The quality of domesticated crickets depends on the choice of feed substrate that has a direct impact on the economic viability of the farming operation. This study assessed the popular local cricket feeds in the Lake Victoria region. Data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, personal observations, and growth experiments. Kales, sweet potato leaves, ugali, and banana peels were the most preferred by the farmers. Crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had a significantly higher weight gain and maturity rate than those fed on ugali and banana peels (p < .05). Additionally, crickets fed on kales and sweet potatoes had higher (82.4% and 78.6%, respectively) crude proteins compared to those fed on ugali (57.9%) and banana peels (62.9%). Kales and sweet potatoes can serve as cheaper, alternative local feeds for cricket farming. Empowerment of farmers through subsidies or provision of loans can enhance local cricket feed production.

Striga hermonthica weed infestation continues to persist among smallholder poor farmers in Kenya who depend on traditional maize (Zea mays L.) seeds for their livelihood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five local Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Strigae strains (FK1, FK2, FK3, FK4, and FK5) to control Striga on susceptible local maize cultivar “Rachar” in three farmer field sites in Siaya County, Kenya. A complete randomized block design was used in each site. Statistical analysis was done using SAS 9.1 software, and means for different strains were tested with Fisher's LSD. The strains differentially reduced the number of emerged Striga and infected most of the emerged Striga, which affected performance of the local maize. Striga emergence and infection rates were significantly different (p < .05) between different strains of F. oxysporum f. sp. strigae. FK1 and FK2 strains had the least pathogenicity, while FK5 strain had the highest pathogenicity on Striga. Soil and climatic factors influenced the rate of infection for the tested strains and maize performance. Improvement in yield during the short rains was attributed to the persistence of Fusarium strains in the soil. Based on Striga emergence and infection rates, and maize yield, FK5 was the most effective strain to curb Striga menace. Adoption of local F. oxysporum strains will increase maize yield in Siaya County's Striga‐infested fields from a dismal average of 0.95 t/ha to about 1.95 t/ha. The observed significant differences in the tested strains between sites for the infection and emergence rates revealed the importance of considering pathogens on a field‐to‐field basis. Further studies should be carried out to establish the relationship between soil properties and the five fungal strains.

Psidium guajava L. has been documented as an exotic invasive species in many parts of the world, but little is known about its interactions with native woody species during secondary forest succession in tropical forests. Its invasion and interactions with native species in different...

Understanding the seasonal regulation of transpiration and stomatal conductance is critical for evaluating plant water-use strategies in response to environmental variability. This study assessed these physiological traits in three dominant savanna tree species (Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh., Combretum molle R.Br. ex G.Don, and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile) in Ruma National Park, Kenya. Measurements were taken during wet and dry seasons under varying canopy light conditions (light-exposed vs. shaded leaves) and soil moisture regimes. A randomized design with four treatments and three replicates was employed. Results showed significantly higher transpiration and stomatal conductance during wet seasons, especially in sunlit leaves (p < 0.05). P. thonningii exhibited the highest rates of transpiration (9 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and stomatal conductance (~2.2 mmol m⁻² s⁻¹) in light conditions, while B. aegyptiaca maintained consistently low values, reflecting a drought-tolerant strategy. C. molle demonstrated intermediate responses, suggesting a balance between water conservation and resource use. Despite seasonal trends, low R² values indicated that internal physiological regulation outweighed the influence of external climatic drivers. These findings reveal species-specific water-use strategies and highlight the ecological significance of leaf-level responses to light and moisture availability in tropical savannas. The study provides valuable insights for forest management and climate-resilient restoration planning in water-limited ecosystems.

The Kenyan tropical rain forest is under imminent threat of degradation due to the changes in climatic condition and rapid growing human population. This study determined the changes in woody species diversity between natural forest (secondary forest) and plantation forest during different stages...