Research Papers/Topics in Natural Resource Management

Factors Influencing Farmers’ Response To Climate Variability In Narok East Sub-County, Kenya

ABSTRACT There is sufficient evidence to show that climatic conditions are changing all over the world. The agricultural sector, especially in developing countries, is one of the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change and variability. Within these countries, the arid and semi-arid areas are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. Farmers in these regions have to cope and adapt to changes in climatic conditions so as to reduce losses. There are many respons...

Propagation And Regeneration Of Important Indigenous Tree Species In Kakamega Forest Kenya

ABSTRACT The African cherry (Prunus africana (Hook.f.) Kalkm.) regenerates poorly both naturally and artificially because of its recalcitrant seed. There is therefore a great need to conserve this species to ensure it does not become extinct. This study evaluated regeneration potential of the African cherry, identified the appropriate stage of collecting seeds for propagation and suitable sowing media that gives optimum germination and sought to identify other tree species with potential com...

Spatio-Temporal Changes In Land Cover In Response To Anthropogenic And Hydrodynamic Factors In Nyando Wetland, Kenya

ABSTRACT In the last three decades, wetlands have received much attention worldwide due to their declining coverage and spatial distribution with more than 50% lost since the 1950s. Like other wetlands worldwide, Nyando Wetland, the second largest lacustrine wetland ecosystem on the Kenyan shores of Lake Victoria, is facing a major threat of degradation from both the fluctuations of Lake Victoria water levels and anthropogenic factors operating in its neighbourhoods. This study was conducted ...

Population Dynamics And Feeding Ecology Of The Black Rhino (Diceros Bicornis) In Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Africa was once known for abundant populations of the now Critically Endangered Black rhino (Diceros bicornis). However, large-scale poaching in many parts of this continent during 1970- 1980 led to a 95% decline in the rhino numbers. Like in other countries that host remnant populations of the Black rhino, Tanzania’s Black rhinos are now largely restricted to protected areas such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). This study sought to map the spatial distribution of the Black ...

Influence Of Grazing Intensity On Cyanogenic Toxicity In Savanna Grasses In Baringo, Keny

The potential role of anti-herbivory mechanisms involving use of qualitative and quantitative compounds in minimizing herbivory is well known. However, synergistic responses to grazing and interactive effects on herbivores are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to quantify the interaction between cyanogenic glycosides in grasses with cattle grazing in Lake Bogoria (00°28'N, 35°59'E), Baringo County. Field experiments were carried out in ten 50×10m exclosures to quantify infl...

An Analysis Of Hotel Rating And Its Implication On Financial Turnover Of Rated Hotels In Kenya

Hotel service quality has long been a concern for scholars and practitioners. Previous researches indicate that the service quality of hotels in Kenya is yet to match international standards. It has been argued that one reason why hotels do not deliver quality service is due to the substantial gap of the living standards of Kenyans and international tourists and the lack of proper investment in the sector due to fluctuations in growth in the past. With the recent growth in the economy, s...

Economic Valuation Of Forest Ecosystem Services And Its Implications On Conservation Strategies In East Mau Forest, Kenya

Abstract This thesis quantifies the economic values of East Mau forest ecosystem using Market based, Contingent Valuation and Benefit Transfer techniques. Data was collected from households, sawmills and forest product traders within and adjacent to East Mau forest. Additional data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Descriptive statistics and parametric tests were applied to describe forest ecosystem values. Difference in forest incomes across locations; ethnicity and wealt...

Assessment Of Leaf Biomass Production Of Selected Deciduous Indigenous Browse Shrub In Semi-Arid Ecological Zone Of Mwanga District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT The major problem facing ruminant livestock production in semi-arid ecological zone is lack of adequate feed and of good quality throughout the year. The problem is more critical in the dry season. In semi-arid ecological zone leaf litter of shrubs and bushes are an important feed resource during the dry season. Grewia bicolor is the main deciduous indigenous browse shrub dominating the western lowland areas of Mwanga district. This study aimed at investigating the influence of seas...

Assessment Of Current Net Benefit Of Water Resource In Different Land-Uses Around The Kilombero Valley Ramsar Site In Tanzania

ABSTRACT Water scarcity is globally getting worse in the light of increase in demand for water use. Human and ecosystem health and economic development are affected by problems of water scarcity and water pollution. This study was carried out to assess the current net benefit of water resource in different land uses around the Kilombero Valley Ramsar Site in Tanzania. Specifically the study was conducted to identify different land uses related to water, to determine and estimate costs and be...

Assessment Of Institutional Capacity And Adoption Of Forestry Innovations In Kenya

ABSTRACT Kenya's forest sector is undergoing major changes, which are attributed to the rapid depletion and degradation of natural resources, as well as viable actions on remedial measures. The demand for forest products and ecosystem services continue to increase against a declining supply from afforestation, reforestation and the dynamics of work. This emerging challenge necessitates improving the institutional capacity of organisations that are involved in, or support forest conservation ...

Impact Of Farming Systems On Riparian Vegetation Of Lake Manyara Catchment At Chemchem And Endabash Rivers In Karatu District, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Highland catchments of Lake Manyara basin are undergoing degradation through human activities from the adjacent communities. This study was conducted to assess the impact of farming systems on vegetations in the highland catchments of Lake Manyara basin namely Chemchem and Endabash rivers. The specific objectives were to identify the farming systems used and their sustainability with regard to wetland conservation, assess and compare the plant species composition and diversity betwe...

Role Of Community-Based Institutions, Partnerships And Practices In Enhancing Climate Change Adaptation In Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro,Tanzania

ABSTRACT Local communities in Tanzania have been struggling to adapt to climate change and variability and have already adopted use of different local knowledge and practices under various adaptation mechanisms to respond to climate change impacts in different ecological zones and livelihoods. The role of local knowledge and practices in enhancing adaptation are not well studied and documented. This study aimed to assess roles of community-based institutions, partnerships, networks and pract...

Relationships Between Abundance Of Zooplankton And Physico-Chemical Parameters In Lake Mweru-Wantipa, Zambia

ABSTRACT  This study was conducted in Lake Mweru-wantipa aimed at assessing abundance of zooplankton and its relationships with physico-chemical parameters. Four sampling stations were selected, two on each side of the Lake; the National Park and settlement. Five physico-chemical parameters including, temperature, turbidity, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen were measured monthly using portable instruments concurrently with collection of duplet zooplankton samples at each sampling point at d...

Mesocosm Study On The Potential Use Of Vertical Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetlands For Removal Of Organic Matter In Slaughterhouse Wastewater

ABSTRACT The fast pace of economic growth in Kenya has created a large demand for meat products. This stands at an annual average of about 600,000 metric tonnes of red meat which is expected to continue rising according to global animal product consumption trends. Consequent challenges in management of increasing volumes of high strength wastewater have necessitated ardent research into sustainable technologies, for which vertical flow wetlands offer a promising solution. Three month experime...

Effects Of Growing Conditions On Quality Of Domesticated Wild Vegetables: A Case Of Wild Vegetables Grown Around Balangai Forest Reserve, Lushoto District

ABSTRACT This study aimed at determining the quality of wild vegetables under different growing conditions. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and single time collected samples from planted wild vegetables were laboratory tested to determine nutrient values. SAS statistical tool was used to analyse the data. Vitamin C content was found to be highest in Solanun scabrum (3.40 ± 0.1mg/100gm) under forest conditions, followed by Launaea cornuta (3.1 ± 0.1mg/100gm) under...


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