Browsing by Author "Joseph Hitimana"

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    Evaluating Efficiency of Sampling Schemes in Tropical Natural Forests: Review and Simulation Experience from Kenya
    (Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry, 2019-08-08) Joseph Hitimana; James Legilisho Ole Kiyiapi; Balozi Kirongo Bekuta
    Forest measurements, especially in natural forests are cumbersome and complex. 100% enumeration is costly and inefficient. This study sought to find out reliable, efficient and costeffective sampling schemes for use in tropical rain forest (TRF), moist montane forest (MMF) and dry woodland forest (DWF) in Kenya. Forty-eight sampling schemes (each combining sampling intensity (5, 10, 20, 30%), plot size (25, 50, 100, 400 m2 ) and sampling technique (simple random sampling, systematic sampling along North-South and along East-West orientations) were generated for testing estimates of forest attributes such as regeneration through simulation using R-software. Sampling error and effort were used to measure efficiency of each sampling scheme in relation to actual values. Though forest sites differed in biophysical characteristics, cost of sampling increased with decreasing plot size regardless of the forest type and attribute. Accuracy of inventory increased with decreasing plot size. Plot sizes that captured inherent variability were 5mx5m for regeneration and trees ha-1 across forest types but varied between forest types for basal area. Different sampling schemes were ranked for relative efficiency through simulation techniques, using regeneration as an example. In many instances systematic sampling-based sampling schemes were most effective. Sub-sampling in one-hectare forest unit gave reliable results in TRF (e.g. SSV-5mx5m-30%) and DWF (e.g. SSV-10mx10m-30%) but not in MMF (5mx5m-100%). Onehectare-complete-inventory method was found inevitable for regeneration assessment in montane forest.
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    Influence of Land Use Activities on Riparian Vegetation, Soil and Water Quality: An Indicator of Biodiversity Loss, South West Mau Forest, Kenya
    (Scientific research publishing, 2016-01) Naomi Njue; Eric Koech; Joseph Hitimana; Peter Sirmah
    Watershed and riparian areas of Mau Forest Complex in Kenya are experiencing increased threats due to unsustainable land use activities geared towards economic growth amidst growing population. This study was carried out to examine effects of land use activities on riparian vegetation, soil and water quality along two major rivers (Chemosit and Kipsonoi) of South West Mau Forest (SWMF). Land use activities adjacent to these rivers and biodiversity disturbance on the riparian zone were identified and underpinned to changes on Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorous, Potassium, Sulphur, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Total Suspended Solids and soil Organic Carbon. Three sampling sites designated(upstream, midstream and downstream) were identified and established along each river as guided by existing land use activities represented by forest, tea plantation and mixed agricultural farming respectively. At each sampling site, a 200 m × 50 m section was systematically marked on each side of the river bank; the longest side being parallel to the river flow and divided into three belts transects each 20 m × 50 m, spaced 70 m apart. Six distinct land use activities (indigenous forest, food crop, tree and tea farming, livestock keeping and urban settlement) were identified as the major land use activities in SWMF. Plant species richness decreased and overall riparian disturbance increased from upstream (intact canopy with native vegetation) to mid-stream and downstream as epitomized by the structure, biodiversity disturbance resulting from extensive and intensive farming, intrusion of exotic species to livestock grazing and urban settlement. Variation among sampling sites in Total Suspended Solids, pH, Total Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were associated to different land use activities along the riparian zone. Total Nitrogen and water pH showed significant sensitivity to land use changes (p < 0.05). Put together these results indicate loss of biodiversity, riparian disturbance hence a need to adopt environmental-friendly land use planning and sustainable farming systems in SWMF.
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    Transparency and community participation in forest resource Governance in Mt. Elgon region, Kenya
    (Conscientia Beam, 2022-04-19) Protus Wanjala Masaba; Robert Mbeche; Joseph Hitimana
    The practice of good forest governance has been associated with reductions in poverty and community empowerment. This study assessed how the implementation of transparency and participation promote forestry practices under the plantation establishment for livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS) in the Mt. Elgon region. A sample size of 288 members of the Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and forest station managers drawn from three forest stations namely Saboti, Kimothon and Kaberwa were selected for the study. Focused group discussions and interviews administered through respondent assisted questionnaires were carried out to assess how the implementation of transparency and participation affect participants in PELIS. Local indicator variables were developed to assess transparency and participation. Chi- square tests of independence (α = 0.05) were performed to examine the relationship between the local indicator variables among sites based on the hypotheses that there were no significant differences in the implementation of transparency and participation among the sites. The study found statistical significance in accessibility to necessary information and decisions (p = 0.001) and involvement in decision-making processes (p = 0.002). Electoral related vices, conflicts and minimal women representation in executive committees undermines CFAs governance. The findings of this study indicates that CFAs governance systems directly affect forest conditions. The study generates information to support the formulation of policies and laws that can strengthen governance systems to minimize developmental deficits among CFAs and enhance socio-economic stability. Improved governance of CFAs will contribute in implementing agroforestry programmes that promote sustainable forest management in Kenya.