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Spatial-Temporal Changes in Land Use Land Cover and Impacts On Wildlife Conservation in Meru Conservation Area
(Chuka University, 2017) Kiria, M.E.; Magana, A.M.; and Njue, C.
Habitat conversion is a major threat to biodiversity. Recent and current levels of human activities on
landscapes appear to be overriding the natural changes to ecosystems brought about by climate
variations in the past several thousand years. The impact of anthropogenic activities on wildlife habitat
and species vary depending on the spatial and temporal scales considered and the persistence of the
activities in the landscape. The study carried out in Meru Conservation Area (MCA) examined land use
land cover changes (LULC) that have taken place within and around the Protected Area (PA) between
1985 and 2015 with an emphasis of anthropogenic activities that have altered wildlife habitat and
species depending on spatial and temporal scales. The distribution of land use types within and around
MCA has produced land use patterns which the study seeks to establish their extent and effects in
relation to wildlife conservation. To establish the land use land cover changes (LULC), Landsat satellite
images of medium resolution were acquired and interpretation done using ArchGIS as the basic tool for
analysis. In this study, four satellite images with a span of 10 years from 1985 to 2015 were acquired
for analysis as a post-classification comparison for change detection. The results revealed significant
changes in MCA ecosystem over the 30 year study period, accounting for 9.9% and 6.1% increase in
grassland and bareland respectively. This could be an indication that agricultural activities are
encroaching towards the protected areas in the land that was formerly used as wildlife corridors and
dispersal areas. It is also an indication that there is a significant change in the forestland and shrubland
which has respectively reduced accounting to 2.3% and 15.7% decline resulting to bareland and
grassland. The results of the study provide a threat to the future survival of wildlife in their ecosystems
due to decline in ecosystems productivity as well as socioeconomic livelihood of communities living
around MCA. This therefore calls for an integrated planning approach towards management of
protected areas to meet wildlife and human needs in view of the changing climate regimes.
Socio-Economic Impacts of Invasive Alien Plant Species of Cactus (Opuntia Stricta) In Ewaso Nyiro Area in Narok County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2017) Githae, E.W.; and Magana, A.M.
Several plants have been introduced in Kenya for various purposes. Some have become aggressive and
rapidly colonize and out-compete the indigenous vegetation. Among them are the Opuntia (Cactus pear)
species, one of them being Opuntia stricta Haworth, which was introduced as an ornamental but has
spread widely in natural ecosystems especially in the drylands. However, information about its impacts
to livelihoods and the sources of spread has not been well documented. This study investigated the
challenges faced as a result of invasion and the factors that contribute to the spread. It was done in
Ewaso Nyiro, one of the most invaded areas in Narok County, using questionnaires where a sample size
of 50 was purposively selected since the area is not densely populated. Impacts caused by Opuntia
stricta invasion included denied access to land, injury to both human and livestock and reduced farm-
land and pasture-land, land productivity and the well-being of the community. Although majority of the
respondents were not aware of how the species got into their farms, some thought that the main source
of spread was due to planting the species as an ornamental and a fence. Others thought that it was spread
mostly by floods since new invasions occurred immediately after the rainy season. The most common
plants affected by O. stricta invasion were indigenous vegetables such as terere (Amaranthus), stinging
nettle (Urtica dioica), African nightshade (Solanum), spider plant (Cleome gynandra) and pumpkins
(Cucurbita pepo) since they were mostly found on the fence and farm edges and this heavily impacted
on the food security. The main methods used to control were chopping, burning, burying and use of
herbicides. These methods posed challenges in terms of practicality, expense and environmental
impacts and therefore other sustainable methods should be identified that can assist in control as well
as improve livelihoods. This should integrate the reported benefits such as source of food, fodder and
medicine in order to sustainably manage the species.
Influence of Parents’ Drug Abuse on Attending School Meetings in Pre-Primary schools of Embulbul Sub-County
(Chuka University, 2024) Oyieno Ouma Moses
Parental drug abuse is a global concern and a major issue affecting parental involvement in their pre
schoolchildren’s learning. It negatively impacts their much needed involvement particularly provision of
the needs of children who are at a vulnerable stage in life. The purpose of this study was to determine
the implications of parental drug abuse on their involvement in children’s education in Embu lbul Sub
county in Kajiado. The study was guided by Epstein’s Model of parents’ involvement. This study adopted
a descriptive survey design method. A sample size of 8 (55%) out of14 pre-schools, a similar number of
head teachers and 24(50%) pre-school teachers (three from each school) were selected. Questionnaires
for teachers and interview schedule for head teachers were used to collect data. The collected
quantitative data were edited, coded, entered into a computer and analyzed descriptively using
Statistical Package for Social Science. The analyzed data were presented using tables, pie-charts and bar
graphs. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used
to interpret the data. Qualitative data were organized using relevant themes, presented using direct
quotes and discussed as per the research question. The findings in the study established that majority of
parents abusing drugs never participated in neither school meetings nor functions. The study concludes
that parental drug abuse has a negative impact on parents’ attending school functions. To improve
parents’ attendance of school meetings, the study recommended that teachers should provide them
with an opportunity to communicate their expectations and concerns.
Influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Luke Murithi Kathenya; Peter Kimanthi; Charles Kiptum; Eric Mwenda
The researcher determined influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of
primary school curriculum implementation in Embu County, Kenya. Parental empowerment and
engagement are key concepts that need to be fully utilized; for complete realization of effective
competence based curriculum management in Kenyan schools. The concern was that the idea of
parental empowerment and engagement are underutilized in competence based curriculum
implementation in Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine influence of parental
empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu
County, Kenya. The researcher used Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table to determine 364
respondents from 7000target population. The study utilized descriptive design. The study respondents
were: teachers, subject panel heads, head teachers and parents’ association representatives. The
research tools were questionnaires and interview guides. Inferential statistics was analyzed using
Pearson’s chi-square tests. The study established that there was significant influence of parental
empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu
County, Kenya. Following study findings, the researcher concluded that parental empowerment and
engagement are valuable concepts in management of primary school curriculum implementation in
Kenyan schools. Therefore, the researcher recommended that ministry of education should encourage
parental empowerment and engagement for efficient curriculum implementation management in
primary schools in Kenya.
MATH 125: DISCRETE MATHEAMATICS STREAMS:
(Chuka University, 2024-12-20) Chuka University