Browsing by Author "Wemali, Evelyn"

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    Assessing the Uptake of Modern Kiln Technology in Mutomo, Kitui County, Kenya
    (Finlogy, 2017) Kioli, John; Wemali, Evelyn; Ngare, Innocent
    The demand for energy on developing nations has increased in the past three decades propelled by population growth. This has led to more biomass energy consumption and use in the households. For this study, we assess factors that will propagate better uptake of modern kilns that are environmental friendly and minimal on waste of wood fuel for the production of charcoal in Mutomo. Methodology of the study employed the following sampling techniques: random sampling; stratified sampling and purposive sampling during the survey. The sample size was 255. The methods of data collection used were observation and questionnaires. Both qualitative and quantitative data was obtained. Qualitative data was analysed through content and thematic analysis where the information received from the respondents were captured as were stated. The discussed findings also indicate the perceptions towards the uptake of modern charcoal producing kilns. Further, we analyze challenges of transitioning from traditional earth kilns to modern technology kilns. We conclude that, equitable use of environmental resources depend on better technologies that facilitate sustainability. Therefore the efficiency and economical characteristics of modern kilns play an important role in their adoption because they help in getting high quality charcoal such that the traders are able to get maximum returns. For the socioeconomic wellbeing of charcoal producers, modern kilns are economical and profit generating thus maintaining the forest cover unlike tradition kilns that degrades it. The formation of charcoal processing associations is the main way of encouraging the use of modern charcoal burning kilns other than the sensitization of the public on the benefits of the use of modern charcoal burning kilns.
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    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, Evelyn
    The 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.