Abstract/Overview The adoption of improved mango in Alego Usonga was still low covering an area of 12 Ha out of 47800 Ha of the arable land constituting only 0.025 %. The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic and demographic factors that influence adoption of improved mango varieties in Alego Usonga Sub County. The study adopted a cross sectional design to interview selected mango farmers who adopted planting of improved varieties. The study population was 320 famers with...
Abstract/Overview Edible crickets are among the praised insects that are gaining recognition as human food and livestock feed with a potential of contributing to food security and reduction of malnutrition. Globally, the sustainable use of crickets as food or feed is undermined by lack of information on the number of the edible crickets, the country where they are consumed, and the developmental stages consumed. Furthermore, lack of data on their nutritional content and the potential risk...
Abstract: Fire is an important disturbance in many biomes throughout the world and plays a major role in savannas, where it affects the composition and structure of vegetation, which in turn structures faunal assemblages. Higher intensity and more frequent fires tend to simplify habitat structure, leading to a decrease in faunal abundance and diversity. Fire is often used as a tool in conservation areas, but the effects of fire, in particular long-term burning regimes, on fauna is largely un...
Abstract: In Kenya, several water reservoirs located in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are undergo the trouble of accumulation of sediments. Kalundu Dam in Kitui County is a typical reservoir located in ASAL that has been experiencing periodic siltation since 1950s when it was commissioned. However, the patterns of siltation within the dam including the hydrological processes influencing sedimentation processes have not been investigated in this reservoir as with other reservoirs in Kenya�...
Abstract: The world has set targets to reduce the global warming that requires every sector of the economy to take measure to mitigate climate change. Banks and other financial institutions can play a central role in achieving these targets since climate change presents financial risks that should be treated accordingly. To assess and manage these risks, banks should apply scenario analysis and adopt climate related risk disclosure recommendations. This study analysed how Commercial banks op...
Abstract: Two major challenges facing arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs) of Kenya today are food insecurity and poverty, occasioned by low agricultural production. Diversification into low input agriculture like mushroom cultivation can help address these challenges. However, commonly used mushroom substrates in Kenya, (rice and wheat straws) are not widely and cheaply available. Several crop residues are found in the ASALs, while Melia volkensii is becoming popular agroforest trees in these a...
Abstract: There is a growing evidence that some older cars are smuggled to the country, which is likely to cause serious environmental effects since the rise of the older motor vehicle population in the country results in the volume of ELV waste and hence the need to assess the ELV waste streams, especially in Nairobi City County of Kenya. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the End-of-Life Vehicles’ (ELV) Environmental Management Systems in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study used ...
Abstract: Fresh water is essential for the existence and development of any community. In Gongoni, Kilifi County, groundwater forms the primary source of fresh water. The presence of salt harvesting activities in the area and the concentration of pit latrines within their vicinity pose major pollution risks to these water sources. Salt harvesting ponds, which play a key role in concentrating sea water during the salt harvesting process, have a potential of affecting the quality of ground wat...
Abstract: The rapid growth of urban centres of developing countries has created challenging problems in waste management. This problem is exacerbated by resource constraints, extreme poverty, lack of practical waste management policies, and the inability of local authorities to provide for this basic function. Waste disposal onto dumpsites located in close proximity to human settlements is a challenge to the local inhabitants. In Kitui, generated waste is dumped in Kalundu, located in a resi...
Abstract: Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya are rich in diversity of indigenous plants that have the potential to supply marketable commodities on a sustainable basis such as gums, resins and essential oils, among others. In the recent past there has been rampant unsustainable harvesting of Osyris lanceolata in Kenya to produce raw material to support manufacturing industries. The objectives of this study were to map out O. lanceolata growing zones in targeted sub – counties, asses...
Abstract: In the recent years it has become clear that climate change is an inevitable process and a growing concern for many regions in the world. In the Horn of Africa especially, the expectation is that climate change will have negative impacts on the livelihoods due to existing vulnerabilities of the population. A cursory view of many regions in the world reveals the existing albeit critical relationship between climate change and food security. Climate change is already affecting all di...
Abstract: The variability of background radiation from primordial radionuclides has led to the exposure of human beings to radiation doses of different ranges. Prompt or delayed harmful effects as a result of radiation exposure have been reported in areas with enhanced levels of radioactivity. The residents of Kitui County near Tyaa River and the surrounding regions heavily mine sand and rocks from its riverine for construction purposes despite the scanty information on the potential harm in...
Abstract: Forests are believed to play critical ecological, social, cultural, and economic role to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya and even all over the world. Forestry Provisioning Ecosystem Services (FPES) contribute significantly to smallholder farmers‘ livelihoods though this contribution is sometimes not accounted for. Understanding the role played by FPES to the livelihood of smallscale farmers is crucial for sustainable management of the forest resources. This study ...
Abstract: This study was carried out to access household domestic waste management practices, perceptions and attitudes, Kiambu County. Household waste is one of the basic services that are currently receiving wide attention in the urban agenda of developing Countries. Lack of effective Household domestic Waste Management has resulted in environmental health hazards and negative impacts on the environment. The study specific objectives were : To document household waste management practices ...
Abstract: Many of the rural households use traditional stoves which have low energy efficiency leading to wastage of wood fuel. This study focused on understanding the sustainable utilization of wood fuel in two (2) sub-locations namely Mwala and Kibauni. The primary objective of this study was to establish if wood fuel utilization styles by the households in the study areas is sustainable. The specific objectives of the study were to: document the types of cooking stoves used by households ...