Department of Environmental Studies

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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.
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.
Assessment of benthic macroinvertebrates as bio indicators of water quality in river Naka, Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya
(Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research, 2022) Chamia, L. K.; Kutuny, G. K.
Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality of River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and their use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and in the laboratory(nitrates and phosphates). The highest EPT index values (28) at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values (21) at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values (15) recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The downstream water quality parameters exceeded World Health Organization limits, posing a health risk to water consumers. Continuous bio-assessment of rivers based on EPT biotic indicators should be conducted on a regular basis to establish a long-term profile of water quality state and ecological integrity of rivers.
Assessment of Benthic Macroinvertebrates as Bioindicators of Water Quality in River Naka, Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2022) Chamia, L.K.; Kutuny, G.K.
Freshwater ecosystems worldwide have been progressively deteriorating leading to a decrease in aquatic biodiversity. Conventionally, evaluation of water quality uses single physical-chemical parameters which may be insufficient to fully assess the quality of freshwaters. This study used bio-indicators to assess water quality of River Naka in Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. Fluvial ecosystems support rich and diverse assemblages, making them vulnerable to possible alterations in the habitat. The study assessed the diversity and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and their use as bioindicators of water quality. Grab sampling was used to collect water samples, a kick sampler and D-frame aquatic net was used to collect 121 benthic macroinvertebrates from three selected sites and determined using EPT Index (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera group). The data obtained was used to determine the index of the sampling sites. Physico-chemical factors were analyzed in-situ (temperature, turbidity and pH) and in the laboratory(nitrates and phosphates). The highest EPT index values (28) at the upstream corresponded to good water quality, while the slightly low values (21) at the midstream indicated moderate water quality and the lowest values (15) recorded at the downstream showed fair water quality. The downstream water quality parameters exceeded World Health Organization limits, posing a health risk to water consumers. Continuous bio-assessment of rivers based on EPT biotic indicators should be conducted on a regular basis to establish a long-term profile of water quality state and ecological integrity of rivers.
Assessment of Heavy Metals Contaminants in Nkenye Stream in Meru South, Kenya
(Journal of Environmental Sustainability Advancement Research, 2022) Kithaka, S. C.; Njagi, E. C.; Njagi J.
Access to portable water remains a major global concern due to its dimishing supply and increasing and competiting demand. Water scarcity is aggrevated by the increasing pollution from different sources. Nkenye stream in Meru South is depended upon source of water for domestic, agriculture and agricultural processing, Nonetheless, little attention has been accorded to ascertain the quality of its water despite of the stream being located in an urban area with high exposure to pollutants. Pressure on Nkenye wetlands ecosystem that habour Nkenye stream has seen major destruction of riparian leaving just few plant communities such as Commelina banghalensis whose water purification potential is not well known. A study was conducted to determine water quality of Nkenye stream. Samples were collected at designated locations using ecological survey method and taken to Chuka University for analysis. Macrophyte roots were cleaned and dried then powdered and digested using nitric acid. Sediment samples were dried, ground to pass a 2 mm non-metal sieve.The digested samples were diluted and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry model PG990 at Chuka University. The concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography at Chuka University Chemistry laboratory. The results obtained from the field and laboratory were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The results showed that Nkenye stream is polluted with iron, copper and lead. However, the concentration of iron and copper were within the allowable concentrations for potable water by the World Health Organization while lead was slightly higher by 0.02 ppm. The results obtained were analyzed by General linear model (GLM) on Statistical analysis system (SAS) version 9.4 and significance means separated by Least significance difference (LSD) [alpha = 0.05]. The metals contaminants observed in the Nkenye stream water, sediments and root samples may be associated with discharge of wastes from Chuka town particularly wastes from car wash, garages and from farms that surround the stream and the wetland. Considerable amount of lead, copper and iron was observed in the root samples of Commelina banghalensis. This is an indication that Commelina banghalensisfo can be used can be used for the removal of contaminants from water. Local authorities should provide waste management disposal systems and policies that prohibit direct discharge of untreated effluents into the stream.
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 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.
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.
Causes of Environmental Degradation in Chuka Igambang`Ombe Sub-County, Kenya
(Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology, 2024-05-09) Sarah Kagendo Gitonga(1) ; Dickson Nkonge Kagema(2) ; Jonathan Kathenge(3
This study investigated the causes of environmental degradation in Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Environmental degradation, characterised by deforestation, pollution, and soil erosion, poses significant threats to ecosystems and human well-being. Environmental challenges persist despite the Catholic Church's active participation in conservation efforts such as tree planting, river rehabilitation, soil conservation, and awareness campaigns. Identifying the underlying factors is crucial for developing effective interventions. The study employed a descriptive survey design targeting a population of 15,574 Church members. A sample size of 389 participants was selected, including ten priests, ten development committee members, 86 youths, 98 members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA), and 175 members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA). Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that deforestation, pollution, improper waste disposal, overgrazing, lack of environmental knowledge, and encroachment on natural habitats were crucial factors contributing to environmental degradation in the region. The study concludes that these factors and inadequate management strategies exacerbate degradation. It is recommended that the government and stakeholders enforce stricter regulations against deforestation, promote environmental education, and enhance waste management practices to mitigate these effects
Climate Variability and Its Impacts on Wildlife Ecosystems: A Study of Meru Conservation Area, Kenya
(Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2018-04-18) Edwin Kiria
Climate variability is currently a major concern not only to conservationist but also to several other disciplines such agriculture and production sectors. The world’s climate continues to change at rates that are projected to be unprecedented in recent human history. Climate change adds to the impact of land use change on species and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, rainfall variability, and new climatic regimes pose threats to biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. A study conducted at Meru Conservation area, Kenya established that that has been a climate variability which has over time affected wildlife populations, wildlife ecosystems and human livelihoods within and around the protected areas. This has however exposed wildlife conservation at a higher risk due to continuous loss of preferred habitats, movement corridors, dispersal areas and population decline.
Climate Variability and Its Impacts on Wildlife Ecosystems: A Study of Meru Conservation Area, Kenya
(Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2018-03-16) Edwin Kiria
Climate variability is currently a major concern not only to conservationist but also to several other disciplines such agriculture and production sectors. The world’s climate continues to change at rates that are projected to be unprecedented in recent human history. Climate change adds to the impact of land use change on species and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, rainfall variability, and new climatic regimes pose threats to biodiversity and human livelihoods alike. A study conducted at Meru Conservation area, Kenya established that that has been a climate variability which has over time affected wildlife populations, wildlife ecosystems and human livelihoods within and around the protected areas. This has however exposed wildlife conservation at a higher risk due to continuous loss of preferred habitats, movement corridors, dispersal areas and population decline. Keywords: Climate Variability, Wildlife Populations, Wildlife Ecosystems, Human Livelihoods
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.
consumer behaviour among domestic tourists: a case study of travel agencies in Nairobi, Kenya
(chuka university, 2024-06-26) Kambaga Dunstan1 , Mongare Omare2 , Lawrence Muriuki
The Consumer Behaviors is a combination of acts, attitudes and decisions made concerning the buying and consuming of the tourism products and services offered to tourists in destination areas and its postbuying reactions. Consumer behavior plays a key role in marketing activities of tourist products especially in promoting and selling tourism products and services in tourist destinations. The purpose of this research study is to establish factors affecting consumer behavior among Domestic tourists in travel agents in Nairobi, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which price, product and safety affects consumer behavior among Domestic tourists in travelling agents. The research adopted descriptive design. The target population was 306 (KATA,2019) employees involved in travelling agents and sample size of 75 employees were selected using Fisher, Laing & Stoeckel (1983) formula. The study used both systematic techniques and stratification methods from each stratum in sampling employees. Convenient method was used to select 35 travel agents out of 114 (KATA, 2019) in Nairobi (Appendix II). The study used both primary and secondary data which was collected by use of questionnaire survey. The analyzing of qualitative data was done by use of the format in the thematic content analysis, while, quantitative data was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics through the use of statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS), Chi-square (χ2 ), ANOVA and descriptive tests were performed. The data were presented by use of graphs, pie charts and table. Employees were asked to respond to a set of statements on the Likert scale where 5=strongly agreed, 4= agreed 3= neutral, 2= disagree, 1= strongly disagree and they had enough knowledge about travel agents in order to understand and respond to the questions. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize data regarding product, price and safety and Consumer Behavior in tourism destination. It’s evident that majority of the respondents strongly agreed that product, price and safety influence a tourist in decision-making to consume a product. Correlation analysis was used to investigate the existence and nature of relationship between Product, Pricing, Safety and consumer behavior among Domestic tourists. The study concludes that tourist behaviors is strongly influenced by price with 41.4% change followed by product and safety respectively as indicated by a Pearson correlation coefficient of .653**,.611** and .633** These relationships were found to be statistically significant as the significant value was 0.000 which is less than 0.05 threshold. Since, price, product and safety affects tourists, further research for Safety should be carried on to ascertain the individual safety of tourists in destination areas, especially this era of Al-Shabaab which is a security challenge to Kenya and the horn of East Africa as a whole. The study will benefit travel agents and tourism industry as a whole since the sector continues to be one of the largest industries in the world. Also, further research with wider scope to be carried on as this study could not exhaust all the factors affecting consumer behavior among Domestic tourists.
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.
Determinants of religious tourism branding tactics in Kenya: A cross sectional study
(Sage, 2016-09-28) Muriuki, Lemmy Mureti; Bururia, David; Mutegi, James
Shrines’ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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