School of Environment and Earth Science

An Assessment of Electricity Wastage and Conservation Strategies Adopted By Selected Manufacturing Industries within ELDORET Municipality, Kenya

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

An Assessment of Electricity Wastage and Conservation Strategies Adopted By Selected Manufacturing Industries within ELDORET Municipality, Kenya RONO, Kipng'etich Keith Electricity is the most common and widely used type of energy globally because a large proportion of all the other types of energy are converted and distributed as electricity for endusers. In Kenya, electricity is the third most-used source of energy after fuel wood and petroleum products, and is second to petroleum fuels as a source of commercial energy. Currently, Kenya is experiencing high electricity demand that has exceeded its generation capacity. However, estimates by Kenya Power and Lighting Company indicated that 40% of electricity is wasted at end-use stages by Kenya's users indicating the need for electricity conservation strategies in all sectors. Eldoret Municipality is the fifth largest and one of the fastest growing industrial towns in Kenya yet information on electricity conservation strategies within its manufacturing industries is scarce. The study sought to identify sources of electricity wastage and identify electricity conservation strategies adopted to reduce the wastage by selected manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify sources of electricity wastage; identify and analyse policies for electricity conservation; established the technological/operational strategies and; assess staff responsibilities in electricity conservation. Of the 690 registered manufacturing industries in Kenya, 25 of them are located within Eldoret Municipality. Eight of the 25 manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality were selected for the study. Purposive random sampling was used to select; (i) types of industries which included textile, paper manufacturing industry, wood industry, food processors, beverage industry and engineering firm and; (ii) 107 key informants who comprised of management, machine operators, electricians and other workers within each selected industry. Primary data was collected through the identification of expected consumption of electricity, scrutinizing monthly electricity bills, key informant interviews, observations, and administering questionnaires. Secondary data was obtained by review of relevant literature from internet, libraries, Sessional Papers and pamphlets from KPLC. Data analysis was conducted quantitatively using descriptive statistics namely frequencies and cross-tabulations and; qualitatively by coding and making scientific discussions. The findings of the study were presented in the form of tables, charts, plates and discussions. The selected industries were categorized as heavy or light according to electricity consumption. Ten sources of electricity wastage were identified in both heavy and light selected manufacturing industries within Eldoret Municipality. The study established that the selected manufacturing industries had adopted six policy and eight operational/technological strategies to reduce electricity wastage and conserve electricity. Each category of industry workers such as management, engineers, electricians, machine operators were individually responsible in the identification or implementation of the electricity conservation strategies within the selected manufacturing industries. However, inadequate training on electricity conservation, lack of proper communication channels, and inadequate staff motivation within industries hampered participation of industry workers in electricity conservation. The study recommended the establishment of effective monitoring systems of electricity consumption to enable easy identification of sources of electricity wastage and effectiveness of conservation strategies used; full enforcement of existing electricity conservation policies; training and creating awareness to all workers on sources of electricity wastage and electricity conservation strategies used to reduce electricity wastage. It is hoped that the findings of the study will benefit KPLC, manufacturing industries and government in implementing the identified electricity conservation strategies.

Effects of Sugarcane Farming on Agro-Biodiversity in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Western Kenya

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Sugarcane Farming on Agro-Biodiversity in Mumias Division, Kakamega County, Western Kenya MASAYI, Nelly Sugarcane farming is a commercial mono cultural land use practice which can often lead to reduction in agro-biodiversity. Commercial sugarcane farming in western Kenya is cultivated underthree categories: small scale (outgrowers), large scale and nuclear estate. The study was carried out in Mumias division of western Kenya where 68 percent of the land is under commercial sugarcane- cultivation while 32% is left for subsistence agriculture and other land uses.Previous studies carried out in the region did not directly link sugarcane farming to the loss of agro-biodiversity. The objectives of the study were to: identify and compare the diversityof subsistence food crops grown in the study area before and after the introduction of commercial sugarcane farming; assess the effects of commercial sugarcane farming emagrobiodiversity in the study area. There was higher agro-biodiversity in the study area before the introduction of commercial sugarcane farming. The declined when comniercial sugarcane was introduced. Data collection methods included: questionnaires, interviews, field observation and Participatory Rural Appraisal tool for primary data. A sample size of 90 respondents purposively selected from a total study population of 4384 sugarcane farmers in the division. Secondary data was obtained from journals, text books, government reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and newspapers. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Qualitative data that was collected through in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion was transcribed and organized into themes and subthemes. Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs. The indigenous crops grown in the study area before commercial sugarcane farming were established as maize, bambara groundnuts, simsim, sorghum, fmger millet cassava, sweet potatoes, groundnuts, and indigenous sugarcane with maize occupying the largest acreage among small scale farmers. Common indigenous vegetables included, spider plant, jute mallow, african nightshade, pumpkin leaves, sunhemp, african kales and vine spinach. With the introduction of commercial sugarcane farming in the 1970s, the land under subsistence agriculture declined thus affecting agro-biodiversity in the study area in the following ways: vine spinach became extinct, acreages under maize, sorghum, finger millet, cassava and sweet potatoes reduced in 1970s and 1980s and increased in 1990s and 2000s. However, cassava declined in the same period. The research also established that sugarcane farming did not have any effect in the cultivation of groundnuts and bambara groundnuts. Indigenous vegetables normally grown in kitchen gardens and abandoned cattle sheds declined as a result of commercial sugarcane farming. The study concluded that commercial sugarcane farming was one of the major factors that had an effect on agro-biodiversity in Mumias division of western Kenya. Other factors included pests and diseases, change in tastes and preference and introduction of exotic crops such as kales. It is recommended that agricultural extension officers should sensitize farmers to allocate specific portions of land for subsistence crops to ensure food security and conservation of agro-biodiversity.

Alluvial Deposits and Their Effects On the Physical L Environment and Socio-Economic Activities On the Lower Course of River Kuja, Nyatike Division- Nyatike District, Kenya

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Alluvial Deposits and Their Effects On the Physical L Environment and Socio-Economic Activities On the Lower Course of River Kuja, Nyatike Division- Nyatike District, Kenya ODHIAMBO, Millicent Anyango Alluvial deposits are features resulting from river deposition. They consist of gravel, sand and silt particles, formed on the lower course of a river. Deposition of sediments at the lower course of a river increases because of a decrease in the river flow and hence a reduction in the competence of the flow. This study focused on the lower course of River Kuja, approximately 5 km from the river mouth and 4 km away from the river channel on both sides of the floodplains. Continuous accumulation of sediments on the river channel makes the channel to become shallow in depth, thereby forcing water in the channel to go over the river bank, into the floodplains, carrying the river load into the farmlands and hence, an increase in soil fertility. Floods emerging from over bank flow can cause erosion of fertile soil along steep river banks, destroying crops, livestock and drowning homesteads of the inhabitants. The objectives of the study were to: identify types of alluvial deposits on lower course of River Kuja; determine the effects of alluvial deposits on the physical environment; find out the effects of alluvial deposits on socio-economic activities on lower course of River Kuja. A sample size of 384 households was obtained from a total of 20,000 households from the study area by the use of simple random sampling technique. Primary data was collected through Household Survey, Focused Group Discussions, Key Informant Interviews, Observation and Photography. Secondary data was collected by reviewing documented literature including reference books and from the internet. Quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as percentages. The study identified river channel deposits, the river bank and the floodplains deposits. Alluvial deposits can cause deep river channels to become shallow, cause over bank river flow into the floodplains, pools of stagnant water, soil erosion on steep river valley, drowning of homesteads and displacement of inhabitants from the floodplains. On socio-economicactivities alluvial deposits affects crop farming, livestock keeping, fishing and trading activities. The results indicated that alluvial deposits are found on the channel, on the river bank and on the floodplains, where they affect the physical environment and socio-economic activities. Research study recommends that the roads leading to the river bank be improved, to enable trucks to reach the river bank and collect coarse sand from the river channel; deepen the channel and hence reduce over bank river flow that causes floods on the floodplains, encourage cultivation of farms along the contours, give early warning to the inhabitants to vacate areas prone to floods. This will reduce losses incurred when their properties are destroyed by the floods and finally encouraging the farmers, fishermen and traders to join co-operative societies to help them in identifying appropriate market for their produce even during flooding events. This will discourage the farmers from selling their produce to the middlemen who exploits them during flooding events when they are faced with limited market. Consequently, this will help in improving the livelihood of the inhabitants and hence, economic growth of Nyatike Division.

Comparing Lead and Cadmium Levels in Liver of Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) from Nyalenda waste Stabilization Ponds and Ogal Beach on Lake Victoria, Kenya.

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Comparing Lead and Cadmium Levels in Liver of Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) from Nyalenda waste Stabilization Ponds and Ogal Beach on Lake Victoria, Kenya. OKUMU, John Otieno The bio accumulation of Cadmium and Lead metals in fish species poses danger to Kisumu city residents whose diet revolves around fish. Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds (NWSPs), are sinks to domestic waste, hospital waste and other none point source materials from the city responsible for accelerating cadmium and lead contamination to the environment. Ogal beach of Lake Victoria is with sparsely populated environs releases less cadmium and lead contamination to the environment. The study was a case control study where Ogal beach was used as a controlled site compared to NWSPs used as case study. Cadmium and lead levels from the two sites were found to be influenced by activities around them. Catfish from Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds is being sold in Kisumu with no knowledge of their safety from cadmium and lead contamination. A research done in 2008 on heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments of rivers around Kisumu city draining into Lake Victoria found enrichment of Cadmium and Lead to be in all the river sediment samples. No studies have been carried out to analyze and establish the safety of fish harvested from Nyalenda waste stabilization ponds (NWSPs). The purpose of the study is to compare levels of Lead and Cadmium in catfish (Clariasgariepinusi from Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds and Ogal beach of Lake Victoria. The specific objectives of this study were to determine cadmium and lead levels in the liver tissue of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds and Ogal beach; compare the influence of body size of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) on the level of lead and cadmium in the liver tissues; and establish the suitability of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) liver tissue from the Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds and Ogal Beach for human consumption. A total of 70 fish samples were collected (35 from Ogal Beach and 35 from NWSP). The catfish tClarias gariepinusi were caught using gill nets. The length and weight of fish samples were measured and recorded, then liver tissues extracted and stored in sample containers under ice. Liver tissue samples were then transported to Kenya Government chemists in the same conditions. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer AAS-600 was used to analyze cadmium and lead in the liver muscles of catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Larger catfish (in both weight and length) were obtained from Ogal beach than NWSPs. Mean lead concentration was found to be about twice higher in the liver tissues of Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds than those from Ogal beach, while mean cadmium concentration was found to be about 2362 times higher in the same tissues from Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds than Ogalbeach. The European Union maximum limit for cadmium in edible tissues offish species is set at 0.05 ppm wet weight. The research has revealed that mean levels of cadmium concentration in the liver tissue of catfish from Ogal Beach is 2.86 x 10-05ppm and was safe for human consumption while that of Nyalenda Waste Stabilization Ponds of 0.0675429 ppm was found to be slightly higher than the European Union maximum limits. Ogal beach mean lead concentration in the liver tissue of 0.055889 ppm and that ofNyalenda Waste Stabilization ponds of 0.116357 ppm were both found to be higher than the European Union maximum limits, therefore were found to be unsafe for human consumption. The European Union maximum limit for lead in edible tissues of fish species is set at 0.2 ppm wet weight. Control measures by banning fishing at NWSPs to protect consumers are recommended.

Evaluation of the Effect of Mavuno Phosphorus-Based Fertilizer and manure On Soil Organic Carbon and Maize Productivity in Vihiga and Siaya Counties of Western Kenya

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Evaluation of the Effect of Mavuno Phosphorus-Based Fertilizer and manure On Soil Organic Carbon and Maize Productivity in Vihiga and Siaya Counties of Western Kenya NYAMBEGA, Laban Adero Low soil organic carbon in western Kenya can be attributed to low soil fertility. The soils are predominantly phosphorus (P) fixing making the applied P-based fertilizers not to benefit target crops fully. Efforts to improve and maintain soil fertility through fertilization has been ongoing in western Kenya for years, despite. this, soil degradation; the inability of soil to support plant growth associated with unfavorable soil conditions is still prevalent. Positive relationship between organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil properties has been suggested. Mavuno fertilizer provides more nutrients to plants than common fertilizers used in the region due to its additional chemical properties. Mavuno fertilizer has lO%N, 26%P20S, 1O%K20,4%S, 8%CaO, 4%MgO, B, Zn, Mo, Cu and Mn. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Mavuno P-based fertilizer and manure on soil physical and chemical properties on degraded soils in Nyabeda, Nyalgunga (Siaya) and Emusutwi (Vihiga) sub-locations, western Kenya. Specific objectives were to: determine seasonal effect of Mavuno phosphorus-based fertilizer and manure application on SOC levels; determine residual Olsen-P attributed to their seasonal application; measure maize grain and stover yield following their application and assess levels of soil pH and bulk density. The study was c!rried out on CIAT-TSBF fields where Mavuno P-based fertilizer (20 KgPha-1) and manure (2tha-1) has been applied for 6 years. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used in the study. Soils were sampled from; control, manure, Mavuno and manure+Mavuno to a depth of 20cm, from eleven farms; 4 in Emusutswi, 4 in Nyabeda and 3 in Nyalgunga during the last 3 seasons. One thirty two soil samples were analyzed using standard methods for C%, Olsen-P (mgl'kg"), soil pH and bulk density (g/crrr'), Mavuno P-based fertilizer and OM had no significant variation on SOC, Olsen-P and soil pH between treatments in both sites, however seasonal variation was observed; the soil bulk density was significant in Emusutswi and Nyabeda, but not in Nyalgunga. Mavuno resulted in remarkable increase in maize grain and stover yield, making it appropriate for low fertility and P-fixing soils. Mavuno has the potential of sustaining soil productivity, when adequate amount is applied thus managing soil acidity and lowering soil bulk density through improved SOM. Understanding the effect of continuous application of P-based fertilizers and manure is essential for sustaining soil productivity among small holder farms of western Kenya.

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Water Quality of Nyangores and Amala, Tributaries of Mara River, Kenya

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Water Quality of Nyangores and Amala, Tributaries of Mara River, Kenya NYAMBANE, Douglas Anyona The Mara River and its tributaries are important, not only ecologically but socially, since they serve as the main source of water for inhabitants living within the basin. However, overdependence on their water resource has initiated concerns pertaining to human health because the two tributaries also serve as receptacles of waste resulting from anthropogenic activities particularly within Mulot and Bomet Towns, which lack waste treatment facilities, resulting in water quality degradation. However, the extent to which the water is polluted with respect to different uses and the spatial variation in pollutant levels, is not clear, which necessitated this study, whose main objective was to determine the influence of anthropogenic activities on water quality of Nyangores and Amala tributaries of the Mara River. The specific objectives were to: observe and describe site characteristics and on-going anthropogenic activities, identify and characterize solid waste resulting from anthropogenic activities and deposited within and along the river channels, determine variations in physicochemical parameters, nutrients, benthic macro invertebrates, and coliform bacterial levels resulting from antrhopogenic activities along Amala and Nyangores tributaries. This was a crossectional study in which eight sampling sites were purposively selected; four along each tributary. On each tributary, three sites (1.5krn apart) were located within the urban areas (Bomet or Mulot) at the upper, middle and lower parts of each town, to effectively capture the influence of anthropogenic activities within the urbanized area on water quality. Also for each tributary, a fourth site was located approximately 20km upstream at a spring draining into the tributary, to act as a control. Site characteristics including on-going anthropogenic activities were observed and recorded, while solid waste was visually identified and categorized. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in situ while water samples for nutrients determination were collected in replicates and analysed in the laboratory following the standard methods outlined by the American Public Health Association. Benthic macro invertebrates were sorted out from sediment samples and classified into taxa. Microbial analysis was performed on water samples using the multiple tube fermentation technique. Analysis of Variance followed by Duncan Multiple Range Test were used to determine variations in water quality parameters between sites along each tributary, while Student's ttest was used to establish differences in solid waste and water quality parameters between Amala and Nyangores tributaries. Regression analysis was used to describe relationships between the predictor and response variables. Results showed that all sites were disturbed by anthropogenic activities, except the upper catchment spring draining into Nyangores tributary, which was protected. Most (96.1 %) of the solid waste encountered was recyclable, with polythene bags being dominant (48.9%). Significantly more (62.4%) waste was recorded along Amala than Nyangores tributary (p=O.031). Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total suspended solids and total phosphorus varied significantly (p

Water Resources Allocation and use in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin in, Kenya

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Water Resources Allocation and use in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin in, Kenya KATHOMI, Beatrice Kinyua The adoption of a holistic approach to water resources allocation where all water resources in a river basin, their quality, quantity and the socioeconomic linkages are considered has been a global issue. However, small scale water resources use across river basins in the world are numerous, which limit how and to what extent they should be managed. They are as a result not adequately known yet when concentrated in a given area, leads to depletion of water resources. Also, when small scale water users are unknown, their rights to water are likely to be violated by the allocating authority and estimating their cumulative impact is difficult. Information about small scale water resources use in Kenya just like in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin (LSMRB) is limited. Thus, water resources are often allocated on a "first come first served" basis which has limited regard on small scale uses. As a result, many households living in rural areas have had their rights to water for domestic and other productive uses violated. This study therefore focused on small scale water resources allocationand use in the LSMRB. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify water resources in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin and their accessibility to households; establish water resources allocation and use and identify the socioeconomic factors influencing household water allocation in the basin. A cross sectional descriptive research design was adopted for the study. From a target of 39,818 households, 384 were sampled proportionately from the five districts within which LSMRB lie using stratified simple random sampling. A household questionnaire, key informant interview guides, Focus Group Discussion (pGD) guides, an observation checklist and photography were used in primary data collection while journals and policy papers provided secondary data. Six key informants were interviewed and ten FGDs conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was summarised and emerging patterns analysed, The study established that 85.4% of households in LSMRB primarily drew water from surface water sources. On average, a household allocated 119.7 litres of water for domesticuse per day, 107.2 for livestock, 332.6 for irrigation, 496.4 for vending and 51.6 for use in commercial entities. Livestock water use was practised by 62.2% of the households, irrigation 18.2% commercial use 6.8% and vending 5.7%. Increase in household size (r = 0.841) was associated with increase in quantity of water allocated for household domestic use, supply population (r, = 0.897) with increase in quantity of water allocated for vending . and animal population (r = 0.486) with quantity allocated for livestock use all at P

Effect of Papyrus (Cyperus Papyrus) On The Water Quality In Yala Swamp And Lake Sare, Siaya County, Kenya

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effect of Papyrus (Cyperus Papyrus) On The Water Quality In Yala Swamp And Lake Sare, Siaya County, Kenya ORODO, Violet Achieng Access to safe water is a fundamental need and basic human right. Wetlands around the globe are being modified, reclaimed and overexploited due to high levels of resource consumption and land conversion that alter the quality of water. Yala swamp, the largest fresh water wetland in Kenya supports a large biodiversity and part of this wetland has been converted into large-scale agriculture resulting into a conflict and controversy amongst key stakeholders. The papyrus being destroyed to create room for agriculture are important because they help in adsorbing contaminants in their tissues, increasing the residence time of water and filter contaminants like heavy metals thus cleaning the water. Despite this role of papyrus in phytoremediation the 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 main objective of this study was to determine the effects of papyrus reeds on the water quality in Yala Swamp and Lake Sare. The specific objectives were to; determine the variation of physicochemical parameters (Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Turbidity, Electrical conductivity (EC) and Total Dissolved Solids (TSS), investigate the levels of nitrate s and phosphates in water and sediments, examine the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe) in water and sediments and to analyze the bioaccumulation of these heavy metals in the tissues of papyrus in River Yala, Yala swamp and Lake Sare. The study adopted a longitudinal sectional design. Six sampling sites were selected where samples were collected in triplicates during the wet and dry seasons (May and September 2015 respectively). Data on physicochemical parameters were obtainedinsitu using a muiltimeter model (YSI 556 MPS Multimeter USA). Data on nitrates and phosphates were determined using Ultraviolet spectrometry and data on heavy metals determined by use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was done using SAS V9.0 software while levels of significance determined using one way ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05 and Duncan Multiple Range test (DMRT) for separation of means. Student’s t-test was used to determine the difference between the values in the dry and wet seasons. Mean temperature was 26.19±0.710C, DO:3.72±1.02Mg/l, BOD:3.9±0.32Mg/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 values for nitrates and phosphates also varied significantly in both water and sediments in all the sites at P˂ 0.001 but there was no significant difference in the values of phosphates in the two seasons (Student’s t-test p=0.1772). The values for heavy metals; lead, copper, zinc and iron varied significantly among all the sites in water and sediments at P˂ 0.001. Similarly there was no significant difference in the values of the heavy metals in the two seasons (Student’s t-test P˂0.05). The sequence from highest was Fe ˃ Pb ˃ Zn ˃ Cu. However, the values were above the guideline limits for drinking water and aquatic life as per NEMA and USEPA standards. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in sediments were higher in sediments than in water which confirmed the capacity of sediments to accumulate heavy metals compared to freely moving water bodies. The heavy metals were also determined in the tissue of papyrus i.e. the stems, flowers roots and rhizomes. The levels were higher in roots than stems and flowers except for Zn and Pb that were high in stems than roots. This is a further proof of confirmation of phytoremediation by the papyrus. The results show that papyrus is useful in biological monitoring of heavy metal contamination in water bodies. 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. Masters Thesis

Water Resources Allocation and Use in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin, Kenya

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Water Resources Allocation and Use in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin, Kenya KATHOMI, Beatrice Kinyua The adoption of a holistic approach to water resources allocation where all water resources in a river basin, their quality, quantity and the socioeconomic linkages are considered has been a global issue. However, small scale water resources use across river basins in the world are numerous, which limit how and to what extent they should be managed. They are as a result not adequately known yet when concentrated in a given area, leads to depletion of water resources. Also, when small scale water users are unknown, their rights to water are likely to be violated by the allocating authority and estimating their cumulative impact is difficult. Information about small scale water resources use in Kenya just like in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin (LSMRB) is limited. Thus, water resources are often allocated on a "first come first served" basis which has limited regard on small scale uses. As a result, many households living in rural areas have had their rights to water for domestic and other productive uses violated. This study therefore focused on small scale water resources allocationand use in the LSMRB. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify water resources in the Lower Sondu Miriu River Basin and their accessibility to households; establish water resources allocation and use and identify the socioeconomic factors influencing household water allocation in the basin. A cross sectional descriptive research design was adopted for the study. From a target of 39,818 households, 384 were sampled proportionately from the five districts within which LSMRB lie using stratified simple random sampling. A household questionnaire, key informant interview guides, Focus Group Discussion (pGD) guides, an observation checklist and photography were used in primary data collection while journals and policy papers provided secondary data. Six key informants were interviewed and ten FGDs conducted. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data was summarised and emerging patterns analysed, The study established that 85.4% of households in LSMRB primarily drew water from surface water sources. On average, a household allocated 119.7 litres of water for domesticuse per day, 107.2 for livestock, 332.6 for irrigation, 496.4 for vending and 51.6 for use in commercial entities. Livestock water use was practised by 62.2% of the households, irrigation 18.2% commercial use 6.8% and vending 5.7%. Increase in household size (r = 0.841) was associated with increase in quantity of water allocated for household domestic use, supply population (r, = 0.897) with increase in quantity of water allocated for vending . and animal population (r = 0.486) with quantity allocated for livestock use all at P

Effects of Rainfall Variability on Subsistence Crop Production in Kahangara Division of Magu District, Tanzania

2013-01-01T00:00:00Z

Effects of Rainfall Variability on Subsistence Crop Production in Kahangara Division of Magu District, Tanzania ALBERTO, Agnes K ABSTRACT Rainfall variability is a major problem that affects subsistence crop production all over the world. African countries are most affected, because they are very much dependent on rain fed subsistence agriculture for their livelihood. Rainfall in Kahangara Division varies from time to time, of which between the years 2008 and 2010 experienced the decline of rainfall. This variability in rainfall may have had an impact on subsistence crop production. However, no documented study has so far shown the relationship. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rainfall variability on subsistence crop production. The specific objectives of this study were to: assess the historical rainfall variability at annual, seasonal and monthly scales over the period between 1990 and 2010 in Kahangara Division; and to establish the effects of rainfall variability on subsistence crop production in Kahangara Division. Cross-sectional survey research design was used. The study targeted 4711 households of subsistence farmers and simple random sampling was used to select a sample size of 355 households. In addition, purposive sampling was used to obtain four agricultural extension officers and one meteorologist as key informants. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, direct observation and photography. Documentary review was used to collect secondary data from Magu weather stations and Kahangara Division Agricultural Office. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, means, standard deviations, coefficient of variation, inter-annual variability and correlation analysis. These data was processed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Instat software. Qualitative data was analyzed by creating themes and patterns then evaluating the usefulness of information in answering research questions. The empirical analysis of rainfall suggests there are high variabilities of annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall amounts over the last 21 years. The correlation between rainfall variability and sweet potatoes yields (r = 0.799, p< 0.01) and cassava yields (r = 0.586 p< 0.01) are statistically significant at 0.01, and sorghum yields (r = 0.426 p< 0.05) is statistically significant at 0.05 significant level. Therefore, it was concluded that there is high annual, seasonal and monthly rainfall variability .in Kahangara Division and it affects sweet potatoes, cassava and sorghum production. This study recommends that there should be an investment on future water supply to supplement rainfall through rain water harvest. Moreover, farmers are advised to grow different crop varieties and they should change the planting dates. Further, the meteorology department should disseminate information on rainfall forecast to farmers so as to make them aware of the effects of rainfall variability which may be helpful to farmers on decision making.