NAME OF ATTACHEE: BENTER ADHIAMBO

REG NO: ESP11/00519/18

INSTITUTION:EGERTON UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT: AGED

ATTACHMENT SITE: COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION PROGRAM ( CREPp).

DURATION OF ATTACHMENT: MAY- JULY, 2025.

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The agricultural industrial attachment began on 5 th May, 2025 and ended 18th
July, 2025. It was such a transformative learning experience that helped me
to bridge the gap between theoretical coursework and practical field
application. I took my field attachment at CREP headquarter in Awasi, Kisumu
county. The program enabled me to engage in diverse agricultural disciples
including crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture and value addition
technologies.

Throughout this attachment I managed to engage in soil and water

conservation, nursery bed management, crop propagation, poultry and goat
care, rabbit husbandry , fish farming, cone garden development and soil
analysis. The activities were well structured to enhance my competencies in
sustainable agriculture, improve my technical skills and collaboration. The
interaction I had with farmers was such a wonderful experience.

CHAPTER 2 : FIELD EXPERIENCE.

2.1 Crop production

I was actively involved in various crop management practices during which ,

my knowledge in plant health, soil care and production techniques was
enhanced. I participated in the following areas:

I. Soil and water conservation: I learned techniques such as mulching

and contour farming to minimize erosion and to help retain soil
moisture.
II. Nursery bed preparation: I participated in bed design, soil
sterilization and seed sowing practices aimed at healthy seedling
development.
III. Orchard survey: I was involved in conducting assessments to
evaluate spacing, health status and productivity of fruit trees. The
fruit trees assessed were citrus, mangoes and pawpaw.
IV. Weed control in potted kales: I implemented manual and mulching
methods to control weeds in over 100 potted kales.
V. Nursery bed management: was engaged in monitoring watering
schedules, shade net usage and pest control to ensure proper
seedling growth.

VI. Preparation of sunken nursery beds: I participated in designing and

constructing sunken beds for water retention and microclimate
 moderation . This was conducted with farmers in Ugunja, North
Gem in Siaya county.
VII. Cow peas, managu and spider plant propagation: practiced seed
selection, spacing methods and crop rotation principles for
successful propagation . These were carried out at the headquarter
in Awasi, Kisumu county
VIII. Mulching of vegetables: Applied organic mulches like dry grass, dry
banana leaves to retain soil moisture suppress weeds and improve
soil structure.

IX. Transplanting of kales and managu raised in the nursery bed:

practiced selection of healthy seedlings and techniques of uprooting
to minimize root damage and transplanting shock.
X. Transplanting goose berries: Executed proper transplanting
techniques to ensure root establishment and reduce transplant
shock
XI. Propagation of patchong variety of Napier grass: Used vegetative
materials ( stem cutting) to raise this variety of Napier grass which
only takes 45 days to first harvesting. I practiced on proper
preparation of the stem cuttings and positioning of the cuttings in
the holes.

2.2. poultry department

In this department I got real world exposure to poultry husbandry and
flock health management. The activities included:

I. Feeding and nutrition: I participated in ration formulation and

feeding schedules, understanding nutritional requirements at each
stage of growth .
II. Biosecurity practices: practiced disinfection protocols, entry
controls and equipment sanitation to prevent disease outbreaks.

III. Vaccination and disease management: I assisted in scheduled

vaccinations and observed signs of common diseases especially
fowl pox and coccidiosis.
IV. Hatchery operation: Observed brooding hens and optimized
conditions for successful natural incubation.
 2.3 .Fish farming
I undertook hands on training in aquaculture operations that
emphasized environmental planning and aquatic livestock
management. The activities included:
I .Fish pond preparation which involved;
 Site selection .
 Soil analysis.
 Designing appropriate pond dimensions and slope.
 Installation of pond liners for leak prevention.

II. Fish species and requirements: Studied tilapia and catfish,

learned about stocking densities , feeding habits and ideal
pond conditions.

III. Filling methods and drainage system: Executed proper

water inlet positioning and drainage flow to avoid stagnation
and contamination.
IV. Azola production: Undertook training on the growing of azola as
feed for fish and poultry.
2.4. Cone Garden preparation: Engaged in the construction and
planting of vertical cone gardens to optimize space for vegetable
growth in limited vs areas. Learned layering techniques, soil
composition and watering systems.

2.5. Rabbitry Department: The practical work focused on

small livestock management and welfare practices. The
activities included:
 Breed identification: Distinguished between New
Zealand white, White California, Dutch and Flemish
Giant.
 Rabbit grooming, hygiene and sanitation: Carried out
cleaning schedules, fur brushing and nail trimming to
maintain health.
 Feeding and nutrition: Observed feeding schedules,
appetite responses and digestion.
 Identification of nutritional deficiencies like rough coat.
 Mating procedures and pregnancy detection: Learned
proper pairing protocols and signs of conception such as
nest building and abdominal enlargement.

2.6 Goat Department

This section emphasized holistic care and productivity
techniques for small ruminants. The activities included:
 Goat breed identification: learned characteristics of
toggenbug, British alpine, Saanen, Boer and local
indigenous breeds.
 Identification of common diseases. Foot rot was the
major disease. I identified symptoms and participated in
foot bathing and treatment protocols.
 Vaccination and deworming: Administered essential
vaccines and scheduled deworming for parasite control.

 Ration formulation and feeding schedules: Helped

design balanced diet and implemented daily feeding
routines.
 Housing design and management : Evaluated shelter
ventilation, cleanliness and space efficiency.
 2.7 Soil sampling and analysis: participated in
detailed soil investigations for crop planning. The
activities included:
 Sample collection, preparation be and types; collected
representative soil samples, labelled, dried,
distinguished clay, loam and sandy soils then packed.

 Soil pH testing: used digital pH meters and chemical

indicators to determine soil acidity and alkalinity
 Particulate organic matter testing: participated in POM
analysis to determine organic carbon content and soil
fertility.

2.8. Biochar preparation: undertook training on how

to convert agricultural waste into Biochar. Learned on
the importance of Biochar like;
 Enhance fertility.
 Carbon sequestration .
 Water retention.

2.9. Value addition in cassava. Joined farmers in

Ahero who explore the agro- processing of cassava into
cakes and crisps in order to improve market value.
Observed the peeling, drying, grinding and baking
procedures in cassava cake preparation. Observed the
slicing, frying techniques, seasoning and packaging of
the cassava crisps for commercial presentation.

CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSION
The attachment period offered in- depth exposure and
enriching experience to agricultural operations which
boosted my practical skills and professional readiness.
The activities were organized in such a way as to
reinforce key principles taught in class. I also got
exposed to challenges faced by farmers and
agribusiness operators. Other than technical skills in the
field, I also gained soft skills such as teamwork,
collaboration, time management and adaptability.

CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS.
Based on insights gained during the attachment period,
I would wish to offer the following recommendations for
both the hosting farm and the academic institution.
The host institution
 Strengthen documentations and record – keeping
practices for better monitoring and learning outcomes.
 Increase access to modern equipment for livestock care
to support hands- on training.
 Enhance internet connectivity and digital platforms for
knowledge dissemination and farm marketing.

For the academic institution.

 Establish regular monitoring protocols and feedback
sessions with students during the attachment period .