School of Environment & Earth Sciences

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Case of Luo and Banyala in Kenya

2024-08-11T08:31:07Z

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Case of Luo and Banyala in Kenya Masika, Denis Mutama; Anyona, George Oduol; Kowenje, Edna Aon Indigenous knowledge is a social capital used by communities to live harmoniously and manage their environment. This knowledge has evolved over many years of observation and experience to grant the communities a tested experience for sustainable management and development of their resources. This study focuses on the application of indigenous knowledge and practices among the Luo and Banyala communities in Kenya for sustainable water resources management. Water resource is an integral component among the Luo and Banyala communities as it cuts across their social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. Religious and traditional teachings and practices shape directly or indirectly ways of management of water resources among these communities. These traditional and religious foundations and the resultant informal rules and norms characterize communities’ response to water resources challenges especially scarcity and excesses that the Luo and Banyala face from time to time due to the topography of their habitat. The success of integrated water resources management introduced in Kenya in 2005 and emphasized in Water Act 2016 to involve communities in the management of water resources within their catchments has the potential to gain from traditional institutions existent among the communities. The article is found in the book titled: Traditional to Modern African Water Management. Can be accessed in full via springer link:https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-09663-1_13

Influence of Home Gardening on Household Food Security in Rarieda Sub-County of Siaya County in Kenya

2024-08-07T14:10:43Z

Influence of Home Gardening on Household Food Security in Rarieda Sub-County of Siaya County in Kenya Anyona, Eunice Achieng; Obuoyo, Joyce; Mutavi, Irene The number of people lacking food security globally is on the rise despite the numerous global interventions put in place to address it. About 2.3 billion people lack food security, with 828 million of them being undernourished. In Kenya, approximately 17 million people are food insecure with two million relying on food relief. Almost 80% and 68% of Siaya and Rarieda households are not food secure. This study employed cross-sectional research design to examine the influence of home gardening on household food security in Rarieda sub-County. Analytical results indicated that about 73.53% of the respondents practiced home gardening to boost household food security. Grains, horticultural crops, aquaculture and livestock farming were characteristic features of home gardening. The results indicated a strong positive and significant correlation between home gardening and household food security (r=0.633; ?<0.000) with a composite mean and standard deviation of 3.23 and 1.315, respectively. The study concluded that home gardening strongly, positively and significantly influenced household food security in Rarieda sub-County. The study recommended that home gardening be embraced and promoted not only in Rarieda but also in Kenya at large so as enhance food security.

ICDP workshop on the Deep Drilling in the Turkana Basin project: exploring the link between environmental factors and hominin evolution over the past 4 Myr

2024-07-30T13:55:37Z

ICDP workshop on the Deep Drilling in the Turkana Basin project: exploring the link between environmental factors and hominin evolution over the past 4 Myr Catherine C Beck, Melissa Berke, Craig S Feibel, Verena Foerster, Lydia Olaka, Helen M Roberts, Christopher A Scholz, Kat Cantner, Anders Noren, Geoffery Mibei Kiptoo, James Muirhead Scientific drill cores provide unique windows into the processes of the past and present. In the dynamic tectonic, environmental, climatic, and ecological setting that is eastern Africa, records recovered through scientific drilling enable us to look at change through time in unprecedented ways. Cores from the East African Rift System can provide valuable information about the context in which hominins have evolved in one of the key regions of hominin evolution over the past 4 Myr. The Deep Drilling in the Turkana Basin (DDTB) project seeks to explore the impact of several types of evolution (tectonic, climatic, biological) on ecosystems and environments. This includes addressing questions regarding the region's complex and interrelated rifting and magmatic history, as well as understanding processes of sedimentation and associated hydrothermal systems within the East African Rift System. We seek to determine the relative impacts of tectonic and climatic evolution on eastern African ecosystems. We ask the follow questions: what role (if any) did climate change play in the evolution of hominins? How can our understanding of past environmental change guide our planning for a future shaped by anthropogenic climate change? To organize the scientific community's goals for deep coring in the Turkana Basin, we hosted a 4 d ICDP supported workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, in July 2022. The team focused on how a 4 Myr sedimentary core from the Turkana Basin will uniquely address key scientific research objectives related to basin evolution, paleoclimate, paleoenvironment, and modern resources. Participants also discussed how DDTB could collaborate with community partners in the Turkana Basin, particularly around the themes of access to water and education. The team concluded that collecting the proposed Pliocene to modern record is best accomplished through a two-phase drilling project with a land-based transect of four cores spanning the interval from 4 Ma to the Middle–Late Pleistocene (< 0.7 Ma) and a lake-based core targeting the interval from ∼ 1 Ma to present. The second phase, while logistically more challenging due to the lack of drilling infrastructure currently on Lake Turkana, would revolutionize our understanding of a significant interval in the evolution and migration of Homo sapiens for a time period not currently accessible from the Kenyan part of the Turkana Basin. Collectively, the DDTB project will provide exceptional tectonic and climatic data directly associated with one of the world's richest hominin fossil localities. https://doi.org/10.5194/sd-33-93-2024

Establishment of Higher Terrestrial Plants and Animal Species Found in Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya

2024-04-30T13:50:55Z

Establishment of Higher Terrestrial Plants and Animal Species Found in Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya Mutavi, Irene; Long’ora, Albert .Elim In order to successfully achieve terrestrial biodiversity protection and conservation, more information is needed about the variety of plants and animal species existing in the ecosphere. Although biodiversity constitute a great asset in Kenya and Busia County at large, it is at risk of getting eroded due to increased anthropogenic activities, and therefore the urgent need to identify the various higher plants and animal species found in this sub-county. In the past, plants and animals were abundant in the area and currently some species are rare possibly due to destruction of their habitats by human activities. However, there is no known study that has focused on identifying the terrestrial plants and animals in the division. The study focused on Matayos division where biodiversity conservation issues have not been adequately addressed. Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. A minimum sample size of 384 household heads was taken out of a study population of 56,186. Matayos division was stratified according to locations and then households selected through simple random sampling for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling was used to get Key Informants such as village elders, chiefs and Sub chiefs. Primary data were collected through questionnaire administration, key informant interview, Focus Group Discussion, Field Observation and Photography. The results indicated that the division is endowed with variety of terrestrial plants and animal species which should be well protected. There is need for creating communities’ awareness on the various activities carried out and their effects on terrestrial biodiversity conservation so as to ensure conservation of the available species. Establishment of protected areas in the division to conserve these valuable species could benefit the community and the Busia County at large.

Conservation of Terrestrial Flora and Fauna in Rachuonyo South, Kenya: A Focus on Effects of Hunting and Gathering

2024-04-30T13:46:33Z

Conservation of Terrestrial Flora and Fauna in Rachuonyo South, Kenya: A Focus on Effects of Hunting and Gathering Atieno, Juma Christine; Nzisa, Irene.Mutavi; Obuoyo, Joyce; Omanyo, Abraham Terrestrial flora and fauna species are at the brink of disappearance yearly due to increase in human population. Yearly, the extinction rate of these species are 25% and 34% globally and 69% and 68% in Kenya. However, the depletion rate and the status of species in Rachuonyo South is not specified in any literature and yet, the rise of human population in Rachuonyo South has increased anthropogenic activities for instance 74% and 97% of population depends on agriculture and wood fuel respectively. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hunting and gathering on terrestrial flora and fauna species conservation. A cross-sectional survey design was used by application of Stratified Random Sampling to generate a sample size of 379 household heads. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The results indicated that there were 80 and 25 terrestrial flora and fauna species threatened. The terrestrial flora and fauna species were in a declining trend (mean=1.96, standard deviation=0.487 and mean=1.97, standard deviation=0.462) respectively. The frequency of hunting and gathering were extremely high (mean=2.90, standard deviation= 1.006). Hunting and gathering were greatly affecting terrestrial flora and fauna species (mean=1.22, standard deviation=0.414). The respondents were not sure whether there were effective conservation measures in place to mitigate the effects of the mentioned hunting and gathering (mean=1.70, standard deviation=0.457). In conclusion, the survival of terrestrial flora and fauna species in Rachuonyo South Sub County was greatly threatened by hunting and gathering. The local communities should be involved in conservation measures. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7817

The Effect of Rainfall Duration on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando SubCounty of Kisumu County, Kenya

2024-04-30T13:39:01Z

The Effect of Rainfall Duration on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando SubCounty of Kisumu County, Kenya Odundo, Tom; Mutavi, Irene; Obuoyo, Joyce At the backdrop of the on-going variability in rainfall, this research used a quasi-longitudinal research design to assess the effect of rainfall duration on beans, maize and African nightshade production in Nyando sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya. Primary data were obtained from questionnaires, interview schedules for key informants, photography, and observation checklist. Secondary data were obtained from Kisumu County’s Meteorological Department and Ministry of Agriculture. Data were analyzed at descriptive and regression levels. The analytical results showed that longer rainfall duration positively affected maize crop production (t = 18.82, p < .001) while it negatively affected both beans (t = -6.04, p < .001) and the African nightshade (t = -8.05, p < .001) yields. The research recommends that farmers should put emphasis on maize production during long rain seasons with minimal production of both beans and African nightshade for output maximization. More beans and African nightshade than maize should be grown in short rains durations to curb climate-related loses.

The influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural-urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

2024-03-25T14:31:44Z

The influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural-urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya Omedi, Gilbert; Mutavi, Irene; Obuoyo, Joyce Infant mortality, measured as the summation of neonatal and post-neonatal mortalities, remain unacceptably high in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Reducing infant mortality is paramount not only in assessing the progress made towards the third sustainable development goal but also in creating a conducive environment for fertility reduction and in giving a chance to new-born babies to live out their social and economic potential in their families and societies at large. Journal home page:https://gsconlinepress.com/journals/gscarr/

Influence of Industrial Symbiosis on Solid Waste Reuse in Manufacturing Industries in Kisumu County, Kenya

2024-03-01T16:29:35Z

Influence of Industrial Symbiosis on Solid Waste Reuse in Manufacturing Industries in Kisumu County, Kenya Adalla, Morelly Kathy; Achola, Raphael Kapiyo; Oindo, Boniface Oluoch; Obong’o, Boniface Oure Industrial symbiosis (IS) is a practical approach to sustainable economic and environmental management involving exchanging materials, energy, water, and by-products among industries. While IS has been extensively studied in developed countries, its implementation in developing countries still needs to be improved. The purpose of the research was to assess the influence of geographical proximity and symbiotic intensity on the exchange of solid waste materials. This study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional research design and examined 41 manufacturing industries in Kisumu County, Kenya. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was collected through questionnaires administered to technical officers in the industry. Besides, in-depth interviews with industry experts, county administrators, and industry association representatives were conducted, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the subject matter. The findings established that geographical proximity did not significantly influence types of waste exchanged (p = 0.298, p = 0.327, and p = 0.535) using nutrient-value waste as the reference category. This finding was likely due to high variability in distance between industries in the symbiotic exchanges. In contrast, the symbiotic intensity statistically significantly influenced the amount of solid waste reused in the network (Adjusted R2 = 0.113, p = 0.039). Furthermore, it was established that increasing the number of actors in the network (β = 0.324) can significantly impact solid waste reuse more than increasing the number of types of waste being exchanged (β = 0.243). This study underscores IS as a sustainable alternative to conventional manufacturing, especially in developing countries, while indicating that factors other than geographical proximity shape symbiosis.

Effects of Papyrus Plants (Cyperus papyrus) on the Physicochemical Parameters and Nutrient Levels of Water and Sediments in Yala Swamp Wetland in Western Kenya

2024-03-01T16:16:42Z

Effects of Papyrus Plants (Cyperus papyrus) on the Physicochemical Parameters and Nutrient Levels of Water and Sediments in Yala Swamp Wetland in Western Kenya Achieng, Violet Orodo; Abuom, Paul Otieno; Shikanga, Emmanuel Amukohe; Osewe, Elly Tetty; Anyona, Douglas Nyambane; Mngube, Fredrick Mhina; Adongo, Stephen Odongo Yala swamp wetland is the largest fresh water wetland ecosystem in Kenya supporting a broad biodiversity. It comprises of River Yala, the Yala swamp, Lakes Kanyaboli, Namboyo and Sare, and a portion of Lake Victoria neighboring the swamp. Approximately 2300 ha of land have been reclaimed and has been used for large-scale agriculture resulting in mass destruction of papyrus to create room for framing. Papyrus are known to be important in phytoremediation but despite this role information is limited, lacks supportive evidence and the empirical aspect on the levels of these pollutants in relation to the papyrus biomass is limited. The study is aimed at determining the effects of Cyperus papyrus on the water and sediment quality in Yala Swamp wetland. Six sampling sites were purposefully selected to monitor the variations of the physicochemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen: DO, pH, biological oxygen demand: BOD, total suspended solids: TSS, turbidity, electrical conductivity: EC and total dissolved solids: TSS) and the levels selected nutrients (phosphorus and nitrates) in water and sediments as River Yala flows through Dominion Farms, Lake Sare which surrounded by Cyperus papyrus and finally into Lake Victoria. The samples were collected in triplicates during the wet and dry seasons (May and September 2015 respectively). The physicochemical parameters were measured in situ using a Hydrolab muiltimeter while the nutrients were analyzed using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Statistical analysis was done using SAS V9.0 software. The mean temperature was 26.19˚C ± 0.71˚C, DO: 3.72 ± 1.02 Mg/l, BOD: 3.9 ± 0.32 Mg/l, pH: 7.52 ± 0.17, TDS: 109 ± 86.33, EC: 173.26 ± 13.8 μS/cm, TSS: 12.42 ± 18.51 Mg/l and Turbidity: 12.29 ± 10.03 NTU. The values varied significantly at P < 0.05 among all the sites. The results show that papyrus is useful in maintaining the required levels of physicochemical parameters. The study will assist in conservation of the papyrus to help phytoremediate pollutants from Dominion farms and the adjacent farms in order to have ecologically sound wetland.

Role of Household’s Tree Population, Socio-economic and Behavioural Determinants on Carbon Footprint Mitigation and Carbon Credit Balance in East Ugenya Ward, Kenya

2023-11-16T17:51:30Z

Role of Household’s Tree Population, Socio-economic and Behavioural Determinants on Carbon Footprint Mitigation and Carbon Credit Balance in East Ugenya Ward, Kenya Oduor, David Ochieng; Opeyo, Peter Otieno; Oduor, Dorice Anyango Scope 1 harmful emissions are directly linked to high levels of industrialization; Scope 2 and 3 carbon footprints are locally oriented and indirectly associated with household activities and behavioural alignment. East Ugenya Ward is perceived as the leader in firewood consumption, with the socioeconomically marginalized population in Siaya County resorting to this mode of fuel usage. Conversely, how the mentioned factors relate to both carbon footprints and credits is concluded with no concrete local and global resolution. The effort to reverse households’ carbon emissions through green energy campaigns has proved less operative due to little understanding of carbon-related working concepts and socio-economic hardships. This study analyses the role of household Tree population. It assesses the role of socio-economic and behavioural determinants in relation to carbon footprints and potential credits that can arise through sound environmental management within local community initiatives. Three hundred eighty-four household heads were interrogated. A descriptive cross-sectional research design and simple random sampling were found to be functional. Databases were Questionnaires, field research, measurement, photography, Focused Group Discussions, observation, key informants, and enumeration. Carbon Footprint Calculator (C.F.C.) and (V.C.S.)-Verra were used to assess the household’s emissions and potential credits. The spatial scale for tree population count was 20 m x 20 m quadrat. The tree-based biomass was translated using a conventional carbon sink conversion (Tons of Co2 Equivalent- tCo2eq). Data analysis involved the use of SPSS. The potential net carbon offset was (M = 0.334, SD = 0.006) tCo2eq per household. The Multinomial Logistic Regression model X2 (8, N= 384) = 24.69, Nagelkerke R2=.56, p <. 001, Strongly proved that the belief that Carbon Credit is profitable had a significant statistical association with Carbon Footprint Mitigation. The multiple linear coefficients of determination proved that 67.6%, F (381) = 69.51, p = .031, R2 = .676 of change in Carbon Footprints and 72.1%, F (381) = 72.58, p = .026, R2 =.721 of the variation in Net Carbon Credits, was attributable to combined variation in Tree population, Mean household age, and mean average monthly income. Both the Carbon Footprint and Carbon credit are affected. Therefore, local sensitization is needed to achieve knowledge and understanding of favourable emission budgets and profitable carbon trade https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.6.1.1553