Browsing by Author "Gichuki, Cecilia Muringo"
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Item Contributions of conservation Education Centres Towards Sustainable Environmental Awareness in Schools, A Case of Giraffe Centre Nairobi County(2014-02-22) Njagi, Gathuku George; Kerich, Richard Kimutai; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the contributions of conservation education ncentres in creating awareness to promote sustainable environmental conservation in schools. In this regard, public education is critical in raising levels of awareness in environmental conservation. The results of this study will contribute to future review and improvement of environmental education and awareness programmes offered by other conservation education centres. A descriptive survey design was adopted targeting pupils, administrators and teachers from 26 out of 205 primary schools in Nairobi County. Purposive sampling was used to select 16 schools that have participated in the Giraffe Centre’s environmental education programmes while simple random sampling was used to select 10 schools that had not participated in the same. One hundred and thirty (130) pupils, 26 administrators and 42 teachers from the selected schools were sampled. Questionnaires designed for pupils and teachers/administrators plus a checklist was used as the main tools for data collection. Quantitative data collected was coded and entered into an SPSS programme (version 17) for analysis. Qualitative data was put under themes consistent with the research objectives. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation (r) was also used to analyze data at 0.05 level of significance. Results were presented by use of tables, pie-charts and bar graphs. Results show that the EE and Awareness programmes offered at the Giraffe Centre are relevant to the school curriculum; these programmes help pupils to actualize what they learn in theory. Results further show that the environmental knowledge retained by pupils regardless of age or gender was statistically significant (0.9203 ± 1.28) for trained schools versus (1.4977 ± 1.28) for untrained schools (t (128) = 8.287, P = 0.51). The study further revealed that the schools environmental status regardless of their status and location was statistically significant (-0.6848 ± 0.25) for trained schools versus (1.8148 ± 0.25) for untrained schools t (25) = 0.931, P = 0.133) as simple conservation measures could be taken. By implication, these findings show that the environmental education and awareness programmes offered by the Giraffe Centre impart sustainable environmental conservation skills to pupils and teachers, but there is need for the Giraffe Centre to develop an EE and ESD curriculum and accredit the teachers’ workshops through affiliation with one of the local universities for credibility.Item Effects of Climate Variability on Pastoral Livelihoods in Marigat District, Baringo County, Kenya(2014-03-05) Lelenguyah, Geoffrey Lenyayon; Gichuki, Cecilia Muringo; Koske, James K.A.The expected global temperature increase, more intense rainfall and more frequent droughts will have devastating effects on pastoral livelihoods. The economy of the affected areas also dwindle in the event of these calamities considering that droughts and diseases resulting from floods affect the health of livestock which is the major source of livelihood for the pastoralists. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of climate variability and the resulting vector-borne diseases on pastoral livelihoods from 1971 to 2010 in Marigat district, Baringo County. The study hypothesized that there is no relationship between rainfall patterns and number of cases of selected vector-borne diseases over the study period. The study adopted both descriptive and explanatory research design while data sampling involved stratified random sampling procedure (Stratum 1 being Marigat division and stratum 2 being Mukutani division). This study utilized household structured questionnaires administered through pure random sampling with 136 households participating in the study, institutional questionnaires as well as collection of secondary data from various sources as methods of data collection. A number of bivariate comparisons of variables related to pastoral livelihoods were done. These includes t-test to compare means of variable on pastoralists demographic such as age between the two strata, ANOVA analysis to compare for significant differences in the cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) disease between the four sublocations, correlation analysis to test the relationship between rainfall amounts with number of cases of vector-borne diseases, and Chi-square test (X2) to test cross-tabulated data on variables such as perception of pastoralists on trends of climatic variables and socio-economic variables between the 2 strata. The Chi-square test was used to assess for homogeneity or similarity on categorical response variables between the study strata. The correlation results of this study indicated that apart from Heartwater (p=-0.403, sig=O.O12 and N=38), other veterinary diseases had no relationship with the rainfall amount {Trypanosomiasis (p=-0.224, sig=0.189 and N=36), Babesiosis (p=-0.124, sig=0.457 and N=38), Anaplasmosis (p=-0.156, sig=0.351 and N=38) and East Coast Fever (p=-0.224, sig=0.176 and N=38)}. However, graphical plots depict the existence of relationships with disease cases either increasing or decreasing in frequency with a corresponding increase or decrease in rainfall amount. Chi-square results showed a strong statistically significant difference between the responses in strata 1 and 2 on the perceived trend of rainfall and floods towards the future (rainfall: X2= 41.230, df= 3, p= 0.000 and floods: X2= 24.903, df= 3, p= 0.000). Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the perception of the respondents in Strata 1 and 2 on the trend of tsetse flies (X2= 0.115, df= 3, p= 0.990) and Stomoxys (l= 6.677. df= 3, p= 0.83) while significant difference were observed on the trend of Tabanids (X2= 20.240, df= 3, p= 0.000) , Culicoides (X2= 23.863, df=3, p= 0.000) and Sand flies (l= 15.429, df= 3, p= 0.001). Increase in disease cases could be attributed to climate variability. The study recommends the need to put in place contingency measures for reccurrence of diseases, floods and droughts and strengthening local institutions to be able to deal with climatic disasters resulting from climate variability and change. Regular monitoring of weather, vectors and diseases are also recommended.Item Effects of Natural Resource based Conflicts on Community Livelihoods in Lake Ol’bolossat Catchment area, Nyandarua County, Kenya(2014-02-24) Mathenge, Margaret Wambui; Koske, James K.A.; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoOne of the major challenges to sustainable use of wetlands is lack of awareness by communities on the values of these ecosystems. Wetland resources are important for socio-economic, cultural and ecological supply of goods and services. Despite their importance, wetlands have remained unprotected and they are exploited beyond what they can endure. The main objective of the study was to establish the effects of natural resource based conflicts on community livelihoods in Ol‟Bolossat catchment area in Nyandarua County. The study was conducted in twenty villages, simple random sampling of 252 households and purposive sampling of key institutions such as KARI, KWS and KFS was carried out. Household questionnaires were issued to sampled households, interviews were held with conservation group leaders and FGDs with the local leaders were carried out to establish environmental issues in the study area. Transect walks, direct observation and photography revealed that there was human encroachment, crop and livestock farming in the basin. The results indicated that there was co-relation between human population increase and land use changes r = 0.30, n= 252 and p= 0.01, which have led to wetland degradation and conflicts. The results also indicated that there was a significant difference in the rating of wetland uses for water, fodder, cultivation and apiary, Chi square (6.619), df (2), p (0.037) at 95% level of confidence. It was found out that the people living near the lake (within 1km) depend on wetland resources more than those living further away and the former experiences more conflicts. The FGDs and interviews indicated that the livelihood activities such as crop and livestock farming were based on water, land and biodiversity utilization. The study concludes that the conflicts in Ol‟Bolossat catchment area are natural resource based (NRBC) and they affect the community livelihoods. The human population increase, land fragmentation, access and competition for scarce natural resources between humans, wildlife and livestock have brought about conflicts. The community livelihood is affected when wild animals destroy crops, injure and kill humans, besides transmitting zoonotic diseases to livestock with which they share the same resources. It is recommended that conservation of the natural resources ought to be enhanced through community participation and stakeholder involvement. More trees should be planted to replace those that have been cut. The farmers ought to diversify crop farming and improve on food storage in order to mitigate vulnerability to climatic conditions. The Government should educate the community on methods to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts so that residents utilize the natural resources safely, to improve their livelihoods.Item Impact of Climate Variability on Food Security in Gachoka Constituency in Mbeere District, Embu County, Kenya(2014-03-10) Mwaniki, Paul Ireri; Koske, James K.A.; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoClimate change has become one of the most pressing issues facing Kenya. Warming temperatures and decreasing precipitation levels over the last 30 years have led to innumerable weather anomalies causing droughts, floods, unseasonal precipitation, falling ground water tables, all impacting on food production. While it is projected that further change in climatic conditions will take place over the coming decades, the impacts of these environmental stresses on the living conditions and livelihoods of Kenyans have already been significant and adverse. Among all population groups, rural communities in Kenya are particularly more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their strong dependence on rain fed agriculture for living. This research was carried out in Gachoka constituency, Embu County in Kenya. It focused on assessing the impact of climate variability on food security. The specific objective of this study was to analyze the effects of climate variability on quantity of food harvests at household level in Gachoka constituency, assessed the role of knowledge on climate variability impacts on food security in Gachoka constituency and identified the climate variability information needs by peasant farmers in Gachoka constituency between 1982 and 2012. Descriptive research design was employed. Simple random sampling was used to select 70 farmers and purposeful sampling to select 20 agricultural officers and 10 religious leaders. A total of 100 respondents were interviewed. The data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and excel to generate frequencies, tables, pie charts, graphs, percentages and moving averages. The finding shows that there is significant relationship between food harvest and climate variability ():2=62.234, P- value= 0.002, df=1 and n=100) and thus climate variability caused low food harvests at household level in Gachoka constituency. The study also revealed that there was significant relationship between Knowledge on climate variability and food security, (t=43.741, p, value= 0.253, df =2 and n=IOO) and therefore Knowledge on climate variability among small scale farmers threatened food security in Gachoka Constituency. The results further shows that, there was a high need for climate variability information and food security among the community in Gachoka Constituency, (t=24.324, p, value= 0.003, df =1 and n=IOO). The study therefore recommended that more information on climate variability to be availed to the farmers in order to prepare them on how to mitigate and prepare for climate variability thus ensuring sustainable food production. Farmers should also consider planting drought resistant crops to ensure stable food supply and reduced dependency on relief foods. Further the findings would also help in formulating policies and establishing practices in mitigating the impacts of climate variability in the country in order to ensure the country is food secure. The study suggested for further research on the best strategies on reducing subsistence farmers' vulnerability to climate change as well as mitigating impacts of climate change on indigenous food security in rural communities.Item Impact of Drought on Primary Schools Learning in Laikipia West District of Laikipia County, Kenya(2014-02-22) Gitau, David Ndichu; Kerich, Richard Kimutai; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoLaikipia West district receives between 500 mm and 950mm of rainfall annually. It is therefore, classified as a semi arid region with harsh and fragile environment. The low and erratic rainfalls govern vegetation dynamics, animals‟ survival and the general human welfare. Frequent drought as a result of climate change has exacerbated and compounded the problem of provision of quality basic education in the district. This study was conducted to investigate drought prevalence and the impact it has on the learning of pupils in the district. The study was carried out between August to December 2011 in two different agro ecological zones; high agricultural potential area in Muhotetu and Sipili in the west as well as dry zones of Ol moran and Rumuruti in the north and eastern parts of the district respectively. Primary data collection was through the use of questionnaires and informal discussions with community members as well as education officers. Questionnaires were administered to both teachers and classes seven and eight pupils in twenty four out of the seventy two public primary schools in the district. Visits to the pastureland where school going children were looking after animals during school days, and interaction with communities in the district also formed part of the study. Rainfall and temperature data from meteorological department were used to reinforce schools attendance data. Indigenous knowledge from the elders of the communities and secondary data were used to corroborate the findings. The secondary data sources included review of published reports, journals, internet and books to identify existing information on the effects of drought on learning. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative and quantitative statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The results were processed; tabulated and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11(Students‟ version) to generate descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that, drought cases significantly impacts negatively on the learning of pupils in schools (χ2=16.2761,df = 3, P=0.001). The results indicated that, drought contributed to absenteeism at 33%,truancy at 17%, poor performance at 16% and both transfers and drop out at 21% Data from meteorological department for the period between the year 2000 and 2010 indicate low rainfall annually especially during the months of January to March and June to December. Temperatures range between 10.7oC to 25.25oC at Nanyuki substation weather station and between 7.8oC to 20.41oC in Nyahururu substation. The elders from Laikipia west communities had Indigenous ways to mitigate against the impacts of drought in the area though some negatively affected their environment. Due to the low rainfall in most parts of the district, the results of this study recommend that, policy makers ought to take decisive measures aimed at arresting the perennial suffering of both people and animals in the district by drilling boreholes, water harvesting during rainy seasons into reservoirs and a well sustained feeding programme in all the schools in the district.Item Impacts of Kipepeo Conservation Project on Livelihoods and Climate Change Mitigations among Arabuko Sokoke Communities, Kilifi County, Kenya(2014-03-10) Okeyo, Rodah Owako; Muriuki, J.; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoConservation projects can improve the livelihoods of community members as well as tackle climate change. Kipepeo project is a butterfly farming project initiated in 1993 to provide a means of livelihood for the communities living around Arabuko Sokoke Forest and also to conserve the forest. The study was carried out to assess the impacts of Kipepeo conservation project on livelihoods of local community and on climate change mitigations in Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the ongoing conservation activities related to the Kipepeo project, to establish the existing socio economic conditions in the project area, to assess the contribution of the Kipepeo project towards climate change mitigation and to assess the impacts of the project on the livelihoods of the local communities living around the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. A descriptive survey design was adopted in which 46 randomly selected respondents were drawn from 110 households participating in the Kipepeo project. Two key informant interviews with Kipepeo staff were also completed. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on socio economic conditions of the Kipepeo project area as well as incomes obtained from participation in the Kipepeo project. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented in tables and charts. Results from the study showed that the Kipepeo project through rearing of butterflies has led to conservation activities among majority of the local community (70%) who practice tree planting which contributes to climate change mitigation. The study also showed that the income levels of the respondents had increased with 72% of them. earning between Ksh 6000-10000 per month compared to 4% earning same amount before joining the project implying a significant increase in income. (n=46, s=188.27). Results also show that there is a positive correlation between income from butterfly farming and contribution to school fees paid for respondents children. (p=0.539, n=35, r=0.109). Majority (100%) of the respondents were aware of the importance of conservation and felt that the ASF is very important and should be conserved. (X2=198.25, n=46, df=2, p=0.000). The study concluded that the Kipepeo project is incentive driven and helped to link livelihoods, conservation and climate change mitigation and recommends further research on other insect species that can be reared by communities to earn them income in order to improve their livelihoods while encouraging conservation.Item The reproductive and foraging behaviour of the African snipe (Gallinago nigripennis) (Bonaparte 1839) in Central Kenya(2012-01-20) Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoThis thesis gives the results of 34 months (March 1997 to December 1999) of field study of the African Snipe at Lake Ol' Bolossat (36° 26'E 00° 09'S) and surrounding highlands. The area is characterised by extensive destruction of marshes and catchment of the basin. The African Snipe is very sensitive to habitat destruction and can be a useful indicator of habitat quality. The aims of the study were to determine population characteristics, foraging behaviour and factors that influence reproductive success of the African Snipe. The focal animal-sampling technique and radio-tracking methods were used to study foraging behaviour and movement of marked and unmarked birds respectively. The relative age of individuals was determined from changes in pulmage and body size. The sex of adults was determined from cloacal examination and DNA analysis. The diet was investigated by observing foraging birds, analysing faecal material and potential food items collected at foraging sites. There was a resident population of African Snipes that bred and foraged in the study area throughout the year which numbered 900 to 1200 birds. The mean population density was 14.7 + 0.17 birds km-2 and the average sex ratio of 1.24:1 was slightly skewed towards males, especially early in the breeding season. Whereas most of the snipes (86.7%) occurred in Lake Ol'Bolossat Basin, a few (14%) were found in upland marshes. The study has shown that African Snipes are monogamous. Males performed distinctive aerial and ground displays, defended small breeding territories (<10 ha) and guarded the nest. The females selected the nest site, built the nest and incubated the eggs. Nests were in more elevated sites (mean 8.49 + 1.60 cm above water or ground), which were in shallower water (mean 3.51 + 0.47 cm) and in denser clumps of grass (mean 26.02 + 0.8 plants/m2) than random locations. Clutch size ranged from two to four with a mode of three eggs. The egg-laying dates (Julian Dates) varied significantly among pairs nesting in stream-marshes, lake-marshes, tall wet grassland and abandoned cultivation with mixed herbs (F 3,141 = 278, P<0.001). The incubation period ranged from 19 to 21 days and did not differ between nests built in different periods and sites. Hatching success ranged from 54 to 69% and varied significantly between pairs nesting in different periods and habitat types. The maximum hatching success of 1.98 + 0.14 hatchings per nest occurred in 1998 while minimum of 1.63 + 0.39 hatchings per nest occurred in 1997. The average fledging success of all pairs during this study was 1.26 + 0.47 fledglings per nest. The overall reproductive success of snipes breeding in the study area was estimated at 38.2% (146 juveniles/382 hatchlings), indicating that only one out of three chicks hatched survived to adult age. African Snipes foraged in a wipe range of wet habitats within a mean home range size of 39.08 + 4.6 ha (n = 7 birds). Its diet mainly consisted of large invertebrates, particularly annelids (34.4%), crustaceans (20.7%), insect larvae (17.8%), and molluscs (5.8%). While searching for food and nest sites, the snipes moved in altitude from the lake basin (2340 m) to as high as Dundori Hills (2700 m). Recoveries of ringed birds indicated that most of the snipes made localized movements but a few vacated the study area for extended periods. During this study, a decline of about 34% of the African Snipe population was estimated in Kenya.Item The role of community based environmental literacy on small scale quarrying in Bahari division Kilifi county, Kenya(2014-08-13) Rakamba, Gikenyi Dennis; Manguriu, Daniel; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoSmall scale quarrying ill Kenya has adversely contributed to environmental degradation. This study will establish the role of community based environmental literacy on quarrying area in Bahali division KiIifi county of Kenya, in small scale quarrying for environmental conservation. The main objectives will be to determine the social and economic benefits of small scale quarrying in Bahari division, assess community awareness on environmental impacts of quarrying, identify the possible quarry rehabilitation measures in the area and to determine possible irrigation measures to minimize environmental impacts of quarrying. Quarrying along the coral belt is the main economic activity that has not been sustainably exploited to benefit and improve the lives of residents. Community awareness on environmental conservation has not been adequately investigated in the area and rehabilitative quarrying practices have not been put into action too and therefore this study intends to ensure sustainable small scale quarrying. The study will be carried out in Bahari division among the stone workers and other stakeholders within the quarry sites. Data will be collected through administration of questionnaires, interview schedules and direct observation through visits to quarry sites. There will also be collection of secondary data from books, print media and online resources using Google search engine. Statistical data analysis shall include mathematical presentation and analysis of data from population and quarry sites count through formulation of graphs and charts to arrive at conclusions. Bar charts shall be used to compare the level of environmental degradation within the quarry sites and the income generated to quarry workers.Item Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting as Adaptation to Climate Change: the Case of Murang'a East District Primary Schools in Murang'a County, Kenya(2014-03-10) Wahogo, Purity Mumbi; Koske, James K.A.; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoClimate Change has a wide range of impacts and exacerbate existing poverty related problems such as availability of fresh water in developing countries. Kenya is onesuch country that experiences ramifications of climate change which heavily impact on the populace. This research was conducted in Murang'a East district in Murang'a County in Kenya. The study was primarily to establish the level of awareness on climate change and Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting (RRwH) in public primary schools. The main objective was to find out factors affecting the adoption of RRwH with a focus on level of awareness on climate change issues, awareness of RRwH among decision makers, sources of water supply and the constraints against adoption of RRwH. Using a descriptive survey design, a sample of 384 respondents was randomly selected. Data obtained from constructed questionnaires was collated and statistically analysed by use of SPSS. Results showed that there was a correlation between level of climate change awareness, economic activities, at (rs = -.181, P = .000), and leadership the calculated statistic l = 7.890 was found to be less than the tabled critical value of,l = 8.132 at a 0.080. Sources of water were significant to the assurance of supply i ;,45;.48;1; df= 44.916, p= 2.6t'. The study found out that, lack of funds-was-the major hindrance to the adoption ofRRwH in all the education zones. Lack of awareness and low education were other major factors contributing to non adoption of RRwH. The study concluded that the media was the leading medium of climate change effect information dissemination Climate change effect has been felt on the ground with the respondents confirming that they had been affected. Climate change had affected water supply to schools leading to disruption of supply leading to increased waterbeme.diseases, lower standards of hygiene-and reduced learning time. This study recommends that a multi-prolonged approach which entailed incorporation of climate change awareness into the education curriculum, greater sensitization, exploitation of church and the involvementof community leaders would serve the purpose of awareness creation. There is also a need to develop and to legislate for a framework for buildings to include provisions for RRwH.Item Treatment of flower farm wastewater effluents using constructed wetlands in lake Naivasha, Kenya(Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 2012-01) Kimani, R.W.; Mwangi, B. M.; Gichuki, Cecilia MuringoLake Naivasha, Kenya, is a fresh water lake currently experiencing severe environmental problems as result of pollution from agricultural effluents and urban water surface runoff, uncontrolled water abstraction, improper land use practices in the catchment area and proliferation of wetlands’ invasive species. These problems are exacerbated and compounded by changes in climate and inadequate conservation interventions. To deal with the pollution problem, flower farms around the lake have adopted constructed wetland technologies to treat their wastes prior to release into the lake’s ecosystem. In this study, we examined the efficiency of one of the largest and oldest constructed wetland, the Kingfisher constructed wetland, owned by Home Grown Ltd. The study was conducted between October 2009 and March 2010. Measurements of water quality parameters were carried out at 9 sampling stations along the constructed wetland system from inlet to outlet. The results showed that water quality significantly improved from inlet to the outlet, with conductivity declining from 722 μScm-1 to 514 μScm-1 while TDS declined from 569 to 186 mgl-1. Other water quality parameters such as total suspended solids (TSS), BOD, COD, total nitrogen and total phosphorous similarly declined significantly (P 0.05) from inlet to outlet. Heavy metals generally occurred in low concentrations at the inlet, but still declined in their concentrations though not significantly. Results show that constructed wetlands are highly efficient in wastewater effluent treatment and can be used in amelioration of point sources of pollution into inland water bodies. Keywords: Water pollution; Flower farm effluents; Lake Naivasha; Wetlands