Mango (Mangifera indica) is the second most economically important fruit in Kenya for local and export markets. Huge postharvest losses estimated between 30 to 50% characterize the mango value chain due to its climacteric nature and high perishability. These losses are exacerbated during ripening. However, the fruit’s shelf-life can be extended through the application of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of ethylene action. The efficacy of 1-MCP is affected by maturity at harvest, its formulation and concentration, and exposure time. This study sought to establish the effectiveness of the 1-MCP dosing range for the Tommy Atkins' mango variety harvested at two maturity stages defined subjectively based on shoulder elevation and objectively on flesh color as stage 1 (mature green) and stage 2 (advanced maturity). A homogeneous batch of 60 fruits from each maturity stage was exposed to two 1-MCP formulations (SmartFresh™–SmartTabs™ and SmartFresh™–Inbox Sachet). SmartFresh™–SmartTabs™ was applied at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 ppm concentrations for 12hrs and 24hrs while SmartFresh™–Inbox Sachet was applied at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 ppm concentrations for 12hrs only. All treatment combinations were ripened at ambient conditions (25±3°C; 60±5% relative humidity). Samples of three fruits were taken at 3-day intervals for measurement of ethylene evolution, respiration rates, total soluble solids (TSS), color, and firmness. The 1-MCP response was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by maturity stage, 1-MCP treatment concentration, and exposure time. Untreated fruits exhibited higher ethylene peaks of 9.56 μL kg-1 h-1 and 13.29 μL kg-1 h-1 for stages 1 and 2 respectively. Stage 1 fruits subjected to 2.0ppm SmartFresh™–SmartTabs™ recorded a lower ethylene peak of 5.62 μL kg-1 h-1 and 3.62 μL kg-1 h-1 compared to fruits subjected to 1.0 ppm concentration, which recorded an ethylene peak of 5.95 μL kg-1 h-1 and 4.93 μL kg-1 h-1 for 12hrs and 24hrs respectively. Stage 2 fruits subjected to SmartFresh™–SmartTabs™ formulation, also delayed the ethylene peak with 2.0ppm recording ethylene peak of 6.55 μL kg-1 h-1 and 5.32 μL kg-1 h-1 compared to 1.0 ppm, which recorded 7.61 μL kg-1 h-1 and 7.15 μL kg-1 h-1 for 12hrs and 24hrs respectively. Stage 1 fruits subjected to SmartFresh™–Inbox Sachet at 4.0ppm lowered the ethylene peak to 3.89 μL kg-1 h-1. This concentration recorded the lowest peak compared to 5.54 µL kg-1 h-1, 5.12 μL kg-1 h-1, and 4.27 μL kg-1 h-1 for 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0ppm respectively. Interaction of 1-MCP concentration, exposure time, and maturity stage delayed other ripening-related changes including a decrease in hue angle, firmness, and increase in TSS. Results indicated that ripening was delayed by 1-MCP at an early stage of maturity; while the shelf life of treated fruits increased with increasing 1-MCP concentrations. SmartFresh™–SmartTabs™ applied at 2.0ppm for 24 hours achieved an increased shelf life of 12 days compared to the control in stage 1. SmartFresh™–Inbox Sachet applied at 2.0ppm and 4.0ppm significantly extended shelf life to 24 days and 21 days for stages 1 and 2 respectively. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that 2.0ppm of the ‘powder’ formulation and 4.0ppm of the ‘Inbox Sachet’ formulation of SmartFresh™ would offer optimal effects at 24hrs and 12hrs exposure respectively. We, therefore, wish to recommend these two formulations at the reported levels for commercial application in the Tommy Atkins' mango variety to prolong postharvest shelf life and maintain desirable quality attributes.

Alternative ingredients for the manufacture of poultry feeds need to be identified to meet the growing demand. A 42-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of the inclusion of mango peel waste in layer chicken diets on performance and egg quality. This study involved one hundred and fifty Isa Brown layer chickens aged 60 weeks. These chickens were assigned to five treatments with graded levels of mango peels: 0% (Treatment 1), 3.5% (Treatment 2), 7% (Treatment 3), 14% (Treatment 4) and 28% (Treatment 5), using a completely randomized design (CRD). Daily egg production was recorded, and weekly measurements included feed intake, specific gravity, egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Notably, Treatment 5 exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (3.09) and Roche yolk color (RYC) fan score (14.3), which was significantly (p < 0.05) different from Treatment 1, with values of 2.36 and 12.4, respectively. Layer chicken fed on T1 had the highest egg weight and egg thickness (6.6 g and 0.44 mm, respectively), differing significantly (p < 0.05) from Treatment T5 eggs (6.3 g and 0.41 mm). It was concluded that mango peels could substitute maize in layer chicken diets up to 7% without affecting production and egg quality. Mango peels are recommended for partial substitution of maize in layer chicken diets and as natural egg yolk pigment to impart the yellow yolk desired by consumers.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has gained traction as one of the effective strategies in tackling the climate crisis. Many CSA practices have been promoted by development agencies to smallholder farmers based on the assumption that farmers would adopt these innovations for their potential benefits. However, the adoption of CSA practices in Ghana and much of Africa remains low and decision making and on-farm innovation processes are poorly understood. This study seeks to provide empirical and participatory insight into how smallholder farmers innovate. Based on a novel application of a participatory video methodology, in farming communities in the Upper West Region of Ghana, that have been exposed to multiple CSA intervention programmes, the paper analyses farmers’ own self-curated accounts of experiences with CSA innovation. The findings show that farmer’s motivation to adopt CSA innovations is driven by their concerns for food security, economic gains, and the environmental impact of climate change on their farming activities and livelihood. The study reveals a mismatch between the CSA technologies and practices advanced by the development agencies and what farmers perceive as relevant and important in addressing their farming challenges. In particular, the findings show that in a pool of more than 12 CSA technologies and practices that had been promoted through three donor-driven intervention programmes in the communities, farmers selected less labour intensive, less costly, and CSA technologies and practices that fitted to their current farming practices and the local context. Agricultural extension agents served as an important information source on the CSA innovation and their practical implementation and farmers’ social groups played a crucial role in facilitating learning about the CSA technologies and practices. There is the need to integrate farmers voices using innovative methodologies such as participatory videos to better understand farmers’ experiences in the innovation process which will help inform the design of effective interventions and promote adoption of innovations aimed at enhancing the productivity of smallholder farmers and reducing environmental impacts in African food systems. By focusing on the innovations that farmers perceive as beneficial and adaptable to their local contexts, development organizations can use their resources more efficiently and promote adoption of contextually appropriate CSA innovations.

Use of loss reduction practices are critical to ensuring losses are reduced significantly along the value chain. This necessitates for the need to assess the factors that influence adoption of the loss reductio practices to have better targeting and development. Therefore, the current study assessed the factors that influence adoption, and multistage sampling technique was employed. The counties and the sub-counties were purposively selected, and the mapping began from Nairobi which is the main market for mangoes. Wholesalers, and retailers were interviewed making use of snowballing, while farmers were randomly selected. A total of 70 farmers were selected, 74 wholesalers, and 98 retailers were sampled.From the study, at the farm level results revealed that about 38.7 % of the farmer respondents prefer use of stick and bag. On the other hand, about 37.1 % of farmers in Machakos had preference of hand picking as the main method of harvesting. Wholesaler preferred the use of cartons in Nairobi, while those in Embu and Machakos had higher preference of use of shades. Result from the empirical model showed that credit was a critical factor to use of the practices at the farm with a 40 % influence on use of multiple practices. Experiencing higher losses influenced adoption of the practices by 4.3 %, and would influence use of multiple practices by 19.2 %. Organized selling was the critical factor for wholesalers and influenced adoption by 43.4 %.Retailers in Embu and Machakos on the other hand, were 19.9 % less likely to take up the practices. The results further showed that higher PHL influence retailer to take up loss reduction practices by 30.2 %, and those that were more experience were 20 % more likely to take up the practices.From the result it was thus concluded that cost effectiveness, ability to reduce losses, and increase of incomes were some of the things actors were interested with before they could take up any loss reduction practice. Through the study it was evident that high PHL less to higher use of the practices, and also positively influence the intensity of use of the practices. It was thus recommended that there is need for upgrading the current low-cost technologies to make them more user friendly so that they are not time-wasting during harvest, and for the traders they are able to carry optimal quantities that lead to profit maximization.

Research conducted on food systems by higher institutions can contribute to sustainable food security and nutrition at a local level and reduce the impact of societal challenges such as malnutrition. Unfortunately, malnutrition itself manifests as hidden hunger causing unintended consequences such as illness negatively affecting economic progress. Traditionally, research in agriculture has not taken a food systems approach which is looking at challenges of food systems from farm to fork (all stages from production to consumption). Therefore, as we embrace the compelling call to transition from agriculture to food systems research approaches, mapping studies at a local level are needed. However, studies on food systems have been carried out at a macro (global or regional level), a micro-perspective investigation is needed to inform future research. A systematic review on existing literature (journals and thesis) was conducted to identify gaps and opportunities in research on food systems undertaken by researchers at the University of Nairobi. Information collected included; 1. institutions (faculties and department at the university, national policy, and international institutions collaborating with university of Nairobi), 2. crop types (cereals, legumes, vegetables, roots and tubers, and nuts), 3. food systems activities (production, postharvest, processing, and preservation, value addition and branding, consuming foods, input and output markets, obtaining nutrients as well as logistics and distribution) driving research on food systems. The contribution of each of the components (institutions, food systems activity and crop type) was also investigated through citation scores. The findings show that low research outputs on food systems were generated by the university of Nairobi compared to selected universities in Africa and across the globe. Research was focused on carbohydrate rich crops (maize, sorghum, cassava, irish potato, sweet potato, and rice) as compared to protective bioactive vitamin crops (vegetables, mango, and beans). This demonstrated low crop diversity and dietary quality. Research priority was given mainly to maize compared to traditional crops such as sorghum, African Leafy Vegetables, cassava and millets. Faculties such as health, science and technology, engineering, and humanities were involved in research in food systems in addition to agriculture, a potential indication of transdisciplinary research. Additionally, there was more collaborative research between university of Nairobi with institutions at a global level than with local institutions. The involvement of policy institutions in research was low, mainly restricted to the discipline of agriculture, production food system activity and in a few crops such as maize, cassava, and medicinal plants. Disparities in research existed along the food systems activities as more attention was focused on production activities. Other food system activities such as harvesting, processing and preservation, consumption, value addition and branding, input and output markets, as well as logistics and distribution activities, received low research priority. Each component (food system activity, crop type and institution) demonstrated contribution to sustainable food security as shown by citation scores. The findings demonstrate skewed focus in food systems research at the university of Nairobi. Agricultural research investment within institutions of higher learning will need to consider all food systems activities, under-researched crops and collaborations that advance transdisciplinary studies to promote inclusive contribution of food systems to food security at a local level. Further studies can focus on developing frameworks to advance transdisciplinary research.

Mango and Moringa are nutrient-dense foods. This study examined two mango varieties (apple and Tommy Atkin) for nectar production fortifying with Moringa leaf extract to reduce postharvest losses, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Post-harvest mango losses are high in Kenya (40-50%) and affects farmers' income and the environment and if processed into mango nectar, can address postharvest losses (PHL). Mango nectar is rich in vitamins and minerals but lacks adequate micronutrients (calcium, iron, and zinc). Moringa oliefera leaves are nutrient-rich and adding moringa leaf extract to mango nectar improves its nutrition. This study intended to blend mango nectar with moringa leaf extract. The developed product contained 25% mango pulp and aqueous solutions of moringa leaf extract (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, and F8): 0%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15%, respectively. The nectar was pasteurized at 70°C for 10 min and was analyzed for sensory evaluation, proximate composition, vitamin A, and mineral content (Fe, Ca, and Zn). F1 (control) and F3 (apple manga nectar blended with 12.5% moringa leaf extract), and F5 and F6 (Tommy Atkin mango nectar blended with 10% moringa leaf extract) were accepted. The formulated nectar differed in protein, fiber, ash, carbohydrate, energy, vitamin A, iron, calcium, zinc, color, odor, taste, texture, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability (p<0.05). Moisture and fat in nectar were not significantly different (p>0.05). Apple blended mango nectar had more fat, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc than Tommy Atkin blended nectar: 1.07 and 0.60%, 8.68 and 6.91mg/100g, 39.89 and 34.26 mg/100g, 3.14 and 2.01mg/100g, and 8.85 and 7.19mg/100g. However, Tommy Atkin blended nectar had more fiber, protein, and energy. Therefore, moringa leaf extract can be utilized to fortify ood and beverages.

Fruits and vegetables are in high demand in the industry these days due to their nutritious benefits. Fresh produce possesses a limited shelf life due to its brief life cycle. Ants, germs, pre- and post-harvesting conditions, as well as warehousing and distribution circumstances, all have an effect on or damage roughly a good percentage of the produce. Fresh produce storage is a serious issue all around the world. To address this issue, edible coating is a viable option. It offers edible protection for fruits and vegetables. It is advantageous to both humans and the environment. Medicinal edible films are being employed as a micronutrient that is good for the consumer’s wellbeing. Hydrogels, fats, and additives are all examples of edible films. They possess good oxygen molecules, carbon dioxide, dampness, and evaporation barrier characteristics.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a highly perishable fruit with a short shelf life at ambient conditions, which may lead to post-harvest losses approximated to be 40-45%. This reduces returns to farmers significantly. The problem is compounded by the fact that most farmers do not have access to cold storage facilities. Nutrient management has been shown to affect postharvest characteristics of fruits. Calcium particularly plays a critical role in cell membrane integrity, tissue firmness and delays lipid catabolism. Previous studies have indicated a deficiency of calcium in some mango growing regions in Kenya. A field study was carried out to determine the effect of varied calcium formulations applied at various stages of growth on mango fruits post-harvest quality and organoleptic acceptability. The study was carried out in Embu County Eastern Kenya during seasons 2017/2018 and 2018 /2019 using “Van Dyke” cultivar, aged approximately 10 years. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with a split-split plot arrangement, three trees per replication, replicated thrice. Three calcium formulations: calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and Easygro™ were applied at rates of 0%,1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% at fruit set, 30 days after fruit set and 30 days to physiological maturity. The calcium sources formed the main plots, the timing of application formed the subplots while the rates of application formed the sub-sub plots. Total soluble solids (TSS) and percentage titratable acidity (TA) were assessed at harvest and after 12 days of storage under ambient conditions (25±2ºC, 70±5% relative humidity) using standard procedures. Selected fruits’ sensory attributes were also evaluated after storage using a hedonic scale. Analysis of data was done using the 14th Edition of the Genstat software. The differences among the means of the treatments were compared using Fisher’s Protected LSD test at 5% probability level. Fruits sprayed with calcium chloride, 2.0% at fruit set had higher TSS (6.8 º brix and 6.3º brix) (10.47 º brix and 9.10 º brix), TA (1.29% and 1.27%), (0.77% and 0.675%) than other treatments at maturity and after storage in both seasons, respectively. Calcium chloride at 2.0% level of application led to a superior peel color appearance contrary to calcium nitrate and Easygro™ also applied at 2.0%, which led to an inferior peel color appearance and an inferior taste of fruits. Therefore, calcium nitrate and easy gro should be sprayed at concentration of 1.5% for good taste and peel colour appearance. Key words: Mango, total soluble sugars, total titratable acidity, organoleptic, shelf-life

Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the tropical fruits which are produced in large volumes in Kenya. Transformation of the perishable fruit into shelf-stable nutritious products is one of the interventions that can be used to reduce losses while accruing better returns for farmers. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum processing parameters in the production of consumer-acceptable mango flakes. Fifteen treatments were obtained using sugar variations of 0%, 2%, and 4%, and starch at 0%, 10%, and 20%. Process variables were determined by varying pressure of steam (0.8 BAR, and 1.6 BAR) and speed of drum drying (2.2 rpm and 7.6 rpm). Sensory analysis was done using a 7-pointer hedonic scale while physicochemical, and proximate lab analysis was done using predetermined AOAC procedures. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of Design Expert 13 software, was used to optimize mango flakes production procedures by adjusting settings of factorial variables. Results indicated that formulations that were incorporated with 20% starch, 0% sugar, and dried at 7.57 rpm for 5 minutes and 2 seconds at a constant gauge pressure of 0.8 BAR were the most preferred with a mean overall score of 5.79. Homogeneity of variances was observed between different formulations for overall acceptability (P=0.192). The predictive model of the Central Composite Design stipulated that an increase in sugar concentration reduces the sensory quality of drum-dried mango flakes. Nutritional profile of the most acceptable mango flakes was a composite of 1.9g/100g, 2.8g/100g, 0.9g/100g, and 0.5g/100g for carbohydrates, vitamin C, crude protein, and crude fat, respectively. A significant difference was observed between values for protein and vitamin C (P=0.002). In conclusion, the organoleptic acceptability and nutritional profiles of drum-dried mango flakes were affected by the time: pressure exposure of the puree as well as the product ratios of ingredients.

Processing mango fruit into shelf-stable products such as chips, pulp, nectar, and juices can reduce post-harvest losses and provide farmers with income while also eliminating inequalities in food security and nutrition. Mango pulp is rich in macronutrients and microminerals but needs to be verified before being used to make nectar. This study aimed to examine the chemical and phytochemical composition of two mango cultivars, Tommy Atkins and Apple, cultivated in Machakos County. The Association of Official Analytical Chemists' methods assessed the chemical, nutritional, and phytochemical properties of two mango cultivars using a completely randomized design. There is a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between most of these parameters. The result showed that Mango pulp contains total phenolics (31.468 for apple and 28.378 mg for Tommy Atkin GAE/100g DW), flavonoids (11.457 for apple and 9.427 mg Tommy Atkin QE/100g DW), Vitamin C (75.81 for apple and 22.69 for Tommy Atkin mg/100g) and Vitamin A (10.12 for apple and 2.65 for Tommy Atkin mg/100g). Apple mango pulp had the most phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants (vitamins C and A) compared to Tommy Atkin mango pulp. The nutritional composition result showed that apple mango fruit pulp had a significantly higher amount of protein (4.85%), fiber (7.92%), calcium (48.05 mg/100g D.W), and zinc (4.42 mg/100g D.W) than Tommy Atkin mango fruit pulp (protein - 4.72%, fiber - 7.26%, calcium - 33.2mg/100g DW, and zinc - 4.4.17 mg/100g DW). However, the amount of iron in Tommy Atkin mango fruit pulp (9.36 mg/100g DW) is higher than that of apple mango fruit pulp. Apple mango fruit can be used to reduce hunger and protect against deficiencies in nutrients.

Leafy vegetables play a crucial role in the human diet providing numerous nutrients and health benefiting compounds. Leafy vegetables like collard (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum l.) are commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Kenya. However, their high perishability and short shelf life (usually 1-2 days at ambient temperature) limits their utilization resulting in significant high postharvest losses. This study assessed the effect of harvest stage and nitrogen fertilization on the postharvest shelf life of collard and black nightshade. Experiments were conducted at Kabete field station, University of Nairobi, using collard and black nightshade. Field experimental layout was a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Factors were nitrogen levels and harvest stage. Four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N/ha) were applied on black nightshade and (0, 55.5, 111.1 and 166.6 kg N/ha) in collard where 0 kg N/ha was the control. Collard and black night shade were harvested at three harvest stages: 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks after transplanting. The harvested vegetables were kept at ambient room condition (20 ºC, 55% relative humidity). Data collection was performed daily for quality related parameters which included color change, wilting index and cumulative weight loss. Results show that there was a progressive deterioration in quality of the collard and black nightshade with storage time regardless of harvest stage and nitrogen level. Harvesting at 8 weeks after transplanting resulted in longer shelf life in collard (three days) and black nightshade (two days) when compared to harvesting at 4 weeks or 6 weeks after transplanting. Collard and black nightshade showed reduced hue angles over storage time at different harvest stages. Black nightshade subjected to 90 kg N/ha and harvested at 4 weeks after transplanting had the highest wilting index of 33%. The highest cumulative weight loss of 29% was recorded in collard that were harvested at 8 weeks after transplanting. Black nightshade subjected to 90 kg N/ha and harvested at 6 weeks after transplanting showed the best color at a hue angle of 145°. Overall, harvesting at 8 weeks after transplanting resulted in the longest shelf life of both black nightshade and collard. These results show that low application of nitrogen fertilizer in black nightshade (30 kg N/ha) and in collard (55.5 kg N/ha) had minimal effects on weight loss and wilting and resulted in good keeping quality. Key words: Black nightshade, Collard, Harvest Stage, Nitrogen nutrition, Shelf life

The study was conducted to model the drivers of PHLs along the Mango value chain. Three levels of the chain were examined: farm, wholesale, and retail levels. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The sampling method was multistage in nature, where the counties were purposively selected. Nairobi was selected since it is the major market for fruits in Kenya. Snowballing was used to identify traders in Nairobi where 48 wholesalers were interviewed. A referral to 60 retailers and 13 brokers was made from the wholesalers. 12 retailers did not respond to the survey and thus a total of 48 retailers were fully interviewed. Key informant interviews with the brokers (7 from Embu, and 6 from Machakos) was undertaken, and later lists with names of the farmers were developed and used as the sampling frame. A random sample of 35 farmers from each county was selected and interviewed. From the farm, mapping was done to the local market where Uhuru and Marikiti markets of Machakos and Embu counties respectively were selected. A total of 26 wholesalers were fully interviewed (11 from Embu and 15 from Machakos), and a total of 50 retailers were interviewed from both markets (25 each market).

The high postharvest losses (40 – 50%) reported in the mango value chain are partly attributed to lack of reliable maturity indices. Harvest maturity is dictated by the intended use and the target market for the fruits. The aim of this study was to establish maturity indices of three commercial mango varieties namely ‘Van dyke,’ ‘Kent’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ in Embu County of Kenya. At least eighteen mango trees (six per variety) were randomly tagged at 50% flowering in each of the three selected small-scale farms in Embu County. Number of days from flowering to different maturity stages were recorded (computational method). For each variety and maturity stage, five fruits were randomly sampled from the pool and analysed for physical (size, density, firmness, colour), physiological (ethylene evolution and respiration rate) and biochemical (obrix/Total Soluble Solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA) and their ratio) indices of maturity. The results showed that although size increased as the fruits developed, it was not a reliable index of maturity since some small-sized fruits attained advanced maturity earlier than others that were large-sized. The weight of the fruits fluctuated as the fruits developed and similar trend was observed on the specific gravity. Flesh firmness decreased gradually with maturity from a mean firmness of 40.54 N to 6.84 N. Tommy Atkins exhibited the lowest firmness levels at stage 4. Kent variety had the lowest ethylene at all stages while Tommy Atkins variety had the highest respiration rate of 21.40 ml/kg/hr at stage 1, which increased gradually to 32.10 ml/kg/hr at stage 4. The highest TSS: TTA values were reported in Kent variety. The results revealed significant differences in maturity indices of the three mango varieties despite similar physical indices. This study confirms the unreliability of physical maturity indices such as size and shape in establishing the right harvest stage of mango fruits. Computational, physiological and biochemical maturity indices should be incorporated in determination of accurate harvest maturity for mango. Key words: Ethylene, Harvest maturity, ‘Kent’, Maturity indices, Respiration, ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Van dyke’

Papaya is a thin-skinned fruit that ripens and softens over a very short time, usually in 3 days, predisposing the fruit to physical damage and phyto-pathogen invasion even with careful handling further shortening postharvest shelf life. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Hexanal, naturally occurring compound, on-farm spray, in managing the postharvest shelf life of papaya in two agro-ecological zones in Kenya. A formulation of Hexanal containing Tween 20 and ethanol was made by volume basis (v/v) and spray treatment at 1 and 2% in “Solo sunrise” and “Mountain” papaya cultivars. The experiment was a randomized block design with ninety-six plants per farm randomly selected. Spraying was applied at 30 days, 30 + 15 days, and 15 days to harvest time on mature green papaya. Control papaya fruits were sprayed with clean tap water as control. Data were collected on color changes and fruit retention on tree. The fruits were harvested when two to three yellow stripes were visible from the lower end of the fruits for postharvest analysis. Hexanal sprayed papaya fruits were retained for at least 13 days longer compared to the control fruits on tree. Hexanal treatment at 2% revealed an improved effect on managing papaya postharvest shelf life. All fruits treated with Hexanal significantly showed reduced rate of color break, softening, and enhanced extension of fruit shelf life by at least 6 days. Hexanal treatment also delayed ethylene and respiratory peaks by three days and showed no significant ( P ≤ 0.05 ) difference in the levels of total titratable acidity and total soluble solids. The results of this study indicate that Hexanal applied as a preharvest spray on mature green “Solo sunrise” and “Mountain” papaya cultivars grown in Kenya, is effective in prolonging shelf life and postharvest quality.

The study has empirically assessed factors responsible for influencing adoption choices among actors in the mango value chain. A multistage sampling technique is employed, where the two counties are selected purposively, since they are the project sites for Rockefeller foundation, and Nairobi on basis of largest fruit market in the country. Selection of wholesalers and retailers is done through snowballing, while farmers are randomly selected. A total of 74 wholesalers are selected and interviewed, 13 brokers, 101 retailers, and 70 farmers.The results reveal that in Embu, about 38.72% of farmers preferred stick and bag while 37.14% of respondents from Machakos preferred hand picking. At the wholesale level, respondent from Nairobi preferred use of cartons, in Embu and Machakos they preferred use of shades. Retailers preferred use of shades and peeling. The Heckpoisson model at the farm level showed that those with access to credit were 40% less likely to adopt more practices. However, farmers experiencing high PHL were more likely to adopt loss reduction practices by 4.3%, and were 19.2% more likely to embrace a number of practices. At the wholesale level, traders that were engaged in organized selling were 43.35% more likely to adopt one or more loss reduction practices. However, PHL increase led to a 39.53% less likelihood of adopting one or multiple practices. At the retailer’s level, the results indicated that retailers in the local county were 19.93% less likely to adopt loss reduction practices. On the other hand, those experienced in mango trading were 4.85% more likely to adopt the practices, while increase in PHLs led to a 30.16% more likelihood of adopting loss reduction practices.Thus, more probing to the low adoption rates revealed that the major limiting factors to adoption at the farm were lack of involvement in harvesting (44.1%) and high labor requirement (38.9%). At the trader’s level, wholesalers claimed the major limiting factors to be; reduced quantities (53.8%), lack of stores (53.1%), and time wastage (26.4%). Retailers claimed lack of stores (36.1%), and reduced quantities handled (23.4% and 32.4%) to be the major limiting factors.Hence, the study concluded that the technologies preferred were those that are cost effective, could reduce PHL, and could help increase the respondent’s income. It was evident that as PHL increase, the likelihood of adopting loss reduction practices increased. In addition, with high PHL, respondents were willing to adopt multiple loss reduction practices at the different levels of the value chain. However, credit is not an effective way of dealing with adoption as respondents were found to divert the funds thus negatively impacting on adoption. The study also asserted that most farmers were not involved in harvesting thus did not have control over harvesting and handling practices. Wholesalers were majorly involved, and feared of reduced quantities and lack of store. Similar fears were witnessed at the retail level. Therefore, from the findings, the research recommends for detailed research and upgrading of the available loss reduction practices to ensure they allow chain actors to meet their objective of profit maximization as well as meet the need for PHL reduction.

Collard (Brassica oleracea var.acephala L.) is a nutritious leafy vegetable that is widely cultivated and consumed in Kenya. However, collard is highly perishable with a shelf life of one to two days at ambient conditions, which limits its consumption. Exploring storage options and packaging methods that can extend the shelf life of collards, can avert quantity and quality losses of the vegetable. This will ensure sustained income to producers and continued vegetable supply to consumers. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CoolBotTM Technology and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) as options to preserve quality and extend the shelf life of collards. Two experiments were conducted at Kabete and Juja sub-counties using freshly harvested collards from the University of Nairobi Kabete farm. In each experiment, homogenous batch of freshly harvested collards were first divided into four batches. The vegetable batches were then subjected to two storage options (CoolBotTM cold room; 5±2 °C, 75±20% RH, and ambient conditions; 25±10 °C, 50±15% RH), which were further split into two packaging treatments (packaged using Xtend® MAP, and unpackaged). The experimental layout was a 2 by 2 factorial arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. Measurements were performed daily to determine cumulative weight loss, yellowing, wilting and color changes. Biochemical assay was also performed to determine the changes in vitamin C and beta-carotene content. Results show that CoolBotTM cold storage extended the shelf life of collards by 6 days without MAP and 13 days with MAP, in comparison to collards stored at ambient conditions. The slow rate of deterioration under CoolBotTM storage (with or without MAP) was evidenced by delayed yellowing, wilting, and reduced weight loss compared to ambient conditions, in the two experimental sites. The loss in vitamin C content was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in collards under ambient conditions than those under CoolBotTM storage. In ambient conditions, unpackaged collards lost 77.7% of their vitamin C content while the packaged collards lost 57.7% by end of shelf life (day four). In CoolBotTM storage, packaged collards lost 18.4% whereas the unpackaged lost 26.3% of their initial vitamin C content. In CoolBotTM storage, packaged collards lost 26.2% while the unpackaged lost 44.1% of their initial Vitamin C by day seven. These results demonstrate a synergistic effect of CoolBotTM cold storage and MAP in preserving quality and extending the shelf life of collards. Key words: CoolBot Technology, Xtend, Collards, Postharvest Quality, Shelf life