Browsing by Author "Obade, Paul"

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    Anthropogenic Impacts on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Ombeyi wetland, Kisumu County, Kenya
    (Macrothink Institute, 2019) Odhiambo, Nicodemus Osoro; Obade, Paul; Gathuru, Gladys
    Land use and land cover change as a result of human-induced transitions is a major environmental challenge in Lake Victoria Basin. The study adopted a mixed-method consisting of remote sensing and GIS-based analysis, key informant interviews, and household survey consisting of 384 households to asses Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and associated human-induced transformations in Ombeyi wetland. The study aimed at generating a characterized area estimate of Ombeyi wetlands land use and land cover change schema for the study period (1990-2017), and examining the spatial and temporal characteristics of anthropogenic impacts and their relationship with land use and land cover change in Ombeyi wetland. The gis-based analysis revealed that built-up area/settlements and agricultural lands extensively increased in area at the expense of wetland vegetation. Key informants attributed the changes to population increase (29.2%) and an associated demand for land and natural resources as the major driving forces for the changes. Analysis of household-survey results validated the observed patterns during the remotely sensed data analysis phase of the research, as 90.1% (n=384) of the respondents reported to own land within the wetland through inheritance. 92.2% of the respondents are farmers practicing farming in the wetland with 72.4% of the same respondents attaining primary level education and below. Poverty and education levels were significant factors in influencing unsustainable land use and land cover changes observed in this study. The present state of land cover and its dynamics have had negative impacts on the riparian rural livelihoods and natural resource management.
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    Effects Of Logging On The Diversity Of Tree Species In Kerisoi Natural Forest, Nakuru County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 2020) Joyce, Chelangat Langat; Mburu, Benson K.; Obade, Paul
    Logging is a major human activity that has resulted in deforestation and forest degradation. In Mau Forest, logging has led to reduced diversity of tree species. The present study adopted a combination of line transects and quadrat method to assess the effects of logging on the diversity of tree species in the Kerisoi Forest Reserve, one hundred quadrats measuring10x10m were laid along ten transect lines measuring 500m long. The inter-quadrat spacing was 50m along the transect lines. In each quadrat, tree species were identified and recorded. Photography and observations were also utilized to note various forest disturbances. To obtain the diversity of tree species in the forest, the Shannon-Wiener Index of Diversity was used. Twenty tree species were identified belonging to sixteen families. The most abundant species were Podocarpus latifolia with 77 counts and the least being Cassipourea malosana, Olea capensis, and Teclea simplicifolia with 1 count each. The overall Shannon Wiener diversity index was 1.58. The study concluded that the diversity of the forest was quite low. This could be attributed to human activities such as selective logging in the forest. Measures such as fencing, forest restrictions, and banning all activities in the forest should be put in place to allow forest regeneration.
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    Spatial Patterns of Solar Photovoltaic System Diffusion Kisumu County, Kenya
    (IPRJB, 2023-10) Mwangia, Joyce; Obade, Paul
    Purpose:This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, contributing to the progress outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the commitments of the Paris Climate Agreement. Specifically, thisstudy focuses on the spatial analysis of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, offering valuable insights for academic exploration and informing public policy decisions related to the widespread adoption of this increasingly vital renewable energy technology. Theoutcomes of this project transcend academic significance, extending to practical applications for energy practitioners, policymakers, academics, and future researchers. The meticulous tracking of solar PV system spatial patterns in Kisumu County yields data that not only benefits its residents but also serves as a valuable resource for the entire nation. This information will be instrumental for current energy practitioners, policymakers, academicians, and prospective researchers seeking to advance the collective knowledge in this field.Methodology:The study adopted a Quasi-Experimental research design to explore various social phenomena, aiming to identify key facts. Utilizing statistical evidence, we conducted numerical comparisons and statistical inferences to validate or refute the research questions. Locational information on households utilizing small home systems was extracted from a secondary Solar Database. This data underwent georeferencing, enhancing our comprehension of the actual geographical distribution of households and facilitating the achievement of our research objectives. Inthe process of data analysis, we employed inferential statistics, specifically regression analysis, conducted using ArcGIS PRO powered by ESRI. The utilization of ArcGIS Pro extended to the creation of an empirical model. This model was designed to probe into the factors influencing the observed spatial diffusion patterns, providing a robust analytical framework for our investigation.Findings:In the initial objective, cluster and outlier analysis unveiled a distinct low-high cluster pattern for solar home systems (SHS). The optimized hotspot analysis consistently identified SHShotspots and cold spots within the region, particularly aligning with urban areas, notably Kisumu. The second objective exposed factors influencing diffusion, revealing negative correlations with population density, household density, and poverty rate, indicating diminished adoption in densely populated and impoverished areas. Conversely, positive correlations with income, education, and electrification rates signaled heightened adoption in wealthier, educated communities. Despite consistent diffusion trends, an empirical model underscored the substantial impact of income and electricity on SHS diffusion. The third objective disclosed that between 2016-2021, SHS diffusion contributed to the mitigation of 268,581.6 metric tons of carbon emissions.Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:This research makes a distinctive contribution to theory by delving into the impact of solar home systems (SHS) in Kenya, particularly within the context of the country's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The theoretical foundation lies in addressing the existing gap in understanding the spatial distribution and diffusion patterns of SHS and their role in GHG reduction, aligning with Kenya's focus on renewable energy adoption