Agricultural land is an important resource for farm households as it forms the base for their livelihoods. Therefore, the manner in which households utilize this resource influences to a large extent their food security situation. This study sought to establish the impact of agricultural land use on household food security in Kisii Central sub-County, Kisii County. To achieve this objective the study focused on the following; examination of the various land use activities, assessment of the f...
Abstract/Overview Rainfall variability has led to detrimental influence on food crop production in different parts of the world. Many countries experience cases of reduced crop production thus lowering food security. Kenya being an agricultural country, has been affected by variation of rainfall leading to reduced food production. Nyando Sub-County has experienced incidences of rainfall variability which has affected crops that are rain-fed. Despite the fact that studies have been conducted ...
Abstract/Overview v ABSTRACT Fertility and geographical segregation are some of the major factors influencing human population growth. The fertility rate of Kisumu East Sub County is rated at 4.8 per woman exceeding the average for the county, national and the global which is 4.2, 3.4 and 2.3 respectively per woman. It has been established that the segregation may influence fertility, however, it was not well understood how various aspects of segregation influence fertility. The purpose of t...
Abstract/Overview Change in Land use practices are important indicators of socio-cultural and economic advancement. The common practices for example, rapid human settlement development and unsustainable livestock farming affect distribution of the dominant trees, conversely, Influence of the change in practices on the tree species diversity Richness, Evenness, and abundance is understood. Farm-forestry is contributing to the restoration of trees. However, information relating the 10% Farm-fo...
Abstract/Overview Globally, terrestrial flora and fauna species are at the brink of extinction yearly due to the increase in human population. Yearly, species reduce at 34% globally and 68% in Kenya as result of increased anthropogenic activities. The current rapid population growth has led to increased anthropogenic activities and population pressure on the land posing threats to the survival of terrestrial flora and fauna species. In Kenya, Rachuonyo South Sub County is characterized by ri...
Abstract: Though climate change is a global phenomenon, it highly impacts smallholder farmers whose livelihood depends on rain-fed agriculture. As a result, the study was conducted with the objective of examining the perception level, the types of climate change adaptation strategies pursued, and factors influencing the adaptation strategies focusing on randomly selected 175 smallholder farmers from three kebeles in Chiro woreda of West Hararghe zone. Household survey, focus group discussion...
Abstract/Overview Worldwide, Buffer zone regimes (BZRs) have been established as designated areas to protect tropical forests from human activities. In Kenya, Nyayo Tea Zone (NTZ) was established around all gazetted forests as BZR. In areas where soil was not ideal for tea, Exotic Tree Plantations (ETP) was established though some parts Open Edge (OE) still exist. However, there are minimal studies on how the BZRs (OE, ETP, and NTZ) area influences tree species; health; richness; abundance a...
Abstract/Overview Recognition that many agriculture-based economies have few other livelihood strategies has generated the desire to build resilience among smallholder farmers. Globally, due to rapid population growth and continual urban sprawl, average arable land per household is shrinking and hence crop diversification is gaining increased importance in the quest for solutions to the perennial food security problems in most of Sub-Saharan countries. Crop diversification is seen as the mos...
Abstract This study was undertaken in Kakamega South Sub-County in Kakamega County where small-scale farmers depend on rain fed agriculture and over the years have had frequent crop failure due to seasonal drought. This study’s main objective was to establish adaptive strategies to agricultural drought effects on small scale crop production in Kakamega South Sub-county. The study established the evidence of climate change and agricultural drought on small scale crop production, determined ...
Abstract Sugarcane production worldwide has been declining due to many challenges in several countries as their population grows. Earlier studies in the sugar industry have through years offered suggestions and solutions to how the ailing industry could be revived and improved but have not been successful. In Kenya, some sugarcane industries are closing down yet more sugar is needed. This study examined the challenges facing small scale sugarcane farming in Malava sub–county, Kakamega Coun...
Abstract Urbanization has caused unprecedented land use changes around urban settlements leading to enormous social-economic impacts on peri urban residents. Currently, 55% of the world's population lives in urban areas, a figure that is predicted to reach 60 percent by the year 2030. If existing urbanization trend persist, urban dwellers will hit 68 percent by 2050. In order to satisfy the rising metropolitan population, urban areas have expanded spatially beyond legal limits into their hin...
Abstract The fourth UN Quality Priority states that education is the key to achieving more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), although urbanization factors limit student retention. World economies support the advancement of education. The Kenyan government is committed to the Education for All initiative. This progress, however, is undermined by the issue of access to primary school education. Any obstacle that impedes learning weakens not only the educational objective but also the growt...
Abstract Vihiga Sub-County like most of Western Kenya, is endowed with an equatorial climate, thus supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna. On the contrary, the area is susceptible to climate change impacts because, other than one major cause of global warming being emission of Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and chlorofloro carbons) in the mainly urban and industrial areas, the major cause of global warming and climate change in Vihiga Sub-County are human related activities ...
Abstract/Overview Land degradation is a problem facing humanity on earth today as it threatens food security as well as viable land use activities. This study considered quarrying as a form of land degradation using human beings as geomorphic agents. The study established the extent of quarrying effects on land degradation on land use activities such as agriculture, transportation and biodiversity. The indicators of land degradation were soil erosion marked by presence of gullies, sand bu...
Abstract/Overview Forests play a critical role in providing essential goods and services to forest adjacent communities. There is, however, insufficient information on how land uses affect the availability and use of forest products and services by forest adjacent communities. This study analysed the impacts of land use changes on the livelihoods of Mt Elgon forests adjacent communities. Land use changes were assessed for the period 1977-2019 segmented into four time periods corresponding...