Sustainable Land Management

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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.
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.
African Journal of Agricultural Research Physiological response of soybean [Glycine max (L) Merrill] to soil moisture stress
(Academic Journals, 2019-03-22) Mwamlima, Louis; Ouma, Josephine; Cheruiyot, Erick
This study was done to determine the effects of varying soil moisture regimes on CO 2 assimilation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] in pots under greenhouse conditions during 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. The experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a 4 x 6 factorial treatment arrangement and replicated 3 times. Soil moisture regimes (80, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity) and cultivars (Gazelle, Nyala, EAI 3600, DPSB 8, Hill and DPSB 19) were first and second factors, respectively. Collected data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Linear Mixed Model in GENSTAT. Significantly different treatment means were separated using Tukey's test at 0.05 significance level. Leaf relative water content, stomata conductance, photosynthesis rate and sub-stomatal CO 2 concentrations significantly (P < 0.001) declined with increasing soil moisture stress. Total leaf chlorophyll content increased (P < 0.001) with increased soil moisture stress. Cultivars DPSB 19 and DPSB 8 had relatively higher leaf relative water content and stomata conductance at reduced soil moisture regime at 20% moisture from field capacity indicating moisture stress tolerance potential of the cultivars.
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.
Assessing the impact of farming systems and land use change on dryland plant biodiversity: a case study of Mwala and Yatta sub counties in Machakos county, Kenya
(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2019-09) Mutua, U. M.; Kisangau, Daniel P.; Musimba, N.
The study focused on assessing the impact of farming systems and land use change on dryland biodiversityand documented the views, knowledge and practice of the farmers on the role of biodiversity in the semi-arid midlandsof Eastern Kenya. A descriptive survey design was employed to collect data on famers’ views, knowledge andpractices from 120 respondents from four locations in Mwala and Yatta Sub Counties in Machakos County. NestedQuadrat method was employed to determine levels of loss of plant live forms in the cultivated and uncultivated areasin the four locations. The collected data was then analyzed using simple descriptive statistical such as percentages,frequency and means. Other methods used in the analysis included Logistic regression, Pearson Chi-square andt-tests. The study established that Households in the study areas understand the benefits of non-crop tree species(100%) and therefore grow the tree species (72%) and also conserve the indigenous species (88%). Results frommultivariate logistic regression analysis further showed that the age and level of education of the respondents werethe strongest statistically significant factors affecting the farmers’ knowledge on above ground biodiversity and itsrelevance to crop production (p < 0.005). It was also established that mixed farming system was the main farmingsystem practiced by 98% of the households in Mwala and Yatta sub counties, with crops and livestock on the samefarm. It was established that average population of plant live forms (grass, shrubs and trees) in the study sites wasfound to be significantly different between cultivated and uncultivated zones in the four locations (p <0.005). It isconcluded that human activities such as farming increases loss of plant live forms and interferes with above groundbiodiversity and reduces the effectiveness of crop-livestock integration in the production systems due to reducedgrazing areas.
ASSESSMENT OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN REHABILITATED LIMESTONE QUARRIES OF BAMBURI, MOMBASA COUNTY - KENYA
(Pwan University, 2021-12-21) Musando, Albert Akondo
Bamburi quarries are expansive areas exploited by the Bamburi Cement Company, the largest cement producer in Kenya. These areas undergo ecological restoration, a process that began in 1971 to mitigate the degradation caused through mining. This study sought to elucidate ecosystem services in the rehabilitated site and to demonstrate how restored quarries can provide sustainable services. Random walks were conducted during this study to establish quarry status before and after rehabilitation. Habitats were mapped, biodiversity surveys conducted, and Simpson Diversity Index (D) calculated to provide a measure of community structure for describing the ecosystems. Additionally, land use activities were identified to determine sustainability of the ecosystems services. Results show that over 566.2 hectares are under various land use activities in Bamburi with over 320 hectares (56.51%) of quarry having been ecologically rehabilitated to achieve a soil pH of 7.2 to 7.53 useful for supporting plant growth. About 7.8% of the study site comprised of grasslands and over 2.8% aquatic habitats. Fourteen (14) species of aquatic plants used in water purification were identified. Four hundred and thirty (430) vegetation species support the ecosystem of which 84 species are listed in IUCN data list as endangered, near threatened and critically endangered. Results from Simpson Diversity Index shows diversity of animals (D) = 0.818. The emergent ecosystem delivers provisioning, supporting, regulating and cultural ecosystem services which include fuelwood, herbal medicine, nutrient cycling, soil formation, erosion control, air and water purification, ecotourism, recreation, as well as education. The site attracts over 181,000 visitors annually. Findings from this study can be applied in policy development to promote restoration of quarries for sustainable ecosystem services.
ASSESSMENT OF LAND TENURE, LAND USE AND LAND COVER CHANGES IN TAITA HILLS FOREST FRAGMENTS: A CASE STUDY OF NGERENYI FOREST FRAGMENTS IN TAITA TAVETA COUNTY, KENYA
(Pwani University, 2020-01-23) Mkuzi, Hamisi Tsama
The indigenous Taita Hills cloud forest is fragmented to 5ha or less forest cover, except Chawia, Ngangao, and Mbololo forests which are fragments of more than 5ha. This fragmentation due to changing land uses, threatens the forest biodiversity and land cover. The study assessed the land tenure characteristics and the land use and land cover (LU&LC) changes in Taita hills forest fragments of Ngerenyi area over the past three decades (1987 up to 2017). The specific objectives of the study included establishing the land tenure system in Ngerenyi area, determining the drivers of change in land tenure, land use and land cover, and establishing land use and land cover change in the study area. Questionnaires administered by the researcher were used to generate data on the type of land tenure systems and the drivers of change in land use and land cover changes. Land use and land cover changes were obtained by analyzing multispectral satellite data obtained from Landsat 4-5 1987 and 2008, Landsat 7 1999, and Landsat 8 2017 using Arc GIS software. Supervised classification was applied to detect land use and land cover while change detection analysis was carried to quantify land use and land cover changes. The main land tenure system is freehold land ownership with land use and land cover changes driven by both natural and human induced factors, including agricultural expansion and drought. The study shows both an increase and decrease in the different land use and land cover classes with significant shifts from one class to another. Agricultural and dense vegetation land use and land cover have since been converted to built-up surfaces and light vegetation by 17 percent and 7 percent respectively. An average annual positive change of built-up surfaces of 0.6 percent and 0.2 percent average annual positive change in light vegetation. Agricultural land use and dense vegetation declined significantly by 4 percent and 20 percent respectively between 1987 to 2017. The land tenure has remained the same, however, the land use and land cover have changed over the time period in Ngerenyi area depicting the fragile nature of the Taita Hills forest fragments. The study recommends for education and awareness on the ecological relevance of the forest cover and further studies toxivbe carried out to establish the impacts of the land use and land cover changes on the ecology of the Taita Hills forest fragments in Ngerenyi area
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.
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).
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.
Avian and Habitat Diversity in the Semi-Arid Lands of Baringo South, Kenya
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2020-08-04) Ogendi, George Morara; Ondieki, Rhoda N.
Semi-arid wooded-shrublands are important and critical habitats that provide breeding and feeding grounds for a variety of bird species, some of which are endangered, vulnerable or threatened with extinction. Habitat type and size influence abundance and diversity of birds globally and particularly in developing countries that are characterized by rapid human population growth and haphazard urban, agricultural and industrial development. The objective of this study was to assess avian and habitat diversity at Chemeron, a semi-arid land in the northern rangelands of Kenya. The study was guided by four questions: What kind of Habitat types are present at Chemeron study area? What kind of birds are found at Chemeron area? What is the conservation status of birds found at Chemeron area? What are the functional feeding guilds of birds that are found in the study area? How does the habitat type influence bird species abundance and diversity at Chemeron? Four 2-km long transects radiating from a central point within the study area were selected for a ground survey of birds that was conducted on foot. The surveys were conducted between 06:30 and 09:30 and 16:00 and 18:00 from October 2019 to April 2020. Bird species were observed and identified to the species level using high-resolution binoculars, field guidebooks and available taxonomic keys. Our surveys documented two main habitat types: Acacia-Balanites-Boscia woodlands dominated by Acacia senegal, Acacia mellifera, Acacia nilotica, Boscia angustifolia, and Balanites aegyptica. The second kind of habitat consisted of the invasive Acalypha fruticosa and Indigofera arrecta with Acacia reficiens-Acacia brevispica overstorey. A total of 53 bird species were sighted and identified the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl (Francolinus leucoscepus). Seventy-nine percent of the birds were sighted as singles or in pairs except for the gregarious white browed sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali), Apus caffer, Numida meleagris, Streptopelia senegalensis, Dinemellia dinemelli and Corythaxoides leucogaster. Significant differences in the various species diversity indices among the six transects were observed (p < 0.05). Approximately 60% of the birds belong to the insectivorous and omnivorous feeding guild. Charcoal burning and uncontrolled harvesting of wood are the major threats to the avian habitats in the study area. The high diversity of bird species in the study area can be attributed to the varied diversity of habitats that provide feeding, nesting, refuge and breeding grounds for the birds. From the foregoing findings, we can conclude that the ASALs of Baringo South offer ample habitat for a large number of bird species including the vulnerable Yellow necked spurfowl. The variations in various bird diversity indices can be attributed to the observed heterogeneity of habitats in the study area. We recommend wise use of rangeland resources and protection of critical avian habitats within the ASALs. Efforts should be geared towards livelihoods diversification and empowerment of the Lake Bogoria communities. This will reduce the pressure on the wooded shrublands that is widespread in the study area.
Combining rainwater harvesting and grass reseeding to revegetate denuded African semi arid landscapes
(Springer Nature, 2021-12-03) Mganga, Kevin Z.; Bosma, Luwieke; Amollo, Kevin O.; Kioko, Theophilus; Kadenyi, Nancy; Ndathi, Aphaxard J. N.; Wambua, Stephen; Kaindi, Eric M.; Musyoki, Gilbert K.; Musimba, Nashon K. R.; Steenbergen, Frank van
In African drylands, perennial grasses preferred by grazing livestock are disappearing at an alarming rate. This has led to recurrent livestock feed shortages threatening pastoralist’s livelihoods. Combining native grass reseeding and rainwater harvesting ofers a viable and innovative solution to reverse this trend. However, studies to determine how biomass yields are afected by soil moisture availability attributed to in situ rainwater harvesting in African drylands are limited. We investigated how biomass yields of three grasses native to Africa, i.e., Enteropogon macrostachyus (Bush rye grass), Cenchrus ciliaris (African foxtail grass), and Eragrostis superba (Maasai love grass), are afected by soil moisture content in a typical semi-arid landscape. Rainwater harvesting structures included trenches, micro-catchments and furrows. Additionally, rain runof was diverted from an adjacent road used as a catchment area. Soil moisture was measured between November 2018 and August 2019 using PlantCare Mini-Logger sensors installed at 40 and 50 cm depths and 0, 1, 5 and 15 m away from the trench. Quadrat method was used to determine biomass yields in August 2019. Peaks in soil moisture were observed after rainfall events. Soil moisture content gradually decreased after the rainy season, but was higher closer to the trench. This is attributed to the prolonged rainwater retention in the trenches. Biomass yields were in the order Eragrostis superba>Cenchrus ciliaris>Enteropogon macrostachyus. Biomass production was higher near the trenches for all the studied species. Sensitivity to soil moisture demonstrated by the magnitude to yield reduction during the growing season was in the order Eragrostis superba>Cenchrus ciliaris>Enteropogon macrostachyus. These results suggest that Eragrostis superba is more sensitive to drought stress than Enteropogon macrostachyus that is adapted to a wide range of soil moisture conditions. We demonstrated that in situ rainwater harvesting structures enhanced soil moisture availability and displayed great potential for revegetating denuded natural rangelands in semi-arid African landscapes. Thus, combining rainwater harvesting and reseeding techniques can produce measurable improvements in pastoral livelihoods and should be incorporated in dryland development policies in the region. Ultimately, incorporating such innovative strategies can strengthen the efectiveness of ecological restoration in African drylands to meet the objectives of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Communities attitudes and perceptions towards the status, use and management of Kapolet Forest Reserve in Kenya
(Academic Journals, 2020-10-31) Rotich, Brian; Makindi, Stanley; Esilaba, Moses
Forest communities play a vital role in the conservation of forest resources. Understanding communities’ use, attitudes and perceptions of forests and management measures is significant in attaining conservation goals and reducing forest resource use conflicts. This study sought to assess local community’ forest resources use and their perception towards forest status, use and management. Data was collected through household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires, participant observation, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). A total of 112 respondents from three adjacent villages within 5 km from the forest boundary were randomly sampled for the household survey while descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Most (94.6%) of the households reported using products from forests. These products formed an integral part of the households’ energy needs, construction materials, medicine, income generation and daily dietary needs. Firewood was the most collected product from the forest (76.4%) whereas bush meat was the least (4.7%). There were mixed views on the forest management with more than half (54.5%) expressing dissatisfaction with the current management regime citing insecure land tenure system, inadequate integration of the community in forest management and corruption. There was perceived forest degradation due to illegal logging, illegal grazing, forest fires, climate change and encroachment for farming. For sustainable forest management practice therefore, there is a need for incorporating Indigenous knowledge (IK) in forest management plans and putting in place grievance address mechanisms to cater for the needs of local communities when designing forest policies and implementing forest restoration programs.
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.
Comparative assessment of prevalence, risk factors and economic losses of lameness in smallholder zero- and pasture-grazed dairy cows in Kenya
(Egerton University, 2019-03-25) Darboe, Momodou
Lameness is a cause of worry to dairy producers for being indicative of welfare problem with resultant economic losses from reduced milk yield, veterinary cost or premature culling. Risks for lameness are both animal and herd level factors, but the magnitude varies with housing conditions of the cows. This study compared farmer estimated and observed prevalence, types of lameness, risk factors and economic losses from lameness of cows in farms practicing zero- and pasture grazing. The study was conducted in Nakuru County, Kenya where zero- and pasture-grazed cows were obtained in an observational study design. In a random sample of 172 smallholder farms, 485 cows were examined for lameness, individual records and performance histories. Data were subjected to Chi square test, means comparisons and spearman rank correlation. Results showed that lameness prevalence was not different between zero-grazed (23.0%) and pasture grazed (20.2%) cows. The prevalence of lameness observed (22.1%) and that estimated by farmers (22.7%) closely matched with a strong positive and significant correlation (r=0.959; p<0.05). Four types of lameness were identified of which prevalence was in the order: laminitis (43.1%), digital dermatitis (32.1%), white line disease (14.7%) and sole ulcer (10.1%), but their prevalence did not vary with the grazing system. Lameness was more prevalent among the zero than pasture -grazed cows for cows kept on earth floor (46.4% vs 20.4%), small dairy breeds (46.0% vs 27.5%) or those kept on dry bedding (15.0% vs 4.9%). Estimated economic loss from lameness was 51% higher in zero- than in pasture grazing (KES 4,695.49 vs 3,109.41/farm/year) with a larger proportion attributable to production losses and veterinary costs. The loss is equivalent to loss of 104 to 157 litres of milk in a herd in a year for farmgate milk price of KES 30 a litre. Production losses were more in zero- than in pasture grazing (68.3 vs 55.7%) but veterinary costs were lower in zero- than in psture grazing (29.1 vs 34.4%). It is recommended that farmer training focuses on skills upgrading on routine care of claws and hooves to reduce incidences of lameness and the resulting economic losses from lameness.
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.
Dynamics of Land Use Changes on the Livelihood of Local Communities in Baringo County: Effects of Land Use Changes
(International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 2021-12-29) Edward, Kateiya; Thuo, Aggrey; Ombok, Maurice
This paper examined the effects of land use changes on the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo County. Land is a principal factor of production, a source of life and livelihoods. It provides a means of living and a variety of uses such as agricultural, human settlement, environmental conservation, urban and industrial development purposes among others. These uses compete for space in a fixed area, hence the rising land use conflicts and degradation. The situation has threatened lives and livelihoods, making it difficult to plan for the livelihood activities in Baringo County. This is happening against the backdrop of land use policy changes including; the National Land Policy, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Land Act, 2012, the Land Registration Act, 2012, the Community Land Act, 2016 and the National Land Use Policy that confers sanctity on land use. Using non-experimental survey design, 323 households were randomly sampled from Baringo South, Tiaty, Baringo North and Eldama Ravine Constituencies. Cobb-Douglas production model was used to analyze livelihood assets productivity. The study found out that land use changes decreased livelihood assets productivity at varied level of significance; human by 56.1% at 1%, physical by 53.4% at 10% and financial by 65.6% at 5% level. This decrease is related with the unregistered community land in dry areas (pastoral) largely in Tiaty constituency, where livelihood assets productivity decreased by 282.4% at 5%, and in the marginal areas (agro-pastoral) largely in Baringo South, where livelihood assets productivity decreased by 9% at 1% level of significance. In contrast, land use changes increased livelihood assets productivity in the highlands, particularly, in Eldama Ravine constituency, it increased by 139.3% at 10%, and in Baringo North Constituency, it increased by 5.1% at 1% level of significance. This increase in livelihood assets productivity in the highlands was associated with security of land tenure under registered private land use. The study concluded that unregistered community land is the main cause of unstable and uncertain livelihoods in Baringo County particularly in dry areas. The effects led to severe land use conflicts occasioning deaths, displacement and distorted livelihood perpetuating uncertain conditions for future livelihood development. The government, therefore, need to recognize, protect and register the local communities’ interest on community land. This will guarantee land tenure security, enhance livelihood assets productivity and secure future development for the local communities.
Dynamics of Land Use Changes on The Livelihoods of The Local Communities in Baringo County: Understanding The Drivers
(International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 2021-09-09) Kateiya, Edward Lekaichu Ole; Thuo, Aggrey Daniel Maina; Ombok, Maurice Ochieng
This paper examined the dynamics of land use changes on the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo County. Land is a principal factor of production, a source of life and livelihoods. It provides a means of living and a variety of uses such as agricultural, human settlement, environmental conservation, urban and industrial development purposes among others. These uses compete for space in a fixed area, hence the rising land use conflicts and degradation. The situation has threatened lives and livelihoods, making it difficult to plan for the livelihood activities in the County. This is happening against the backdrop of land use policy changes including; sessional paper no 3 of 2009 on the National Land Policy, the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Land Act, 2012, the Land Registration Act, 2012, the Community Land Act, 2016 and sessional paper no 1 of 2017 on National Land Use Policy that were intended to alleviate the situation. This situation is now a major threat to the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo County. This study, therefore, sought to examined the dynamics of land use changes on the livelihood of the local communities in Baringo county with specific objective to establish the drivers of the changes. A comprehensive desk review of existing literature was done, and land use changes were descriptively analyzed. The review spanned from pre-colonial (before 1895), colonial (1895 to 1963), independence (1963 to 2010) including the subsequent years of land reforms following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 onwards to 2020. The study found that the key drivers of land use changes originate from the change of land use policies from customary to European-like systems during the colonial era (1895 to 1963). These drivers revolve around the conflicts in the application of land use policies and laws, dual production system (different land use for registered private land in arable areas and the unregistered community land in non-arable areas within the county) occasioning wide productivity gap and economic disparity. Further the knowledge gaps associated with colonial perceptions, ideologies, and attitudinal practices, which led to misconception and wrong policies aggravated the situation. The consequences disorganize the local community land use and social system, broke down the traditional grazing and cropping patterns, depleted soils fertility & degraded the environment. In addition, the study found out that in the unregistered community land, land use conflicts were rampant, and characterized by invaded and claim interest as well as unscrupulous legal manipulation of land ownership records leading to dispossession. These two salient features are the main drivers of land use changes that led to continuous and frequent fatal inter-ethnic land use conflicts among the local communities; causing displacement and destruction of property among other atrocities working against politically weak local community. This scenario destabilized livelihood possibilities making it difficult for local communities to engage in basic livelihood activities and create uncertainty for future development. The study concluded that the security of land tenure perpetrates land use conflicts particularly in the unregistered community land. The government, therefore, need to register the community land to enhance land tenure security in the county.
Ecological restoration of pastoral landscapes in the drylands of East Africa
(Acadamic Journals, 2021) Githae, E. W; Mutiga, I. M.
The East African drylands cover about 47% of the land surface and host about 20 million people. Rural people living in the drylands are mainly pastoralists who depend on livestock for both economic and social well-being. During the dry season, pastoralists apply strategic mobility to access grazing resources efficiently. However, this strategy has experienced change and constraints due to various demographic- and climate-related challenges. Pastoral lands have been cleared for large-scale agriculture while pastoralists have shifted towards agro-pastoralism. This has eroded many dryland trees and forests leading to environmental degradation. This review discusses important indigenous trees that can be utilized in ecological restoration of drylands as well as providing ecosystem goods and services. These include trees for gums and resins (Acacia, Commiphora and Boswellia), indigenous fruit trees (IFTs) (Adansonia digitata, Tamarindus indica and Balanites aegyptiaca), trees for wood (Melia volkensii and Terminalia brownie) and fodder (Acacia tortilis and Faidherbia albida). They are not only drought-tolerant but also have minimal disruption to the ecosystem. Various dryland restoration strategies and constraints are also discussed. For successful establishment, seedling planting should be integrated with other appropriate practices such as natural regeneration, silviculture and enrichment planting for sustainable dryland management.
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.

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