In tropical areas, absence or poor growth of potatoes and grains makes cassava a common food. However, presence of goitrogenic compounds make cassava unfit for human consumption hindering its contribution to curb food security. The study is aimed at providing evidence based relationship between goitre prevalence and cassava consumption in Kilifi County. A longitudinal retrospective quantitative study design was conducted in six randomly selected hospitals

The study objective was to provide baseline and reference data on status and use of acaricides based on type or active ingredients by individual farmers and in public cattle dip maintained by county governments. The survey was conducted through a cross-sectional study in three counties (Kilifi, Kajiado and Nakuru), based on livestock farming intensive (low, medium and high) respectively. A total of 72 farmers were sampled where Questionnaire and informal interview were used to collect data on acaricides use, grazing method, herd characteristics, production and marketing. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Grazing systems were conventional grazing (31), zero grazing (10) and fenced pastures (41). Collapse of county governments maintained cattle dips was observed. Hence use of alternative methods by farmers; spray race (22) and mechanical (hand) spray (31). Chemicals used included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers (32) spraying once a week. Water sources for use were tap (piped) water (8), Borehole (54), community dams (3), river water (4) and harvested rain water (1). Majority of farmers (43) used manual methods of milking while 29 farmers used automated machines. Nakuru had highest number of lactating cattle (1422) and milk production (22,480 litres), followed by Kajiado (247) with low milk production (371 litres) compared to production Kilifi production (1470 litres) herd (150). Milk was sold to KCC, Brookside and vendors with farmers adding little value (Yoghurt and Mala). In conclusion, extensive use of chemicals may accumulate in the ecosystem thus a public health problem with little productivity. Data forms basis for further research and policy formulation on acaricides use. Analysis of hydro-chemical parameters and acaricides in the water source is recommended to ascertain its suitability for Agricultural and domestic use.

Organophosphate acaricides are well known for their extensive use in livestock for the management of Ticks and Tick borne diseases. However, the intensive use of Chlorpyrifos causes environmental pollution due to their residues accumulation. The study was aimed at detection and quantification of Chlorpyrifos in soil, dip wash, spray race residues, milk and milk products from Kilifi, Nakuru and Kajiado Counties. A baseline survey was conducted through a crosssectional study using questionnaire, formal interview and personal observation to collect data and information on the use and type of acaricides. Thereafter soil, dip wash, spray race residues, milk and milk products from the farmers using acaricides containing Chlorpyrifos as the active compound were collected, analyzed and quantified for the presence of Chlorpyrifos using HPLC. Data obtained was stored in excel spread sheets coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for social Scientists (SPSS). Chemicals used for killing ticks included TRIATIX (12), DUODIP (11), and STELADONE (7) among others with majority of the farmers spraying once a week. Out of 11 samples collected from spray race and dip wash, 7 samples were positive for Chlorpyrifos. Nine (9) samples from the analyzed 27 samples of milk and milk products were Chlorpyrifos positive. Chlorpyrifos was also detected in 6 samples out of the 28 soil samples whereas 5 water samples from the 25 collected sample were positive of chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos was not detected in milk and milk product from Kajiado County. However, the concentration of Chlorpyrifos ranged between 1.000±0.242 mgL -1 and 2.854±0.149 mgL -1 in Nakuru County and between 1.930±0.106 mgL -1 and 2.017±0.049 mgL -1 in Kilifi County. The positive soil samples were from Nakuru County with concentration ranges between 0.915±0.048 mgL -1 to 8.556±0.549 mgL -1 . The Nakuru water samples had chlorpyrifos concentration ranging between 0.888±0.180 mgL -1 to 1.870±0.0243 mgL -1 . The dip wash and spray race samples had a Chlorpyrifos ranges of 0.918±0.217 mgL -1 (Kajiado County) and 3.282±0.140 mgL -1 (Nakuru County). The study concludes that there is accumulation of Chlorpyrifos in soil, water, dip wash and spray race and milk and milk products beyond the acceptable limit set at 0 to 0.01 mg/kg body weight by WHO. The concentration of Chlorpyrifos in Nakuru County were found to be higher cozampared to Kilifi and Kajiado County. Surveillance, monitoring and regulation on the use of Chlorpyrifos in manufacturing acaricides is highly recommended.

Cane growing is one of the major economic activities in Ramisi, Kwale County besides tourisms and fishing. Although Ramisi Sugar Factory has been defunct for long previously, it has been reinstated and now christened Kwale International Sugar Company Limited (KISCOL). Coast region experience erratic rainfall patterns and limited agricultural land ownership therefore rain fed agriculture is not suitable. The major rivers to supplement experienced unpredictable rainfall patterns in the region are River Ramisi and Mkurumudzi. However, river Ramisi is saline, highly mineralized and unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use according to this study. The river is also affected by seawater intrusion during high tides. KISCOL drilled 37 boreholes to bridge the Chalala et al.; JAERI, 12(1): 1-13, 2017; Article no.JAERI.16642 2 water demand gap for its operations but the water quality is doubtful due to intrusion effects. The aim of the study was to determine the suitability of water sources in Ramisi in terms of salinity and contaminant levels, risk of salt water intrusion and microbial load. Water samples were purposefully collected from drilled boreholes, River Ramisi and Mkurumudzi then analyzed for organic constituent parameters (pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity). The Physical parameters included; (Turbidity, total alkalinity, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, chlorides and salinity, free carbon dioxide, sulphates, metals) and microbial load using Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater quality (21 st Edition) at the Kwale Water and Sewerage Company laboratories in Kwale County, and at the Coast Water Services Board laboratories in Mombasa County. The pH of the water sources ranged from 6.5 to 8.5 with exceeding limits for conductivity, chlorides, TDS, turbidity (25 NTU) and TDS (1,237.6667 mg/l). Magnesium, Iron, Sodium and Potassium and nutrients were below the permissible levels for irrigation water. Thus river Mkurumudzi and groundwater sources are not at risk of sea water intrusion, but river Ramisi is suffering from the effects of sea water intrusion during high tides and is unsuitable for cane irrigation and probably any other crop. Most surface water sources were contaminated with total coliforms including E. coli hence not suitable for domestic use. Original Research Article

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