Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Case of Luo and Banyala in Kenya

2022-10-15T00:00:00Z

Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Sustainable Water Resources Management: A Case of Luo and Banyala in Kenya Masika, Denis Mutama; Anyona, George Oduol; Kowenje, Edna Aon Indigenous knowledge is a social capital used by communities to live harmoniously and manage their environment. This knowledge has evolved over many years of observation and experience to grant the communities a tested experience for sustainable management and development of their resources. This study focuses on the application of indigenous knowledge and practices among the Luo and Banyala communities in Kenya for sustainable water resources management. Water resource is an integral component among the Luo and Banyala communities as it cuts across their social, cultural, economic, and political spheres. Religious and traditional teachings and practices shape directly or indirectly ways of management of water resources among these communities. These traditional and religious foundations and the resultant informal rules and norms characterize communities’ response to water resources challenges especially scarcity and excesses that the Luo and Banyala face from time to time due to the topography of their habitat. The success of integrated water resources management introduced in Kenya in 2005 and emphasized in Water Act 2016 to involve communities in the management of water resources within their catchments has the potential to gain from traditional institutions existent among the communities. The article is found in the book titled: Traditional to Modern African Water Management. Can be accessed in full via springer link:https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-09663-1_13

Influence of Home Gardening on Household Food Security in Rarieda Sub-County of Siaya County in Kenya

2024-06-27T00:00:00Z

Influence of Home Gardening on Household Food Security in Rarieda Sub-County of Siaya County in Kenya Anyona, Eunice Achieng; Obuoyo, Joyce; Mutavi, Irene The number of people lacking food security globally is on the rise despite the numerous global interventions put in place to address it. About 2.3 billion people lack food security, with 828 million of them being undernourished. In Kenya, approximately 17 million people are food insecure with two million relying on food relief. Almost 80% and 68% of Siaya and Rarieda households are not food secure. This study employed cross-sectional research design to examine the influence of home gardening on household food security in Rarieda sub-County. Analytical results indicated that about 73.53% of the respondents practiced home gardening to boost household food security. Grains, horticultural crops, aquaculture and livestock farming were characteristic features of home gardening. The results indicated a strong positive and significant correlation between home gardening and household food security (r=0.633; ?<0.000) with a composite mean and standard deviation of 3.23 and 1.315, respectively. The study concluded that home gardening strongly, positively and significantly influenced household food security in Rarieda sub-County. The study recommended that home gardening be embraced and promoted not only in Rarieda but also in Kenya at large so as enhance food security.

Establishment of Higher Terrestrial Plants and Animal Species Found in Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya

2019-03-01T00:00:00Z

Establishment of Higher Terrestrial Plants and Animal Species Found in Matayos Division of Busia County, Kenya Mutavi, Irene; Long’ora, Albert .Elim In order to successfully achieve terrestrial biodiversity protection and conservation, more information is needed about the variety of plants and animal species existing in the ecosphere. Although biodiversity constitute a great asset in Kenya and Busia County at large, it is at risk of getting eroded due to increased anthropogenic activities, and therefore the urgent need to identify the various higher plants and animal species found in this sub-county. In the past, plants and animals were abundant in the area and currently some species are rare possibly due to destruction of their habitats by human activities. However, there is no known study that has focused on identifying the terrestrial plants and animals in the division. The study focused on Matayos division where biodiversity conservation issues have not been adequately addressed. Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. A minimum sample size of 384 household heads was taken out of a study population of 56,186. Matayos division was stratified according to locations and then households selected through simple random sampling for questionnaire administration. Purposive sampling was used to get Key Informants such as village elders, chiefs and Sub chiefs. Primary data were collected through questionnaire administration, key informant interview, Focus Group Discussion, Field Observation and Photography. The results indicated that the division is endowed with variety of terrestrial plants and animal species which should be well protected. There is need for creating communities’ awareness on the various activities carried out and their effects on terrestrial biodiversity conservation so as to ensure conservation of the available species. Establishment of protected areas in the division to conserve these valuable species could benefit the community and the Busia County at large.

Conservation of Terrestrial Flora and Fauna in Rachuonyo South, Kenya: A Focus on Effects of Hunting and Gathering

2023-09-01T00:00:00Z

Conservation of Terrestrial Flora and Fauna in Rachuonyo South, Kenya: A Focus on Effects of Hunting and Gathering Atieno, Juma Christine; Nzisa, Irene.Mutavi; Obuoyo, Joyce; Omanyo, Abraham Terrestrial flora and fauna species are at the brink of disappearance yearly due to increase in human population. Yearly, the extinction rate of these species are 25% and 34% globally and 69% and 68% in Kenya. However, the depletion rate and the status of species in Rachuonyo South is not specified in any literature and yet, the rise of human population in Rachuonyo South has increased anthropogenic activities for instance 74% and 97% of population depends on agriculture and wood fuel respectively. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hunting and gathering on terrestrial flora and fauna species conservation. A cross-sectional survey design was used by application of Stratified Random Sampling to generate a sample size of 379 household heads. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The results indicated that there were 80 and 25 terrestrial flora and fauna species threatened. The terrestrial flora and fauna species were in a declining trend (mean=1.96, standard deviation=0.487 and mean=1.97, standard deviation=0.462) respectively. The frequency of hunting and gathering were extremely high (mean=2.90, standard deviation= 1.006). Hunting and gathering were greatly affecting terrestrial flora and fauna species (mean=1.22, standard deviation=0.414). The respondents were not sure whether there were effective conservation measures in place to mitigate the effects of the mentioned hunting and gathering (mean=1.70, standard deviation=0.457). In conclusion, the survival of terrestrial flora and fauna species in Rachuonyo South Sub County was greatly threatened by hunting and gathering. The local communities should be involved in conservation measures. https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2023.7817

The Effect of Rainfall Duration on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando SubCounty of Kisumu County, Kenya

2023-07-07T00:00:00Z

The Effect of Rainfall Duration on Maize, Beans and African Nightshade Production in Nyando SubCounty of Kisumu County, Kenya Odundo, Tom; Mutavi, Irene; Obuoyo, Joyce At the backdrop of the on-going variability in rainfall, this research used a quasi-longitudinal research design to assess the effect of rainfall duration on beans, maize and African nightshade production in Nyando sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya. Primary data were obtained from questionnaires, interview schedules for key informants, photography, and observation checklist. Secondary data were obtained from Kisumu County’s Meteorological Department and Ministry of Agriculture. Data were analyzed at descriptive and regression levels. The analytical results showed that longer rainfall duration positively affected maize crop production (t = 18.82, p < .001) while it negatively affected both beans (t = -6.04, p < .001) and the African nightshade (t = -8.05, p < .001) yields. The research recommends that farmers should put emphasis on maize production during long rain seasons with minimal production of both beans and African nightshade for output maximization. More beans and African nightshade than maize should be grown in short rains durations to curb climate-related loses.

The influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural-urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

2024-02-02T00:00:00Z

The influence of socioeconomic and demographic factors on rural-urban disparities in infant mortality in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya Omedi, Gilbert; Mutavi, Irene; Obuoyo, Joyce Infant mortality, measured as the summation of neonatal and post-neonatal mortalities, remain unacceptably high in Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. Reducing infant mortality is paramount not only in assessing the progress made towards the third sustainable development goal but also in creating a conducive environment for fertility reduction and in giving a chance to new-born babies to live out their social and economic potential in their families and societies at large. Journal home page:https://gsconlinepress.com/journals/gscarr/

Role of Household’s Tree Population, Socio-economic and Behavioural Determinants on Carbon Footprint Mitigation and Carbon Credit Balance in East Ugenya Ward, Kenya

2023-11-05T00:00:00Z

Role of Household’s Tree Population, Socio-economic and Behavioural Determinants on Carbon Footprint Mitigation and Carbon Credit Balance in East Ugenya Ward, Kenya Oduor, David Ochieng; Opeyo, Peter Otieno; Oduor, Dorice Anyango Scope 1 harmful emissions are directly linked to high levels of industrialization; Scope 2 and 3 carbon footprints are locally oriented and indirectly associated with household activities and behavioural alignment. East Ugenya Ward is perceived as the leader in firewood consumption, with the socioeconomically marginalized population in Siaya County resorting to this mode of fuel usage. Conversely, how the mentioned factors relate to both carbon footprints and credits is concluded with no concrete local and global resolution. The effort to reverse households’ carbon emissions through green energy campaigns has proved less operative due to little understanding of carbon-related working concepts and socio-economic hardships. This study analyses the role of household Tree population. It assesses the role of socio-economic and behavioural determinants in relation to carbon footprints and potential credits that can arise through sound environmental management within local community initiatives. Three hundred eighty-four household heads were interrogated. A descriptive cross-sectional research design and simple random sampling were found to be functional. Databases were Questionnaires, field research, measurement, photography, Focused Group Discussions, observation, key informants, and enumeration. Carbon Footprint Calculator (C.F.C.) and (V.C.S.)-Verra were used to assess the household’s emissions and potential credits. The spatial scale for tree population count was 20 m x 20 m quadrat. The tree-based biomass was translated using a conventional carbon sink conversion (Tons of Co2 Equivalent- tCo2eq). Data analysis involved the use of SPSS. The potential net carbon offset was (M = 0.334, SD = 0.006) tCo2eq per household. The Multinomial Logistic Regression model X2 (8, N= 384) = 24.69, Nagelkerke R2=.56, p <. 001, Strongly proved that the belief that Carbon Credit is profitable had a significant statistical association with Carbon Footprint Mitigation. The multiple linear coefficients of determination proved that 67.6%, F (381) = 69.51, p = .031, R2 = .676 of change in Carbon Footprints and 72.1%, F (381) = 72.58, p = .026, R2 =.721 of the variation in Net Carbon Credits, was attributable to combined variation in Tree population, Mean household age, and mean average monthly income. Both the Carbon Footprint and Carbon credit are affected. Therefore, local sensitization is needed to achieve knowledge and understanding of favourable emission budgets and profitable carbon trade https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.6.1.1553

The effect of distance covered to the nearby medical facility on the death of infants in rural and urban areas of Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

The effect of distance covered to the nearby medical facility on the death of infants in rural and urban areas of Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya Omedi, Gilbert; Mutavi, Irene; Obuoyo, Joyce At the backdrop of the third sustainable development goal, Kenya’s infant mortality rate is 36 while that of Kakamega is 37. This study assessed the effect of distance covered to the nearby medical facility on the death of infants in rural and urban areas of Kakamega Central Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2023.17.3.0489

Influence of Dykes’ Characteristics on Food Crop Production in Lower River Nyando Basin, Kenya

2023-09-15T00:00:00Z

Influence of Dykes’ Characteristics on Food Crop Production in Lower River Nyando Basin, Kenya Ojung’a, Berryl Atieno; Mutavi, Irene Nzisa; Masika, Denis Dykes minimise flood risks among riparian communities. In Nyando basin, Kenya, dykes were constructed to minimise flood impacts on human activities in the riparian plains. The dyke characteristics could change the rate of silting. In spite of these dynamics, some farmers now use fertilisers as a new way of coping with nutrient deficiency. Several researches have been done in Kenya on the effects of floods on human activities; however, there is no clear link between dyke characteristics like period of existence, length and height and their influence on food crop production. The dykes in Nyando have reduced floods in the region; however, it is not clearly understood how the dyke characteristics influence the food crop. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of dyke characteristics on food crop production. Planning Theory was used. Descriptive cross-sectional research design applied. The target population stood at 34,460 households. At least 384 Household heads were recruited via simple random sampling and a questionnaire administered, while purposive sampling was useful in identifying relevant experts in the field of study. Primary data was obtained by interviewing key informants and focused group discussions. Other tools include observation and photography. Secondary data was obtained from publications and print media, and SPSS was utilised in data analysis. Qualitative data was analysed by coding and organisation of data into themes and sub-themes where generalisation was made. The results from the multiple coefficients of determination (R2 ) indicated that 45.4% (R2 = .454, p = .039) of the variation in the general crop yield was explainable by the combined change in Dyke Characteristics. The dykes’ characteristics significantly influenced crop production. https://doi.org/10.37284/eajab.6.1.1436

Influence of Geographical Segregation on Fertility of Women in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya

2023-09-28T00:00:00Z

Influence of Geographical Segregation on Fertility of Women in Kisumu East Sub County, Kisumu County, Kenya Oduor, Loy Kinda; Oindo, Boniface; Mutavi, Irene Fertility and geographical segregation are some of the major factors influencing human population growth. High fertility stagnates development by draining resources. The fertility rate of Kisumu East Sub County is rated at 4.8 exceeding the average for the county, national and the global which is 4.2, 3.4 and 2.3 respectively. The purpose of this study is to assess the influence of geographical segregation on fertility of women. This study was guided by Becker's economics theory of fertility and Hägerstrand theory of Spatial diffusion. The households were the unit of analysis and a sample size of 384 was obtained as determined by the Fisher’s formula. Cross-sectional descriptive research design was used. 384 women respondents aged between 18-49 were selected using cluster and snowball sampling techniques. Quantitative data such as descriptive statistics: percentages, means and standard deviation was analysed using SPSS version 22. Inferential statistics: chi-square, gamma statistics, spearman’s rank, multiple logistic regressions, multiple correlation coefficient and multinomial logistic regression were used to analyse the data. Qualitative data was analysed by coding, creating categories, themes and patterns then evaluating the usefulness of the information in answering the research questions. Piloted tool revealed a spearman-brown reliability coefficient of .721. All the tests of significance were conducted at α=0.05. According to the multinomial logistic regression, the influence of cultural norms on first and last child birth remained statistically significant. Sharing common centres and mean number of children born per woman showed strong positive relationship (r = 0.675). Daily and weekly social interactions showed a strong positive significant linear correlation with fertility (r =0.732, p = 0.03). Spearman rank correlation indicated a strong positive and statistically significant linear correlation (r =0.50, p = 0.04) between social interactions and number of children born. Gamma statistic coefficient of 0.493 indicated moderately strong positive association between levels of geographical concentrations and number of children born. Number of children born correlated negatively (r =-0.612, p=0.02) with low geographical concentration. Multiple correlation coefficient analysis showed adjusted R square value of 0.673 indicating that the predictability of number of children born per woman from the combined influence of high and low geographical concentration was significant. The findings of this study will provide knowledge on aspects of geographical segregations influencing fertility among women and will give useful information to reproductive health planners and policy makers on fertility issues in Kisumu East Sub County. Therefore, the study recommends wider adoption of reproductive family health awareness and economic empowerment among women to help reduce the number of children born per woman. 10.47505/IJRSS.2023.V4.9.7