Sustainable Land Management

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Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air and soil from selected sites in Nairobi
(University of Nairobi, Kenya, 2010-07) Situma, Dorice S.
This study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence, spatial distribution and temporal and seasonal variations of sixteen Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Industrial Area, Dandora Municipal dump site and Kabete sites on a monthly basis from February to July 2008. The sixteen PAHs have been identified by various Regional and International Agencies as priority compounds due to their toxicity, potential for human exposure and adverse effects on human health and the environment. Identification and quantification of the P AHs in air and soils was done using a Varian CP 3800 gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionisation detector. Confirmatory analysis was conducted using Gas Chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer (HP 6890-HP 5972). Compound detection limits ranged between 0.0165 ng/ filter for acenaphthene and 0.117 ng/filter for anthracene. Levels of P AHs in air were lower at the Kabete site than in Dandora and Industrial Area. The concentrations of individual P AHs in air ranged from below detection level to 3939.66 ±10.28 ng/filter. The sum of the concentrations of the compounds (2.:16 PAHs) ranged from 1704.05 ±191.16 ng/filter to 1881.81 ±202.86 ng/filter in Kabete; 6470.27 ±724.42 ng/filter to 8726.93 ±716.53 ng/filter in Dandora; and between 5853.69 ±631.28 ng/filter and 7822.87 ±851.89 ng/filter in Industrial Area. Individual PAHs in soils ranged between below detection level to 526.66 ±18.62 ng/g. The sum of the concentration of the 8 PAHs (2.:8 PAHs) ranges (ng/g) were 17.30 ±1.19 to 62.21 ±0.97 in Kabete, 141.44 ±1.03 to 726.60 ±4.51 in Dandora; and 63.37 ±1.29 to 138.68 ±1.93 in Industrial Area. Medium weight PAHs, especially phenanthrene were more abundant than the low molecular weight compounds. There was a general increase in the monthly levels of P AHs in air at the Dandora and Kabete sites. On the contrary, there was a general decrease in the mean levels of P AHs in air from industrial area. Levels of P AHs in soils increased slightly in Dandora but declined slightly in Kabete. There was stronger seasonal dependence in levels of P AHs in air than in soils. Higher levels were observed during the cool season than the dry and wet seasons in Kabete and Dandora. A reverse trend was observed at the Industrial Area site. The Pearson's correlation coefficients as determined for the P AHs present between air and soil were positive at all the sites. The strongest and most significant intermatrix correlation was observed in Kabete (r=0.821) followed by Dandora (FO.S03) while that for Industrial Area was weak (r=0.166). Correlation coefficients for temporal and seasonal variations of P AHs were positive except in relation to Kabete soil (r=0.039) and Industrial Area air (r=0.792).
Sacred natural sites and cultural heritage in East Africa
(Africa Bib, 2013) Ballarin, Marie Pierre; Kiriama, Herman; Pennacini, Cecilia
The papers in this special issue of 'Uganda Journal' are the first result of a research project, 'Social historical approaches to natural sacred sites and contemporary implications for the preservation of heritage', which was conducted in the framework of a French Foreign Ministry Research Programme, CORUS. The sites investigated are located in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Contributions: Introduction (Marie Pierre Ballarin, Herman Kiriama and Cecilia Pennacini); Mubende Hill: preserving and transforming heritage in a Ugandan sacred site (Cecilia Pennacini); Twins in myth and music: historical controversies over Winyi I's tomb at Kibulala (Uganda) (Linda Cimardi); Music in the sacred forest of the Rwenzori (Vanna Viola Crupi); Buddo Naggalabi coronation site (Buganda): controversies around a source of unity (Anna Baral); The sacred grove of Gihanga (Rwanda): between historical memory and biodiversity conservation (Ilaria Buscaglia); Rabai at the crossroads of Christianity, anti-slavery crusade and the Mijikenda culture (Kenya), Intangible heritage, identity and archaeology at 'kaya' Mudzi Mwiru (Kenya) (Herman O. Kiriama); Heritage, communities and opportunities: Shimoni slave cave and Wasimi island heritage sites (Kenya) (Patrick O. Abungu)
FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOPTION OF AGROFORESTRY PRACTICES AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NAMBALE DIVISION, BUSIA COUNTY, KENYA
(University of Eldoret, 2013) Mugure, Agnes Sorre
The Kenyan government has throughout its history come up with ambitious agricultural policies and strategies seeking to enhance agricultural production and performance as a tool to improve the livelihood of majority of its citizens that are rural-based. After nearly 20 years of agroforestry research in the country, smallholder farmers that are often faced with low crop production, soil erosion, scarcity of fuel wood and fodder, would be expected to adopt agroforestry practices. However, there seems to be low rate of adoption. The main objective of the study was to examine factors that influence the adoption of agroforestry practices in Nambale Division, Busia County. More specifically, the study sought to examine the types of agroforestry practices that exist in the area, to assess farmer-oriented factors that influence adoption of agroforestry practices, to examine technical factors (biophysical conditions, tree varieties, skills, knowledge) that influence adoption of agroforestry, to assess community oriented factors (socio-cultural) that influence the adoption of agroforestry practices, and to evaluate the benefits of agroforestry farming practices to households in Nambale Division, Busia County. This study was guided by the Agroforestry Decision Making Theory by Rene Koppelman and James H. French (1996). According to the theory, adoption of agroforestry by farmers at the household level is a decision making process that is influenced by various sets of factors: on-farm and off-farm factors. The target population was the farmers while households were the units of analysis. Purposive sampling was used to select the study area and the key informants, while simple random sampling technique was used to select the 200 respondents that participated in the study. A semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, informal discussions and direct observation were used for data collection. Data was analyzed both qualitatively (through descriptions and narratives) and quantitatively (through descriptive statistics). Results indicated that agrisilviculture, boundary planting and trees in homesteads were the common agroforestry practices; level of education, land ownership, land size, gender and household headship influenced the decision to adopt agroforestry practices; lack of technical information on agroforestry and/or contradicting information, land limit, limited sources of information including low extension services, and lack of seeds also influenced adoption of agroforestry practices at the household level. Results also indicated that belief and use of specific agroforestry species influenced their adoption. Results further showed that most household engaged agroforestry practices for environmental, medicinal, economic and livelihood benefits. The study concluded that although agroforestry benefitted farmers, they would gain more if they improved on the current agronomic practices. The study recommends provision of various information sources to farmers and training on agroforestry practices that would optimize benefits for the households.
Estimation of direct runoff and sediment yield in an AgNPS-GIS link: Case of river Njoro catchment in Kenya
(LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2013-01-01) Otieno, Hesbon
Most catchments in the developing world are ungauged due to the high cost of instrumentation involved and are therefore not monitored. However, lack of data from these catchments can not be an excuse for lack of proper management and hence data from these catchments is still needed for their management as well as design of structures in these areas. This book illustrates how direct runoff and sediment yield can be estimated in an AgNPS model-GIS link. A case study of the river Njoro catchment in Kenya is used and the results show a possibility of using the method in cases where in-situ measurements are lacking, so long as the model input parameters are accurately determined. Professionals in hydrology, environment and engineering fields or anyone else who may be involved in hydrological modelling will find this book useful.
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF DECONGESTION MEASURES IN NAIROBI, KENYA
(University of Eldoret, 2014) Nzai, Charles Chama
Traffic congestion is a wasteful phenomenon to businesses, society, environment and the economy as a whole. Its effects include delayed travel times, reduced productivity and business opportunities, accidents, frustrations, stress and pollution. This study analyzed the economic impacts of traffic congestion and effectiveness of different decongestion measures in Nairobi city, Kenya. Identification of study variables relied on theories and principles from welfare economics, congestion management; stakeholder participation; measuring impacts of traffic congestion; and, Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). Data was collected through questionnaires administered to the city’s motorists, interviews with key informants, observations and secondary data sources. Descriptive statistics, mathematical computations and counterfactual analysis were used to analyze the data. Regression analysis was used to model the relationship between motorists’ Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) for traffic decongestion program and their socio-economic characteristics. Results showed that the city’s congestion is due to continuously increasing number of vehicles without effective corresponding long-term congestion management strategies. Its related wastages were estimated as Ksh 146.5 billion and Ksh 16.7 billion annually in terms of delays and wasted fuel respectively. CVM results showed an average monthly motorists’ WTP of Ksh 1387 totaling to Ksh 8.3 billion annually interpreted as the total value of some benefits of reducing congestion in the city. Regression results also showed that motorists’ income, cost of running cars, price of cars and their perceptions on Government’s role in infrastructural projects were statistically significant at 5% in explaining their WTP bids. Bypass roads were found to minimally have a 7.5% impact in curbing congestion. The expansion of Thika Road and Syokimau commuter train service was estimated to have saved motorists Ksh 80 billion and Ksh 117.03 billion annually, respectively in terms of delays and wasted fuel. Phasing out of 14-seater PSV per se is ineffective in alleviating congestion and has potential of crippling the city’s public transport. With an effective payment machinery, the WTP values show the potential of funding the expensive decongestion programs using Nairobi city’s own resources. Decongestion programs should entail amongst others redesigning of the city’s land use policy in relation to congestion management strategies and parking management policy; introduction of congestion pricing schemes; development of new and modification of road infrastructure; encouraging use of public transport through introduction of consultative BRT systems; improving traffic operations; and, establishing a single agency that shall manage and coordinate efforts on the problem instead of relying on numerous government institutions with disjointed roles. There is need to cascade such research in other growing towns within the county to share experiences and develop national statistics on the problem.
A “win-win” scenario: the use of sustainable land management technologies to improve rural livelihoods and combat desertification in semi-arid lands in Kenya
(South Eastern Kenya University, 2014) Mganga, Kevin Z.; Musimba, Nashon K. R.; Nyariki, Dickson M.; Nyangito, Moses; Mwang’ombe, Agnes W.
Dryland ecosystems support over 2 billion people and are major providers of critical ecosystems goods andservices globally. However, desertification continues to pose a serious threat to the sustainability of the drylandsand livelihoods of communities inhabiting them. The desertification problem is well exemplified in the arid andsemi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya which cover approximately 80% of the total land area. This study aimedto 1) determine what agropastoralists attribute to be the causes of desertification in a semi-arid land in Kenya,2) document sustainable land management (SLM) technologies being undertaken to improve livelihoods andcombat desertification, and 3) identify the factors that influence the choice of the sustainable land management(SLM) technologies. Results show that agropastoralists inhabiting the semi-arid lands in southeastern Kenyamainly attribute desertification to the recurrent droughts and low amounts of rainfall. Despite the challengesposed by desertification and climate variability, agropastoralists in the study area are using a combination of SLMtechnologies notably dryland agroforestry using drought tolerant species (indigenous and exotic), grass reseedingusing perennial native and drought tolerant grass species (vegetation reestablishment) and in-situ rainwaterharvesting to improve livelihoods and by extension combat desertification. Interestingly, the choice and adoptionof these SLM technologies is influenced more by the additional benefits the agropastoralists can derive fromthem. Therefore, it is rationale to conclude that success in dryland restoration and combating desertification lies inprograms and technologies that offer a “win-win” scenario to the communities inhabiting the drylands.
EFFECT OF FARM SUCCESSION ON COFFEE PRODUCTION IN KISII COUNTY KENYA
(ESci Journals Publishing, 2014-10) Ngeywo, Javan; A, Shitandi; Basweti, Evans; Aming'a, Nemwel
Coffee is the world's most consumed drink next to water and second most traded commodity to oil. It is fourth GDP earner and employs 600,000 households in Kenya. Coffee production is dependent on various aspects of agronomic practices and farm succession. However, little information exists on the effect of farm succession on coffee production. Coffee farmers are elderly (Average 55 years), and reluctant to release coffee farms to the new generation, leading to reduced adoption of new technologies and reduced coffee production from 130,000 MT in 1989 to 50,000 MT in 2012 despite its profitability and opportunity of expansion. The objective of the research study was to establish the effect of farm succession on coffee production in Kisii County. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to obtain quantitative and qualitative data using structured questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and case studies on a sample of 227 respondents from a population of 69,000 coffee farmers. Research data were analyzed using descriptive and Pearson correlation statistics at 5% significance level, with aid of SPSS and Microsoft excel programs and results reported using tables, charts and descriptions. The research findings indicated a weak significant correlation between farm succession and coffee production, P>0.05, average production of 1.77 kilograms of cherry and standard deviation of 3.23. The research findings are aimed at filling policy gaps by encouraging agricultural extension practitioners to encourage the youth to participate in coffee farming and encourage the elderly farmers to mentor the youth to take up farming. The coffee farmers need to be encouraged to widen the choice of farm successors beyond family members and beyond gender imbalance in order to encourage spurring of coffee production, thus increasing production and profitability.
454 Pyrosequencing-Based Assessment of Bacterial Diversity and Community Structure in Termite Guts, Mounds and Surrounding Soils
(SpringerPlus, 2015) Makonde Huxley M.; Mwirichia Romano; Osiemo Zipporah; Boga Hamadi I.; Klenk Hans-Peter
Termites constitute part of diverse and economically important termite fauna in Africa, but information on gut microbiota and their associated soil microbiome is still inadequate. In this study, we assessed and compared the bacterial diversity and community structure between termites’ gut, their mounds and surrounding soil using the 454 pyrosequencing-based analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences. A wood-feeder termite (Microcerotermes sp.), three fungus-cultivating termites (Macrotermes michaelseni, Odontotermes sp. and Microtermes sp.), their associated mounds and corresponding savannah soil samples were analyzed. The pH of the gut homogenates and soil physico-chemical properties were determined. The results indicated significant difference in bacterial community composition and structure between the gut and corresponding soil samples. Soil samples (Chao1 index ranged from 1359 to 2619) had higher species richness than gut samples (Chao1 index ranged from 461 to 1527). The bacterial composition and community structure in the gut of Macrotermes michaelseni and Odontotermes sp. were almost identical but different from that of Microtermes and Microcerotermes species, which had unique community structures. The most predominant bacterial phyla in the gut were Bacteroidetes (40–58 %), Spirochaetes (10–70 %), Firmicutes (17–27 %) and Fibrobacteres (13 %) while in the soil samples were Acidobacteria (28–45 %), Actinobacteria (20–40 %) and Proteobacteria (18–24 %). Some termite gut-specific bacterial lineages belonging to the genera Dysgonomonas, Parabacteroides, Paludibacter, Tannerella, Alistipes, BCf9-17 termite group and Termite Treponema cluster were observed. The results not only demonstrated a high level of bacterial diversity in the gut and surrounding soil environments, but also presence of distinct bacterial communities that are yet to be cultivated. Therefore, combined efforts using both culture and culture-independent methods are suggested to comprehensively characterize the bacterial species and their specific roles in these environments.
Assessment of the effects of land use methods contributing to watershed degradation in Makueni County
(South Eastern Kenya University, 2016-02-02) Kieti, Raphael N.
Land use changes, rapid population growth, poverty, climate change variability and lack of livelihoods diversification aggravate watershed degradation through inappropriate land use methods resulting to water scarcity, land and water pollution, and governance issues. Soil erosion and siltation has led to land denudation, habitat loss and farm lands losing their soil fertility and compromising food security. The main objective of the study was to find out how land use methods influenced the biophysical, socio-economic and institutional conditions to accelerate watershed degradation and their effects on livelihoods. The study examined the livelihood strategies and options of the people as well as the socio-economic conditions contributing to watershed degradation, investigated the land use methods practiced and how they affect the biophysical conditions influencing watershed degradation in Makueni County and determined the institutional conditions influencing watershed degradation. In order to achieve this ultimate objective, the study used a descriptive survey research approach to obtain data on socio-economic characteristics of the study sites as well as historical trends of land use. Systematic sampling along a vertical transect line was used to identify respondents. Structured and semi- structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the community and key informants. The data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel 2010.The study established that Low food production as reported by the farmers (78%) and reduced income and livelihood by (75%), were consequences of watershed degradation in the study area. Landlessness at 39% (S.E=0.311 z= 1.311 sig.0.190), illegal encroachment at 18% (S.E=0.555 z= -0.604 sig.0.546), and laxity in law enforcement at 27% (S.E=0.481 z=0.227 sig. 0.821) were other factors mentioned by the farmers as contributing to watershed degradation. These conditions predisposed farmers to adopt inappropriate farming methods and unsustainable livelihood strategies which compromised the watershed’s environmental integrity. The study sought to make recommendation for efficient watershed management.
Land Cover Change and Woodland Degradation in a Charcoal Producing Semi-Arid Area in Kenya
(Wiley, 2016-05-18) Kiruki, Harun M.; van der Zanden, Emma H.; Malek, Žiga; Verburg, Peter H.
Woodlands in Kenya are undergoing land cover change and degradation leading to loss of livelihoods. Uncontrolled charcoal production, although a livelihood source for communities living in woodland areas of Kenya, leads to woodland degradation. We used Landsat imagery, field plot data and household interviews to describe land cover change and the role of charcoal production in woodland degradation. An unsupervised classification was used to determine land cover change from woodland to open/farmland, and five 16-km transects were used to investigate the extent of charcoal production in the target woodlands. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 117 households to understand their perceptions on woodland cover change and the role of charcoal production. The overall accuracy of our classification was 86%. Woodland areas decreased by 24% between 1986 and 2014. The trend of woodland area change compared well between remote sensing and interview data. The density of kilns, a proxy for charcoal-led woodland degradation, varied across the sample plots. Despite charcoal providing a livelihood for 66% of the households, the community felt that their environment, wealth and social relations have been affected by land cover changes caused by charcoal production. Based on these results, we recommend that appropriate measures aimed at improving the productivity of agriculture, adapting to climate change and reducing dependence on charcoal for sustenance should be encouraged to mitigate woodland cover loss and degradation. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IMPACTS OF RESOURCE USE CONFLICTS ON FOOD SECURITY IN NYANDO WETLANDS, KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA
(University of Eldoret, 2016-05-19) RABURU
Nyando Wetlands are a multi-use resource that provides the riparian community with a range of interrelated environmental functions and socio-economic benefits, which support a variety of livelihood strategies. This study set out to assess the impacts of resource use conflicts on food security in Nyando Wetlands, Kenya. The study evaluated the changes in wetland resources between 1982 and 2012, the types and causes of conflicts associated with wetland resource use, and to establish the relationship between resource use conflicts and food security among communities living in Nyando Wetlands. The study was carried out between February and April, 2012, and used various participatory techniques to collect data, including in-depth household interviews with 384 randomly selected wetland resource users. Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focused Group Discussions (FGD) and direct observations were used in extracting information on underlying relationships between changing wetland resources, conflicts and food security. Secondary data from published and unpublished materials was reviewed to complement primary data. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20 and results tested at 5% level of significance using Descriptive Statistics, Nominal Logistic Regression, Cluster Analysis and Spearman Correlation. The indicators for wetland degradation were wetland resources like fish, vegetables, birds, animals, insects, and water. The results show that most of the resources used as food by the community such as fish (90%), vegetables (81%) and some animals (63%) which were abundant in the wetland had reduced between 1982 and 2012 by 20%, 8%, and 18% respectively due to anthropogenic activities. The same applies to wetland plants used as building materials, fuel wood, fencing, animal feed, medicinal purposes, making fish traps, ropes, furniture, mats and brooms. Three major types of conflicts were recorded. Human-human conflicts arose mainly due to land disputes (61%), human-wildlife conflicts arose mainly from crop destruction (79%) while conservation-resource utilization conflicts were attributed to overdependence on the wetland resources by the riparian community. Generally, as the conflicts increased, food production decreased. Floods, drought and human pressure leading to overdependence on the Nyando Wetlands resources were significantly (p < 0.05) the major cause of conflicts that led to reduced food production. It is recommended that a comprehensive wetland management plan be developed to ensure sustainable exploitation of wetland resources. The Nyando Wetlands community should also be empowered to embrace wise use principles (importance of maintaining a balance between wetland utilization and maintenance of ecosystem diversity) through education and awareness creation to minimize conflicts and enhance food security for improved community livelihood. Policies should also be put in place at the Kisumu County level to conserve Nyando Wetlands biodiversity which plays a major role in food security.
Impact of human activities on land degradation IN Lugari sub- county, Kakamega county, Kenya
(E3 Journals, 2016-10-27) Wanjala, Wanyonyi; Kinyanjui, Mwangi
This study investigated the impact of human activities on land degradation in Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County in Kenya. The study sought to analyze the extent of land degradation; identify the causative factors for land degradation and analyze the effect of implemented land conservation measures and propose sustainable land use options in Lugari Sub-County. The study used four Landsat satellite images; A Multi Spectral Scanner (MSS) of 1973, Landsat Thematic Mapper, TM of 1988, Enhanced Thematic Mapper, ETM of 2003 and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus, ETM+ of 2010 to develop time series land use and land use change maps of Lugari Sub-County. Data was confirmed by historical data and ongoing human activities from a socio economic survey and secondary sources. Soil erosion, soil fertility loss and pollution of the environment were associated with land use change. Correlations and regression were used to identify the human activities that have significant contribution to land cover change. Findings revealed that poor cultivation methods and traditional livestock grazing methods are the major factors contributing to land degradation. The study proposes the adoption of modern agricultural technologies to meet the nutritional, developmental and energy demands of the rural communities and ensures sustainable productivity of the land.
Assessment of land use and land cover change in Makueni County for selected time periods
(South Eastern Kenya University, 2017-03-27) Kebenei, Mercy C.
The surface of the earth is undergoing rapid land use and land cover changes (LULCC) due to various socio-economic activities and natural phenomena. The main aim of this study was to gain a quantitative understanding of LULCC in Makueni County between 2000 and 2016, and analyze the relationship between these changes and their possible underlying drivers in the County. ArcGIS 10.3.1 and ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 were used for the digital image processing and GIS analyses. Image pre-processing and enhancement were done to prepare the images for classification. Supervised classification technique was used to sort and define spectral signatures in the imagery for different land use and land cover (LULC) classes that were identified. Ground truthing was done so as to check the precision of the classified LULC maps. Change detection analysis was performed to assess the class- to- class conversions and change in areal coverage between identified LULC classes between time intervals under study. Accuracy assessment was performed to determine overall, producer’s and user’s classification accuracies. The study area was defined to have seven LULC categories, which were: Built up areas, water bodies, croplands, evergreen forests, bushlands, grasslands and barelands. The results revealed both increase and decrease in the areas of the LULC classes from 2000 through to 2016. Evergreen forest decreased from 3105.8 km2 in 2000 to 1373.0 km2 in 2016 while built up areas increased from 160.7 km2 in 2000 to 644.5 km2 in 2016. Possible drivers of the observed changes ranged from climatic factors such as rainfall and drought to socio-economic factors. Since the results reveal that LULCC has occurred in Makueni County, the study recommends that consistent LULC mapping should be carried out in order to establish trends that will enable resource managers to project realistic change scenarios helpful for natural resource management.
DRIVERS OF GULLY EROSION: CASE STUDY, NAROK COUNTY, KENYA
(International Journal of Social Science and Technology, 2017-04) Konana, Charity; Gachene, Charles; Mburu, David; Mureithi, Stephen; Gicheru, Patrick; Khalif, Zeinabu
Soil erosion is a serious issue in Arid and Semi-Arid lands and affects community livelihoods and soil conservation efforts. The objective of this paper is to assess drivers of gully in Narok County, Kenya. The driving forces of soil erosion can lead to gradual loss of the adaptive capacity of the soil and its ecosystem.Agricultural intensity without soil conservation measures is linked to greater water erosion. Overgrazing is one of the main drivers of gully erosion in rangelands. Global warming puts more regions at high risk of gully erosion in the future. The projected scenario (2030) showed an increase in the area under shrubland, cropland and close natural forest and a decrease in grasslands and open natural forest in Narok County. This indicates overgrazing and deforestation will reduce vegetative cover resulting in increased runoff in the County.Further research in land use changes such as change in scale and intensity needs to be done particularly in the arid and semi- arid areas. More soil erosion studies that take into account socioeconomic factors are required. Projected land use and land cover change and climate scenarios are also needed particularly in relation to gully erosion.
Land use and land cover data changes in Indian Ocean Islands: Case study of Unguja in Zanzibar Island
(Elsevier, 2017-04) Mwalusepo, Sizah; Muli, Eliud; Faki, Asha; Raina, Suresh
Land use and land cover changes will continue to affect resilient human communities and ecosystems as a result of climate change. However, an assessment of land use and land cover changes over time in Indian Ocean Islands is less documented. The land use/cover data changes over 10 years at smaller geographical scale across Unguja Island in Zanzibar were analyzed. Downscaling of the data was obtained from SERVIR through partnership with Kenya-based Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) database (http://www.servirglobal.net), and clipped down in ArcMap (Version 10.1) to Unguja Island. SERVIR and RCMRD Land Cover Dataset are mainly 30m multispectral images include Landsat TM and ETM+Multispectral Images. Landscape ecology Statistics tool (LecoS) was used to analysis the land use and land cover changes. The data provide information on the status of the land use and land cover changes along the Unguja Island in Zanzibar. The data is of great significance to the future research on global change.
THE ROLE OF SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT IN KIDAYA NGERENYI, TAITA TAVETA COUNTY, KENYA
(Pwani University, 2017-07-14) Mzozo, Delphina Dali
Watershed protection provides an integrated framework of management systems whichseek to protect multiple natural resources including forests, water and soil. An in-depthunderstanding on resource characteristics of individual watershed ecosystems isnecessary to guide decision making in sustainable watershed management. This researchwas conducted at Kidaya Ngerenyi watershed in Taita Taveta County. The primaryobjective was to determine the role of Sustainable Land Management Practices inpromoting watershed protection through soil health indicator analysis. Essentialinformation on watershed management was obtained by conducting semi structuredinterviews on 15 key informants and 72 land users. A total of 40 soil samples werecollected from different management practices across the watershed and analyzed forvarious potential soil health indicators. The strata of the study included: upper, mid andlower zones under management practices as well as cultivated and protected vegetativebuffer strips and forests in the watershed. Descriptive statistics were used to analyzeadoption and non-adoption of the Sustainable Land Management practices usingMicrosoft Excel. Analysis of Variance was used to compare soil health indicators underSustainable Land Management Practices between the three zones of the watershed at 5% level of significance. Two sample t-test was used to compare soil health betweenprotected and cultivated sites of the buffer protection practices at 5 % level ofsignificance. Results showed that Sustainable Land Management Practices are mainlyimplemented to boost agricultural production and not to meet watershed objectives. Themost common Sustainable Land management Practices implemented across thewatershed include integrated soil fertility management and cross slope barriers. Resultsfrom laboratory soil analysis showed no significant difference in soil pH and particledistribution between the zones with p values of 0.43 and 0.538, respectively. However,vithere was a significant variation (p = 0.001) in the soil organic carbon (%) among theupper, mid and lower zones with a mean of 4.1, 2.8 and 2.5, respectively. This wasattributed to the spillover of organic matter through litter carried by runoff from forestsalong the ridges which was often trapped by the cross slope barriers put in place.Infiltration rate decreased towards the lower zones of the watershed with a significantdifference (p = 0.008). There was no significant difference observed in soil healthindicators between protected and cultivated buffer management practices. This studydemonstrates that, land users need to focus on long term goals of managing landssustainably to protect the soil’s and watershed’s integrity at large
Effects of Land Fragmentation on Food Security in Three Agro-ecological Zones of Embu County in Kenya
(Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology, 2017-08-02) Ndirangu, Samuel N.; Mbogoh, Stephen G.; Mbatia, O. L. E.
Land fragmentation is a common agricultural phenomenon in many countries where a single largefarm is subdivided into a large number of separate small land plots. This paper is based on a studythat was carried out to evaluate the impact of land fragmentation on food security in three agroecologicalzones (AEZs) of Embu County in Kenya from January to November 2016. The studyused data collected from 384 farm-households that were randomly selected from three AEZs in theEmbu County, using the 4-stage cluster sampling method. The AEZs were the Sunflower-CottonZone, the Coffee Zone and the Tea Zone, based on the official AEZs classification system in Kenya.Household caloric acquisition method was used to compute a household food security index (HFSI)that was used to measure the household food security status. The effect of farm size on foodsecurity was evaluated using the Binary Logit Regression method. The results showed that theaverage number of people in a household was 3.73 in the Tea Zone, 3.59 in the Coffee Zone and3.93 in the Sunflower Zone, and that farm size had a positive and significant effect on food securityin the Sunflower (P=.029) and Tea zones (P=.007), but not in the Coffee Zone (P=.365). Further, itwas found that the minimum farm-size that could ensure the attainment of the minimum (cut-off)point for household food security (HFSI = 1) was above 2 ha in the Sunflower Zone and 0.5 ha inthe Tea Zone. Based on the study findings, it is recommended that further fragmentation of farmsbelow 0.5 ha in the Coffee and Tea zones and 2 ha in the Sunflower Zone should be discouraged toensure sustainable food security in the study area. For the farms that are already below theminimum cut-off size for food security, measures to increase these farms’ productivities so that theycan support more people per ha should be devised and implemented.
Propagation And Regeneration Of Important Indigenous Tree Species In Kakamega Forest, Kenya
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 2018-08-01) Busuru, Carolyne; G., Obwoyere; Kirui, Bernard
This study evaluated regeneration potential of P. africana vis a vis Olea capensis and Croton megalocarpus, identified the seed for propagation and suitable sowing media that gives optimum germination results. An experiment was set to evaluate these. Seeds were collected prepared, germinated under the different media types and germination percent monitored. The data was collected on mean germination percent in different media ratio and statistical analyses conducted. The results indicated that There was significant difference in the timing of the collection of seeds (F 2, 60, f=24.47, P<0.001). Germination rate was significantly lower in stored seeds compared to the other two seed collection stages i.e. mature green seeds and mature ripe. There was a significant ‘medium’ effect on the germination of C. megalocarpus (F6,62, f=4.84, p<0.001), Prunus africana (Chi- square test = 14.10, d. f= 6, p = 0.029) and O. capensis (Chi –square test = 18.33, d. f= 6, p = 0.005). From the results, it was concluded that the best seed for propagation of P. africana is seed freshly harvested, mature and ripe even without any pre-treatment. It is therefore recommended that P. africana seed should be sown in sand: sawdust 1:1 immediately after harvesting for optimum germination.
Comparative assessment of landslide susceptibility by logistic regression and first order second moment method: Case study of Bujumbura Peri-Urban Area, Burundi.
(Journal of Engineering Research and Application, 2018-08-24) Shirambere, Gervais; Nyadawa, Maurice O.; Masekanya, Jean pierre; Nyomboi, Timothy
Several landslides incidents in the Bujumbura region are reported regularly by independent sources. However, few studies on the causes in the region have been conducted and no record of susceptibility map at a regional exists. In this study, two different approaches are applied to map landslide susceptibility in the region. The physical approach is based on mohr-coulomb failure criterion and is applied using a probabilistic approach, the first order second moment method. The statistical approach is based on logistic regression. The study has two objectives: (i) to map landslide susceptibility in the region and (ii) to compare the results of the different approaches. Applying the two approaches in a GIS framework, two susceptibility map are produced. The accuracy of the two models is independently assessed using ROC and AUC curves. A comparative analysis of the results is conducted and the results shows a fair spatial correlation. The susceptibility maps are compared using rank differences and ArcSDM and a spatial comparison map of susceptibility levels is produced.
IMPACTS OF LAND USE ACTIVITIES ON MARURA WETLANDS; UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA
(University of Eldoret, 2018-10) Chepchumba, Naomy Aaron
The study sought to investigate the impact of land use activities on Marura wetland and was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish the main land use activities around Marura wetland, to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on wetlands and to determine the causes of wetlands degradation. Secondary sources of data were used in mapping the effects of anthropogenic activities through GIS and remote sensing techniques. Primary data was collected using household questionnaires and observation on the main landuse activities while. Purposive sampling method was used and collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel. The analyzed data was presented in tables, charts, graphs and narratives. The study indicates that 193(98%) of the respondents identified the most important aspect of the wetlands as a source of water in the community while Agriculture as the major cause of degradation to Marura wetland. This is because people have encroached inside the wetlands increasing the loosening of the soils and causing soil erosion and reduction in the water table. The findings of this study is of great significance to the community, NEMA and the County Government of Uasin Gishu as it will help in coming up with the best landuse practices for sustainable utilization of wetlands. The study recommends participatory management plan be developed and implemented to curb exploitation of the wetlands resources and coming up with environmentally friendly landuse practices which will sustain the marura wetlands for posterity.

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