Department of Environmental Studies

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/chuka/422

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Variation in Temperature and Nutrient Source Influence the Growth of Exserohilum Turcicum Mycelia Isolated from Sorghum
(Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 2019) O. Ogolla, Fredrick; M. Muraya, Moses; O. Onyango, Benson
Turcicum leaf blight (TLB) caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum is a serious threat to production of maize and sorghum, since it damages photosynthetic leaves. Growth and development of E. turcicum pathogen is influenced by factors such as light, temperature, dew period, plant age and inoculums concentration. Tharaka Nithi county in Eastern Kenya where sorghum is actively grown has heterogenous climatic and edaphic conditions. It is currently unclear if variations in temperature and media type may influence growth, development and virulence of Exserohilum turcicum. Thus, this study was carried out to investigate the effect of media type and different temperature variations on the growth and development of mycelia of E. turcicum isolates from Tharaka Nithi county in Kenya. Results showed that the effect of temperature was significantly differences for development of E. turcicum (Pr < 0.05) mycelia. Media type had significant effect on growth of E. turcicum isolates (p<0.05). Corn meal agar with mean of 4.233 cm was the best growth media followed by Malt extract agar at 3.3200 cm, while the most preferential (p<0.05) temperature for mycelia growth was 30 oC. The study recommends in cooperation of wider environmental factors in future studies involving TLB pathogen from Tharaka Nithi county.
Assessment of Rhizobia Strains Isolates of Soils around Lake Victoria Basin for their Effectiveness in Nodulation and Symbiotic Efficiency on Soybeans and Bambara Groundnuts
(International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB), 2019-10) Onyango O. Benson; Ogolla O. Fredrick
The symbiotic Biological nitrogen fixation (SBNF) is a sustainable and low-cost alternative to expensive and inaccessible inorganic fertilizers. However, SBNF is underutilized in soils of Lake Victoria basin due to insufficient information on local rhizobial strains diversity and their N-fixation efficiency. This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of rhizobium strains isolates of Kisumu, Port Victoria, Kendu bay and Karungu soils within Lake Victoria basin in nodulation and symbiotic efficiency on soybeans and bambara groundnuts. Two bambara seeds of groundnut landraces; Kakamega Cream (KAKC) and Busia Brown (BUSB) used in this study were collected from farmers in Kakamega and Busia counties respectively. Screen house experiment was performed at Kenya Forestry Research (KEFRI) in plastic pots with four seeds of each cultivar which was later thinned to two plants. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used. Experiments data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Genstat 16th Edition and significant means separated using Least Significant Difference at [LSD5%] and Dancun Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Result indicated highly significant (p<0.05) effect of isolate inoculation on number of nodules per plant. Soybean Variety SB19 formed effective nodules with rhizobia in the genera Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobium and Agrobacterium. On the other hand, ‘Safari’ was quite selective and formed very few nodules with isolates identified as Bradyrhizobium. However, both varieties SB19 and ‘Safari’ had better growth under glasshouse inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp., rhizobia isolates although one Rhizobium isolate (SoyKis1) resulted in good nodulation of both varieties. Seed treatment of the two legumes with some isolates resulted in improved nodulation and better plant growth; in some instances, outperforming the commercial strain Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA110. In conclusion, Isolates BAMKis12, BAMKis8, BAMKis4, BAMKbay8 and SoyKar2 were found to be potential elite strains and are recommended for more host range tests as viable inoculants sources.
Bacteriological Water Quality Assessment Of Nkenye Stream In Meru South In Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
(Research journali, 2020-02) Kithaka Samson Chabari; Erick C. Njagi; Adiel Magana; Fredrick O. Ogolla
Access to portable water remains a major global concern due to increased rate of water pollution contributed for by climate change and human. Destruction of riparian zones has exposed the rivers and streams to toxic and pathogenic pollutants released from untreated organic and inorganic waste. Exposure of river and stream used for drinking water to pollution is detrimental to aquatic plants, animals, and human consumers who depends on such valuable ecosystem. Nkenye stream that originates from Nkenye wetlands in Chuka, Meru South provide water that is used in fish ponds, irrigation and water for domestic use in homestead. Despite of the significance of Nkenye stream, little attention has been accorded to ascertain its water quality given its location. Study was conducted to determine the bacteriological water quality of Nkenye stream based on the feacal and total coliform count. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for evaluation. Coliform analysis of water samples was done by most probable number method using Macconkey purple broth at botany laboratory, Chuka University. The results of coliform counts obtained were subjected to the analysis of variance using General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4. The significance coliform means were separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. Feacal coliform count of Nkenye stream did not conform to WHO standards of 0 cfu/100 ml as the mean of 10 cfu/100 ml was observed for the entire stream. The occurrences of these bacteria in water indicate water deterioration and the presence of many water-borne pathogens that needs immediate attention. The study recommends that local authorities particularly Tharaka Nithi county government should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents to Nkenye stream.
Determination Of Effect Of Land Use On Distribution And Abundance Of Ground Dwelling Macro Invertebrates In Kirimiri Forest In Embu County, Kenya
(International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications, 2020-03) Clifton Omondi; Fredrick O. Ogolla; Christopher Odhiambo
Ground dwelling macro invertebrates are essential for soil functions and other significant ecological process such as nutrient cycling. The distribution and ecological role of crawling macro invertebrates may be influenced by anthropogenic factors. Human factors such as deforestation and agricultural activities that destroy the habitat pose great threat for the survival of macro invertebrates. Most of the natural ecosystems including forests in Kenya have been encroached, segmented and reduced in size by the rapidly growing population. However, studies on the impact of such destructive activities on the abundance and distribution of ground dwelling macro invertebrates are limited. Thus, there exist information gap on macro invertebrate composition and their distribution in different ecosystem and habitat segments in Kenya. Such studies are necessary in generating knowledge and creating wholesome understanding to facilitate policy making, habitat management and conservation of crawling macro invertebrates. Based on the above highlights, this study was conducted to determine the effect of land use on the distribution and abundance of ground dwelling macro invertebrate in Kirimiri forest in Embu County, Kenya between January and April 2016. The Napier grass plantation, Tea plantation and indigenous intact forest were evaluated for their macro invertebrates. In every habitat studied, crawling macro invertebrates were caught using the pit fall traps set in 50 m by 50 m grid subdivided into six rows at equidistance gap of 8 m. The pit holes comprised of 60 (250 ml capacity) clear plastic containers filled with 30 ml mixture of ethanol and liquid soap. Macro invertebrates were identified using their morphometric features and then stored in 70 % Ethanol for further laboratory identification at the National museums of Kenya headquarter in Nairobi, Kenya. The data collected was analyzed using Scientific Analysis System (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated using Least Significance Difference (SLD). The indigenous intact forest recorded the highest mean of macro invertebrates with family of Polydesmidae being the most abundant (mean=17.33). Tea plantation had the second largest mean (4.59) of macro invertebrates, and the family Gryllidae was the most abundant group with mean of 12.667. Napier grass plantation had a mean of 3.94 and the family Platydesmidae was the most abundant group (mean=12.833). The disparity in abundance and distribution of terrestrial macro invertebrate observed in this study may have resulted from micro climate and microenvironment shift influenced by human activity along and within the forest.
BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY STATUS OF BOREHOLES WATER IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA
(Abjournals, 2020) Fredrick O. Ogolla; Kithaka Samson Chabari; Jedidah Karimi Kariuki
Water shortage that is caused by long droughts and higher cost of accessing piped water have forced many households in Kenya to opt for wells and borehole water. Where they are used, boreholes are exposed to contamination by pathogenic microorganisms from nearby toilets, defecation from domesticated animals and surface runoff. Despite of known health concerns of consuming contaminated water, many rural residents still consume borehole water whose portability is not determined and may not meet WHO standards. Thus, this study was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County to assess bacterial quality status of selected boreholes in Maara, Igamba Ngombe and Tharaka Constituencies between April to September 2019. A total of 108 water samples were collected from 36 boreholes. Boreholes in Mukothima within Tharaka area were not collected as the ones accessed were dry at the time of sampling. The samples were analyzed at Chuka University using most probable number methods, Plate count and bacteria species identified using selected biochemical methods. Data (MPN) for total and feacal coliform for different location of study and boreholes were log transformed (log10 (cfu+3) and compared using general linear method in SAS. Significance means were separated using least significant difference post hoc test in SAS version 9.4. Number of bacteria isolated from water samples were also compared using general linear model. Feacal coliform values exceeding WHO recommendation of (0 CFU/ 100 ml was observed in all borehole surveyed. Mean MPN value of 17.5/ 100 ml CFU was observed in Kawangware. Coliform bacteria E. coli, Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp were isolated in all the water sampled. However, E. coli followed by Bacillus spp were higher compared to the rest of isolates. Occurrence of these bacteria in borehole water put the health of depended consumers at risk of infection.
Influence of Resource Mobilization Strategies on Promotion of Sustainable Water Projects in Tana Catchment Area, Kenya
(Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED), 2019-08) Mworia, Lilian Mukiri; Sande, Dr. Anne; Kiboro, Dr. Christopher
Water management initiatives have been launched around the world with the aim to conserve and safeguard the water resources for future generations. In Kenya, Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) are involved in water management at the local level. The Associations were created by the Water Act 2002 and their roles revised in Water Act 2016. Although the WRUAs have been in existence for more than a decade, water flow in the river basins is decreasing. This study examined WRUAs resource mobilization strategies on the promotion of sustainable water projects. Institutional support was used as a moderating variable. The study was anchored on the theory of Common Pool Resource Management. The convergent research design was used in the study. A sample of 377 respondents comprising of 5 officers of the Water Resource Authority, 48 WRUA committee members, 324 water users were selected using cluster, purposive and random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview guide were used in data collection. Cronbach’s Alpha Co-efficient test of reliability was 0.730. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Hierarchical Regression model was constructed at 5% level of significance. The study established a significant relationship between resource mobilization and sustainability of water projects for users, executive committee members and combined data. The findings also showed statistically insignificant moderation effect of institutional support on the relationship between resource mobilization and sustainability of water projects with the interaction terms for users, executive committee members and combined data respectively. In conclusion, WRUAs had inadequate resources to implement their strategies. The study recommends that WRUAs should leverage on mobilizing support from all stakeholders to mobilize resources in order to promote sustainable water projects.
Application of Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average Models to Analysis and Forecasting of Time Series Monthly Rainfall Patterns in Embu County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2019-08-19) Filder, Tartisio Njoki; Muraya, Moses Mahugu; Mutwiri, Robert Mathenge
Rainfall is of critical importance for many people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on rainfed agriculture. Predicting the trend of rainfall is a difficult task, and statistical approaches such as time series analysis provide a means for predicting the patterns of rainfall. The models also offer the potential to improve areas such as increased food production, profitability, and improved food security policing. However, these forecasts and information systems may, in some instances, not be suitable for direct use by stakeholders in their decision-making. The objective of this study was to investigate rainfall variability and develop a Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model for fitting the monthly rainfall using time series data. Secondary monthly data from 1998 to 2017 for Embu County was collected from the Kenya Meteorological Department, Embu and recorded into an excel sheet. R-software was utilized to analyse data for descriptive statistics, rainfall variability, and model fitting. The coefficient of variation for annual and seasonal rainfall was calculated. The Box Jenkin's ARIMA modelling procedure (model identification, model estimation, model validation) was used to determine the best models for the data. The main study findings indicated the existence of annual variability of 34%, March-April-May rainfall variability of 44%, and October-November-December variability of 44%. A first-order differenced SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (0, 1, 2)12 model with an AIC score of 9.99356 was found suitable for predicting rainfall pattern in Embu, County. The study outcome revealed that Embu County experiences high seasonal and rainfall variation of rainfall, thus requires a reliable model for better prediction.
Spatial-Temporal Assessment of Forest Rehabilitation along Mt. Kenya East Forest Buffer Zone Using Remote Sensing and GIS
(Journals Pub., 2019) Kinoti, Kibetu Dickson; Mwende, Kiambi Milliam
Nationwide ban on harvesting of forest products in 1999 was meant to enhance regeneration of forest resources in the country. Restocking was then started to aid in rehabilitating degraded forests through tree planting initiatives coordinated by the Kenya Forest Services. One of the most affected forests then was Mt. Kenya Forest, an important montane forest and one of the country’s water towers due to its endemic tree species (Ocotea Usambarensis) as well as biodiversity habitation. Dense population settlements along the forest borderline especially on the eastern slopes of this mountain (Nyanyo Tea Zones) exacerbate the very challenges of illegal and selective logging. Despite concerted management and planning efforts to salvage this important forest cover, comprehensive mapping to evaluate effects of restocking after the logging ban and series of extensive rehabilitation programs along the Nyanyo Tea Zones buffer strip has not been carried out. To address these gaps, this study sought to remote sensely monitor progress of rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the state between 2011 and 2018, duration coinciding with implementation period for the ten year Mt. Kenya strategic management plan of 2010-2020. Integrating geospatial knowledge and methods in mapping forest rehabilitation progress has revealed mixed stories of success and failed restocking along the extensive 187km border stretch covered by in this study. This study proposes adoption of Conservation Action Planning (CAP) approach in developing future ecological management programs and strategic plans for forest ecosystems in the country
Application of Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average Models to Analysis and Forecasting of Time Series Monthly Rainfall Patterns in Embu County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Probability and Statistics, 2019-08-19) Filder, Tartisio Njoki; Muraya, Moses Mahugu; Mutwiri, Robert Mathenge
Rainfall is of critical importance for many people, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on rainfed agriculture. Predicting the trend of rainfall is a difficult task, and statistical approaches such as time series analysis provide a means for predicting the patterns of rainfall. The models also offer the potential to improve areas such as increased food production, profitability, and improved food security policing. However, these forecasts and information systems may, in some instances, not be suitable for direct use by stakeholders in their decision-making. The objective of this study was to investigate rainfall variability and develop a Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model for fitting the monthly rainfall using time series data. Secondary monthly data from 1998 to 2017 for Embu County was collected from the Kenya Meteorological Department, Embu and recorded into an excel sheet. R-software was utilized to analyse data for descriptive statistics, rainfall variability, and model fitting. The coefficient of variation for annual and seasonal rainfall was calculated. The Box Jenkin's ARIMA modelling procedure (model identification, model estimation, model validation) was used to determine the best models for the data. The main study findings indicated the existence of annual variability of 34%, March-April-May rainfall variability of 44%, and October-November-December variability of 44%. A first-order differenced SARIMA (1, 1, 1) (0, 1, 2)12 model with an AIC score of 9.99356 was found suitable for predicting rainfall pattern in Embu, County. The study outcome revealed that Embu County experiences high seasonal and rainfall variation of rainfall, thus requires a reliable model for better prediction.
Investigating the influence of business events experience on international visitors’ perceived destination image: The case of Kenya
(Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2021) Weru, Joshua N.; Njoroge, Joseph M.
Tourism destinations’in Africa continue to experience stereo-types, prejudice and negative images. These are further ampli-fied and reinforced by international media. Internationalbusiness events provide an opportunity to enhance the desti-nation’s touristic image and competitiveness. This study inves-tigates the influence of business events experience oninternational visitors’perceived destination image. The studywas carried out at three leading business event venues inNairobi, Kenya. Convenience sampling method was used toselect respondents during the events. A total of 335 question-naires were successfully completed and used for data analysis.An exploratory factor analysis identified six business eventexperiences factors important in influencing a destinationimage including destination’s venue facilities, accommodationfacilities, destination attractions, destination accessibility, des-tination safety and security and perceived affordability of serv-ices. Structural analysis indicated that business eventexperiences influenced destination’s cognitive image and theoverall image. Destination cognitive image influenced destina-tion’s affective image and overall image, while the destina-tion’s affective image influenced the overall image. However,business event experiences did not have a direct significantinfluence on destination’s affective image. The study findingsextend the knowledge on influence of events on the host des-tination’s image using business events perspective. Discussionsand implications of the findings are also highlighted.
Communities’ attitudes and perceptions towards the status, use and management of Kapolet Forest Reserve in Kenya
(International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2020-11-11) Rotich, Brian; Makindi, Stanley; Esilaba, Moses
Forest communities play a vital role in the conservation of forest resources. Understanding communities’ use, attitudes and perceptions of forests and management measures is significant in attaining conservation goals and reducing forest resource use conflicts. This study sought to assess local community’ forest resources use and their perception towards forest status, use and management. Data was collected through household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires, participant observation, Key Informant Interviews (KII), and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). A total of 112 respondents from three adjacent villages within 5 km from the forest boundary were randomly sampled for the household survey while descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Most (94.6%) of the households reported using products from forests. These products formed an integral part of the households’ energy needs, construction materials, medicine, income generation and daily dietary needs. Firewood was the most collected product from the forest (76.4%) whereas bush meat was the least (4.7%). There were mixed views on the forest management with more than half (54.5%) expressing dissatisfaction with the current management regime citing insecure land tenure system, inadequate integration of the community in forest management and corruption. There was perceived forest degradation due to illegal logging, illegal grazing, forest fires, climate change and encroachment for farming. For sustainable forest management practice therefore, there is a need for incorporating Indigenous knowledge (IK) in forest management plans and putting in place grievance address mechanisms to cater for the needs of local communities when designing forest policies and implementing forest restoration programs.
A meta-Analytical Review of the Role of Indigenous Knowledge on Environmental Conservation and Climate Change in Kenya
(Regional Institute of Information and Knowledge Management, 2020-12) Guto, Richard
Rationale of Study – This paper examines how indigenous environmental knowledge (IEK) can be applied in the conservation and management of natural resources in Kenya. It also explores how IEK can be captured, coded, stored and integrated into climate studies and conservation efforts. Methodology – Due to the lack of consensus on the nature of IEK whether ecosystem management, stewardship, natural resource management or environmental conservation practices, the study used a meta-analytical approach to review scientific publications, papers and published journals in order to develop an overarching framework that would guide the capture, documentation, repositing and archiving of the local IEK. The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into mainstream knowledge offers great potential in strengthening socio-ecological resilience. Findings – The study identified several themes that include environmental stewardship, natural resource management, environmental conservation practises among others that relate to the IEK resources, its effectiveness on environmental management and the integration of IEK into climate change. The findings show that IEK has been applied in environmental conservations efforts in several countries such as the traditional resource usage models, the rain-making tradition of the Luhya Community, resource conservation practices of the Maasai among other practises. The study concludes that IEK can be drawn from several indigenous communities in Kenya that include, the Maasai, Sengwer, Pokot, Samburu among others and with the aid of the information science discipline which leads to the development of an IEK repository in Kenya. Implications – The study recommends that national institutions in Kenya such as Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service be involved in the search for alternative solutions to climate change concerns. Originality – The study is advocating for the formalization and mainstreaming of the communal IEK among the communities in Kenya.
Effect of Institutional and Farmer Based Climate Change Adaptation Measures on Crop Production in Mavuria Ward, Mbeere South Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya
(Research gate, 2020) Nyaga, Samuel K.; Gathungu, Geofrey K.; Nyaga, Justin; Njeru, Jafford R.
Africa is under pressure from climate stresses and is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. In Kenya, agriculture is the backbone of the economy making it an important contributor to food security of rural households. Currently crop productivity is being affected by continued climate variations and decline in soil fertility. Adaptation to climate change requires to be given high and urgent priority for sustainable crop production. A study was conducted in Mavuria ward, Mbeere South Sub-County, Embu County to evaluate the effects of climate change adaptation on crop production. The study used both descriptive and experimental research designs. The primary data on adaptation measures was collected from farmers and institutions using questionnaires. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to organize the climate data and that of the respondents into frequencies. Further, a Pearson correlation test was done to determine therelationship between farmer and institutional based mechanisms on adaptation to climate change at α=0.05. The main adaptation mechanisms identified were soil fertility improvement, soil and water conservation, early planting, pest and disease control, provision of certified seeds, and awareness creation. In view of these findings, the study recommends continuous implementation of these measures that can help strengthen farmers and institutional adaptation mechanisms towards climate change for improved crop production.
Variation in Seagrass Carbon Stocks Between Tropical Estuarine and Marine Mangrove-Fringed Creeks
(Frontiers in Marine Science, 2020) Juma, Gabriel A.; Magana, Adiel M.; Michael, Githaiga N.; Kairo, James G.
Seagrass and associated blue carbon ecosystems are important carbon sinks, and hence understanding their spatial and temporal variability is vital in appreciating their potential roles in climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Indo-Pacific region has the highest seagrass biodiversity, yet little focus has been made to compare seagrass habitat extent and carbon dynamics with their temperate counterparts. The present study assessed habitat characteristics and seagrass species distribution, diversity, and carbon storage in Eastern (marine) and Western (estuarine) mangrove-fringed creeks of Gazi Bay, Kenya. Data on species composition, canopy cover, biomass, and sediment organic carbon were collected in 80 plots of 0.25 × 0.25 m laid along transects established perpendicular to the waterline. Five species formation, viz., Thalassia hemprichii, Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Enhalus acoroides, and Thalassidendron ciliatum, were encountered as either single or mixed stands. There was a significant difference in total seagrass biomass between creeks (p < 0.01), with the Eastern creek recording a mean of 10.2 ± 0.6 Mg C ha–1 while the Western creek recording 4.3 ± 0.3 Mg C ha–1. In addition, sediment carbon to 1-m depth varied significantly (p < 0.01) between species in the two creeks and ranged from 98 to 302 Mg C ha–1, with the Eastern and Western creeks recording means of 258 ± 90 and 107 ± 21 Mg C ha–1, respectively. The total carbon stock from 50 ha of seagrasses in the Eastern creek was 13,420 Mg C, whereas in the 70 ha of the Western creek it was 7,769 Mg C. The study shows that seagrass community attributes such as species composition and productivity can vary dramatically over a small spatial extent due to differences in biophysical conditions and caution estimations of site-specific carbon stocks using generalized global values.
Effects of Agricultural Land Use Practices on Soil Organic Carbon Stocks, Total Nitrogen and Available Phosphorous in Smallholder Farms in Embu County, Kenya
(Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, 2022-04) Osoro, N.N.; Gathungu, K.; Muraya, M.M.
A study was conducted to determine soil organic carbon stocks (SOCs), total nitrogen (TN) and available phosphorous (AP) changes in agricultural land use practices with a focus on maize and coffee based agricultural systems along Kapingazi river catchment in Embu County. Demarcation was done into four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) following the river downstream; Lower Highland Zone 1 LH1; Upper Midland Zone 1, UM1; Upper Midland Zone 2, UM2; Upper Midland Zone 3, UM3. Soil samples were obtained from two depths of 0-25 cm and 25-50 cm across slope positions. The soil organic carbon stocks were high in LH1 at 58.38 kg/m2 whereas UM3 had least amount at 29.48 kg/m2 . The total nitrogen was higher in LH1 at 0.27% while least at UM3 with 0.07%. The LH1 had higher mean amount of available phosphorous at 19.44 ppm and least at UM3. The coffee agricultural system had more available phosphorous in LH1 at 23.75 ppm whereas maize had more in UM1, UM2 and UM3. The soil organic carbon stocks, available phosphorous and total nitrogen decreased across the AEZ. The Farm Foot Slope sampling point had high soil organic carbon stocks with the lowest amounts in the Farm Summit sampling point at both depths. The concentration of total nitrogen in coffee was high in all slope positions, whereas, available phosphorous was higher in maize. Therefore, it is concluded that topography and agriculture land use and management practices influence soil nutrient status.
Use of Cost-Effective Biofertilizers Interventions for Enhanced food Security and Soil Management Amidst Covid-19 Crisis. Review
(Infogain Publication, 2022-04) Mbaka, F.K.; Ndukhu, H.O.; Oloo-Abucheli, G.O.
Current soil management strategies are mainly dependent on inorganic chemical-based fertilizers, which are expensive and have led to a serious threat to human health and environment. Moreover, COVID-19 pandemic caused economic recession coupling with the effects of climate change. The effect of the pandemic has led to increased prices of inputs particularly chemical fertilizers, resulting in a reduction in crop production. Soil fertility which is a function of agricultural production has declined overtime due to nutrient depletion. The exploitation of cost effective and beneficial microbes as a biofertilizer has become paramount importance in agriculture sector for their potential role in food safety, sustainable crop production and soil fertility improvement. The eco-friendly approaches inspire a wide range of application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi, cyanobacteria and many other useful microscopic organisms that have led to improved nutrient uptake, plant growth and plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. The present review highlights; biofertilizers relevance and plant tolerance to environmental stress, biofertilizer exploitation and nutrient profile of crops, potential significance of beneficial microbes in sustainable agriculture. The knowledge gained from the literature appraised herein will help in understand the benefits of biofertilizers towards sustainable agriculture in reducing problems associated with the use of chemicals fertilizers
Enhancing Household Livelihood Outcomes through Resilient Agri-Food Systems among Small-scale farmers in Kitui County, Kenya
(EAST AFRICAN NATURE & SCIENCE ORGANIZATION, 2022-06) Rufo, B.M.; Njuguna, C.W.; Muiruri, S.M.
The practice of resilient agri-food systems, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, is considered key to attaining sustainable livelihoods. Changes in climatic conditions have forced small-scale farmers to develop adaptive capacities related to food security. This study was done in Nguni ward Kitui County involving 246 small-scale farmers, two focus groups discussion, and four key informants. The sampled participants had practiced resilient agri-food systems for the last five years from the time of data collection. A gender dynamic was established after 71.5% of the respondents were found to be female and 28.5% male. More females practiced resilient agri-food systems but did not own productive assets like land. A statistically significant relationship between resilient agri-food systems and household livelihood outcomes was determined where the probability value was less at a 95% confidence level (0.01<0.05). Further analysis showed a positive association between household income and sex χ2=9.551 where p (0.008) was less than 0.05. In conclusion, resilient agri-food systems practices such as conservation agriculture positively influence the household livelihood outcomes like diversification of livelihoods, reduced prevalence of human, crop, and livestock diseases, and improved ability to cope with shocks and trends. The study recommends the provision of incentives, insurance, and social safety nets to encourage small-scale farmers to practice resilient agri-food systems.
Determining the Popularity and Effectiveness of Green Marketing in Kenyan University Students Market Group
(MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL (LUMJ), 2020) Mulandi, S.M.
Green Marketing comprises building lucrative customer relationship with care and concern on the environment. It aims at reducing the undesirable effects of the organization’s activities on the environment and making the entire process of production to supply of products eco-friendly. Nearly all the institutions, organizations, and companies across the globe are engaging in the process but unconscious of the results which the green marketing campaigns are generating. This research aimed at studying the effectiveness of green marketing by firms on specific consumer group. The study explores Kenyan University students-market age group 20-25. Excel was used in the study to bring out the required information and make conclusions. The findings revealed a high degree of unawareness amongst Kenyan University market group under study regarding the green marketing. Besides, majority of the University students-market age group 20-25 were concerned about the value of brand of the product rather than the product’s price and its impact on the environment. A similar pattern was seen from students in all the universities studied. The study concludes that green marketing was not popularly and effectively used among university students as it was thought to be.
Temporal variability in food choice and availability for the semi- captive critically endangered mountain bongo in the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
(WILEY, 2022-04) Fundi, P.; Mwangi, E.; Githaiga, J.
Dietary selection and preference are poorly understood for the mountain bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci Thomas, 1902). Focal animal sampling was used to de-termine seasonal food choice and preference for captive- bred individuals at the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, in preparation for reintroduction into the wild at a proposed sanctuary within the surrounding forest reserve. Food availability was assessed using nested plot sampling. Plant life forms contributed differently to the diet (H[4] = 28.93, p< 0.01), with shrubs accounting for 55%. Relative abundance of the principal food plant species influenced their contribution to the diet in both wet and dry seasons (χ2= 7.33, df = 1, p= 0.07; χ2= 2.47, df = 1, p= 0.116 respectively). Despite having a high relative abundance (1.88%), Trichocladus ellipticus Eckl. & Zeyh. was less preferred during the wet season (E* = 0.20). It was however most preferred during the dry season (E* = 0.78), possibly reflecting relative nutritive value. The bon-gos included a large proportion of grass (27%) in their diet like other browsing herbi-vores that inhabit forest glades. Compared to the conservancy, plant foods were well represented at the proposed sanctuary with 72% and 80% similarity in both wet and dry seasons. This potentially enhances the likelihood of bongos adapting and estab-lishing once reintroduced.
Pathways towards the Sustainable Management of Woody Invasive Species: Understanding What Drives Land Users’ Decisions to Adopt and Use Land Management Practices
(MDPI, 2022) Adoyo, B.; Schaffner, U.; Mukhovi, S.; Kiteme, B.; Mbaabu, P.R.; Eckert, S.; Ehrensperger, A.
Sustainable land management (SLM) practices are key for achieving land degradation neutrality, but their continued implementation lag behind the progression of various forms of land degradation. While many scholars have assessed the drivers of SLM uptake for restoring land affected by desertification, drought, and floods (SDG 15.3 and partly SDG 2.4), little is known about the implication of SLM implementation on invasive alien species (IAS) management. This study aimed at understanding the challenges and proposing solutions for the uptake of SLMs with respect to the management of the invasive tree, Prosopis juliflora, in Baringo County, Kenya. Data were collected with semi-structured questionnaires, the responses were coded into themes, and c-coefficient tables were used to determine code linkages. Our results show that the availability of incentives is the main motivation for invasion management. Thus, management efforts have often focused on private parcels, while communally shared lands tended to be neglected despite their vulnerability to invasion. We conclude that sustainable IAS management lies at a landscape scale, and thus the national IAS management strategies should adopt a collective approach by empowering local actors to engage in SLM implementation.

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