Department of Environmental Studies
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Item 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 MathengeRainfall 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.Item 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 MathengeRainfall 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.Item 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. FredrickThe 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.Item BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY STATUS OF BOREHOLES WATER IN THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA(Abjournals, 2020) Fredrick O. Ogolla; Kithaka Samson Chabari; Jedidah Karimi KariukiWater 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.Item 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. OgollaAccess 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.Item 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, MosesForest 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.Item Culture as a Predictor of Effective Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture in Mbeere North, Kenya(agdevresearch.org, 2022) Gikunda, R.; Lawver, D.; Magogo, J.The research advances the existing extension education knowledge by illustrating the relationship between culture and adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA). Using a sample of 127, the study adopted a descriptive correlational design to gather data that addressed the hypotheses. The sample was selected randomly through systematic sampling procedures covering all parts of the sub-county. A semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data. Independent samples t-test and multiple regression analysis were applied in data analysis. The results indicated that farmers who received climate-smart information compared to farmers not receiving the information demonstrated significantly higher CSA practices adoption levels. A combination of cultural elements significantly predicted the adoption of climate-smart practices. The moderate effective adoption rates witnessed may have been contributed by limited access to extension services and cultural barriers. Among the cultural elements inability of extension agents to communicate in the local language was found to be the main inhibitor to effective dissemination and subsequent adoption. Hence, extension agents conversant with local language should be recruited to break the communication barrier to improve the diffusion of CSA practices. The county extension agents should be encouraged to use amix of mass media extension education methods so as to expand the coverage.Item Determinants of religious tourism branding tactics in Kenya: A cross sectional study(Sage, 2016-09-28) Muriuki, Lemmy Mureti; Bururia, David; Mutegi, JamesShrines’ market appeal and authenticity drive religious tourism branding initiatives. Ideal packaging strategies further determine product performance in religious destinations. This article examined the potential contribution of market appeal and authenticity to religious tourism branding in the Kenyan Coast, Western, and Eastern regions. Multistage Cluster Sampling was used to sample 700 respondents. Surveys were conducted using structured interviews between February 2012 and April 2013. Questionnaires targeted communities, tourists, and tourism developers. Questionnaires examined the types of shrines, utilization rate, perceived importance, and current development levels. It further assessed applicable religious tourism branding strategies within regions. Data analysis involved factor analysis, ANOVA, and t-tests. Results indicated that Kenyan shrines serve natural, physical, and cultural purposes, which determine their market appeal. New brands, line-extensions, and brand extensions emerged significant product branding strategies (p < 0.05). Thus, it implied perceived loss of product authenticity.Item 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 OdhiamboGround 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Effects of Agricultural Nutrients Influx on Water Quality in Thiba River basin, a sub-catchment of Tana River Basin in Kirinyaga County, Kenya(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2022-04) Njue, J.M.; Magana, A.M..; Githae, E.W.Excessive enrichment of waters with nutrients and the associated adverse biological effects leads to eutrophication, which is one of the major environmental problems across the world. Various studies have revealed the overuse of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural productivity in Kenya contributes to pollution of water bodies. In order to meet increasing demand for clean water, sustainable use and conservation of available water resources is therefore paramount. This study was done to find out effects of agricultural nutrient pollution in Thiba River, a sub-catchment of Tana River Basin, located in Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study area was divided into four distinct agro-ecological zones based on different anthropogenic activities. Ecological survey design was used in the study. Sampling was done during the wet and dry season. Water samples were analysed for temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), salinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, and toxic microalgae. All parameters showed both spatial and temporal variations with statistically significant differences (p˂0.01). Temperature of the river ranged from 14.57 0C to 28.08 0C due to climatic changes along the agro-ecological zones. The pH ranged from 7.02 to 8.51. The DO values decreased from the highlands to lowland within the range of 9.00 mg/l at the reference site to 5.43 mg/l at the most polluted site. EC ranged from 20.54 μScm-1 at the reference site during the wet season to 251.2 μScm-1 at the rice irrigation scheme site during dry season. The TDS ranged from 16.9 ppm at the reference site to 167.05 ppm at the most polluted site. Salinity also had a high variation with a range of 0.01 ppt at the reference site to 0.07 ppt at the most polluted site. The highest values of BOD (3.49 mg/l) were recorded at the rice irrigation scheme during the wet season and the lowest (0.22 mg/l) at the forest edge reference site. The lowest levels of NH4, P, NO2 and NO3 were recorded at the forest edge reference site at 1.088 μg/l, 1.177 μg/l, 0.217 μg/l and 0.148 μg/l respectively during the dry season while the highest values for the same nutrients were recorded at the rice irrigation site at 11.439 μg/l, 4.933 μg/l, 1.518 μg/l and 2.721 μg/l in the same order. There was a high peak of all nutrient levels at the rice irrigation scheme zone which was attributed to the extensive use of inorganic fertilizers. Dam water samples were analysed for members of Cyanobacteria group of microalgae which are bio-indicators of eutrophic waters. Out of the seven members of this group that were identified four were toxic genera. These were Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Anabaena and Microcystis.During the wet season Nostochadthe highest population followed by Oscillatoria and Anabaena.No Microcystis was observed during the wet season. There was a steady increase of all the genera during the dry season with Microcystismaking appearance. Microcystisand Oscillatoriahad a very high correlation. This study concludes that various anthropogenic activities especially agriculture along the study site are the main factors of Thiba River pollution hence a major threat to human, livestock and aquatic organisms. Environmental protection laws should be enforced by the government.Item 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.Item 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. ChristopherWater 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.Item 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.Item 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, RichardRationale 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.Item 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.Item Phthalate Levels in Wastewater Treatment Plants of Lake Victoria Basin(Science and Education Publishing, 2021) Onchiri, R.; Ongulu, R.; Orata, F.; Getenga, Z.M.; Gichumbi, J.M.; Ogora, E.N.Phthalates are examples of EDCs, which have been used as plasticizers for longtime worldwide. However, their occurrence in these environments causes adverse effects such as congenital anomalies, endocrine disruption and chronic toxicity. Wastewater is the source of these phthalates in the environment. The main aim of this study was to determine the levels of dimethyl phthalate (DMP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEHP) in wastewater sampled from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) of Nyalenda, Homabay and Kisii, in Kenya during wet and dry seasons. Thermos Scientific Dionex UltiMateTM 3000 HPLC system was used to analyze the residue levels at 0.004 and 0.005 mg/L limits of quantification during wet and dry seasons, respectively. Most sites sampled had detectable levels of DMP, BBP and BEHP. Higher concentrations were detected during wet season compared to dry season. At Nyalenda treatment plant, DMP was detected at 0.99 ± 0.0005 mg/L and 0.79 ± 0.0005 mg/L at the inlet sampling point during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The concentrations detected were high at the inlet and lowest at the outlet sampling points. The residue levels obtained showed significant differences at 5% confidence limits with Zcalculated for DMP at Nyalenda, Homabay and Kisii WWTPs obtained as 0.2650, 0.2183 and 0.1983, respectively. These Z-score values (Zcalculated) were less than the critical value (Zcritical = 1.96). Similar observations were observed with BBP and BEHP.Item Promoting Effective Community Participation in Land Use Planning and Management of Wildlife Conservation Areas(2014) Kiria, Edwin M. 1; Ayonga, Jeremiah N. 2; Ipara, Hellen 3The major threat facing conservation of wildlife within and outside protected areas presently is the continuous loss of wildlife corridors and dispersal areas. This is as a result of increase in human settlements and the introduction of land uses which conflict with conservation activities in areas that were once not settled or had minimal human population. This study sought to unveil how sound wildlife conservation and co-existence between humans and wildlife can be promoted with a view of making local communities conserve and benefit from wildlife resources in and out of protected areas. Key issues addressed in the study included resource use conflicts as well as problems that constrain effective community participation. Study findings indicated that wildlife corridors have been invaded by the local community due to population pressure and the search for alternative livelihoods thereby promoting conflicts. There is also minimal involvement of communities in the planning and management of Meru National park, dispersal areas and wildlife corridors. It was further established that lack of direct benefits from conservation hindered active community participation. The study has provided an integrated conservation model and use of zoning as a land use planning approaches to spatial conflict resolution. Intensifying environmental education and multiple resource use approaches such as ecotourism where communities can access the benefits for protecting wildlife and their habitats to meet their needs should also be enhanced.