Browsing by Author "Mbaabu, P. R."

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Factors enhancing the Level of Utilisation of Research Knowledge on Ecosystems
(Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, BANGLADESH, 2021) Eschen, R.; Mbaabu, P. R.; Ramamonjisoa, B. S.; Robledo-Abad, C.
The significant resource investment in research on ecosystems for development of the Global South does not necessarily result in high levels of research knowledge utilisation (RKU). Understanding the factors associated with various levels of RKU can inform funding agencies and researchers developing new projects. We applied a combination of a ques- tionnaire survey and follow up interviews with members of research teams of multiple, broadly comparable projects to make an assessment of achieved RKU levels using a combi- nation of quantitative statistical hypothesis testing and narrative description of survey responses. Research knowledge dissemination by members of the project team who work for non-academic institutions or champions, e.g. particularly motivated people that promote and facilitate implementation or adoption of the project results, and via television was asso- ciated with higher research knowledge utilization. By contrast, dissemination by members of the project team working for academic institutions and via peer-reviewed journals was asso- ciated with lower RKU. The achieved level of RKU was consistently lower than the targeted level of RKU across spatial scales. The discrepancy between the perceived level of RKU and the evidence provided by survey respondents indicates the need for better monitoring the utilisation of research knowledge in development pathways. Our results further suggest that three years project duration is too short to achieve high levels of RKU in socio-ecologi- cal systems. We recommend involvement of non-academic members of the project team in project design, leadership and dissemination for increasing RKU.
How well do local stakeholders’ perceptions of environmental impacts of an invasive alien plant species relate to ecological data?
(Elsevier Ltd., 2022) Bekele, Ketema; Linders, T. E.; Eschen, R.; Shiferaw, H.; Haji, J.; Legesse, B.; Schaffner, U.; Choge, S; Eckert, S.; Mbaabu, P. R.
Spatiotemporal Trajectories of Invasive Tree Species Reveal the Importance of Collective Action for Successful Invasion Management
(Taylor & Francis Group., 2022) Adoyo, B.; Schaffner, U.; Mukhovi, S.; Kiteme, B.; Mbaabu, P. R.; Eckert, S.; Choge. S.; Ehrensperger, A.
Biological invasions are complex processes requiring coordinated and spatially targeted management. This study assessed spatiotemporal tra- jectories and determinants of Prosopis cover in Baringo County, Kenya. Land cover data for every seven years between 1988 and 2016 revealed the presence of Prosopis. We tested for trajectory clusters using spatial autocorrelation and overlaid the trajectory categories with landscape features. Generally, most plots were only temporarily managed or not managed at all, while continuous management of Prosopis occurred mainly near rivers and on plots suitable for cultivation. Parcels within 250 m from roads, which are dispersal pathways for Prosopis seeds, were rarely cleared of Prosopis. We conclude that successful management requires incentives for stakeholders’ engagement in collective manage- ment action at a landscape level. Trajectory mapping should be integrated into planning tools to foster the prioritization of timely and context- specific response mechanisms.