FIELD ATTACHMENT REPORT

PLACE OF ATTACHMENT: KABETE FIELD STATION

DURATION: 6TH MAY- 28TH JUNE 2019

NAME: ONDIEGI JOSHUA OTIENO

REG: A85/4396/2017

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT SCIENCE & CROP PROTECTION

BSc. HORTICULTURE

UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR: DR. ONESMUS KITONYO

Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
DEDICATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3
ABSTRACT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

CHAPTER ONE-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.0 INTRODUCTION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.1 HISTORY OF KABETE FIELD STATION---------------------------------------------------------------------4

1.2 VISION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4
1.3 MISSION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

CHAPTER TWO-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

2.0 MAIN SECTIONS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

2.1 COFFEE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
2.1.1 COFFEE ESTABLISHMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6
2.1.2 NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
2.1.3 CANOPY MANAGEMENT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

2.1.4 WEEDS AND THEIR CONTROL-------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

2.1.5 PEST AND THEIR MANAGEMENT---------------------------------------------------------------------------8
2.1.6 DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT--------------------------------------------------------------------9
2.1.7 IRRIGATION------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
2.1.8 HARVESTING OF COFFEE------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
2.1.9 COFFEE PROCESSING-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10

2.2 HORTICULTURE--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10
2.2.1 FIELD PREPARATION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
2.2.2 PEST, DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL-----------------------------------------------------------------11
2.2.3 WEED CONTROL------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11
2.2.4 HARVESTING----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------11

2.3 ACCOUNTS AND STORE---------------------------------------------------------------------------12

2.4 OTHER ENTERPRISES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
2.5 RECORDS AND STORE------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
2.5.1 GARAGE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
2.5.2 MACHINERY-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 2

2.5.3 OTHER EQUIPMENT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12

2.6 POULTRY UNIT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
2.6.1 ROUTINE MANAGEMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13
2.6.2 FEEDING-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
2.6.3 VACCINATION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
2.6.4 CARE OF DAY OLD CHICKS---------------------------------------------------------------------------------14
2.6.5 EGG COLLECTION AND INCUBATION-------------------------------------------------------------------15
2.6.6 HYDROPONIC FODDER PRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.7 LIVESTOCK UNIT-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16
2.7.1. IDENTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK-------------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.7.2 PASTURE MANAGEMENT------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.7.3 SPRAYING--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16
2.7.4 BIOGAS PRODUCTION----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
2.7.5 CHALLENGES----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE FIELD ATTACHMENT PROGRAM----------------------------

17
3.1.1 STRENGTH-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17
3.1.2 WEAKNESS------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
3.1.3 OPPORTUNITIES------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18
3.1.4 THREATS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18
3.2 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION----------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3.2.1CONCLUSION-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3.2.2 RECOMMENDATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19
3.4 APPENDICES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
3.4.1 WORK PLAN------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20
3.5 REFERENCES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 3

DECLARATION
This is my original work and has not been done by anyone else.

Name: ONDIEGI JOSHUA OTIENO Sign.----------------------------

REG. NO: A85/4396/2017 Date: ----------------------------

DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to the almighty God for taking good care of me throughout the attachment
period. I also dedicate the work to my family members for offering me financial assistance
during this period of attachment. Lastly, I dedicate the work to colleagues who supported me and
inspired me in this field of agriculture.

ABSTRACT
This report is a description of my industrial attachment experience in terms of practical
observations, skills acquired, challenges faced and recommendations proposed. Kabete Field
Station is an ideal site for research. It also produces fresh products such as vegetables, milk,
poultry eggs among others, which is sold locally. During the attachment period, I was oriented in
various sections operated by the Field Station. The large portion of this report describes the
sections in details. The analysis has been followed by recommendations which can be adopted to
help in the improvement of the station.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 4

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 HISTORY OF KABETE FIELD STATION

Kabete Field Station is located in University of Nairobi’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary
Sciences, off Waiyaki Way. Kabete Field Station was established in the early 1970s after it was
acquired from the colonialists by the University. The station was initially called Kilima Kimwe
estate. At 6the time it was acquired, coffee was the main crop under production in the station.
The station occupies an area of approximately 200 hectares.

The station was established mainly for students as well as lecturers’ research purposes. The area
under coffee was later compressed to accommodate other crops and allow livestock
establishment. Currently, there are seven sections managed under the station namely:
Horticulture section, coffee section, livestock unit, poultry unit, veterinary unit, store and
accounts section.

1.2 VISION

To be a leading centre of excellence in sustainable agriculture, food, nutrition and environmental

conservation.

1.3 MISSION

To maintain a leadership role in pursuit of knowledge through relevant and quality

research,teaching for sustainable development,consultancy and outreach and to
contribute to increased human resources,agriculture productivity,agribusiness
Development,poverty reduction and food security using environmentally sustainable
Technology
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 5

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 MAIN SECTIONS

2.1 COFFEE

Coffee at the Field station was established by the colonialists in the early 1920s and is still the
major income earner in the field station. Coffee covers an area of 47ha of the total land in the
field station. Common varieties grown are SL 28/34 and Ruiru 11. SL 28/34 is characterised by
deep roots and is drought resistant. It is grown at a spacing of 2.74m by 2.74m. Ruiru 11 on 5the
other side has short trees,medium size with umbrella shape hence easy to handle. Ruiru 11 is
grown at a spacing of 2.74m by 1.37m.

The Area Under Coffee is Divided into the Following Fields

Field Variety No. of Trees Hectares

1 SL28/34 11060 8.32

2A Ruiru 11 13511 5.11

2B SL28/34 9310 3.5

3 SL28/34 9023 6.77

4 SL28/34 7720 5.8

5 SL28/34 6996 5.26

7 SL28/34 11899 8.9

8 Grafted Ruiru 1254 0.4

20 Ruiru 11 8961 2.9

TOTAL 79,734 47
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 6

2.1.1 COFFEE ESTABLISHMENT

Before one involves in coffee establishment, he must register with Coffee Board of Kenya CBK).
A suitable site for coffee growing is identified. Coffee seeds must be bought from a certified
company. For instance, the Field Station gets its Ruiru 11 seeds from Ruiru Coffee Research
Foundation. The field for coffee establishment is made ready six months before planting. Flat
ground is required for coffee establishment. To achieve this, harrowing must be done before
coffee holes can be made.

2.1.2 NURSERY ESTABLISHMENT

The ground chosen for nursery establishment must be fairly sloppy to ensure good water
drainage thus preventing flooding.
The ares should not have many trees which may result into shading.
There should be a reliable source of water for the nursery seedlings.
Nursery should be established 1.5m wide to make handling easier.
A suitable media must be chosen for the nursery. Sand is preferred due to its good drainage
ability and ease of uprooting the seedlings during transplanting.
The depth of the nursery should be at most 0.5m. The seeds are then placed at 2.5 cm intervals.
Seeds usually take one to two months to germinate with at least a couple of leaves. These
seedlings can then be transplanted to pots that have a medium of sand, soil and manure in the
ratio of 3:2:1 respectively. Seedlings take 8-12 months before they are ready for transplanting
into the field.

2.1.3 CANOPY MANAGEMENT

Ads the name suggests, this is the organisation of the shoots, leaves and fruit of the grapevine
plant in order to maximise the quality of the microclimate surrounding them, thus improving
quality and yield. It entails:

I. Pruning
II. Changing cycle
III. Handling

PRUNING
Is the selective removal of plant buds, branches or roots. Can be done by removing single plant
parts or multiple parts. Secateurs is often used in pruning.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 7

CHANGING CYCLES
When coffee trees are no longer viable, their cycles are alternated to give way to new viable
trees. It is usually done after two years. Can be done through clean stumping, which involves
cutting all the old trees leaving a sucker. Another way of changing cycles is by 3:2:1 method.
The method involves cutting one stem slanting outwards from the stool to avoid rooting. New
succkers will emanate. A new and healthiest sucker is then selected and the rest removed.

HANDLING
This is the removal of excess foliage or water sprouts that appear after long rains.

2.1.4 WEEDS AND THEIR CONTROL

The growth of weeds ios affected by a number of weeds which must be controlled. The
following weeds were identified in the coffee fields: blackjack and gallant soldier.
Methods of weed control
The following methods are commonly used to control weeds at the coffee fields in Field Station.
I. Manual labour-This is where workers are hired to slash the farm using panga and dig out the
weeds.
II. Herbicides – herbicides such as Gramoxona and roundup. Gramoxone affects only the
parts it comes in contact with while roundup is systematic when sprayed. It enters the weed
wholly such that leaves and roots. It is non selective.
III. Machines-Tractors are used to clear the weeds and is also called gyramowing.
IV. Cultural method- The main method used here is mulching where the growth of weeds is
suppressed and moisture is conserved.

2.1.5 PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL

The common pests that were identified in the field station affecting coffee are;

· Leaf miner
· Leaf skeletonizer
· Green scale
· Stem borer
Control
I. Use of natural enemies- this is a biological methods and includes use of lady birds.
II. Use of chemical spray- insecticides is sprayed to kill insects
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 8

2.1.6 DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL

Some of the common disease that were identified are;

i. Leaf rust
ii. Coffee berry disease

Coffee Disease Control

Leaf rust-It is caused by the fungus hemileia vastatrix. It does not affect the berries directly
but it leads to premature leaf fall that reduces yields (Cerda et al. 2017).
i. It is control by cultural
ii. Fungicidal spray
iii. Maintain weeding
iv. Pruning-this allows for free air circulation and light penetration.
Coffee berry disease- This is caused by fungus called colletotrichum coffeanum. It affects
the flowers, green and ripe berries and sometimes leaves. It doesn’t kill the trees but
losses can be 80% or more
Controlled by;
i. Spraying
ii. Removal of berries that have grown on pre-mature trees
iii. It is prevented by pruning to avoid overbearing
iv. Cultural method-it is less severe on trees that have been pruned. Open
trees facilitates penetrations
v. Die-back-the drying of branches and stems due to overbearing and
lack of enough food and nutrients
vi. Capping-spray penetration fails to reach small heads, also micro climate
in tall head are favored for infection.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 9

2.1.7 IRRIGATION
Overhead irrigation is mainly practiced on old trees and bottle irrigation is used on young
seedlings.
2.1.8 HARVESTING
Harvesting depends on the type of coffee grown. Forthe Ruiru 11plants to be harvested start after
two years while SL, it starts after three years.
Harvesting of coffee in field station is done by selective hand picking. Only red rip coffee is
picked. Then hand sorting is done to remove twigs, under rip, overripe, leaves and stones.
The under and over rip are called mbuni. Workers are paid at a lower rate formula as
compared to red rip coffee to discourage them from picking it during harvesting. Both mbuni
and rip ber y are weighed and taken to the factory for processing.
It should be noted that the production output of Ruiru11 is four times that of SL harvested and
that is the reason it is prefer ed in field station to SL.
2.1.9 COFFEE PROCESSING
The field station has its own Factory where coffee is being processed on the red rip and
mbuni.
There are two methods used depending on the type of coffee. Red rip coffee we use wet process
and the mbuni we use the dry process.
There are a series of events that are involved. The red berry from the farm is taken to cher
y tank. It has water which carries the ber y to cher y hopper.
The cherry hopper has discs which help in the removal of the pulp cover. The shell are
pumped outside and taken to the farm as manure. From here it goes to grader where grading is
done depending on the size of parchments. The big size parchment one pass and is named
grade one followed by two and three respectively.
The parchments of different grades follow different tunnels to fermentation tank where it is
fermented for 36-40 hours till the slippery cover(mucilage) is removed.
It is then washed till glittery sound is hard. From the final grading channel, it is carried by
trays to scheme drying stage. Here the moisture content is very high and requires three hours
to drying while turning to drying hard.
There is mechanical dryer in case the weather is not favorable. It is then goes

2.2 HORTICULTURE
Horticulture is also practiced in field station and variety of crops are supported such as ;Green
maize, breccias, onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, car ots, beans, sweet and Irish potatoes, beetroots.
And the vegetables including; cowpea’s spider plant, black nightshade.
2.2.1 FIELD PREPARATION
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 10

Horticulture is labour intensive and cultivation of the land is by use of tractors followed by
hard owing to achieve a fine tilts. All weeds are removed and the soil is loosened to enable
water infiltration and easy soil aeration.

2.2.2 PESTS, DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL

Horticulture is affected by a number of pests and diseases. Pests reduce the quality of the crops
and some introduce pathogen resulting in a huge loss. Some of the pests are leaf miners, leaf
skeletoniser, thrips spoils on leaves (Cernansky, 2015). They can be controlled by the use of
certified seed, clean planting materials, use of resistant variety, chemical control use of natural
enemies, controlling humidity and temperature.
The diseases that affects horticulture includes; soft rot, powdery mildew, rot, maize streak
smut, beans mosaic various among others. They can be controlled by the use of
appropriate chemicals, correct spacing, and use of drip irrigation to avoid wetness.
2.2.3 WEED CONTROL

Weeding is done manually by the use of hand. It should be done severally from the
emergency of the crops to avoid competition of resources such as space and nutrients.
Simple tools are used to remove weeds .weeds which were identified were; black jack, tarvine,
wandering jew, gallant soldier, stargrass among others.
2.2.4 HARVESTING

Harvesting is determined by the market demand. The maturity of the crop will also determine the stage of
harvesting. Cucumber, sweet corns and French beans are some of the crops harvested while immature.

2.3 ACCOUNTS AND STORE

For any firm/ farm to excel record must be kept. Most of the workers in field station are casual
workers who are paid per month. They are hired and paid ksh.527 per day; this money is
accumulated and paid at the end of the month. There is a master roll where workers sign in when
they report and leave, this is used to sum the days one has worked.
There is inventory for the farm which shows the total assets in the farm. Cash book also
showed the goods paid in cash and usually done by M-PESA.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 11

Item Quantity(Kgs) Price(ksh) Totals

Cabbage 200 30x200 6000

Skuma wiki 65 20x65 1300

Dania 25 20x25 500

Spinach 45 20x45 900

Onion 30 10x30 300

Beans 228 75 17100

Total 26100

2.4 OTHER ENTERPRISES

There are other auxiliary enterprises in the field stations which there work is to ensure that the
main enterprises like coffee functions smoothly. The activities they do is to ensure that the
main enterprise functions efficiently and fulfill their goals. The sections include; garage
section, irrigation section, record and store and efficacy trial section.
It is concerned with technical and professional services. It handle the acquisition and
maintenance of the machinery in good working conditions in order to avoid any shortcomings
that may occur during the operation.

2.5 RECORDS AND STORE

They are used to control farm materials both the long term and short term. The records are also
used to control the capital used in the farm and to keep all records of transactions car ied out in
the farm.
2.5.1 GARAGE
It is in charge of transport functions and repair of the broken or spoilt farm machines used in the
farm.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 12

2.5.2 MACHINERY
There are three tractors that are used in operation, the tractor are heavy duty machines
therefore they have diesel engine. The diesel engine has injector pump, no spark plug, fuel
ignited by compression. Airand fuel meets in the cylinder and it produces a lot of smoke.
The service of the tractor is done after every 200hours of operations and it involves the
checking of the engine oil, fuel filter adjusting the valve clearance among other things.
The water pump are also available at field station. The pumps are used to pump the dam
water into the farm forir igation. They use the electricity and maintenance is done to the
weekly.

2.5.3 OTHER EQUIPMENTS

The other equipments used are;

Spike-tooth harrows, that has peg teeth and is capable of uprooting rhizomatous weeds such as
couch grass, kikuyu grass and stargrass. They are also used in pasture renovation and in the
cultivation of row – planted crops.

-Mould board plough – used in soft soil where it is required to bury trash
-Disc plough-consist of hardened steel disc free to revolve on heavy duty sealed roller bearing
-Bailer ridge
-Hydraulic harrow rotavator
-Mower
-Irrigation pipes

2.6 POULTRY
This is one of the most important and profitable section of the field station. The type of chick
being reared is ordinary chick (kienyeji) through the use of cage and free range at times.
2.6.1 Routine management
Early in the morning the poultry house is cleaned, dust is removed and the droppings which
are kept to be used as manure in the farm. The feeders are also cleaned and the drinkers
before providing fresh water and feed.
2.6.2 Feeding
There are various types of feed given to the chicks depending on theirage.
I. Chick marsh-from 1 day old to 5weeks
II.Growers marsh-from 5weeks to 5 months
III. Layers marsh-from 5weeks and above; the supplements are added
The feed given contains all the nutrients that are required for the chick growth.
Feeding of the chicks after the cleaning is done properly and ensures the entrance is disinfected
to avoid the spread of any pathogen that you might enter with.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 13

Feeding start with the younger ones that’s one day old as you proceed to the older ones, this
will ensure that in case there was an infection or outbreak then it does not spread up to the
younger ones. Put enough feeds in the feeder and also provide clean fresh water to the chicks.

2.6.3 chickens Vaccination

Growers which are 2 month old are vaccinated with antibodies (aloe vera) to improve the
nutritional immunity.
2.6.4 Raising of a one day old chick
Put the chicks in the brooder away from the older ones. Provide the source of heat electric bulb
containing (infra-red light) that provides warm and alternatively you can use a jiko for the
small scale farmers. Provide water mixed with vitamins and put liquid paraffin which helps
indigestion. Provide them with feed of the correct amount in each the feeders and observe their
behavior when a visitor comes in or when there is noise and also how they crowd near the
source of heat. Balance them in the brooder to avoid overcrowding and everyday check the
dead ones and dispose of them properly.

2.6.5Egg collection and incubation

Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 14

Eggs are picked in the morning every day since chicks have different laying time. Then have
the collected eggs are transported to the hatchery, sorting is done to ensure only the
recommended ones are put in the incubator for hatching. The big and the small sizes are sorted
out since they are not suitable and abnormalities also are checked. About 1800 eggs were
arranged in the incubator for hatching which will take a period of 21 days to hatch (Fraser,
2015). The incubator works automatically where eggs automatically turned.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 15

2.6.6 Hydroponic fodder production

This is a modern technique of producing feed for animals which has a high nutrient content. It is
made from Barley plant or can also be made from Sorghum for the small scale farmers.
It is feed on chicks when it is 6 days, pigs when it is 7 days and cows when it is 8 days old
(Naik, Swain & Singh, 2015). The barley seeds are cleaned with water till they are very clean.
Measure 20L of water in a clean basin, measure 40ml of hydroponic solution B and 20ml of
solution A and mixed them. The ratio should always be (2:1) B: A. Remember to start with
solution B then followed with A to avoid scorching of seeds. Mix the solution properly.
Place Barley seeds in the mixture (Nutrient culture) and sock for 24 hrs in an enclosed place to
prevent penetration of light which may cause scorching of seeds.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) can be used to soak the seeds if you are not sure of the germination.
Hydroponic nutrient add nutrients to hydroponically grown fodder resulting to high
nutritional value yield, cost effective for all livestock and also helps in fast growth of fodder
and also control of fungus.
Spread 2kgs of soaked Barley seeds on each tray and ensure that they are evenly spread to
promote uniform germination. Place the trays containing hydroponic fodder on track in an
enclosed place , cover with net all round to prevent insects from getting inside.
Prepare another nutrient culture in 20L of water which will be used to spray the
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 16

hydroponic fodder. Spray after every 3hours and cover after spray.

2.7 LIVESTOCK
This is another component in the field station which was started in the early 1970s to make use
of the sloppy pasture land and also to make use of the various by- products of crop and aid in
research. Then later, the beef cattle were introduced to provide training facility for agriculture
students, develop gene bank for animal with the aim of developing, improving and well
adapted animals that could do well in range climate. There is the introduction of exotic breeds
that produce a lot of milk.

2.7.1 IDENTIFICATION OF LIVESTOCK

i. Zebu breed – Boss indicus and they are grey in color
ii. Sahiwal breed-they are dual purpose breed.
iii. Cross between Boran and Zebu
iv. Friesian breed

2.7.2 PASTURE MANAGEMENT

Semi – intensive system of feeding is practiced where the animals are left to graze in the
field half a day and then fed of commercial feed mixed with farm available feeds like the
Napiergrass, Lucerne, Sudan grass and maize stalk (Mazzetto, 2015).
The proportion of the land to various feeds are as follows;10 acre of maize silage, 7 acre
Lucerne, 5 acre of Napier Grass(kikuyu type), 4 acre of hydroponic unit, sorghum and Barley
a half an acre.

2.7.3 SPRAYING
Spraying of the animal is done in the spray race using duo dip acaricide . Spraying is done to
control Ecto-parasite e.g. fleas, flies, tick. And the equipment used is wheelbarrow sprayer.

2.7.4 BIOGAS PRODUCTION

Biogas is one of the most important products produced from the animal dung ( Montingelli,
Tedesco & Olabi, 2015). The animal dung, urine and water are mixed to make slurry in the
slurry tank. They are then released into the digester where the required quality of the slurry
for the production methane gas is collected and the excess slur y passes into exhaust chamber
where they are released into farm which acts as a fertilizer.
In the digester, fermentation takes place to release microorganisms that digest slur y to release
methane gas which eventually released through pipes to be used for lighting and cooking and
many other activities.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 17

2.7.5CHALLENGES

i. The Friesian bulls are very large and thus only meant for meat production. When Friesian
bull mounts on the cow, they results into a big calf which can may results into complications
during parturition.
ii. Tick is a challenge to the livestock the blue ear tick
iii. The animal house was not constructed well; it has got poor drainage since the floor is
segmented.

CHAPTER THREE

3.1 SWOT ANALYSIS

3.1.1 STRENGTH
I. Professional and highly experienced staff at the field station who ensures that all activities
properly professionally and in good time.
II. Machines and equipment are maintained and are in good working conditions
III. Good working relationship of workers
IV. Willingness to train attaches
V. Innovation is also high
3.1.2 WEAKNESS
I. Inadequate labour, the casual workers are not enough to car y out duties.

II. Low and late payment for workers

III. Lack of enough investment in some sections like coffee leading to low
production.
IV. Outdated machines
V. Outdated record keeping method, keeping records in books in computer era is of high risk.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 18

3.1.3 OPPORTUNITIES
I There is high demand of the hydroponic fodder by farmers; therefore the production
should be increased to meet the high demand.
II. The fish pond if put into work can generate a lot of income.
3.1.4 THREATS
I. Education for casual workers should be done to ensure the farm programs are done
properly and time is not wasted for the head of department or sections explaining to casual
workers the procedure of work.
II. There is high risk in the record keeping since most of the sections use bookkeeping
instead of computers
III. The field station is at risk of losing workers due to low and late payment of casual
workers.
IV.The fish pond at field station is no longer working which could have generated income

3.2 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

3.2.1 CONCLUSION
The field attachment has boosted my skills and knowledge in the field of agriculture.
The attachment has also contributed to my exposure by giving me the opportunity to interact
with various people thereby building my own personality.
During the study, Imanaged to boost my confidence, gained personal inward motivation power
that has raised my hope of becoming an all round horticulturist.

3.2.2 RECOMMENDATION

I recommend the Field Station management to introduce breeds of beef cattle in the livestock
unit.
The attachment centers to train the attached properly to ensure maximum experience gain.

3.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I wish to thank some of the people who have contributed to my attachment and enable me to
compose this report and ensure the attachment was successfully done.
I would like to thank the field station manager Mr.M.E.Chebon who gave me the chance to
be attached at the field station. Secondly, the head of various sections who were guiding me
throughout the process.
I would also like to thank my fellow students who gave me morale support and whom we
worked as a team.
Lastly, I would like to thank the university of Nairobi for organizing such attachment for
students where we I was able to acquire skills and knowledge to be used in various fields.
Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 19

3.4 APPENDICES
3.4.1 WORK PLAN

Day Time Activity

Monday Morning Fieldwork

Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 20

Afternoon Theory

Tuesday Morning Practicals

Afternoon Theory

Wednesday Morning Fieldwork

Afternoon Theory

Thursday Morning Theory

Afternoon Practicals

Friday All day Report writing

 Running head: ATTACHMENT REPORT 21

3.5 REFERENCES
Cerda, R., Avelino, J., Gary, C., Tixier, P., Lechevallier, E., & Allinne, C. (2017). Primary and

secondary yield losses caused by pests and diseases: Assessment and modeling in coffee. PloS

one, 12(1), e0169133.

Cernansky, R. (2015). The rise of Africa’s super vegetables. Nature News, 522(7555), 146.

Field station reading materials

Fraser, T. W. K., Hansen, T., Fleming, M. S., & Fjelldal, P. G. (2015). The prevalence of vertebral

deformities is increased with higher egg incubation temperatures and triploidy in Atlantic

salmon Salmo salar L. Journal of fish diseases, 38(1), 75-89.

Mazzetto, A. M., Feigl, B. J., Schils, R. L., Cerri, C. E. P., & Cerri, C. C. (2015). Improved pasture and

herd management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a Brazilian beef production system.

Livestock Science, 175, 101-112.

Montingelli, M. E., Tedesco, S., & Olabi, A. G. (2015). Biogas production from algal biomass: a review.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 43, 961-972.

Naik, P. K., Swain, B. K., & Singh, N. P. (2015). Production and utilisation of hydroponics fodder.

Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition, 32(1), 1-9.