Browsing by Author "Koech, Michael K."
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Item Challenges and opportunities of teaching environmental education in secondary schools in Kenya: the case of Ruiru district(2014-01-31) Ng'ang'a, Nancy N.; Kerich, Richard Kimutai; Koech, Michael K.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the challenges faced and opportunities available in the teaching and learning of Environmental Education in secondary schools in Kenya using Ruiru District in Central Province as a case study. This was achieved by analysing the secondary school syllabi for selected environment related subjects, namely biology, chemistry, geography and agriculture to establish the elements of EE infused therein. The methods used to teach these elements, the preparedness of teachers to handle them, availability of teaching and learning resources as well as the attitudes of both teachers and students towards EE were also investigated. The target population was the 15 secondary schools in Ruiru district which was a division at the time of the study. A sample of ISO form three students was taken from five randomly selected schools in the division together with 20 teachers of environment related subjects making a total of 170 subjects. Data were collected using questionnaires, attitude scale tests and content analysis of the secondary school syllabi of the selected EE related subjects. Data from questionnaires and attitude scale tests were coded then scored for analysis while data from content analysis of the selected subject syllabi were summarised in tables to show the particular EE related topic and the EE objectives therein. The results are presented in text and tabular form and analysed by use of percentages, means and frequency tables. The findings of the study established that though EE is adequately incorporated in the secondary school syllabi of subjects studied; various challenges are faced by the teachers in the teaching of EE elements in these subjects. These challenges include, fragmentation of EE themes in the various subjects, inadequate instructional materials, inadequate training of teachers to handle EE related topics in their subject areas and over-reliance on the lecture method of teaching among others. However, attitudes of both teachers and students to EE were found to be highly positive with 90% of teachers and 98% scoring above the mean score in the attitude Scale tests. From the research findings, major recommendations such as adequate provision of instructional materials, a review of pre- and in-service EE programmes for teachers as well as regular monitoring oLEE programmes among others were made. The findings of the study and the accompanying recommendations will no doubt prove invaluable to curriculum developers and policy makers in the country.Item Climate Variability Adaptation Strategies used by Small-Scale Maize Farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya(EANSO, 2023-08) Busolo, Temina Arivitsa; Koech, Michael K.; Wemali, EvelynThe agricultural industry is threatened by climate variability due to its overreliance on climatic conditions. Maize production faces similar threats due to its sensitivity to climate variations and changes in weather patterns, specifically rainfall and temperature. Increased temperatures, rainfall variability, and heightened frequency of climate extremes, such as long periods of drought, were found to have a significant impact on Kenya’s maize production. This study therefore sought to identify climate variability adaptation strategies used by small-scale maize farmers in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, to curb the effects of climate variability on maize yield. The study adopted a descriptive survey design where questionnaires were administered to 394 household heads. The results show some farmers chose different adaptation strategies to lessen the impact of climate variability on maize yield, while others stuck to their original methods of farming. Changing crop varieties and changing planting dates were the highly opted-for adaptation strategies, while dry planting, irrigation farming, planting drought-tolerant crops and soil moisture conservation techniques were the least opted-for adaptation strategies. Socioeconomic factors such as land size, education level, age, gender and marital status had a strong influence on the choice of utilisation of various adaptation strategies. So as to curb the adverse outcomes of climate variability and empower small-scale maize farmers, the study recommended proper education on diverse adaptation methods, access to accurate climate data for proper adjustment to planting dates, sensitization on different crop varieties as well as access to financial resources to promote practices like irrigation farming.Item Deforestation and decimation of Biota in Kericho district of Kenya, East Africa(2012-06-12) Kerich, Richard Kimutai; Koech, Michael K.; Njuguna, Stephen G.Deforestation and decimition of Biota in Kericho District, Kenya. Deforestation and decimation of biota have been recognized as some of the most pressing world problems of the recent times. Today certain plants and animals are faced with a threat of extinction due to increased deforestation and decimation of biota within the natural environment. This study focuses on deforestation and decimation of plants and animals and sought answers to the following questions: a)Is the amount of land under natural forests in Kericho District the same extent now as it was twenty (or more)years* ago? b) What kind of faunal and floral changes have taken place within Kericho District since the last twenty (or over) years* ago? c) Is the productivity of soil the same now as it was twenty (or over)years* ago? and if not why? d) Is there a plant or animal whose existence in the District is endangered outside the protected areas? e) What are the major causes of increased rate of deforestation and decimation of species within the District? *Refers to twenty or over years from 1988. The study was carried out in Kericho District of Kenya, East Africa using fifty (50) randomly selected nodal or study points. The selected study points were scattered throughout the District. From each study points ten (10) interviewees were selected. Interviewees were selected. Consequently the total number of people interviewed were five hundred (500). When all the fifty nodal points are considered. The District was divided into two ecological zones and for each of the zones thirteen (13) plants and thirteen (13) animals were sampled for the study. The information required from the respondents was that which helped in the attainment of the objectives stated. Specifically, four broad areas were dealt with by the stated objectives and these are:- a) Magnitude of deforestation of the past twenty (or over) years ago as compared with the present. b) Relative abundance of named plants and animals. c) Cultural traditions and perception of environmental conservation. d) Environmental awareness and mode/rate of information dissemination. The data required were collected through the use of a questionnaire and an observation record sheet. Field observations were done by the researcher using the observation record sheet as a tool while the questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. When preparing the research tools, the objectives of this study were borne in mind. This was necessary if the set objectives were to be achieved. In summary, the study was intended to: a) determine the extent of deforestation in Kericho District. b) identify the major reasons for deforestation in the District. c) identify the conservation measures taken to safeguard the forests in the District. d) identify those floral and faunal species that are endangered within the District. e) identify major causes of elimination of plant and animal species within the District. f) identify (if any) attitudes and perceptions of the people of the District that would reinforce or go against the conventional conservation measures for soil, natural forests, and endangered plant and animal species. g) determine the state of environmental awareness of the people of Kericho District. The tools were therefore designed so as to meet the requirements of the stated objectives. Majority of the data collected were in form of stated opinions checked off in the provided Likert Scale within the questionnaire. To ease analysis and interpretation of data, responses were categorized depending on their position within the provided Likert Scale. For all the responses received in form of a Likert Scale, categorization was done accordingly. Classification of the opinions expressed made it easy to distinguish between the extreme opinions e.g. "Low" and "High". However, "decision" level was set for all responses given in form of a Likert Scale. In judging the provided responses the set "decisions" level was "moderate". Any response that was either high, or very high was categorized "high" while responses given as very low, low, or moderate were categorized "low". From the recorded opinions, frequency of responses falling into any one category (i.e. low or high) was determined using the set criteria mentioned above. As a basis for conclusion, means, percentages and absolute counts were determined for the various categories of responses received. The other set of data collected was that obtained from field observation and these include actual counts of plants within their natural environment and self assessment of the extent of deforestation within the study areas. Data derived from actual field observation were intended to confirm the information given by the respondents regarding deforestation and decimation of biota. From the assembled data relevant calculations were done depending on the parameters involved in the objective under consideration. Basically, averages, percentages and frequencies were computed and these sufficed for to conclude on set objectives. It was from the computed values that conclusions were made concerning the stated objectives. The research findings indicate that: a) Deforestation in Kericho District is currently higher than it was in the past** according to peoples views. (see table 11p.83). b) Majority of the forests within Kericho District have reduced in size by people's opinions. (see table 12 p.86). c) Due to habitat destruction (in form of deforestation) animals have greatly reduced in number everywhere within the District). d) Within Kericho District, there has been a great reduction in both plants' abundance and their species diversity. e) Cultural traditions and environmental perception of the people of Kericho District are supportive of conservation measures of plants and animals. f) Of the sampled plants Juniperus procera was found to be the least frequent outside the gazetted area and needed protection from wanton destruction. g) Acacia lahai, although still abundant within the District, was found to have experienced the greateItem Energy Efficient Technologies for Climate Change Mitigation: Fuel Briquettes in the Ruiru Municipality, Kiambu County, Kenya.(2014-03-10) Mugo, Paul Wanjohi; Koech, Michael K.; Mireri, C.Energy is essential for development. It is needed for cooking, providing light, refrigerating food and medicine, supplying fresh water, eliminating household wastes, heating and cooling buildings. Annual total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions arising from the global energy supply sector continue to increase. Currently, energy-related GHG emissions, mainly from fossil fuel combustion for heat supply, electricity generation and transport, account for around 70% of total emissions including carbon dioxide, methane and some traces of nitrous oxide responsible for climate change. The broad objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of fuel briquettes as an alternative source of fuel in Ruiru Municipality of Kiambu County, Kenya, towards improved energy efficiency. Specifically, the study first sort to determine the levels of adoption of fuel briquettes as an alternative source of energy, secondly it examined the obstacles to adoption of fuel briquettes as an alternative source of energy and finally sort to identify components of municipal solid wastes that can be used in the manufacture of fuel briquettes. The study was guided by the diffusion of innovations theory which is used to understand uptake of new technologies such as the briquettes. The research was conducted using descriptive survey design to gather information from respondents. Quantitative research was used to quantify data and generalize results from the sample to the whole population while qualitative research was used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons and motivations. The sample size was composed of 70 respondents and 4 key respondents. Respondents were sampled from local households in the municipality. Data was analyzed and was presented in graphs, charts, frequency tables and pie-charts. Observations and conclusions drawn from the findings indicated that 30% of the respondents were aware of fuel briquettes as an alternative source of energy. Only 6% of the respondents always used them for cooking and heating in their households. The main obstacles to their adoption are the low awareness levels and unavailability in the market compared to other energy sources prevalently used in the area especially Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). Information from the briquette manufacturer indicated the types of municipal solid wastes that can be used in the manufacture of briquettes as charcoal dust, waste paper, sawdust and dried organic waste. The study provided a case for community based energy efficient technologies that can be widely deployed and be of immense benefit in terms of climate change mitigation. The study findings indicated that choice of energy source was determined by levels of income, availability of energy source and cost of energy source. Majority of respondents interviewed did not know about briquettes or their advantages and thus the level of adoption of fuel briquettes in Ruiru was very low. The beneficiaries of the study included the local briquette manufacturer, the government and other policy makers since it provided an understanding of the fuel briquette industry and made recommendations including formulation of policies that encourage uptake and provision of incentives for briquette manufacturers.Item Environment and energy sources: a study of domestic energy choices in Kasarani, Westlands and Makadara divisions in Nairobi, Kenya(2011-10-31) Miranga, Ben Okindo; Manohar, Shyam; Koech, Michael K.This study was conducted on domestic energy choices in Makadara, Westlands and Kasarani divisions in Nairobi Province, Kenya, from the first week of September to December 2005.These areas were purposely selected because Nairobi is a cosmopolitan City with diverse human population of different socio-economic backgrounds. The objectives of the present research work were to determine the choices of domestic sources in selected neighborhoods, types of energy use and to monitor the effect of human environmental factor in the selection of household energy. Data collection was done using the household questionnaire which comprised both open ended and closed items and the household energy checklist. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The research findings are that income and education play a pivotal role in the choice of household energy. 5.5% of the respondents used kerosene as household energy for cooking and had primary level of education, while with secondary education 13.5% used kerosene, 20% used LPG and 3 % used charcoal; and with tertiary education 11.5% of respondents used kerosene and 46.5% of used LPG. 60% of the respondents considered the energy efficiency of the household energy before making the choice to use it, while 40% of the respondents did not, also 54% of the respondents used equipment and appliances in the households that conserved energy, while 46% of the respondents did not .From the research 64% of the respondents did not consider the environmental merits in making a choice for the household energy,36% of the did consider. The Minister for Finance should lower taxes on all petroleum products and especially Liquefied Petroleum Gas and kerosene to make it affordable to the households. Awareness creation by the Ministry of Energy and its related agencies on use of household energy conserving appliances. The government should provide price subsidies in order to make household energy affordable for all. To promote renewable sources of energy such as solar to mitigate demand on energy types such as charcoal and wood fuel. The Ministry of Energy should lower the electricity tariffs it will put less impact on forest and charcoal. Findings of this study will be useful to plan for energy sources for the population of KenyaItem Principles and application of strategic environmental assessment(School of Environmental Studies and Human Science, Kenyatta University, 2007) Kinoti, Mary K.; Koech, Michael K.Item Promotion of Environmental Education Through Environmental Committees: a Case of Korr Location, Marsabit County, Kenya.(2014-03-06) Mamo, Boru Mamo; Koech, Michael K.; Koske, James K.A.This study was carried out in Korr Location of Marsabit County in Northern Kenya from April, 2009 to December, 2010. Marsabit County is a land of diverse ecological, biogeographical and cultural importance but is currently faced with myriad ecological challenges ranging from land degradation, desertification, increased demands for fuelwood, pasture/fodder for the livestock and scarce water resources, all of which impact on the local environment. Moreover, recent literature indicates that there has been little understanding of the human impact connected with resource degradation in Korr Location of Marsabit County. To address these challenges, environmental actors in Marsabit County established Environmental Committee to educate local communities on the importance of environmental conservation. Korr Location was initially one of the highly degraded locations of Marsabit County. A decade after the formation and activities of these committees in Korr location, there was a marked transformation of Korr location in terms of environmental rehabilitation of the area. This study was carried out to find out if these transformations were attributable to the committees or other factors at the community level and also whether the concept of the environmental committee can be replicated in other arid and semi arid areas as a potentially best practice for adoption. Therefore, the first objective of the study was to explore the influence of the household environmental awareness on the biophysical environmental rehabilitation of Korr location, as influenced by the locally established Environmental Management Committees (EMC). The second objective was to establish the relationship between the type of domestic energy used by the households and the degree of biophysical environmental rehabilitation, and the third objective was to determine the influence of household participation in afforestation activities on the degree of biophysical environmental rehabilitation. In carrying out this study, a descriptive survey research design was adapted. This was carried out using a structured questionnaire that was administered to a sample of 193 randomly selected households. Four (4) focused group discussions and 10 key informants'interviews were conducted to provide information to support the survey results and their findings documented. Quantitative data from the field was entered into an appropriate computer programme, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to aid in data analysis. Appropriate descriptive statistics of measures of central tendency, variability and correlations were also generated using the spss package while the Chi-square test (X2) and correlation were employed to test the three hypotheses. The results of the study established a significant relationships between adoption of energy saving stoves (0.034), household involvement in afforestation activities «0.05) and the status of environmental rehabilitation «0.05). Positive correlations were also established between environmental awareness and the EMC efforts with the status of environmental rehabilitation (0.093). Major finding was that the creation of environmental awareness is essential especially at the grassroots' levels for a sound environmental management. Tree-planting activities (79.6%,) coupled with active community participation in environmental matters is seen as a means to stop environmental degradation and improve the livelihood of the 'local communities. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the EMC structure be recognised under the EMCA, 1999 and strengthened through policy and legislative framework to develop local capacity to fully participate in environmental management initiatives.