DSpace Repository :: Browsing by Author "Muriuki, J."

Browsing by Author "Muriuki, J."

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Boran Pastoral Innovations in Response to Climate Change: a Case of Merti Division, Isiolo County, Kenya
(2014-03-10) Aga, Omar Boru Jillo; Koske, James K.A.; Muriuki, J.
Pastoralism is the main source of livelihood for Boran community inhabiting Northern Kenya. Over time, they have developed coping strategies aimed at rninimising losses from aridity. Although the strategies may have served the community well in the past, they are presently perceived as inadequate in the light of climate change. This study investigated necessary adjustments in the strategies and innovations among the Boran in Merti Division of Isiolo County. Specific objectives were to investigate innovations by Boran pastoralist' in response to climate change, to find out the main drivers of innovation practices and to establish the relationships between herders' innovation practices, climate change and livelihood strategies Qualitative and quantitative approaches were applied. The target population was 400 from which a random sample of 80 herders was drawn. All the 6 local chiefs and 6 community leaders in the area were also interviewed. Data was collected using semi structured questionnaires and key Informant interviews. The resulting data was coded and statistically analyzed using the statistical package for a social scientist (SPSS). Then the results were analysed, discussed and presented in graphs, pie charts and tables. The results showed that there were main drivers of innovations among Boran pastoralists in Merti Division. They include prolonged droughts, conflicts and invasive species which are linked to climatic changes. There were also response strategies which were found to be improvement in their usual drought coping strategies while others are newly emerging strategies. The innovation practices include agreement between herders and ranchers, livelihood diversification, inter-community negotiations, change in mobility, among others. The study established that 53% of the pastoralists were aged over 40 years while 47% were aged below 40 years though there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.092I ). On the period the respondents had worked as pastoralist, the results showed that majority (52%) had worked for more than 9 years while the rest had worked for less than 9 years as pastoralists. Further, the results of the study established that climate change was a key driver of herders led innovation practices. The study established that a unit deterioration of the climate change would lead to an increase in the herders led innovation practices by 4.5 units with this being significant at 5% level of significance (p=O.OOO). On the other hand, livelihood strategies were also to be significantly associated with herder led innovation with a p-value of 0.000. The study concluded that climate change has had an impact on Boran pastoralists' forcing them to improve their existing drought coping mechanisms and adopt newly emerging strategies. Some of the key recommendations are increasing participation of pastoralist in development of pastoral policies, reducing obstacles that hinder pastoral mobility and strengthening of security and peaceful existence in Northern Kenya in order to enhance adaptation to climate change.
Climate Change Awareness in the Public Service Sector: a Study of Six Institutions in Kenya
(2014-03-10) Ruirie, Onesmus Kamiri; Kamau, Peter K.; Muriuki, J.
Climate change is one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. This calls for the adoption of necessary mitigation and adaptation strategies. These strategies include education and public awareness on climate change and its effects. This study assessed the level of climate change awareness among employees of six public sector institutions namely, National Environmental Management Agency, Kenya Meteorological Department, Kenya Electricity Generating Company, Kenya Medical Research Institute and Kenya Agricultural Research Institute. Employees offer non-formal education to the public while providing services and in their social circles. Their awareness is therefore critical. The study also aimed to establish the source of climate information in public sector, whether there are policies on climate change in the public service sector and identify if there are challenges in implementing them. The six public institutions were chosen using purposive sampling due to their roles in climate change. A descriptive survey design was adopted. 20 respondents from each institution were chosen from a sample frame comprising three job categories using simple random sampling techniques. To implement the survey, a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using descriptive and detailed statistics and results presented graphically in charts, graphs and tables. From the findings, the study established that there was general awareness about climate change as 97% respondents stated that they have heard of climate change. The difference in respondents level of being informed on causes, consequences, and ways to curb climate change was statistically significant (F=4.592, df=5 and P Value> 0.05 at 0.0132. Media emerged as the main source of climate change information with television leading at 94%. Media had significant impact on creating awareness (x2=51.425, n=120, df=3, p=O.OOOI).The study established that there are policies on climate change at the workplace as reported by 82% of respondents. 82% of the respondents stated that implementation of these policies is hampered by inadequate funding, lack of coordination among the various climate change stakeholders and low level of public awareness about climate change among others. Majority of employees, 85% said there is need for more information on climate change in the workplace. The study established a strong positive and significant relationship between climate change awareness (r = 0.698, P< 0.05 at 0.01) on one hand and policies and source of information on the other hand (r=0.547, P Value of 0.02 at 95% precision level). The study also established a strong positive correlation between mitigation and adaptation and climate change awareness (r =0.698 and a significance level of 0.006, P< 0.005).The study concluded that it is important to enhance awareness among the employees to make them better understand climate change science, especially the support staff. The study recommended enhancement of awareness through seminars, workshops, brochures and memos in the workplace.
Dissemination of Integrated Soil Fertility Management Technologies Using Participatory Approaches in the Central Highlands of Kenya
(Springer Netherlands, 2011) Mugendi, D.N.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Karega, R.; Muriuki, J.; Vanlauwe, B.; Merckx, R.
Declining soil fertility and productivity is a critical problem facing smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Kenya. A study to improve soil fertility and farm productivity within the smallholder farming systems in the area was carried out from 2003 to 2006. The specific objectives were to identify farming system constraints, evaluate and disseminate potential integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) interventions using participatory approaches, assess achievements and impacts, and document learning experiences emanating from the methodologies used. The participatory approaches used were Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), mother–baby approach (with emphasis on demonstration), farmer groups, stakeholders planning meetings, village training workshops, cross-site visits and participatory monitoring and evaluation. The core problems identified were low crop and fodder yields that were caused by erratic rainfall, soil erosion, low soil fertility and small land sizes. There was high participation of farmers in all the partnership activities, and this possibly contributed to the high uptake of the technologies for testing by farmers whereby after only 2 years a total of 970 households were testing the new technologies. Maize yields at the farm level increased by more than 150% following use of the new ISFM interventions and about half of the farmers within the groups planted close to 500 trees propagated in the group nurseries. We recommend that pathways to reach more farmers should concentrate on demonstrations, farmer training grounds, field days and farmer groups and that a policy framework should be put in place to impart appropriate skills in ISFM to the extension workers.
Economic returns of organic and mineral fertilizer inputs for soil nutrient replenishment in Meru South district, central Kenya.
(Kenya Forestry Research Institute, 2009) Mugwe, J. N.; Muriuki, J.; Mugendi, D.N.; Kung'u, J.B.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Merckx, R.
Farmers in the central highlands of Kenya are experiencing low land productivity due to declining soil fertility. On-farm trials were established at two sites in Meru South district, Kenya in 2004 to evaluate economics of using organic and mineral fertilizer inputs to replenish soil fertility. Net benefit, benefit to cost ratio and return to labor were used as the main economic tools. Relationship between ranking of the inputs based on the number of farmers choosing them and ranking based on calculated economic returns was determined using Spearman correlation. In Mukuuni site, net benefits for the two seasons were highest for tithonia plus fertilizer (USD420.9 ha-1), tithonia (USD410.5 ha-1) and tithonia plus manure (USD393.2 ha-1). Similarly in Murugi, net benefits were highest for tithonia plus fertilizer (USD337.9 ha-1), tithonia plus manure (USD314.5 ha-1) and tithonia (USD294.5 ha-1). Returns to labor were highest for fertilizer, manure and tithonia in Mukuuni while in Murugi, fertilizer, tithonia plus fertilizer and tithonia had the highest returns to labor. Majority of the farmers chose technologies combining organic and mineral fertilizer for further trial with 70.5% in Mukuuni and 54.1% in Murugi. Manure and tithonia were the preferred organic inputs possibly due to multiple benefits perceived, though labor requirements were high. There was a positive correlation between ranking of the inputs based on the number of farmers choosing them and ranking based on calculated economic returns. This suggests that economic returns could be used to predict choice of technologies for adoption by farmers.
Enhancing adaptation to climate variability in the East African highlands: a case for fostering collective action among smallholder farmers in Kenya and Uganda
(Taylor & Francis, 2016) Ombogoh, D.B.; Tanui, J.; McMullin, S.; Muriuki, J.; Mowo, J.
There is an increasing recognition of the role of climate change adaptation among smallholder farmers in rain-fed agriculture in Africa. Collective action among smallholder farmers has been suggested as influencing local adaptation processes hence the need to evaluate its impact in different contexts. This paper provides evidence of collective action in enhancing local adaptation to climate variability. It determines the importance of different forms of collective action for enhancing adaptation. Through simple random sampling, a survey of 240 households in Embu County in Kenya and 200 households from Kapchorwa district of Uganda was undertaken. Focus-group discussions involving farmer groups and local government representatives were performed to triangulate information collected through the surveys. The results show a positive relationship between membership in farmer groups and adaptation to climate variability in both sites. Four main components of collective action were identified in Embu and these included the development of internal group capacities, assets mobilization and management, collective marketing, and management of human and natural capital. In Kapchorwa, the development of internal group capacities, risk spreading, and financial resources were significant. We argue that local-level governance and institutional arrangements for collective action are critical for successful adaptation to climate variability.
HIV Type 1 Gag genetic Diversity among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in North Rift Valley, Kenya
(PubMed, 2012) Gicheru, M. M.; Nyagaka, B.; Kiptoo, M. K.; Lihana, R. W.; Khamadi, S. A.; Makokha, E. P.; Kinyua, J. G.; Mwangi, J.; Osman, S.; Lagat, N. J.; Muriuki, J.; Okoth, V.; Ng'ang'a, Z.; Songok, E. M.
HIV genetic recombination and high mutation rate increase diversity allowing it to escape from host immune response or antiretroviral drugs. This diversity has enabled specific viral subtypes to be predominant in specific regions. To determine HIV-1 subtypes among seropositive antenatal clinic attendees in Kenya's North Rift Valley, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 116 HIV-1-positive blood samples. Proviral DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by DNAzol lysis and ethanol precipitation. Polymerase chain reactions using specific primers for HIV-1 gag and population sequencing on resulting amplicons were carried out. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 81 (70%) were subtype A1, 13 (11%) subtype D, 8 (7%) subtype C, 3 (3%) subtype A2, 1 (1%) subtype G, and 10 showed possible recombinants: 5 (4%) subtype A1D, 4 (3%) subtype A1C, and 1 (1%) subtype A2C. These data support the need to establish circulating subtypes for better evaluation of effective HIV diagnostic and treatment options in Kenya.
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 Muringo
Conservation 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.
Livelihood Vulnerability of the Gabra Agropastoralists to Climate Variability and Change in Marsabit County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2024) Mamo, B.M; Ndunda, E; Muriuki, J.
The livelihoods of pastoralist communities in Kenya are largely climate sensitive due to their dependence on natural resources. This is despite their minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. This study aimed to assess the livelihood vulnerability of pastoralists who mainly depend on livestock, crops and natural resources to climate variability and variability. This study adopted survey design whereby semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 398 randomly selected pastoralists from the Gabra community in North Horr, Moyale, North Marsabit, Sololo, Loiyangalani, Marsabit Central, Marsabit South sub-Counties of Marsabit County. In order to assess the degree of livelihood vulnerability between the different sub-counties, the study used livelihood vulnerability index. This study used focus group discussions to substantiate study results. According to the results, Gabra communities are highly vulnerable to climate change and vulnerability: Moyale (0.317), Loiyangalani (0.282), Marsabit South (0.168), Marsabit Central (0.247), Marsabit North (0.337), Sololo (0.246) and, North Horr (0.337). similar results were obtained using livelihood vulnerability index-intergovernmental panel on climate change: Moyale (0.063), Loiyangalani (0.065), Marsabit South (0.078), Marsabit Central (0.032), Marsabit North (0.076), Sololo (0.094) and, North Horr (0.076). The high sensitivity scores for all the sub-counties may be attributed to limited access to potable water in the study area. Strategies that minimize households’ degree of sensitivity and enhance their adaptive capacity should be promoted. There is need to seek increased adoption of climate-smart technologies by the Gabra community. Household income can also be diversified establishment of alternative livelihoods.
The policy environment of conservation agriculture with trees (CAWT) in Eastern Kenya: Do small scale farmers benefit from existing policy incentives?
(African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2013-06) Ng’endo, M.; Catacutan, D.; Kung'u, J.B.; Muriuki, J.; Kariuki, J.; Mowo, J.
Conservation agriculture with trees (CAWT) is an approach that combines conservation agriculture (CA) practices with those of agroforestry. One of the knowledge gaps that must be addressed to fully exploit the potential of CAWT pertains to policies favouring or discouraging its adoption among small scale farmers. The study hypothesized that disincentives exist more than incentives in existing policies for the promotion of CAWT among small scale farmers in Kenya. We identified policy incentives and disincentives promoting or hindering large scale adoption of CAWT among small-scale farmers in Kenya by reviewing six agricultural policies related to CAWT. In addition, 26 national level government officials and technical people were interviewed and 120 small-scale farmers were surveyed in Kibwezi and Meru Countries in Eastern Kenya. We found that policy compliance by farmers was influenced by direct personal benefits derived from adopting the policies rather than the external motivations that policy incentives provide. Furthermore, policies are often poorly implemented or not exclusively targeted to small scale farmers. Farmers believe that ‘indirect enabling incentives’ such as provision of improved extension services, security of land tenure and market development could offer the best motivation for them to adopt CAWT.
Soil fertility management using organic and inorganic inputs in the central highlands of Kenya
(2008-11) Mugwe, J. N.; Mugendi, D.N.; Mucheru-Muna, M.; Merckx, R.; Vanlauwe, B.; Karega, R.; Muriuki, J.
An integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) initiative was started in the central highlands of Kenya in 2003 with an objective to introduce, evaluate and promote adoption of ISFM technologies with farmers’ participation. Participatory approaches were used to test and disseminate the use of organic and inorganic inputs during the period 2003 to 2005. This study was carried out to assess farmer attendance in project activities, testing levels of the various inputs, maize yield response to soil fertility inputs and farmers experiences as they tested the inputs. Data on participation were collected from secondary data while on-farm trials, a household survey and focused group discussions were used in collection of primary data. Results showed that more males than females participated in most meetings but the participation of women was encouraging and improved with time. An integration of organic and inorganic inputs was tested by most farmers. However farmers also had their own modifications that combined different kinds of organic materials. Use of the inputs increased maize yields at the farm level by more than 150% above the control. When the inputs were ranked by farmers, in terms of overall benefits, gender differences were observed with female farmers preferring materials that would be within their reach such as calliandra, while male farmers preferred fertilizer possibly because they could afford to purchase it. This study has demonstrated that the use of organic materials by farmers (calliandra, leuceana, tithonia and manure) combined with inorganic fertilizer has potential to address the low soil fertility problem in farmers fields and raise yields. There is a clear need of strategies and policy that address gender disparities in adoption of soil improvement technologies.
Using APSIM-model as a decision-support-tool for long-term integrated-nitrogen-management and maize productivity under semi-arid conditions in Kenya
(Cambridge University Press, 2015) Mucheru-Muna, M.; Ngetich, K. F.; Mugwe, J. N.; Mugendi, D.N.; Mairura, F.; Muriuki, J.
There is continued decline in per capita agricultural productivity in the drier parts of Kenya’s central highlands. The declines have been linked to low and declining soil fertility, soil water, high atmospheric heat, prolonged dry-spells and erratic rainfall. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies have been developed and tested in the region. Despite their significant impacts, high variability in local soils and climate contributes to large variations and inconsistency in research results among replications. Experimentation is expensive and limited to a few years, sites and scenarios. Crop-growth simulation models suitably complement experimental research, to support decision making regarding soil fertility and water management. This study evaluated the performance of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) model. APSIM was parameterized and calibrated based on a rain-fed randomized complete block trial (2009–2012) at a research station in Machang’a, Embu County. The study further reported on long-term effects of integrated Nitrogen (N) management from organic residues (goat manure, Lantana camara, Tithonia diversifolia and Mucuna pruriens) and their combination with mineral fertilizers in maize production. The model adequately reproduced the observed trends of maize leaf area index (LAI) and yield response to the test N amendments. Long-term simulations showed that application of 0, 20 and 40 Kg N ha−1 had low inter-seasonal variations (CV = 18–33%) in yields. High yield variability (CV > 56%) was observed in the application of 60 and 80 Kg N ha−1. Application of 40 Kg N ha−1 by combining mineral fertilizer and manure showed 80% chance of harvesting more than 2.5 Mg ha−1 of maize grain yield. Maize stover mulching at 5 and 6 Mg ha−1 with the same N application increased long-term guaranteed grain harvests to 3.5 Mg ha−1. This is when complemented with 90 Kg P ha−1. This integrated N and soil water management is thus recommended. For subsistence farming, low-cost recommendations are geared towards some ‘guaranteed’ yield stability each cropping season. This recommendation underpins low-cost technologies that reduce production risks among small-holder farmers who faced with intermittent financial problems, to improve food security. However, there is need to evaluate and verify that there is a positive balance of primary nutrients such as N, P and K in such a fertility and water management option. Its effects on C:N levels ought to be evaluated as well.

Browsing by Author "Muriuki, J."

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