School of Environment and Earth Science

Contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi central business district, Nairobi County, Kenya

2025-11-11T00:00:00Z

Contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi central business district, Nairobi County, Kenya NYAMOITA, Sylvia Morumbwa Waste (E-Waste) is an increasing phenomenon constituting eight percent (8%) of urban solid waste. However, globally, only 10% of e-waste is properly managed. As the urban population continues to grow, e-waste levels rise, posing significant environmental and health hazards. In Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), the rapid turnover of electronic products has led to a surge in e-waste generation, with improper disposal and informal recycling methods worsening environmental pollution and public health risks. Many traders engage in unsafe disposal practices due to a lack of awareness, limited motivation, and existing perceptions about e-waste management. The main challenge is inadequate e-waste management strategies and how to minimize their effects on the environment and human health. Despite the increasing e-waste problem, most studies have extensively focused on the extraction of resources from e-waste and its environmental effects yet understanding these psychological factors is essential as they shape traders' behaviors, decision-making, and willingness to engage in sustainable e-waste management practices. The main objective of this study was to examine the contribution of psychological factors to e-waste management among electronic traders in Nairobi CBD, an area with a high concentration of electronic businesses and a significant e-waste disposal challenge. The specific objectives were to: examine the contribution of perception of electronic traders to e-waste recycling and reuse in Nairobi CBD; determine the contribution of awareness of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD; and assess the contribution of motivation of electronic traders to e-waste management in Nairobi CBD. These three psychological factors—perception, awareness, and motivation—were selected based on their fundamental role in shaping human behavior and decision-making in environmental management. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study population was 4,495 electronic traders in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), and a sample size of 400 traders was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, which ensures statistical reliability in estimating population characteristics. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to the selected electronic traders. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The null hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test of independence, while effect sizes were determined using Cramer’s V coefficient to assess the strength of associations. The results revealed a statistically significant (χ² = 215.407, V = 0.199, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of perception to e-waste recycling and reuse; a statistically significant (χ² = 146.500, V = 0.143, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) contribution of awareness to e-waste management; and a statistically significant (χ² = 212.500, V = 0.172, p = 0.000, α = 0.01) strong contribution of motivation to e-waste management. The findings demonstrated that psychological factors, particularly perception and motivation, have the strongest influence on e-waste management behaviors. The study recommends targeted awareness campaigns to enhance understanding of e-waste risks and the benefits of proper disposal and recycling. Additionally, it proposes financial and regulatory incentives to increase traders' motivation to engage in formal e-waste recycling channels. Finally, the study advocates for greater involvement of electronic traders in structured e-waste recycling programs to ensure sustainable management practices. These findings are crucial for policymakers, environmental agencies, and stakeholders aiming to develop effective interventions for responsible e-waste management in urban commercial settings. Master's Thesis

Influence of dyke characteristics on human activities of the community in lower river Nyando basin, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of dyke characteristics on human activities of the community in lower river Nyando basin, Kenya OJUNG’A, Berryl Atieno Construction of dykes along several rivers in the world is one of the practical methods to minimize risks of flood events on riparian communities. Globally, one eighth of the world‟s settlement area is vulnerable to flooding despite the efforts placed by governments like Netherlands, Vietnam, Nigeria and Kenya of constructing dykes to protect riparian communities. The dykes minimize flooding impacting positively and/or negatively on the human activities of the riparian community. Ranking high among such impacts is interference of human activities like food crop production, fishing, and settlement among other activities. In Nyando basin, Kenya, dykes were constructed to minimize flood impacts on human activities in the floodplain. The dyke characteristics change silt deposition on farmlands, provide security changing settlement and housing structures, and fish breeding grounds and fish abundance. Despite these dynamics, some farmers now use fertilizers as a new way of coping with the dykes. Several researches have been done in Kenya on the effects of floods to human activities. However, there is no clear documented link between dyke characteristics like period of existence, length and height and the influence on human activities like food crop production, fishing and settlement. The dykes in Nyando have reduced flooding in the region, however, it is not clearly understood how the dyke characteristics influence human activities like food crop farming, fishing and settlement patterns and housing. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of dyke characteristics on human activities of the community in Lower River Nyando basin in Kisumu County. The specific objectives of the study were to: assess the influence of dyke characteristics on food crop production, examine the influence of dyke characteristics on settlement patterns and housing and analyze the influence of dyke characteristics on fishing. This study was guided by Program Theory. A Descriptive cross sectional research design was used. The study population comprised of 34,460 households. A minimum sample size of 384 household heads was obtained by the Krejcei et al formula. Households were selected using simple random sampling while purposive sampling was used to identify key-informants. Primary data was obtained by the administration of questionnaires, key informant interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Observation, and Photography. Secondary data was obtained from published and unpublished reports on dykes and ward-level data reports. Quantitative data was analyzed using Descriptive and Inferential Statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed by coding and organization of data into themes and sub-themes. The results from the multiple coefficients of determination (R2) indicated that 45.4% (R2 = .454, p = .039) of the variation in the general crop yield was explained by the combined change in Dyke Characteristics. Similarly, 66.1% (R2 = .661, p = .046) of the variability in Human settlement (number of Houses) was possibly attributed to the overall variation in Dyke Characteristics. Meanwhile 31.8% (R2 = .318, p = .034) of the change in number of fish caught per year was statistically significant and could generally be explained by the change in Dyke Characteristics. The findings of the study can enhance the understanding and knowledge of the influence of dykes on human activities. Master's Thesis

Influence of industrial symbiosis on solid waste reuse in manufacturing industries in Kisumu county, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of industrial symbiosis on solid waste reuse in manufacturing industries in Kisumu county, Kenya ADALLA, Morelly Kathy The growth of the manufacturing sector signifies economic progress, but waste generation poses a notable drawback, creating significant environmental challenges. Effective waste management, particularly the reuse of solid waste, remains a critical issue for industries striving towards green growth and circularity. Traditional waste management practices are often inefficient, contributing to environmental degradation and missed opportunities for resource optimization. Addressing the problem of solid waste reuse requires innovative approaches such as Industrial Symbiosis (IS) that integrate economic and environmental benefits. IS, a cooperative approach where industries exchange materials, energy, water, and byproducts, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional solid waste disposal methods. Industries can minimize waste, reduce costs, and promote circular economies through IS. Despite its potential, research on IS has primarily concentrated on its technical aspects, particularly in developed countries, while the social dimensions of IS—such as geographical proximity, information flows, and the intensity of industrial cooperation—remain underexplored. Understanding these social interactions is vital for creating effective IS networks, yet research in African contexts, including Kisumu County, Kenya, is lacking. Studies in Kisumu have primarily addressed waste management challenges and end-of-pipe solutions but have not sufficiently explored how IS can drive more sustainable solid waste reuse. This study aimed to fill that gap by examining how IS influences solid waste reuse in Kisumu County's manufacturing industries. The specific objectives were to determine the influence of geographical proximity on type of solid waste-material exchanged, examine association between information flows and type of solid waste-material exchanged and lastly, examine the influence of symbiotic intensity on amount of solid waste-material reused in the network. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design. The exchange network theory guided the study. A total population sampling approach was utilized following the application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to industries. Among the 49 industries that satisfied the criteria, only 41 consented to participate in the study. Fieldwork was conducted between August and October 2021. Data was collected through surveys and interviews with five key stakeholders from the Kisumu County Government in the Department of Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Department of Physical Planning, Lands and Urban Development, Department of Energy and Industrialization, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and National Environmental Management Authority. The study established that geographical proximity did not significantly influence the type of waste exchanged (p = 0.687). Information flows showed a significant relationship between the frequency of communication and the type of waste exchanged (p = 0.013), although the type of information exchanged was not statistically significant (p ≥ 0.005), limiting the ability to detect relationships. Symbiotic intensity, however, significantly influenced the amount of waste reused (p = 0.039). The study concluded that geographical proximity may not be a decisive factor in determining the types of solid waste exchanged within industrial symbiosis in Kisumu County. The type of information exchanged did not significantly influence the type of waste exchanged, but communication frequency strongly influenced solid waste reuse, implying it's not what information is exchanged but the frequency of communication that influences waste exchange. Lastly, symbiotic intensity significantly influences solid waste reuse, with a greater impact observed from increasing the number of actors within a network compared to increasing the types of waste exchanged. The study recommends improving data collection and monitoring efforts related to waste reuse across the region to help track IS initiatives across different proximities, enhancing information flows and increasing the number of industries in the IS network to promote more solid waste reuse. These findings can inform and benefit policymakers, manufacturing industries, and environmental regulators on how to optimize IS networks. Future research should explore the role of economic incentives, communication channels, and policy support in industrial symbiosis and assess how technology, innovation, and information flows impact solid waste reuse and symbiotic intensity. Master's Thesis

Influence of agricultural systems on household food security in Rarieda sub county, Siaya county, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of agricultural systems on household food security in Rarieda sub county, Siaya county, Kenya ACHIENG, Eunice Anyona The number of people lacking food security globally has continued to rise, despite the numerous global interventions that have been put in place to address it. For instance, approximately 2.3 billion people (25.9%) lack food security, with approximated 828 million being undernourished. In Kenya approximately, 17 million people are food insecure with two million relying on food relief. Therefore, there was need to build local resilience of food systems and intensify local agricultural production to ensure food security. This can be achieved through sustainable agricultural systems like home gardening, mixed cropping and single food crop farming. However, many researches on food systems have focused on rainfall variation and climate change. There is less documentation on the influence of Agricultural Systems on Household Food Security. Despite the measures taken by the County government of Siaya to ensure food security, 80% of households are not food secure as indicated by the Government report. In Rarieda Sub-County 68% of households lack food security as revealed by the 2019 Demographic Survey. Food situation in Rarieda was of great concern. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of agricultural systems on household food security in Rarieda SubCounty.The specific objectives were; to examine the influence of home gardening on household food security in Rarieda Sub County, Siaya County; to determine the influence of mixed cropping on household food security in Rarieda Sub-County, Siaya County and to examine the influence of single food crop farming on household food security in Rarieda Sub-County, Siaya County. The study was anchored on Food Availability Decline Theory and Endowment and Entitlement Theory. The study employed cross-sectional research design with a target population of 25,428 households and a minimum sample size of 384 derived using fisher‟s formula. The household heads‟ selection was done through stratified random sampling for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling was used to get the 6 key informants. Primary data were collected through key informant interview, photography, questionnaires and direct observation, while secondary data were obtained from journals, internet sources and government published reports. Qualitative data was examined through content analysis and quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test was conducted to determine the association between agricultural systems and household food security. Results were presented in tables, plates and text. The results indicated that 67.65%, 33%, 59.15%, and 55.55% of the respondents significantly agreed, that horticulture crops, tubers, domestic animals and fish farming were home gardening practices contributing towards household food security (χ2 - 0.026). Mixed cropping of maize and beans, and perennial crops and seasonal crops were significantly associated with household food security in Rarieda SubCounty, at a 99% significance level (χ2 - 0.001). Single food crop farming was not a major contributor to household food security in Rarieda sub-County. The χ2 – value of 0.103 points to the fact that the practice was weakly associated with household food security at 90% significance level. The study concluded that mixed cropping and home gardening systems were strongly associated with household food security while single food crop farming system was weakly associated with household food security. The study recommended that the three agricultural systems should be emphasized to enhance food security. Master's Thesis

Spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile TILAPIA, oreochromis niloticus (l.) In fish cage sites and open waters of Usenge, Lake Victoria, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile TILAPIA, oreochromis niloticus (l.) In fish cage sites and open waters of Usenge, Lake Victoria, Kenya ADINO, Edward Odwori Fish cage farming is an aquaculture production system involving the holding of fish in floating net pens and was introduced in Lake Victoria to improve fish production due to diminishing stocks and subsequent increase in demand. The lake has experienced a decrease in water quality recently resulting from increased anthropogenic activities. Emerging fish cage farming in the lake may be contributing to alteration of water physico-chemical parameters, nutrient levels and high concentration of heavy metals in water and bioaccumulation in fish. The information on spatial variations of water quality, nutrients and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish cage sites and open waters in Lake Victoria and particularly in Usenge area is a critical environmental issue. This study’s main objective was to determine the spatial variation in water quality, nutrients and heavy metal bioaccumulation in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) in fish cage sites and open waters of Lake Victoria in Usenge area. The specific objectives were; to assess the spatial variations in water physico-chemical parameters (temp, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and biological oxygen demand) within the fish cages and open waters, investigate the spatial variations of levels of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and selected heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cd, Zn and Cu) within the fish cages and open waters and investigate the level of bioaccumulation of selected heavy metals in gills of O. niloticus fish obtained from the fish cages and open waters in the waters. A quasi experimental design was adopted in which water and fish samples were collected from selected sites within fish cages and open waters and analyzed. Physico-chemical parameters were analysed in situ while the heavy metals were analysed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to check the variations and associations within and between variables. Only DO, pH, Fe and Cu (p<0.05) varied significantly between fish cage sites and open waters sites. The levels of pH, DO, conductivity, phosphates, Fe and Cu showed variations in the different directions from the cages where water samples were collected. Both Cu and Fe were higher in fish obtained from the open waters than the fish cage sites and also varied in the different directions from the center of the cage. Turbidity, total nitrates, total phosphate and Cd were beyond acceptable limit for portable water in accordance to WHO and USEPA. The findings revealed that tilapia cage farming studied did not have any significant impact on the lake water quality and nutrients nor did it contribute to heavy metal bioaccumulation in water and in fish in the cages and open waters except turbidity and phosphate levels. The findings of this study are important for policymakers in setting guidelines for effective cage culture system management to protect lake waters and for safe fish human consumption. It is therefore, recommended that regular water quality monitoring be done for appropriate management interventions. Master's Thesis

Contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega town, Kenya

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega town, Kenya MBATSI, Robert kuya Globally, hotels recognize the importance of sorting and storing solid waste to achieve sustainable waste management. However, hotels in developing countries like Kenya face challenges in collaboration, empowerment and access to information, leading to low levels of waste sorting and storage practices. In Kakamega Town, approximately 30% of hotels solid waste end up in municipal waste streams, complicating environmental planning efforts for the municipality. Therefore, the main objective was to examine the contribution of hotels participation in solid waste sorting and storage in Kakamega Town. Specific objectives were to: determine the contribution of hotels information sharing in solid waste sorting and storage; establish the contribution of hotels empowerment in solid waste sorting and storage; and assess the contribution of hotels collaboration in solid waste sorting and storage. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. Saturated sampling was adopted to sample 39 hotels. Twenty-two key informants were interviewed. The study utilized stratified sampling to categorize hotels based on bed capacity into low (6 – 20 beds) and high (21–100 beds). Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interviews schedule and observational checklist. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as bar charts, pie charts, percentages, and frequencies. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-square tests of independence and homogeneity. The effect sizes were measured using Cramer’s V coefficient to determine the significance and strength of relationships among variables. The results show a statistically insignificant (2 = 34.192, V= 0.781, p = 0.001), collaboration contributed very highly to solid waste sorting and storage; a strong statistically insignificant (2 = 8.442, V = 0.403, p = 0.392), empowerment contributed strongly to solid waste sorting and storage; and a moderate statistically insignificant (2 = 25.763, V = 0.471, p = 0.586), a moderate contribution on methods of accessing information on solid waste sorting and storage among hotels. The study concludes that, hotels collaboration, empowerment and access to information strongly contributes to solid waste sorting and storage. The study recommended the increased collaboration and empowerment of hotels towards sustainable solid waste sorting and storage. Master's Thesis

Influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu county, Kenya

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu county, Kenya Amolloh, Melyne Achieng The entire world benefits from diverse forest biological compositions and services. However, due to natural calamities and human activities, Kenya had only 7.4% forest cover against its 2010 Constitution’s minimum of 10%, and Kisumu County had 0.44% forest cover. Besides, reforestation efforts have been jeopardized by increasing land demands; therefore, tree cover has been a great complement to forest cover. Despite having substantial land, the development performance indicators for schools worldwide focused on infrastructural design compared to other land uses. Studies have been done on the influence of green spaces on curriculum and recommendations given for a study on the influence of curriculum on green spaces. Studies have also found that students' classroom learning about ESD is reinforced by the school’s formal and informal messages promoted by the school's rules, values, and actions. Thus, the study aimed at determining the influence of institutional factors on tree cover in public primary schools in Kisumu County. Specific objectives were to; determine the influence of school land-use practices on tree population; assess the influence of school curriculum on tree species and establish the relationship between school ground greening the rules and the tree abundance in public primary schools. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study with the individual public primary school as the unit of analysis. Using Mugenda & Mugenda (2003), 20% (124) of the schools were subjected to the study. Every 5th school was drawn from a list of all the public primary schools in the County using a systematic random sampling method. Pilot testing was done in 12 (10% of the sampled number); item analysis reliability and content validity were used to test the instruments used for data collection. Questionnaires were self-administered to school heads and responses were harmonized using focus group discussions with teachers and pupils. Further, representatives from the education, forestry, and administrative sectors and parents were interviewed. Observation and desk studies were also used as supplements. Qualitative data were organized into themes and categories then the pattern, trends, and relationships among them were established and presented in the text. Simple descriptive statistics, product-moment correlation and linear regression analysis were conducted to determine the relationships between institutional factors and tree cover in schools, and the were results presented in simple tables and charts. The study established that public primary schools averagely occupy 3.26Ha with approximately 23.7% unused spaces. There was a strong positive correlation between school land-use practices and tree population (r=0.843); a weak positive correlation between the three forms of the curriculum studied and tree species (curricular, r=0.125, co-curricular, r=0.393, extracurricular, r=0.18) and a modest positive correlation between school ground greening policies (r=0.43) and tree cover in public primary schools. In conclusion, institutional factors positively influenced tree cover in public primary schools. Therefore, the study recommended partial use of the unused spaces to bring up active woodlots or gardens. Teaching and learning to include outdoor lessons with tree planting and management activities; clubs to be intensified and the number of participants in extra-curricular activities be increased. Lastly, schools to emphasize environmental consciousness in their motto/mission/vision statements and have ground greening rules

Determinants of utilization of research findings and policy implication on environmental management among fisher folks in Kisumu city, kenya

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Determinants of utilization of research findings and policy implication on environmental management among fisher folks in Kisumu city, kenya ONYANGO, Godfrey Otieno Around the world, human activities such as resource exploitation and pollution have put the natural environment in peril. Lake Victoria is no exception to this dilemma, as it suffers from pollution and over-exploitation of its resources, yet supporting a diverse range of socio-economic activity. In the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), many empirical studies on environmental and fisheries research have been conducted, but only a few have been used or distributed to fishermen, despite the fact that policies exist to encourage the use of research findings. Despite the availability of study findings and policy, Kisumu City continues to face ecosystem health issues such as poor water quality, inadequate fish product handling, and diminishing fish catches. This is most likely due to resource users' inadequate application of study findings. As a result, the purpose of this research was to investigate the factors that influence research utilization and policy implications in environmental management among Kisumu City fisherfolks. The goal of this study was to determine how socioeconomic factors, information distribution channels, and policy issues influenced how research findings were used in environmental and fisheries management. In this study, a cross-sectional research design was used. From a population of 15,179 fisherfolks, 384 were chosen using stratified random selection. The household data was collected, and the unit of analysis was the household head, who may be either a father or a mother. Data was collected from policymakers at County and National level. Purposive sampling was used to choose all 11 policymakers for the research. The two sets of questionnaires used to collect data from fishermen and policymakers were piloted in Nyamuare and Homa-bay counties. A cronch alpha of 0.8 demonstrated significant ralibility of questionnaires. 8 key informants were purposively sampled and interviewed. 9 Focus Group Discussions were conducted using FGD guide. Analysis of the data revealed that 52.8% and 63.8% of fisherfolks had no access to environmental research findings and fisheries research findings respectively. Radio 23.36%, television 17.10% and public baraza 15.8% were the most prefered channels for deseminating research findings. Accordingly, 55% of the policymakers revealed that environmental research disseminating policy exist but 83% of them decried of no political good will from the government and lack of financial resources leading to poor utilization of environmental and fisheries research findings. Chi-Square test revealed that under socioeconomics, education (0.020) was significant influencer of utilization of fisheries research finding at p value 0.05. Furthermore, the most preferred dissemination channels of environmental study findings were radio (p=0.001), television (p=0.000), and newspaper (p=0.000) at (p <0.05). It was recommended that capacity buildings and intensified social support network like cash transfer was necessary to increase utilization of environmental research. More environmental and fisheries research finding information should be disseminated through radios and public baraza. Increased fundings and minimum political interference in pertinent environmental issues would improve environmental quality in LVB. This findings will enhance effective dissemination and application of environmental and fisheries research findings by Government and fisherfolks respectively for improvement of environmental and fisheries management.

The influence of artisanal gold mining on agricultural land in Ikolomani sub-county Kakamega county, Kenya

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

The influence of artisanal gold mining on agricultural land in Ikolomani sub-county Kakamega county, Kenya ANDEYO, Grace Onoka In the entire world, 40.5 million people were directly engaged in artisanal gold mining (AGM). In Kenya, AGM is characterized with; massive clearing of vegetation and land destruction in AGM areas, overnight conversion of once arable and grazing land to AGM activities, replacement of once arable and grazing land with heaps of debris, overburden and open pits from AGM activities associated to income generation. In Ikoloman Sub County, AGM activities are intensive, notwithstanding the fact that, the Sub County is endowed with fertile soils and high amounts of rainfall nonetheless crop yields are generally low, with maize and beans yields being below 0.9 tones. This points to the fact that AGM poses a serious threat to agricultural land in Ikolomani Sub County. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the influence of AGM on agricultural land in Ikolomani Sub County of Kakamega County. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the influence of AGM income on the acreage of arable land; determine the influence of the acreage of land under AGM on food crop yields; and establish the influence of acreage of land under AGM on livestock grazing area in Ikolomani Sub County. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed. A minimum sample size of 273 households was drawn from a study population of 950 households engaging in AGM on their farming land using Fisher’s formula. Random sampling was used to identify household heads engaging in AGM from the thirteen Sub Locations of Ikolomani Sub County. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants such as artisanal gold mining opinion leaders, chiefs, village elders, officers from Petroleum and Mining and Agricultural departments who were interviewed in Sub locations. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to household heads, interview schedules for key informants, Focus Group Discussions, and photography .Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: percentages, frequencies, means, and simple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the research objectives and presented in narrative form. Simple linear regression was used to predict the influence of: AGM income on acreage of arable land; acreage of land under AGM on food crop yields; acreage of land under AGM on livestock grazing area. The findings were presented in the form of tables, graphs, plates and discussions. The results show that 63% (r2=0.63,p < 0.05) of the variation of acreage of arable land can be explained by income from AGM. That acreage of arable land had reduced considerably as farmers practiced or leased it out for monetary gains from AGM. About 55% (r2=0.55,p < 0.05)of the variation of food crop yields can be explained by acreage of land under AGM. This can be explained by the fact that: the acreage of arable land has been taken up for artisanal gold mining activities such as; construction of mining factories, makeshift structures for miners , the land was compacted due to human traffic, motor cycles and degraded rendering it infertile and pools of stagnant water had offered conducive breeding conditions for mosquitoes leading to rampant malaria spread limiting the populace in engagement in productive farming thereby reducing on food crop yields. The acreage of land under AGM explained only 16% (r2=0.16,p < 0.05)variation of livestock grazing area. That livestock grazing area had been put under AGM concessions, heaps of debris and overburden had consumed livestock grazing area non-bio generable sacks sprawled the livestock grazing area and livestock grazing area had been flooded by water pumped by AGM miners to the surface. Using the results policy makers and society at large can gain insight on how AGM is influencing agriculture land. This will assist in control and management of AGM activities in Ikolomani Sub County.

An assessment of the viability and potential of bamboo Micro enterprises in environmental conservation and Poverty alleviation in Nairobi city, Kenya

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

An assessment of the viability and potential of bamboo Micro enterprises in environmental conservation and Poverty alleviation in Nairobi city, Kenya ASMA, Hadi Awadh Nairobi, Kenya's capital city has undergone rapid urbanization which has been associated with a number of development challenges. Key among these challenges is deterioration in urban environment and urban poverty. Bamboo is a fast growing, renewable, widespread, low cost, environment enhancing resource with great potential in environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. It has been established that bamboo has at least 1500 uses. Bamboo micro-enterprises (BMEs) have recently been put-up in Dagoretti, Kawangware, Karen, Gigiri and the city center of Nairobi, but their contribution to livelihood incomes and environment conservation had previously not been established. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to: explore the sourcing, processing of bamboo as well as the selling and marketing of bamboo products; determine the contribution of BMEs to livelihood incomes; examine the contribution of BMEs to urban environmental conservation; and assess factors influencing the sustainability of BMEs. Snowball sampling was used in primary data collection using questionnaires and interview schedules. A total of 13·key informants were interviewed and 60 questionnaires were administered to proprietors, employees, traders, customers. In addition, observations and photography were also used in data collection. Secondary data were collected from text books, scientific journals, periodicals, reports, published and unpublished theses, International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) data bank and Internet. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages. Qualitative data were organized and then categorized into themes and patterns, and then the usefulness of the information was evaluated in answering research questions. The study established that the BMEs are providing employment to urban residents who would otherwise have been unemployed and poor; bamboo was also used in several environmental rehabilitation and conservation initiatives in the city. The bamboo nurseries provide bamboo seedlings for aesthetic uses in the residential areas and city centre for beatification and greening programmes; they also provide seedlings' for the city afforestation programmes. The bamboo jua kali (furniture and artifact) sector provides items from a sustainable renewable resource with minimal and bio-degradable wastes. The study revealed that the sustainability of the BMEs is influenced by ecological, economic, socio-cultural, technological and' political/legal factors. Bamboo is a versatile crop with many uses. It is a high-yield natural resource and a viable replacement for wood in many scenarios. Bamboo in the BMEs was sourced mainly from the outskirts of Nairobi, was processed using simple technology and bamboo products were sold without formal marketing strategies. The bamboo sector is fairly new and has many untapped opportunities and the government needs to be more proactive and facilitate its citizens in exploiting the sector. More women need to be sensitized and recruited into the BMEs so as to start their home businesses such as weaving and making toothpicks and skewers.