RP-Department of Environmental Planning and Management

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Adaptations of Environmental Sound Practices for Industrial Parks in Kenya: Lessons from the Magana Industrial Park, Kenya
(Academia.edu, 2013) Maina, L.; Kirui, A.; Karagu, N. M.
The effects of poor natural resource management are being demonstrated dramatically in many developing countries like Kenya. Inappropriate agricultural practices in high and medium potential areas have accelerated deforestation and soil erosion. The intense farming in such areas has involved heavy use of agro-chemicals, which has resulted in the pollution of rivers, lakes and other wetlands. Magana Holdings Limited considered the nucleus of Magana Industrial Park was established in 1994 by the proprietor in the twin response to his entrepreneurial instinct and implicitly to the government policy for stimulating development in rural areas through the implementation of an industrialization strategy. Often striking a balance between production and ecological integrity around such agro-enterprises is complex. The study investigated the environmental best practices being implemented by Magana Holdings Limited within its flagship floricultural business with a view to learning replicable lessons. It is apparent that Magana Floricutural Enterprises adheres to a raft of positive environmental practices including integrated pest management, safe use and storage of agrochemicals, water conservation through recycling programmes, green manure preparation and application among others. The continuous surveillance of environmental conditions and strict adherence to both national and international standards has had a positive effect on the local environmental outlook.
Analysis of the Relationship between Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation and Built-Up Indices in Upper-Hill, Nairobi
(Scientific Research Publishing, 2018) Mwangi, Patricia Wanjiku; Karanja, Faith Njoki; Kamau, Peter Kariuki
Designing “liveable” cities as climate change effects are felt all over the world has become a priority to city authorities as ways are sought to reduce rising temperatures in urban areas. Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect occurs when there is a difference in temperature between rural and urban areas. In urban areas, impervious surfaces absorb heat during the day and release it at night, making urban areas warmer compared to rural areas which cool faster at night. This Urban Heat Island effect is particularly noticeable at night. Noticeable negative effects of Urban Heat Islands include health problems, air pollution, water shortages and higher energy requirements. The main objective of this research paper was to analyze the spatial and temporal relationship between Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Density Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Built-Up Density Index (BDI ) in Upper-Hill, Nairobi Kenya. The changes in land cover would be represented by analyzing the two indices NDVI and BDI . Results showed the greatest increase in temperature within Upper-Hill of up to 3.96˚C between the years 2015 and 2017. There was also an increase in impervious surfaces as indicated by NDVI and BDI within Upper-Hill and its surroundings. The linear regression results showed a negative correlation between LST and NDVI and a positive correlation with BDI , which is a better predictor of Land Surface Temperature than NDVI . Data sets were analyzed from Landsat imagery for the periods 1987, 2002, 2015 and 2017 to determine changes in land surface temperatures over a 30 year period and it’s relation to land cover changes using indices. Visual comparisons between Temperature differences between the years revealed that temperatures decreased around the urban areas. Minimum and maximum temperatures showed an increase of 1.6˚C and 3.65˚C respectively between 1987 and 2017. The comparisons between LST, NDVI and BDI show the results to be significantly different. The use of NDVI and BDI to study changes in land cover due to urbanization, reduces the time taken to manually classify moderate resolution satellite imagery.
Application of GIS and remote sensing techniques in frost risk mapping for mitigating agricultural losses in the Aberdare ecosystem, Kenya
(Taylor & Francis, 2014-10-30) Onywere, S. M.; Kotikot, Susan Malaso
Frost is a perennial agricultural hazard that normally causes crop damage leading to huge agricultural losses within the Kenyan highlands; aggravated by inadequate information on frost. This research mapped frost hotspots within the Aberdare and Mount Kenya regions and identified the extent of arable land under frost risk while establishing the trend of minimum temperature occurrences between the years 2000 and 2013. Minimum temperature values were extracted from daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer land surface temperature data-sets, and frost risk categorized into very severe frost (<250 K), severe frost (250–260 K), moderate frost (260–270 K), minor frost (270–280 K) and areas of no frost. Concentration of frost (<273 K) was mapped within regions above 1500 m asl and occasional occurrences within valleys lower than this altitude with recurrent occurrences in the months of April, May, July, August and November. Elevation, land surface convexity and humidity were found to influence frost occurrence. Improved agricultural practice to mitigate against losses is recommended.
Application of GIS and remote sensing to frost risk mapping for improved agricultural productivity in the Aberdare region, kenya
(2014-05-02) Kotikot, Susan Malaso; Onywere, S. M.
Frost is a perennial agricultural hazard within the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya regions that normally causes crop damage leading to huge agricultural losses. This is aggravated by inadequate information on frost risk to cushion investors and farmers against losses. This research maps frost hotspots within the Aberdare and Mt. Kenya regions, while identifying the extent of arable land at risk of frost damage so as to establish the implication of frost occurrence on food security and economic growth. It also establishes the trend of minimum temperature occurrences between the years 2000 to 2013 in order to identify any existing patterns in frost occurrences. Minimum temperature values were extracted from monthly MODIS LST datasets using ENVI 4.7 software and frost risk categorized into very severe frost (<250K), severe frost (250-260K), moderate frost (260-270K), minor frost pockets (270-280K) and areas of no frost (>280K) using ENVI 4.7 decision tree classifiers. Frost was found to concentrate around the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya regions with temperatures below 270K concentrating in regions above 1500m asl. Elevation, land surface convexity as well as high rainfall are some of the factors that were found to influence its occurrence. Time series analysis of minimum monthly temperatures extracted from MODIS LST data in ArcGIS showed recurrent patterns of minimum temperature occurrences in the months of April, May, July, August and November. The study proposes adoption of resilient crop cultivars, use of manual protective measures such as sprinkler irrigation, artificial wind breeze induction and use of green houses, crop rotation based on growth durations as well as planting site selection based on crop susceptibility as well as land surface curvature in order to mitigate the losses and ensure maximum crop production.
Application of indigenous knowledge systems in wildlife management: a case study of the Samburu pastoral community in Kenya
(2016-02) Ocholla, G. O.; Mireri, C.; Muoria, P. K.
The value of knowledge-practice-belief complex of the indigenous people relating to conservation of wildlife is seldom recognized in research. In the African context, indigenous knowledge has long been overshadowed and thus ignored by western conservation knowledge. Consequently, much of this knowledge is fast disappearing in application to wildlife diversity conservation. This study was conducted to elucidate how the Samburu traditional knowledge is relevant in the conservation and management of wildlife species. The survey was conducted among three communities in the Wamba Division of Samburu East District. For the study, stratified random sampling was used to draw 72 households from three conservation areas. Key Informant Interviews and Focused Group Discussions were also conducted to consolidate information from interviews. The study identified several indigenous benefits that the community derives from different wildlife species. The benefits include nutritional values, ceremonial wears and traditional uses of wildlife body part, medicinal and aesthetic values. The study concluded that there exist several facets of indigenous knowledge among Samburu community that supports their harmonious living with wildlife. This knowledge can be an important tool in biodiversity conservation in the area.
Application of life cycle management in transforming building industry in Nigeria: possibilities and realities
(2015-01) Usman, N. D.; Kamau, P. K.; Mireri, C.
The building industry is a key player in the transformation of socio-economic development globally. It creates employment and provides shelter and other infrastructural developments. However, issues of quality cost and time overrun are contending factors that leads to building failures, poor infrastructural developments, and insufficient service delivery amongst others. The aim of this study is examine the application ofLife Cycle Management (LCM) in transforming building industry in Nigeria. This can be achieved by investigating the factors influencing LCM in project delivery in the building industry in Nigeria. Data were collected from a population of 350 Architects, 352 Builders, 354 Engineers, 354 Quantity Surveyors, 350 Urban and Regional Planners and 350 Contractors. From each of these populations, a stratified random sampling of 10% was obtained and a formula was used to provide a sample of n = 210. Data was collected by use of standardized questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistic was used to analyse the data and in establishing whether there is a statistical significant difference between LCM adoption and how it can influence project performance in transforming the building industry in Nigeria. Chi-Square statistics was used to test for significance difference between LCM and the factors influencing project delivery at 95% confidence level. The results indicated a significant difference meaning that the higher the LCM the adoption, the better the project performance in the building industry in Nigeria. Hence, the possibilities and realities of the state of construction in Nigeria, LCM if fully adopted; can transform the building industry in terms of best practices and better project performance.
Assessing the Challenge of Settlement in Budalangi and Yala Swamp Area in Western Kenya Using Landsat Satellite Imagery
(Bentham Science, 2011) Onywere, S. M.; Getenga, Zachary M.; Mwakalila, Shadrack S.; Twesigye, Charles K.; Nakiranda, Josephine K.
The Budalangi area of Kenya exhibits high levels of rural poverty despite its natural resources potential and favourable climate. The area was mapped using multi-temporal remote sensing image data from 1973 to 2009 and participatory data collection. Floods are a recurrent environmental hazard and impede access to environmental resources and agricultural production. The physical setting of Budalangi at the floodplain of Nzoia River and increased runoff from degraded catchments are contributory factors to the flooding. Floods lead to disruption of human settlements and destruction of crops, shelter, dykes and infrastructural facilities. Disease outbreaks also increase due to destruction of sanitation facilities and relocation of settlements in makeshift camps. This implies that the policy measures that have been instituted by the government to mitigate the problem have had dismal impact in the Budalangi and Yala Swamp area. The degradation of the catchment is reflected in its sediment loading and deposition into Lake Victoria which has seen the morphology of the coastline at the mouth of Nzoia River and the aerial coverage by water in the lake change over the years. The overall loss in the area under Yala Swamp is 54 Km􀀁 from 186 Km􀀁 in 1973 to 132 Km􀀁 in 2009. The encroachment has significant implication on the wellbeing of the Yala Swamp and the Nzoia Floodplain ecosystem. The study therefore underscores the need to evolve an integrated watershed management plan for effective management of Budalangi and Yala Swamp area and the region in general.
Assessment of the appropriateness and adequacy of the existing physical infrastructure in mitigating aviation risks at Wilson Airport, Kenya
(2016) Kanyi, Paul Muthee; Kamau, P.K.; Mireri, C.
The aviation sector is one of the most important sectors for any country especially its ability to promote interconnectedness within countries as well as between countries. However, the sector faces many risks caused by various emergencies and accidents associated with the sector, and much so in the precincts of airports. The impact of these accidents causes monumental social, economic and environmental consequences to victims. The exponential growth of the sector in the country calls for special attention by relevant stakeholders to devise strategies to address disaster preparedness issues. This is especially due to the fact that the country has already experienced a number of aviation disasters and mishaps related to the industry. Consequently, this study sought to assess the appropriateness and adequacy of the existing physical infrastructure in mitigating aviation risks in the airport. This study was carried out at Wilson airport located in Nairobi West. The qualitative design was applied in this study to analyze and describe the effects of land use changes on airport and flight safety in a rapidly growing aviation sector. The target population for the study comprised of 50 aviation regulators, 50 air operators, 100 service providers and communities living around the Airport. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guide and Focused Group Discussions while Secondary data were collected from written or published records and maps from the Kenya National Bureau of statistics. Quantitative data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study found that 62% of the respondents indicated that Wilson Airport does not have the capacity in terms of space and facilities and that 75% of the respondents indicated Air field capacity was inadequate. The study also found that 63.2% of the respondents indicated thatAirport Visual Aids (such as pavement markings) were inadequate, 57.9% of the respondents indicated Airport Lighting was inadequate, 40.4% of the respondents indicated that runway orientation, length, width, and pavement strength were inadequate and 30 (56%) indicated that taxi ways were inadequate. The results for correlation analysis showed that there is a positive correlation between the disaster preparedness and appropriateness and adequacy of the existing infrastructure with a Pearson‟s Correlation Coefficient of r = 0.769 and a level of significance of 0.000 meaning that is it statistically significant
Assessment Of The Security Preparedness and adherence to International Civil Aviation Standards at Wilson Airport, Kenya
(2016) Kanyi, Paul Muthee; Kamau, P.K.; Mireri, C.
The aviation sector is one of the most important sectors for any country especially its ability to promote interconnectedness within countries as well as between countries. However, the sector faces many risks caused by various emergencies and accidents associated with the sector, and much so in the precincts of airports. The impact of these accidents causes monumental social, economic and environmental consequences to victims. The exponential growth of the sector in the country calls for special attention by relevant stakeholders to devise strategies to address disaster preparedness issues. This is especially due to the fact that the country has already experienced a number of aviation disasters and mishaps related to the industry. Consequently, this study sought to assess the security preparedness and adherence to international civil aviation (ICAO) standards at Wilson airport. This study was carried out at Wilson airport located in Nairobi West. The qualitative design was applied in this study to analyze and describe the effects of land use changes on airport and flight safety in a rapidly growing aviation sector. A total of respondents 216 respondents were targeted by the study (including 150 members of the community, 30 aviation regulators, 30 air operators and 6 service providers) out of which 195 responded (including 132 members of the community, 28 aviation regulators, 29 air operators and 6 service provider) giving a response rate of 90%. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guide and Focused Group Discussions while Secondary data were collected from written or published records and maps from the Kenya National Bureau of statistics. Quantitative data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. On the general security of Wilson airport, the study found that 22 (38.6%) of the respondents indicated that the Wilson Airport is not safe.Regarding the safety and security of Wilson Airport, the study found out that 37 (64.9%) of the respondents disagreed that the entry gates at the airport are under tight security control, 36 (63.2%) of the respondents disagreed that the entry into airport buildings are under tight security control and25 (43.9%) of the respondents disagreed that the security personnel at the airport are well trained. Regarding adherence to ICAO standards, it was found that protection of security areas from unauthorized access, the use of signs providing a deterrent by warning of facility boundaries as well notifying of the consequences for violation and identification systems for employees or authorized tenant access to various areas of the airport was done to a small extent
Assessment of the socioeconomic and environmental considerations in designing disaster risk preparedness measures at Wilson Airport, Kenya
(2016) Kanyi, Paul Muthee
The aviation sector is one of the most important sectors for any country especially its ability to promote interconnectedness within countries as well as between countries. However, the sector faces many risks caused by various emergencies and accidents associated with the sector, and much so in the precincts of airports. The impact of these accidents causes monumental social, economic and environmental consequences to victims. The exponential growth of the sector in the country calls for special attention by relevant stakeholders to devise strategies to address disaster preparedness issues. This is especially due to the fact that the country has already experienced a number of aviation disasters and mishaps related to the industry. Consequently, this study sought to assess the appropriateness and adequacy of the existing physical infrastructure in mitigating aviation risks in the airport. This study was carried out at Wilson airport located in Nairobi West. The qualitative design was applied in this study to analyze and describe the effects of land use changes on airport and flight safety in a rapidly growing aviation sector. The target population for the study comprised of 50 aviation regulators, 50 air operators, 100 service providers and communities living around the Airport. Primary data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview guide and Focused Group Discussions while Secondary data were collected from written or published records and maps from the Kenya National Bureau of statistics. Quantitative data was analysed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study found that 37 (65%) of respondents indicated that the location of Wilson Airport is a threat, while 20 (35%) of the respondents indicated that the location of Wilson Airport is not a threat to the security and safety of the airport. Regarding the effect of environmental factors on the safety of Wilson Airport, the study found that 51 (89.5%) of respondents indicated that the location of the airport near tourist attraction sites such as Uhuru Gardens negatively affects the safety and security of the airport to a very large extent. Other environmental factors included: the presence of tall structures, visual obstructions, and land uses that attract wildlife in or near the runway approach and departure areas. Thus, socio-economic and environmental consideration is a determinant of disaster risk preparedness at Wilson Airport
Assessment of Traditional Methods Used by the Samburu Pastoral Community in Human Wildlife Conflict Management
(Center for Promoting Ideas, USA, 2013-06) Ocholla, G. O.; Koske, James K.A.; Asoka, Gilbert W.; Bunyasi, M. M.; Pacha, Ongere; Omondi, S. H.; Mireri, C.
Pastoralists and agro-pastoralists living in rangeland areas of Kenya are often on the receiving end from consequences of wildlife interference. Populations of large mammals roam freely in These rangelands. This study was conducted to assess various approaches used by Samburu indigenous pastoral community to manage the human wildlife conflicts in Wamba Division of Samburu East District. The three conservation areas in the Division were taken to form the strata from which72 respondents were subsequently selected and interviewed. Key Informant Interviews and Focused Group Discussions were also conducted to verify information from interviews. Findings indicate that the major causes of human wildlife conflicts in the area include destruction of crops, livestock predation, competition for grazing and water, increased risk of livestock diseases and direct threats to human life. To mitigate these problems, the Samburu community has adopted: intensified human vigilance,use of guard animals, fencing , use of deterrents and hunting down the problematic wild animals
Availability and Accessibility of Toilet Facilities among Low-Income Households in Selected Settlements of Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
(IWA Publishing, 2023) Kipkoech, Rogers; Takase, Mohammed; Aliyu, Aminu; Kibet, Joy; Mugah, Faith
Cape Coast Metropolis faces a serious lack of adequate toilet facilities among the low-income households, leading to poor sanitation, health, and environmental degradation. The research explored and provided valuable data on the availability and accessibility of toilet facilities among low-income households. Using a simple random sampling technique,100 closed-ended questionnaires were equally administered to respondents in four Cape Coast Metropolis communities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the types of toilet facilities available, identify the accessibility of toilet facilities, and ascertain challenges in providing toilet facilities. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between income source and toilet facilities in the households. All statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. The findings were presented in form of tables and figures. The results reveal a significant lack of toilet facilities among the residents. Regarding the level of accessibility, most adults (79%) and children (72%) used household toilet facilities for defecation, while 14% of adults and 16% of children in the household were using toilet facilities outside the household. Open defecation near the house was more prevalent among the children (11%) than adults (6%) which shows unwillingness by most families to invest in improve toilet facilities.
Challenges Facing the Conservation of Lake Naivasha, Kenya
(FWU Water Resources Publications, 2005) Mireri, C.
This paper shows that sustainability of Lake Naivasha is threatened by the land use transformation in the watershed. Lake Naivasha is the only freshwater lake in the Kenyan Rift Valley. The basin extends 60 North from the equator and lies between 36007’ and 36047’ east of Greenwich Meridian. It is a shallow lake located at an altitude of about 1885m above sea level. Its watershed measures approximately 3400km2. The population in the area surrounding the lake has rapidly grown from 43,867 in 1969 to the current figure of about 250,000. The lake is located in a semi-arid environment and it is drained by only two perennial rivers - Malewaand Gilgil. Lake Naivasha area plays a very important role in national development. The area contributes to about 70% of Kenyan flower export, 15% of Kenyan electric power and is home to attractive tourist sites. Since independence in 1963 the area has witnessed rapid land use transformation from commercial ranching to a mixture of commercial ranching and rapidly growing smallholder (rural and urban) settlements. As a result the area has witnessed a high increase in demand for the hitherto scarce environmental resources and services (for example water, sanitation and forestry) leading to unsustainable utilisation of the lake. Although water is abstracted from both, the lake and underground sources, there is no metering. Sustainable management initiatives of the lake should focus on: institutional framework and human resources; monitoring of the abstraction of water resources; waste management, physical infrastructure; soil and forestry conservation and farming technologies.
Change order management factors in building projects in Northern Nigeria
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2015-12-15) Kolawole, A. R; Kamau, K. P; Munala, G.
A change is an amendment or addition with respect to the original plans, specification or other contract documents and vital factor in construction project management. A change order is an instruction from an employer approving a change. Construction projects in Nigeria have suffered deleteriously as a consequence of extensive change orders, which has manifested in cost and time overruns, disputes, arbitration, litigation and even the abandonment of projects and this negatively impacts on the efficiency of the Nigerian construction industry.This paper explore the extent change order management strategies correlate with overall building project in Nigeria. Thirty strategies for managing change order were identified through intensive literature search. Twenty -one factors peculiar to the Nigerian construction industry were used to develop a questionnaire. A total of 323 questionnaires were administered through stratified random sampling to respondents in the cities of Abuja, Kano and Bauchi. The study targeted construction Consultants namely Architects, Quantity Surveyors Building Engineers, Service Engineer (Electrical & Mechanical), Contractor and Building owners in three sub-study cities. The study recorded an overall response rate of 80.8 %. Using SPSS version 22, the questionnaire was subjected to reliability test. Statistical analysis was used using average index; spearman correlation coefficient; factor analysis and multiple regression were used to analysis data from survey questionnaire. The study reveal that change orders are better manage at the design stage and that clear and thorough project brief, better initial planning and thorough detailing of design are the three topmost management strategies. The study established that overall project success is impacted by change order management with a R2 of 0.252, meaning that change order management at the design stage accounts for 25.2% of the variation in building project outcomes. The Spearman's (rho) also show strong agreement among respondents. The study concluded that proper adoption and use of project implementation phase principles by project sponsor, increased effort at the design stage of projects by project participant and allocation of adequate resources to project requirement will help minimize change orders in project delivery in Northern Nigeria.
Change order management in Nigeria: The current Context
(Journal of Management Research, 2015-10-30) Kolawole, A. R; Kamau, K. P; Munala, G.
In order to curb the negative impact of changes on a project, it is crucial to implement change management. This study investigated the current practice of managing change order in the Nigerian Construction Industry. A wide-ranging literature review and questionnaire survey was conducted to gain in-depth understanding of change management. Stratified random sampling was used to sample 240 respondents (including architects, quantity surveyors, building engineers and building service engineers. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data analysis. The analysis results established that change management application is at 15 % in Nigeria which is relatively low. Contentment with outdated methods of construction and high application cost, as well as lack of knowledge was the major drawbacks to change management. Respondent perceived benefit included faster response to change order; reduce time and human resource use. Completion schedule delay; bureaucracy-based client management, and poor coordination and documentation were the three major problems associated with construction industry practice presently. The paper concludes that based on perceived benefits attributed to change management, it is important that professional institutions encourage the adoption of change management through organised workshops and training.
Change order process model for the Nigerian construction Industry
(Journal Of International Academic Research For Multidisciplinary, 2016-02) Kolawole, A. R; Kamau, P. K; Munala, G
If building working drawings were perfect and unambiguous, late changes that often take place during construction and habitually causing grave disruption to the project will minimise. Identifying changes and anticipating their penalty can help project teams allay these negative impacts. As a result, a change process model has been proposed to improve this modus operandi, the existence of such process is imperative in order to accomplish the contractual responsibility of cost, time and quality. The methodology involved extensive literature review of existing change order management model. The paper assess how the existing contract provision for change management combined with the utilization of BIM can reduce the impact of changes and manage change from project initiation to project closure. The paper concludes that there isn’t a specific change management procedure obtainable in the Nigerian construction industry; therefore diligently following the steps laid down in each stage of the model will help mitigate the negative impact of change orders.
Characterizing Rural Households’ Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change and Extremes in Migori River Watershed, Kenya
(Informa UK Limited, 2023) Opiyo, Stephen Balaka; Letema, Sammy; Opinde, Godwin
Sub-Saharan Africa, of which Kenya is part, is considered the most vulnerable region to climate change impacts due to its dependence on rain-fed agriculture and natural resources. Since the rural livelihood systems in Kenya are expected to bear some of the worst effects of climate change, it is imperative to assess rural households’ vulnerability to climate change impacts to facilitate the development of adaptation strategies. Therefore, this paper determines the level and sources of households’ livelihood vulnerability to climate variability in the Migori River watershed, Kenya. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) framed within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) vulnerability framework (LVI-IPCC) was applied. A cross-sectional household survey conducted on 318 randomly selected households was used to assess how vulnerability differs across three watershed zones, upstream, midstream, and downstream. The LVI-IPCC scores were −0.047, −0.003, and 0.008 for the upstream, midstream, and downstream zones, respectively, with significant differences noted in the scores (ANOVA, p < 0.05). Findings indicate that while the livelihoods in all three zones showed moderate vulnerability to environmental and socio-economic stressors, there are notable variations between them. The downstream households exhibit the highest vulnerability, attributed to their lower adaptive capacity, increased exposure, and heightened sensitivity. Conversely, the upstream households demonstrate the least vulnerability compared to the other zones, owing to their lower sensitivity and exposure, as well as better adaptive capacity. Policy recommendations for reducing households’ exposure to climate risks and for strengthening their adaptive capacity are discussed.
Climate change adaptation strategies by small-scale farmers in Yatta District, Kenya
(African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2015) Mburu, B. K; Kung’u, J.B.; Muriuki, J. N
Climate change is a great environmental challenge facing humanity today. In Yatta District, residents report frequent crop failures, water shortages and relief food has become a frequent feature of their life. This study examines the adaptation strategies to climate change adopted by the dry-land farming communities in Yatta District. Study participants included 510 randomly sampled small-scale farmers. Key informants were district departmental heads from the Ministries of Water, Agriculture and Environment. Questionnaires, interviews, Focus Group Discussions and field observations were used to generate the data. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) whereas qualitative data was analysed through establishing the categories and themes, relationships/patterns and conclusions drawn in line with the study objectives. Findings indicate that most farmers adopted autonomous adaptation strategies that included planting drought tolerant crops (76.5%), charcoal burning (52.9%) and rainwater harvesting (20.2%) among others. Chi square results indicated that age, level of education and knowledge of climate change had significant influences on adaptation strategies. Some of these strategies had serious adverse environmental impacts on social, economic and biophysical domains of the environment like putting future agricultural production at risk since farms have been converted into sand mining fields. Major limitations to climate change adaptation were financial constraints (93.4%), lack of relevant skills (74.5%) and lack of scientific and technical knowledge (71.6%). The study concludes that farmers are engaging in adaptation strategies that are fundamentally changes in livelihoods and mainly unsustainable. Livelihood activities such as charcoal burning and sand harvesting in their fragile arid and semi-arid lands ecosystem are destructive and thus, not sustainable. These livelihood changes are significantly influenced by levels of education and climate change knowledge. The study recommends that agricultural extension services be enhanced to sensitize the farmers about climate change thus improving their perception and adaptation strategies.
Community and Social Responses to Land Use Transformations in the Nairobi Rural-Urban Fringe, Kenya
(2010) Thuo, A.D.M.
The process of urbanization is one of the most important dimensions of economic, social and physical changes. It is almost a truism that the planet’s future is an urban one and that the largest and fastest growing cities are in developing countries. Approximately 25 percent of Africa’s population lived in towns and cities in 1975. By the year 2000, due to rural-urban migration and rapid rates of natural increase, 38 percent of the continent’s population lived in urban areas. The proportion is expected to increase to 47 percent by 2015 and to double by 2025, Kenya is not an exception. Rapid urban population growth means an increasing demand for urban land. This land is not available within the city, but in the rural-urban fringe, for various reasons. This is partly due to low land prices, high rents at the core of the cities and legal flexibility in land use planning in the rural-urban fringe. Urban growth is already engulfing the surrounding agricultural lands and small villages. The conversion of agricultural land to residential uses is leading to the rapid transformations in the agricultural production, spatial structure, social structure, land ownership and land market in these areas. This chapter focuses on the responses/actions of the communities within Nairobi rural-urban fringe and how they manoeuvre through the consequences of changes occasioned by land conversions. It used Town council of Karuri as a case study. The chapter is based on qualitative research approaches presents evidence on how subaltern’ actions plays an important role in creating order in an otherwise chaotic situation as a result of ‘poorly planned’ residential development. The subalterns’ actions, as evidenced by their agency, are manifested in community’s contribution and participation in provision of infrastructure and services within the Nairobi’s rural-urban fringe due to inability of formal provision by planning authorities.
Comparative Analysis of Household Residential Preferences Across Neighbourhood Densities in Nairobi, Kenya
(EANSO, 2024-11) Mugah, Faith; Wangai, Peter
Rapid urban growth in Nairobi city outstrips demand and provision of adequate housing. The demand for housing in an area is dependent on the satisfaction of the resident’s needs and wants. This paper examines the residential preferences of residents in three residential estates, low, medium, and high densities in Nairobi City, Kenya. Data was collected by use of questionnaires that were administered to 267 households. Primary data was collected for this study. The data collected was analysed using factor analysis and ordinal regression. Data was presented in the form of tables. The results indicate residential preferences among high, medium and low-density areas vary. The most preferred factors for low-density residents were safety and security, open spaces and facilities; while the residents in high-density areas preferred housing diversity, local employment and close proximity to the workplace. The least preferred factor for low-density residents was close proximity to work place since they own cars hence they are more willing to commute while high-density residents prioritize proximity to work to minimize transportation costs. Residential preferences varied by density, age, gender, education and years lived in an estate. Preference for safer neighbourhoods with open spaces and facilities was high for residents in low-density areas while preference for neighbourhoods with housing diversity, local employment and close proximity to workplaces was high among the residents in high-density estates. These insights under score the importance of addressing the varied needs and preferences of different demographic groups in urban planning and housing policy to create more equitable and livable communities in Nairobi in order to limit housing mismatch. This study contributes to the planning studies by firming up empirical evidence from developing countries that have high populations in urban areas.

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