CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Cholera is an infection of the small intestine that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae 01 and 0139[1]. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. Transmission is primarily through consuming contaminated drinking water or food. The severity of the diarrhea and vomiting can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Every year there is an estimated 3-5 million cholera cases and 100,000-120,000 death...
This study investigated soil fertility knowledge and how it influenced the selection and effective use of various soil fertility technologies among smallholder farmers in Chakol Division of Teso District in western Kenya. Chakol Division has a high population density of approximately 427 persons per km2 while absolute poverty levels for the district stand at 56%. Poverty levels have been worsened by poor agricultural production while continuous cropping of land with little restoration of soi...
ABSTRACT Forests enhance conservation of the environment, biodiversity, water, and soil resources while significantly contributing to the livelihoods of forest adjacent communities. Under the Kenya's new Forest Act (2005), community participation is provided for through formation of Community Forest Associations (CFAs). Past studies have shown how major CFAs in Kenya operate and the challenges they face. However, factors determining household decision to join CFA and the CFAs' capacities to ...
ABSTRACT This study focuses on integration of sustainable environmental practices into the activities supported by the Community-Based Microfinance Organizations (CBMFOs) which are vibrant in Kiambu County. The objectives of the study were the examination of the socio-economic and environmental activities carried out by CBMFOs and their related problems. Assessment of the main environmental intervention programs being implemented. Consequently, appropriate means and a model of integrating su...
ABSTRACT The study set out to assess the utilization of social cash transfer allocation by older persons in Kirinyaga County. Despite extensive research on the concept of social cash transfer programmes for various social groups, little is known about the utilization of the allocation by the beneficiaries in Kenya. Thus, the study aimed at assessing the utilization of social cash transfer allocation by older persons in Kirinyaga County, with a view to making recommendations which can be used...
ABSTRACT It is widely acknowledged that environmental degradation and poverty are positively correlated. Environmental degradation remains a persistent problem in the arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya. Addressing this problem calls for a wide range of interventions. Although several measures have been used to control and prevent degradation, the use of Jatropha curcas has not received much attention in Kenya. This may be attributed to lack of awareness among farmers on the potential role of ...
ABSTRACT Attainment of sustainable development among communities affected by persistent environmental degradation, poverty and food insecurity remain a global, regional and national challenge. Suba sub-County is endowed with diverse natural resources. The resources are under progressive degradation. Poor socio-economic situation manifested in high poverty level of 52% and 78% food deficiency persists despite the presence of several CSOs working with GoK and IDAs. In the light of this, the st...
ABSTRACT Access to reproductive health services information by the youth has received the minimal attention given that reproductive health service information for many years has been tailored to meet the needs of the adult population. The youths have therefore been neglected partly due to cultural sensitivity that dictates what, when and how reproductive health information is transmitted to the youth. This study investigated selected socio-cultural factors influencing access to reproductive h...
ABSTRACT Sugarcane farming has been practiced the world over since the Persian farmers discovered the “reeds that produced honey without bees” between the 6th and 4th Centuries in India. Since then, sugarcane farming has been practiced in various tropical regions of the world with the major driver of the industry being the world’s increasing demand for sugar. This has led to the expansion of arable land under sugarcane cultivation, with a myriad of problems presenting themselves ecolog...
ABSTRACT This study was undertaken in Kijabe location where small-scale farmers depend on rain fed agriculture and over the years, frequent crop failure due to rain shortages has become common. Climate scientists predict increasingly dry conditions in much of Africa due to climate variability. Small-scale farmers’ efforts to adapt have shown both unfavourable and positive effects and hence the need to be explored. This study therefore examined the small-scale farmers’ adaptation strategi...
ABSTRACT Community managed rural water supply schemes (CMRWSS) are community water projects undertaken with and for the community in addressing local interest, needs and aspirations. From preliminary observations, most CMRWSS in the country collapse or perform below expectation soon after the implementation phase. Some literature reviewed in this study attest to the fact that some of these rural water projects which depend on external funding stagger to survive once the support gets with...
ABSTRACT An increase in the size of population leads to changes in land use and land cover as the growing community seeks more land for agriculture, settlements and infrastructural development. Land use and land cover change (LULCC) alter natural drainage systems, impact on surface runoff and affects infiltration capacities of an area; factors which contribute to flooding. Management of floods begins by mapping flood prone areas and understanding the vulnerability factors. The main objectiv...
ABSTRACT Motorcycle ownership and use in developing countries has increased dramatically over the past few decades. In many countries, the motorcycle business serves as a source of livelihood to many people and riders look up to it as a source of income for survival of their households. The pursuit for economic and social survival has made many young people and middle aged men get into a variety of jobs such as motorcycle operations. Thus this study aimed at investigating the contributions o...
ABSTRACT Environmental degradation has been common phenomenon in various ecosystems in various parts of the world. This is a result of an interaction of multifaceted nexus of social-economic, technological and institutional factors which are either natural or human induced. In East Africa and Kenya in particular degradation of ecosystems is common as characterized by occurrences such as sedimentation in lakes. Lake Baringo in Kenya is one such ecosystem that is currently threatened by degrada...
ABSTRACT Small-scale farmers are the centre of concern about globalization because they are the largest employment and small business group among the world‟s poor. More than 80% of Kenyans live in the rural areas and earn their livelihoods in agricultural-based activities. More than 50% of Kenyans live below the poverty level and struggle to meet their basic needs. Therefore the purpose of this study was to analyze of poverty alleviation initiatives among small-scale farmers in rural Naivas...