symmetry, color, border and length varied among clones. Hence, frond symmetry, border and color, formed significant qualitative characteristics while frond length formed a significant quantitative characteristic. Morphological data suggested that the clones belonged to the same genus, consistent with previous studies. Further, molecular characterization that was done using RBCL and matK genes, successfully confirmed they were duckweed species. Six RBCL gene amplification products were sequenced, and BLAST search results indicated they were from the genus Lemna. Three samples collected from Chogoria, Gatithini and Ikumbo were identified as Lemna minor. In contrast, samples collected from Marimanti, Kathwana and Kaanwa were identified as Lemna turionifera, Lemna aequinoctialis, and Lemma perpusilla respectively. Lemna minor and Lemna turionifera were predominant in treated sewage ponds while Lemna aequinoctialis and Lemma perpusilla were found on still waters in swamps and fishponds respectively. This study provides information that can be used in formulating conservation and utilization policies for duckweed in Tharaka-Nithi County and beyond. The findings highlight the need for molecular identification to supplement morphological methods due to the intricate nature of duckweed species identification. Through this foundational understanding of duckweed biodiversity in the region, this research contributes valuable insights into sustainable resource management and conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term viability of these vital aquatic plants in local ecosystems. 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tharaka.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/1/4460 EXPERIENTIAL ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE TEACHERS’ PREPAREDNESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION IN PUBLIC JUNIOR SCHOOLS IN TIGANIA ZONE, MERU COUNTY, KENYA KIBURI, MWIKA A The global trends and increasing demand for twenty-first-century skills have prompted countries like Kenya to adopt a Competency-Based Education. Despite its implementation, the experiential needs of Agriculture Teachers, who are pivotal on executing agriculture education at the junior school level, have not been adequately addressed, hence calling for an investigation. The current study was guided by three objectives: digital literacy on CBE implementation, instructional materials availability on CBE implementation, and instructional methodologies on CBE Implementation among Agriculture Teachers. Experiential Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory were employed. The study employed a descriptive survey research method. The target population was 295 respondents, and the sampling procedure was done through a multistage process at different levels: The stratified approach sampled Tigania West, Tigania Central, and Tigania East sub-counties, which constituted the Tigania Zone of Meru County. Simple random sampling was applied to choose the junior schools and, purposive sampling for Agriculture Teachers to participate in the study. The sample size was 169, comprising Agriculture Teachers. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires for the Agriculture Teachers. The reliability was approximated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient at 0.81 for the questionnaire. Data was collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Quantitative data were presented using frequency distribution tables and pie chart figures. Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression analysis conducted to show a significant relationship between various study variables with CBE implementation. Stakeholders may benefit from improved resource allocation decisions and enhanced instructional practices. Ultimately, this may enhance the learning outcomes of students in Agriculture Education in Tigania Zone in Meru County. The study found that Agriculture Teachers need professional development and CBE-aligned education. Agriculture Teachers need ongoing capacity-building in digital literacy, modern instruction, and classroom management. Improved instructional approaches will promote interactive and student-centred learning and skill development in Agriculture Education in Tigania Zone, Meru County. 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tharaka.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/1/4456 KAGURU AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER: EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ENHANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IN IMENTI SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, MERU COUNTY, KENYA KIRIUNGI, RIZIKI K Agricultural Training Centers (ATC) play a critical function in revealing knowledge to farmers planning to upgrade their agricultural methods and enhance their livelihoods. This study explored the educational influence of Kaguru Agricultural Training Center (KATC) in the enhancement of knowledge of smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. Despite the presence of Kaguru ATC in Imenti South Sub-County, there still existed a gap of limited adoption of modern farming techniques by smallholder farmers (SHFs) in this area. Three objectives based the study namely, to determine the influence of physical infrastructure in Kaguru ATC, influence of Kaguru ATC curriculum in modern farming practices, and to analyse the implications of challenges faced by Kaguru ATC in delivering effective training programs on enhancement of knowledge among smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County ,Meru County Kenya.Theoretical framework was based on The Kirkpatrick and Input-Process-Output (IPO) Models which provided structured approaches to evaluate the influence of Kaguru ATC and address the challenges in delivery of effective training programme. Conceptual framework outlined the variables adequate physical infrastructures, curriculum alignment with modern techniques, the knowledge acquired through training, improved skills, social capital, and community networks. Study location was The Sub-County of Imenti South in Meru County. Piloting of the study questionnaires and interview schedule took place at Imenti North Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. A reliability coefficient of α = 0.78 was established. Design used for research was descriptive in nature. The target population was 500 smallholder farmers trained at Kaguru ATC in The Sub-County of Imenti South. The technique used for sampling was stratified random. The sample size consisted of 217 smallholder farmers selected using the Kathuri and Pals sample determination table. The research instruments included a structured questionnaire and an interview schedule which gathered quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative techniques using SPSS v25 software. The study found out that the adoption of contemporary farming techniques is greatly affected by factors such as education level, years of farming experience, and training attendance. Gains in knowledge were greatest in crop management training, then in livestock farming. Training in agribusiness was the least effective. Although Kaguru ATC is vital for expanding people's knowledge, challenges like lack of funding, restricted curricula, and outdated infrastructure prevent it from being widely used. Government should boost its expenditure, realign its curricula, and implement financial support mechanisms in order to improve training outcomes in ATCs according to the suggestions made. The study findings will be beneficial to policymakers in coming up with policies that guide conservation of natural resources, the County government in allocating funds to ATCs, and farmers and give support in favor of additionalexploration 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.tharaka.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/1/4393 WATIEMA, COLLINS One of the primary drivers of tourism is wildlife. In conservancies, the relationship between community engagement and sustainable wildlife tourism is vital for the balance between biodiversity conservation and the socioeconomic benefits derived from wildlife tourism initiatives. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the influence of community engagement strategies on sustainable wildlife tourism within wildlife conservancies in Kajiado County, Kenya. The study’s objectives were to evaluate the influence of the levels and types of community engagement on sustainable wildlife tourism in Kajiado County and to establish the factors that hinder community engagement. This study was grounded on the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Theory and the Stakeholder Theory. A descriptive research design with a mixed-methods approach was adopted. The study employed a census of key stakeholders, including 29 conservancy managers as identified by the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA) (2024), 29 corresponding community leaders, one representative from the KWCA, and representatives from the tourism and wildlife departments at both the national and county government levels. Out of the anticipated 61 respondents, 60 participated in the study.Primary data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with representatives from the tourism and wildlife departments of the county and national governments, as well as from the KWCA. Quantitative data was collected through survey questionnaires that were paper-based and closed-ended, administered to conservancy managers and community leaders. All the respondents were selected through purposive sampling. The qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Concurrently, the quantitative data was subjected to descriptive and inferential data analysis. Simple linear regression analysis revealed significant relationships between community engagement and sustainable wildlife tourism. For levels of community engagement, participative engagement demonstrated a positive coefficient of 0.523 for community leaders and 0.487 for conservancy managers. In contrast, directive engagement showed negative coefficients of -0.297 (community leaders) and -0.271 (conservancy managers), while consultative engagement similarly exhibited negative impacts, with coefficients of -0.285 and -0.263 respectively. Regarding types of engagement, both direct and indirect engagement positively influence sustainability. Direct engagement had coefficients of 0.423 (community leaders) and 0.402 (conservancy managers), and indirect engagement followed with coefficients of 0.399 and 0.378 respectively. However, financial engagement had a negative influence on sustainability, with coefficients of -0.295 (community leaders) and -0.276 (conservancy managers). The regression models explained 56.4% of the variance in sustainable wildlife tourism outcomes for community leaders and 47.9% for conservancy managers (R²), with significant F-values of 14.73 and 11.65, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that participative, direct and indirect community engagements are key drivers of sustainable wildlife tourism in Kajiado County, whereas directive, consultative and financial community engagements may hinder it. The study recommends enforcing legislation that mandates community inclusion in wildlife tourism and conservation decision-making at both the national and county government levels, prioritizing local community participation in tourism operations by wildlife conservancies, enhancing community engagement policies through advocacy by the KWCA and investing in capacity-building initiatives to improve effective community engagement 2024-11-01T00:00:00Z