Abstract: Green gram(Vigna radiataL.) has recently become an important crop in Kitui County because of its high economic returns and short growing season.The main objective of this study was therefore to develop a GIS-based Multi-criteria analysis for Green gram production in Kitui County using Geographic Information Sytem (GIS) based multi-criteria evaluation. Three main criteria were selected for analysis (soil, climate and topography) and 8 sub criteria (soil texture, soil depth, soil pH,...
Abstract: Natural resource degradation and water scarcity are a global concern that threatens sustainability of smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). In ASALs, low adoption of Integrated Soil Fertility and Water Management (ISFWM) technologies has contributed to food and nutrition insecurity. A study was carried out to assess factors influencing smallholder farmers’ adoption decision of ISFWM technologies in Mwala and Yatta Sub-Counties. A questionnaire wa...
Abstract: Land use changes, rapid population growth, poverty, climate change variability and lack of livelihoods diversification aggravate watershed degradation through inappropriate land use methods resulting to water scarcity, land and water pollution, and governance issues. Soil erosion and siltation has led to land denudation, habitat loss and farm lands losing their soil fertility and compromising food security. The main objective of the study was to find out how land use methods influe...
Abstract: Eight stations with over 30 years of rainfall record were selected in the dry region of Kenya, east of 37°E longitude, to study the nature of the crop growing seasons during the short and the long rains (October through June). The rainfall data were reduced to soil moisture based upon area wide assumptions on the soil characteristics. The start, end and duration of the crop growing seasons were determined and tested for normality using a 10 mm soil moisture threshold value at each...
Abstract: Conventional approaches to water management have traditionally treated social systems and ecosystems as distinct, and to a large degree have failed to achieve outcomes that are simultanously efficient, equitable, and sustainable. Perhaps nowhere has the need to reform the way water is managed and even conceived been more apparent than in South Africa in the last decade, where a tremendous opportunity for change has been created in the form of the National Water Act of 1998. In this...
Abstract: Despite the vital importance of reliable data sets on the current effect of seasonal rainfall variability on water resources in Lake Mutanda catchment of southwestern Uganda, little is known about the status of this phenomenon. Lake Mutanda and its catchment provide water for domestic use, and irrigation. This study was aimed to assess the effects of seasonal rainfall variability on physicochemical and bacteriological water quality of Lake Mutanda and its catchments, and to suggest...
Abstract: Currently, climate change and its impacts on natural resources are key issues in Ethiopia. The main impacts on natural resources include land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, recurrent drought and flood. In view of this, this study was initiated with the main objective of assessing the impact of watershed management on climate change adaptation in Gara Jeba watershed, Deder Woreda. To address the above objective, the study used both qualitative and qu...
ABSTRACT. Specific models for the design of pit latrines of different shapes and sizes are non-existent. What are available are general design guides irrespective of the shape and size of latrine which may not give the actual design parameters needed. Moreover, the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of pit latrine sludge samples investigated by some researchers were limited and could not give the actual situation in the pit latrines. The objectives of this research were to derive...
ABSTRACT Smallholder farmers in Runyenjes are experiencing decline in agricultural productivity. The yield decline has been caused by degraded soils as a result soil erosion and inappropriate soil management, nutrients mining due to continuous cropping as well as leaching of minerals. To address these crop production challenges, there is need for balanced nutrient management options with appropriate tillage system. This study was therefore carried out under on-farm trials to: i) assess maize...
ABSTRACT This research work was conducted between March 2008 (before start of long rains) and August 2008 (the season for harvesting maize), in Sauri Millennium Village, sub location of Yala division, Siaya district, Kenya. The general objective of this study was the adoption of legume fallows in Sauri millennium village with specific objectives;- (i) To study the current status of legume fallows in Sauri millennium village (ii) To investigate the leguminous tree species for high fuelwood pr...
ABSTRACT Land degradation and declining soil fertility are increasingly being viewed as critical problems affecting agricultural productivity and human welfare in tropical Africa. It is then imperative that improving soil fertility is key entry point for achieving food security, reducing poverty and preserving the environment for smallholder farms in Africa. However, due to high costs of inorganic fertilizers, tackling soil fertility issues thus requires a holistic approach that integrates b...
ABSTRACT Nairobi City County is faced with acute water scarcity. The daily deficit is currently 170,000 m3 /day which accounts for about 23%. This deficit will escalate as population increases. However, streets are often flooded during heavy rains and water harvesting has been neglected. The County relies mainly on surface water sources from Athi River basin, Tana River basin and over 3000 boreholes. The objectives of this study were to assess volumes of rainwater that can be harvested from ...
ABSTRACT Erosion due to water runoff is one of the major factors that lead to poor soil productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The increase in population has driven the populace to inhabit marginal frontiers; worsening the erosion problem. This study evaluated the effects of some soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques on soil productivity and bean yield in Nyamasheke District; characterized by steep topography, higher precipitation and intensive agricultural activities. The study was condu...
ABSTRACT Plastic was recognised as the most useful innovation in the 19th century by many scientists for its unique characteristics. However, it has become the biggest environmental hazard in the 20th century when it is disposed as waste. Plastic do not degrade naturally and when it is disposed in an ad hoc manner, it creates numerous environmental problems that can deteriorate the life of flora and fauna. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these imp...
ABSTRACT Climate and land use are the two most significant factors that influence watershed hydrology globally. The impact of climate variability on streamflow arises from changes in precipitation and temperature, leading to the adjustment of the physical and biological processes of ecosystems. Land use change impact on streamflow however varies across different regions and environments to warrant a universal theory, making it subject of scientific interest to hydrologists. The aim of this st...