Rabbit keeping is becoming popular in the country making it necessary for farmers to take a close interest in the project and earn money from it. The demand for rabbit meat is growing each and every day making it necessary for one to start looking for the animal species and find out the best breeds that are most demanded by consumers. The following list comprises of the best rabbit breeds that can be kept by any Kenyan farmer.

Alaska

The breed originated from Germany. It has an approximate size of 7-9Lb with a total of about 4.1kg.The breed belongs to those types that have short fur on their bodies and their ears will always appear to be upright in most of the cases. The breed is black in color and continues to gain more popularity for Kenyan farmers as it is cheap and easy to keep. Proper feeding and cleaning of the dwelling places is a must for the farmer to avoid the buildup of disease infections.

Californian

Found and originated from the United States of America. The rabbit type is big with an average of 4.5kilograms.It is short having small fur covering its body. The breed has upright ears and has colors such as white, chocolate, lilac and the eyes are red in color. It is important to check on the rabbit breed for any sign of diseases and control measures to be applied. The demand of its meat is continually rising and farmers need to supply more of it.

Chinchilla

The breed was first discovered and came into realization in the country of France. It has a total of 3.2kgs with 5-7lb.The fur is short and the ears are in most cases upright. It has the famous chinchilla color that has been used to brand and identify it. Proper feeding and hygiene is needed for long survival of the breed. It is cheap to find in the market and friendly to keep.

In Kenya, there are various network service providers who ensure that their customers access the most important services as far as communication is concerned. The network service providers include Safaricom, Airtel, Orange and Yu and have ensured that they offer the best services on their own means to comfortably compete with the other service providers. Safaricom therefore through this, has been able to offer different services to their customers. They range from personal to business services and they are made best to outdo their competitors.

Safaricom business services are varied but there is a unique service that they introduced referred to as Cloud Computing. This service host other services related to business and ensure that their customers reap most benefits from the use of these services. The services offered under cloud computing by Safaricom include;

Online data Storage

This as a service which ensure that businesses store their data online and are able to access it remotely over the internet. This service offered under Atmos allows storage and management of data in a self-service and utility-like environment. The major features accompanied by this service include online document editing, desktop application, easy search tool, access to the data anytime from anywhere, folder/directory upload, online collaboration, online sharing of large files as well as customized views of the data. With the use of this service, major advantages such as efficiency in storage, seamless scalability in form of addition of capacity, application and locations and easy storage access with the highest flexibility in the access is evident for the users.

Backup services

Branded “cloud back up” service, Safaricom ensure that they offer the best back up services to make sure that their customers reduce operational costs, keep their business data secure and access a host of value added services that transform how their business operates. They provide this service to ensure that their customers avoid capital outlaying to purchase new back up equipment, ongoing media costs as well as running costs. With the cloud back up service, there is increase in the back up capacity, elimination of risks of human error in the back process as well as offer centralized management. From the service also, the customers are able to conduct data recovery fast, efficient and securely.

Disaster Recovery services

With this service incorporated in the business operation, it ensure that the business data and information can be replicated usually from the storage array and store it offsite. This is beneficial to the business because it ensure that the customer’s key operational systems are available in the event of an emergency or a disaster and can also be recovered quickly. This service is thereby priced according to storage size as well as the type of disaster recovery requirements. The replication is easy and fast and works using the file systems and offer point-in-time recovery as well as continuous replication to protect applications with the bi-directional synchronous and asynchronous procedures.

Archiving Services

This service offered by Safaricom make it possible for the business to move from a reactive to a proactive data archiving strategy which helps in the management of key assets throughout their life cycles. Archiving service by Safaricom provides a flexible, scalable archiving environment that helps automate retention and disposal policies while maintaining quick access to archived business content. With this service, the customer benefit from it since it offer free primary storage capacity, deploy tiered storage to lower cost, automate policies for retention and deletion of inactive files and much more benefits.

Online Software services

This service enable the business processes to be convenient as it ensure the customers manage their communication, accounting and payroll functions efficiently. There are various software and features which include “sage pastel my business online accounting” which involve giving the customer control over the business and offer integrated services that enhance productivity and “Online HR Payroll” where all the tasks associated with the existing employees of the organization are easily handled.

 

 

Bukura is a middle level college that offer training majorly on Agricultural education and other related fields. The institution is located a few kilometers from Butere along Butere-Kakamega road. The college is set an approximately 580 acres of land. The institution is dedicated to train students on agricultural sciences. It provides high quality training programmes for its students by giving them the hand-on skills in various programmes offered.

There are various departments at Bukura Agricultural College, department of Agricultural Education and Rural Development being one of them. The department of Agricultural Education and Rural Development consists of three sections: Agricultural Education and extension, Agricultural Economics and Home Economics. Six diploma programs are run in this department.

The training in these diploma programs are designed in a manner that emerging technological and scientific issues in agriculture, environment, food, extension and educational sciences as well as applied economics is incorporated. Therefore the learners are equipped with skills and knowledge in strategies of extension, information technology biotechnology, agribusiness management as well as entrepreneurship. Students are equipped with a hand-on skills and experience through participation in various research and outreach activities.

Diploma course programmes offered at department of Agricultural Education and Rural Development at Bukura Agricultural College include:

a)     Diploma in Agriculture, Consumer Education and Human Ecology

b)    Diploma in Agricultural Extension and community development

c)     Diploma in Agricultural Education and Extension

d)    Diploma in agribusiness Management

e)     Diploma in Food Sciences and Nutrition

 

For more information contact:

P.O Box 23-50105, Bukura

Tel: 020-3505479

Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

 

For a long time, animal diseases have affected farmers in  kenya in such a way that they end up getting little profit from the amount they have collected. It is therefore important that one applies the various ways that can be used to control the spread of animal diseases in the country in order to make more and obtain huge benefits from their livestock.

Avoid Mixing Farm Animals

Animals often contract diseases when they are allowed to interact with others inform of grazing. It is therefore important that one takes a close look on how they can avoid mixing their cattle with other farm animals as that gives the channel through which diseases can be spread hence making it easy for  them to get infected and may die if not treated at amore faster rate.

Dipping

The methods one of the best used in controlling the rate of pest and diseases infection in the country. It involves animals swimming through a dip pond mixed with chemicals used to kill ticks making it an essential way of controlling ticks that can play great roles in making it hard for animals to survive.

Practice Rotational Grazing

Often at times pests will affect animals when they become concentrated more at a certain place eventually making it hard for the various farm animals to survive. When a farmer learns how to control pest by practicing rotational grazing, they play an important part in driving away the pests that rely on animals as their hosts.

Drenching

It is the use of a drenching gun to give animals liquid medicine that can be used by them in obtaining medicine for the internal worms that continually create a lot of discomfort to the user. It is therefore important that the tool be purchased by farmers to be used in administering liquid medicine to their cattle.

 

 

 

Cabbages are a source of income for many farmers in the country and care should be taken to ensure that they are well cultivated and farmers find humble time to take good care of them by simply attending to them and ensuring that they are prevented from major disease infections. The growth of cabbage is however inhibited by the attack of the following major pest and diseases.

Aphids

Masses of aphid attack the crop leaves especially during the periods that are dry and the weather does not let much rainfall. They are rare in situations that provoke wet conditions. During the dry period, irrigation can be used as the best alternative in controlling the pest.

Cutworms

Larvae stage of the moth. It normally stays hidden in the sol or moist rubbish. They damage the crop by simply cutting the stem at the base of the seedling after transplanting is done. It is controlled by mixing appropriate insecticide powder with the soil in the holes during planting.

Damping off

Is a major disease that attacks the cabbage seedlings in the nursery? It occurs in heavily watered conditions. If it is not controlled, the crop will eventually wither and die at a later stage. Control is by simply remving the shade  and thinning the seedlings that are overcrowded.

Blackrot

It attacks the pith of the stem. When infected cabbage is cut, a black ring will be seen  where the bacteria has destroyed the plant. Crop rotation will be the best alternative of controlling the disease.

Downy mildew

It takes place in areas that have heavy mists and they are more frequent. The disease is controlled by simply uprooting and burning the plant

Agricultural being one of the most developed sector in the economy of Kenya has been able to produce the best quality in the country’s market and internationally. This is because the farmers in the country have been able to access the necessary tools that they require in the production of their specialized products. The farmers are able to know the methods that are required for the better crop yields.

Farmers have embraced the advancement in technology and thereby use the internet to acquire for any assistance that they need for their effective farming techniques. Due to the various types of the farming which range from maize farming, coffee and tea farming to rearing of livestock, the internet provide for the best information regarding all these farming groups. The major websites that ensure that the farmers in Kenya have access the accurate and helpful information for their development and better crop yields include;

Kilimo.go.ke

This is the ministry of agriculture in Kenya official website which is one of the leading site in the provision of the agricultural information required by the farmers in Kenya. This site provides for any information regarding the production of any type of products in the farmers. The site has a information resources areas which ensure that the farmers in the different parts of the country have the necessary information about the climate of their areas and the products which can best adapt to the climate of these areas. Apart from the provision of agricultural information, this site provide the farmers with the programmes and projects which ensure that the farmers can take part of and benefit from them.

Airc.go.ke

This is another site which is part of the Ministry of Agriculture that is specialized in the service of a wide range of agricultural information to the agricultural sector through the mass media. The Agricultural information Resource Centre works on the principle of providing quality agricultural information and skills training to farmers and stakeholders in order to enhance farmers’ ability to increase agricultural output.

Kari.org

This is another site which Kenyan farmers can acquire the necessary information that they require for their agricultural production. The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute bring together research programmes in food crops, horticulture and industrial crops, livestock and range management. It also promotes sound agricultural research, technology generation and dissemination to ensure food security through environmental conservation and much more. The most recent information programmes that they provided was the provision of the necessary skills empowering women to tackle cattle lung diseases.

M-farm.co.ke

This is the leading website in the provision of the necessary information on how to plant and be able to get the best output out of your farm. The farmers can be able to access the information on how to plants and farm for fruits and nuts such as ground nuts giving the farmers the information they need on the type of seeds which will do well in their area as well as the planting method and technique as well as how to harvest them avoiding losses. They also provide information about how best to rear livestock and poultry and the methods of how to do the best farming in your area depending on the climate.

Nafis.go.ke

This is termed as one of the leading resource Centre for farmers in Kenya as they ensure that they provide the farmers with the best tactics in the farming profession. National Farmers Information Service (NAFIS) intends to serve the farmers’ needs throughout the country including the rural areas where the internet access is limited. They cover themes which relate to both general and more specific agricultural topics, from natural resource management to processing, post-harvest preservation and marketing. They provide this information in a more readable form and design with text, graphics, audio and video and enabling the farmers to download information they feel is helpful to them.

With growing popularity of raising backyard chicken come an increasing interest in raising meat chicken. Dual purpose chicken, those laying eggs and also used for their meat are the most commonly rared but mostfarmersare turning to broilers for their better flavor.just like layers each breed comes with a different result so choosing depends on what it is you want to achieve.

Broilers are chicken raised specifically for meat. They grow very fast compared to the egg laying or the dual purpose breed. Most of them have a high growth rate with high feeds convention and minimal activity. In five weeks broilers can reach a weight of upto 4-5 pounds. Dual purpose breed are usually smaller with slow growing rate.

Cornish Cross

its an excellent fast growing broiler. Harvest time for a 4 pound broiler is normally 7-8 weeks. Their body make up is superb with broad breast large legs and thighs and a rich yellow skn.

Jersey Giant

It weighs averagely 11-13 pounds. They grow at a slower rate than other meat birds, about 6 months to maturity making them undesirable for commercial purpose. They can also serve as dual purpose breed.

Delaware

its a heavy bodied bird. Male can weigh up to 8.5 pounds female 6.5pounds. It’s hardy in heat and cold and matures quickly.can also serve as dual purpose. They have a calm and friendly disposition docking.

Bukeye

this dual purpose breed is cold weather hardy and adapts to various weather conditions. However because they are very active they do not do well in confined places, adapting best to free ranges. Weigh upto 9 pounds.

 

 

 

 

 

Dairy farming is one of the most profitable types of farming in Kenya. This has been attributed by high consumption of dairy products such as milk, meat and others. Almost all Kenyans rear animals at home so as to get milk which is majorly used to make tea.

Although dairy farming is practiced in many parts of Kenya, large scale dairy farming is practiced in highland parts of Kenya because this is the place that favors new species of cows. Since, dairy farming is the most profitable farming in Kenya, there is need to improve its productivity in Kenya to ensure production of high produce.

There are many ways in which one will ensure that there is improvement in dairy farming in Kenya. First, you must begin with choosing of quality animal husbandry. To ensure that you have quality animals for dairy farming, you need to begin with the government vet and you can find them by visiting the Kenya agriculture institute of research (KARI). You also need to visit the animal consultants for more advice.

Another thing is that, you must put the welfare of dairy cow as your topmost priority. This does not mean you leave your job aside, it means that for you to expect a lot of milk production from a cow, you need to take care of that cow very well in terms of feeds.

Those who want to buy dairy cows in Kenya; they should ensure that they buy dairy cows wisely because they might cows which are already infected with mastitis. Young non lactating cows are more preferable because they are less likely to be exposed to mastitis.

If you are involved in large scale dairy farming in Kenya, you must ensure that all the staffs employed are highly trained so that they replicate that in dairy farming by giving high output. If you do not employ trained workers will expect low yield.

The last concept is that dairy farmers must ensure that cows are kept clean at all cost. This should be done by ensuring that the cattle sheds are kept clean daily. The cows should also be immunized to prevent infection because once the cows are infected; it will require a lot of money for treatment.

Mwea Tabere Irrigation Scheme

It is located in Mwea and the best in the country. The irrigation schemes popularly known for the production of rice and is loved by many Kenyans in the outcome. It has since grown by the way in which technology is continually replacing the old ways of providing water to crops. Mwea is playing very important roles in the agricultural development of the country and is since growing to be the best in the east Africa market. It has provided a lot of employment opportunities for Kenyans and continues to accommodate new crop varieties.

Ahero Irrigation Scheme

It specializes in providing plenty supply of water for various crops such as cotton, tomatoes, green grams and sorghum. It plays important agricultural duties such as training and developing the crucial organizations that benefit farmers. It creates market for its customers and has often been effective in spreading its services to the national cereals and produce board, local traders and millers and the western rice mills belonging to Kenya.

Perkerra Irrigation Scheme

It is found about 100km from nakuru town along the famous river perkerra that is the nost source of water in the region. The irrigation scheme continues to offer a lot of employment opportunities for Kenyans and has since been crucial in producing onions and water melons. The irrigation scheme is well managed and is growing to create more employment opportunities for majority of jobless Kenyans in the araea.

It has continually been crucial in serving the needs of turkana residents. The scheme provides not only water to crops but also for other activities in the town. It is growing and more modern machines are being brought to enhance the food security it offers in the area.

 

Bee farming is the keeping of bees for productive purposes. It is one of the cheapest types of farming that a person can engage in especially here in Kenya. Since Kenya is a country that is approximately 80 percent arid and semi-arid, it is a favorable place for bee farming because bee farming is a type of enterprise that does not require fertile land.

The arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya such as Baringo and Kitui County have proved to be the best counties in bee production because most of the honey that is being sold in Kenyan market is coming from those two counties.

The advantages of bee farming includes:

• It does not require small piece of land.
• It requires small amount of money to start.
• It requires minimal labour force.
• It has more than ten income generating products (some of them include pollen, propolis, royal jelly, bee colonies, bee venom, and bee brood).
• It is believed to possess some medicinal value.
• Bees are flowers pollinators hence assist in fertilization of plants.

The first thing a person who wants to start bee keeping should know is that he/she should be able to put into consideration the bee-human relationship because bee are very dangerous insects that sting and to some extend can cause death and therefore, a farmer should know how to deal with it. The total amount a person requires to set up bee farming is approximately Kshs.10, 000 (from purchasing of beehive to that of harvesting materials) together with the equipments used for harvesting honey.Setting up a beehive requires Kshs.5000 for example the Langstroth type of bee hive but a person may decide to use locally available materials to construct one from home.

The harvesting materials cost a total of Kshs.5, 000. These materials include gumboots, gloves, bee suits and smokers. One you have finished constructing or buying a beehive, you can now set the beehive to either the farm or bush. If you do not have a farm, you can negotiate with your neighbor or a friend so that he/she can allow you to use their farm because bees will assist in fertilization of plants and vegetables. Once the beehive is set, it can be left for a period of six month or one year because it does not need close supervision like other type of farming. You can also attract the bees to the beehive by putting the juice or sugary solution inside the beehive.

Harvesting of honey from bees is normally done after one year after the beehive has been set. The second harvesting can then be done about 8 months after the first one. After the second harvesting of beehive (honey), the subsequent harvests can be done after every four month. After harvesting honey, you can now sell it to the market at about Kshs.150 per kilo of honey.