Browsing by Author "Githae, E. W."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Publication
    A botanical inventory and diversity assessment of Mt. Marsabit forest, a sub-humid montane forest on the arid lands of northern Kenya
    (Wiley, 2007) Githae, E. W.; Chuah-Petiot, M.; Mworia, J. K.; Odee, D. W.
    A botanical inventory and diversity of trees, shrubs (≥5 cm diameter at breast height [dbh]), herbs,climbers and lianas was assessed in plots (154) of 20 × 5 m in Mt. Marsabit forest, northern Kenya. Werecorded 52 species of trees and shrubs, twelve species of herbs and six species of climbers and lianas.They belonged to 35 families and 64 genera. Rubiaceae was the richest family with nine species followedby Euphorbiaceae (six), Oleaceae (five), Rutaceae (four), Capparaceae, Labiatae and Leguminosae (threeeach). The rest of the families were represented by one or two species. Rinorea convallarioides (Bak.f.)Eyles ssp. marsabitensis Grey-Wilson (Violaceae), an endemic species, and Drypetes gerrardii Hutch.(Euphorbiaceae), were the two most important species, accounting for more than third of the combinedimportance value. Species diversity indices were 2.735 (Shannon–Wiener), 0.88 (Simpson's) and 0.296(Evenness). There was a strong evidence of disturbance arising from anthropogenic and wildlife foragingactivities. This inventory has affirmed Mt. Marsabit forest as a unique habitat for several endemic, rare,threatened or vulnerable plant species, which should be conserved.
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    Publication
    COPING STRATEGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CLIMATE-SMART AGRO-PASTORALISM: A CASE STUDY OF NAROK COUNTY IN KENYA
    (Chuka University, 2015) Githae, E. W.
    Pastoralism is the main form of livelihood in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya that host about 10 million people and approximately 70% of the national livestock herd. However, livestock production is threatened by climate related hazards as witnessed by deaths, reduced dairy yields, degraded natural resources and high incidences of pests and diseases. The traditional coping strategies have been affected by persistent climatic variations and socio-economic changes that have led to increased insecurity of livelihoods. The communities have, therefore, developed other strategies to cope with the harsh climatic conditions, and knowledge of these strategies is important in addressing current and future climatic challenges. This study, therefore, assessed the pastoralists of Narok County to determine their perception towards climate change and its impacts, to identify coping strategies and to evaluate the constraints faced towards a sustainable climate-smart livelihood. The study used focus group discussions and key informant interviews from three selected regions and integrated secondary data from various sources. The results indicate that these communities had observed remarkable changes in weather patterns and high prevalence of pests and diseases over the last 10 years. These impacted heavily on productivity and food security, and worsened by current land use changes. In response, pastoralists have transformed towards agro-pastoralism with subsequent shift from communal to private land ownership. They have adopted various coping strategies by diversifying livelihoods to improve food security and reduce vulnerability. However, supporting these strategies faced various challenges, the main ones being unpredictable weather patterns and limited knowledge on soil and water management. The findings provide a framework for sustainable climate-smart agro-pastoralism and policy interventions to enhance long-term sustainable systems that will ensure food security, while simultaneously conserving natural resources.
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    Publication
    Phytochemical analysis and antifungal activity of Tithonia diversifolia and Kigelia africana extracts against Fusarium oxysporum in tomato
    (Acadamic Journals, 2021-05-31) Awere, C. A.; Githae, E. W.; Gichumbi, J. M.
    Fusarium wilt can cause severe losses in many vegetables and flowers, field crops and plantation crops. The main method for controlling Fusarium wilt is through chemical methods which have the disadvantage of polluting the environment and are expensive. Thus, there is a need for more environmentally friendly and cheaper techniques for controlling Fusarium Wilt. This study screened the phytochemical compounds of two plant extracts; Tithonia diversifolia and Kigelia africana and assessed their potency in controlling plant fungal pathogen F. oxysporum, which causes fusarium wilt in tomatoes. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the two plant extracts contained saponins, tannins, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides and phenolics except alkaloids and steroids which were only found in T. diversifolia. The mean inhibitory zones ranged from 7.93 to 10.44 mm for T. diversifolia at 25 to 100 g/l. The mean inhibitory zones for K. Africana ranged from 12.07 to 15.56 mm at 25 to 100 g/l. K. Africana extracts had the highest inhibitory (antimicrobial) activity. Combining both extracts was more effective compared to the single extract. The effect of the combined plant extract and positive control was statistically significant (p < 0.05). This study provides scientific evidence that K. africana and T. diversifolia extract possess antifungal activity and can be used as a broad-spectrum in managing microbial diseases. Key words: Plant extracts, phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, Fusarium oxysporum.
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    Publication
    Status of Opuntia invasions in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya.
    (CABI Reviews, 2018) Githae, E. W.
    Invasive alien species (IAS) are among the leading threats to biodiversity, food security and human well-being. Opuntia (prickly pear cactus) is one of the most widespread and naturalized in the arid and semi-arid areas of Kenya, with extreme effects on rural livelihoods and the environment. However, comprehensive information on the status of invasion in the country is lacking, which is crucial for developing strategies for prevention and management. This paper, therefore, provides an overview of the interacting factors that influence its invasion in Kenya in terms of species diversity, pathways of introduction, negative impacts and the effectiveness of regulations and control measures. Seven invasive species of Opuntia are present in the country with the most abundant (O. stricta) being under biocontrol trial. These species have the same habitat preferences, physiological traits, negative impacts, introduction pathways and management options. Invasion is mainly attributed to changes in land use and consequent land degradation. Introduction pathways are largely intentional for ornamental purposes but unintentional at a local scale through escape from gardens and natural dispersal. The most applied methods of managing Opuntia are mechanical and chemical methods that are unsustainable and labour-intensive at large scale. Effective policies are therefore needed to prevent an increase in the significant negative impacts caused by IAS including those that have a limited distribution.