PT-School of Environmental Studies

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Climate variability awareness among municipal waste management workers in Mombasa City, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Wanyama, Alice Namwaya
Climate variability is a multifaceted challenge for societies through its impact on, human lives and the natural environment. To minimize these impacts, mitigation strategies should be used to control the anthropogenic factors considered to be the main causes of climate variability. The impact requires concerted effort in developing awareness among workers in developed and developing world. This study intends to determine climate variability awareness among municipal waste management workers in Mombasa City, one of the areas in Kenya where workers awareness of climate variabi Iity is underreported in Iiterature. The specific objectives include assessing awareness of the causes of climate variability, determining its perceived effects by Mornbasa waste management workers and the mitigation measures being undertaken by Mornbasa municipality. A descriptive survey design will be used. A total of 138 workers out of a total population of 920 will be drawn from the four zones namely Mainland North, Mainland South, Mainland West and the Island. Simple random sampling technique by way of listing the names of the workers in alphabetical order and picking the tenth subject will be used to arrive at the sample population. Primary data collection will be done using questionnaires. The data collected will be coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Climate variability awareness will be determined by among other factors: gender, level of education, income, age and sources of information. The results will be presented using charts, tables and bar graphs.
Role of land use and land cover change in flood risk management in Kilifi county
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Maina, Paul Mwangi
An increase in the size of population has led to changes in land use and land cover to suit the needs of the land users in Kilifi County. Land cover changes have led to an increase in the number of floods after precipitation events. Land use and land cover change alter natural drainage systems, impact on surface runoff and affects infiltration capacitiesfactors which contribute to flooding. The impacts of floods are far reaching affecting all spheres of life. Floods cause loss of lives, disruption of communication networks, water borne diseases and destruction of property. Management of floods begins through mapping of flood prone areas. The main objective of the study is to identify areas in Kilifi County that are vulnerable to flooding with respect to land cover maps and generate a GIS- based flood risk map. The specific objectives are to determine the rate andnature of land use and land cover changes occurring in Kilifi in the period between 1990 and 2013, establish the impacts ofland use and land cover change on surface runoff and infiltration capacities and to generate a flood risk map for Kilifi County. This will help disaster management proponents within the county and the nation at large in filling the knowledge gap required in management of floods. Results could also be replicated to . other areas to solve similar problems. Three sets of Landsat images (1990, 2000 and 2013) will be used for the study and will be classified into forests, grasslands, croplands, settlements, wetlands and other land- which includes shrublands, scrublands and wasteland. Analysis and interpretation of maps will be done using ArcGIS 10.I. Infiltration experiments will be conducted for each of the land cover classes to using a double ring infiltrometer to determine the infiltration rates. A 30m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for the area will also be analyzed in ArcGIS 10.1 to obtain the slope, stream network, buffer, flow accumulation and the elevation. All these layers will be overlain in ArcGIS 10.1 to generate a flood risk map.
The impact of climate variabll.ity on perfomance of on-farm water harvesting systems in Matungulu Division, Machakos County, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014) Maweu, Titus Mutunga
Climate variability affects rainfall and increases evaporation, exerting increasing pressure on ecosystem services. Developments by the growing population are also affecting the ecosystem as demands for services, including need for clean and reliable water increases. Rainwater harvesting continues to be an adaptation strategy for people living with high rainfall variability, both for domestic supply and to enhance crop, livestock and other forms of agriculture. Vulnerability of the water harvesting strategies to impacts of climate .variability is a less researched but potentially important facet of the larger global climate change question. This study will examine how the performance of on-farm water harvesting systems in Matungulu Division, Machakos County, has been affected by impacts of climate variability. The objectives of the study will be; to determine the on-farm water harvesting systems used by households in Matungulu Division, to establish the main climatic parameters that exacerbates water stress in Matungulu Division, to determine to what extent increase in frequency and intensity of the climatic parameters has increased drenching and stabilization frequency of on-farm water harvesting systems in Matungulu Division and to establish to what extend intensified erratic rainfalls affects the performance of on-farm water harvesting systems in checking surface run-off in Matungulu Division. Two hundred and ten households will be selected from 2086 households in the division, 42 from each of the five sub-locations. Two sub-divisions based on livelihood of the target population, i.e. cash crop farms (coffee) and grain crop farms (maize and beans) will be used. Twenty-one households for each livelihood strategy from each of the five sub-locations taking the odd-numbered items will be sampled. Questionnaires will be administered on impacts of climatic variability to water harvesting and storage systems. Interviews will be held with key water informers from the area. Other relevant information will be obtained from secondary sources. Descriptive research method (design) will be used and data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to show the relationship between the independent variable (performance) and the dependent variables of rainfall variability (flash rainfall, droughts and erratic rainfall). The data will be statistically analyzed by use of SPSS and results discussed and presented in terms of frequency distribution tables, bar and pie charts and graphs. From the study, ways to increase performance of appropriate water harvesting and conservation systems in the area in light of increased rainfall variability will be suggested together with areas of further research.
Evaluation of irrigation water quality of the Yatta canal in Machakos county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014-10-31) Mang'oka, Joseph Muli
The Yatta. Canal in Machakos County is a major water resource used by the local community for domestic and small-scale irrigation. The water quality has however degraded over the years due to sequential use and re-use since it's the only single source of water supply. There has been no study conducted to test the quality of this water which acts as a lifeline to the Yatta residents. This study therefore aims to evaluate the irrigation water quality of the Yatta canal in Machakos County, Kenya. The specific objectives are; To analyze the physico-chemical properties of the canal water used for irrigation; To determine the biological composition of the canal water and to compare the levels of contamination with agricultural practices along the canal. The research design is experimental involving laboratory analysis of physico-chemical and biological properties of canal water. For the purpose of this study, twenty water samples (S 1, S2, S3 .... S20) will be collected during the dry and wet seasons between 8am and lOam using a longhandled plastic scoop and stored in cleaned polyethylene bottles without any air bubbles. Water samples will be collected at lkrn intervals along the canal from the main intake of Thika River and preserved according to APHA, 1985. Systematic grid sampling method will be used to identify sample collection points and within mid depth of the canal. The grid and initial sampling points will be randomly selected. At each sampling location, field measurements of unstable water parameters such as colour, odour, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and turbidity will be performed prior to sample collection. Later on, samples for laboratory analysis will be collected and transported at temperatures of 4°C for laboratory analysis within 24 hours of collection. Data obtained from the canal water analysis will be analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences, tabulated and presented through descriptive and inferential analysis. Analysis of Variance test will be used to determine the level of variation between the concentration of physico-chemical and biological properties of the canal water during the dry and wet seasons as well as current agricultural practices within the various sampling points. The results will be compared with National Environment Management Authority, World Health Organization as well as Food and Agriculture Organization and recommendations made to policy makers and stakeholders
Impact of neonicotinoids on honey bees (apis mellifera scutellata) and their ecological services in selected apiaries in Kiambu county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014-10-31) Mulati, Protus Wanjala
One third of global agricultural production relies on pollination especially that of honey bees (Apis melifera sculetta). Despite their importance honey bees die at a high rate, threatening global food security. In Kenya due to environmental pollution and pesticide applications, there has been an unprecedented decline in the population of honey bees. The intentional and unintentional exposure of honey bees to pesticides has resulted in residues in hive products especially bees wax. Hive products such as honey are widely consumed as food and used for medicinal purposes and their contamination may cause serious health hazards. Bee keepers themselves sometimes cause poisoning of honey bees by using inappropriate products to protect the honey bees. Pollination management is not included in their crop management practices. The aim of the study is to assess the impact of neonicotinoid pesticides on honey bees and their ecological services in selected apiaries in Kiambu County. The specific objectives are to; investigate the different types of pesticide attributed to beekeeping and agricultural practices in areas of study, determine the levels of pesticides in bee products in areas of study, to assess the toxicity levels of pesticide residues in areas of study and suggest effective and efficient conservation measures that can be put in place to protect the honey bees poisoning with pesticides. This study will mainly focus on bee samples, honey, beeswax, and pollen since they are depository sites for pesticides. Samples of bees, honey, wax and pollen will be collected from selected apiaries located in relatively pesticide free and intensive pesticide use areas and analyzed for pesticide residues they contain. Half of the samples, collected will be analyzed by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and the other half for Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry: The expectations of the study are; establishment of different types of pesticides! and amounts utilized and toxicity levels of pesticides residues and determination of appropriate, effective and efficient conservation measures that can prevent bee poisoning and the levei of pesticide residues in bee' products. The research findings will be used to help develop policies to minimize the honey bees decline trend and increase their use for pollination provision.
The Malaria Burden on Household Agricultural Production in Mosocho Division, Kisii County
(Kenyatta University, 2014-10-10) Ayienda, Jackline Nyakerario
Malaria is a grave global problem because of its contribution towards morbidity and mortality and the costs it imposes to households and the economy. Kisii County lies in the Western Highlands malaria ecological area with low, unstable transmissions that is prone to epidemics. The burden of malaria in the tropical world today is estimated to involve 300-500 million episodes of acute illness and more than one million deaths per year, mainly in African children. This amounts to the loss of about approximately 44 million disability-adjusted life years annually, a conspicuous drain on human health by today's standards. In endemic countries such as Kenya, malaria is responsible for a loss of US dollars $ 12 billion in national income due to the impact of mortality and morbidity on labor supply. However, by its adverse long-term effects on trade, foreign investment, and commerce, the impact of malaria extends beyond its direct effects on human health to the economic development of nations, costing African countries approximately 1-2% of their Gross Domestic Product. This study has been driven by the concerns about the role of malaria as an obstacle to development and the costs' incuned by households. The study will investigate the malaria burden on household agricultural production in Mosocho Division of Kisii County. Methodology for gathering data will be a descriptive survey to enable an in depth investigation into the subject under study. Semi-structured questionnaires will be used to collect information from health practitioners, government officials, Non-governmental organizations and household heads. To complement these data, key informant interviews will be sought to give data. The researcher anticipates that the escalating malaria incidences have adversely reduced agricultural production. Descriptive statistics; percentages and Chi-square will be used to summarize the data. Data obtained from document analysis will be used to show trend analysis of malaria pattern over time. This data will be displayed in graphs. Data gathered from questionnaires administered to household heads will mainly yield quantitative data which. will be analyzed by use of tables and bar graphs. Descriptive and inferential (correlation and regression) analysis will be performed on the relationship between agricultural production and malaria cases using statistical package for social sciences. The findings of this study are expected to provide information and understanding on effect of malaria on agriculture, thus contributing to a better understanding of how malaria compromises agricultural production of a community
Small scale farmers adaptation strategies to climate variability in Kijabe, Kiambu county, Kenya
(Kenyatta University, 2014-09-25) Kiarie, Samuel Wakang'u
The challenges of climate variability faced by small-scale farmers in Kenya and most part of the world have always been daunting. Current and predicted cl imatic changes have already, and will in future exacerbate the extremes of variability and increase the pressures. In Kijabe, small-scale fanners depend on rain fed agriculture and over the years frequent crop failures and rain shortages have become common. Climate researchers and scientists predict increasingly dry conditions in much of Africa due to climate variability. Small-scale farmers' efforts to cope have shown both unfavourable and positive effects and hence the need to be explored. This study will therefore determine the small-scale farmers' adaptation strategies to climate variability, in Kijabe, Kiambu County of Kenya. The objectives of the study will include, to evaluate trends in rainfall and temperature between 1982 and 2013, to assess how these trends have affected the farmers' perception in climate variability and to explore small-scale farmers' adaptation strategies and how socio-economic factors influence their adoption in Kijabe. Mixed method approach will be adopted in addressing the objectives of the study. The study will employ simple random and purposive sampling techiniques. Questionnaires, interviews, field observations and review of documents techniques and tools will be employed to generate relevant data: Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques will be adopted and results presented using frequency tables, bar graphs and pie charts. T-test and chi-square will be used to test the hypotheses of the study. It is anticipated that the study will provide information to that could help the farmers to adopt the best adaptation practices that would lead to sustainable crop production. It is also expected to provide the policy makers and agricultural extension officers with information which could enable them to formulate appropriate agricultural policies and frameworks that will effectively deal with the impacts of climate variability on future agriculture thus promoting sustainable agricultural production in the country. Finally, the study will contribute to existing body of knowledge on climate variability adaptation strategies and helps to generate ideas for further research.
Adoption and use of self sanitizing biodegradable toilet bags in Kibera slums, Nairobi county
(2014) Nderitu, Faith Wanjiku
Informal settlements suffer from lack of improved sanitation facilities, including toilet, showers and sewage disposal. With few toilets and pit latrines, this has resulted in growth of flying toilets due to inaccessibility of toilet facilities during late hours, lack of even distribution and lack of convenience due to insecurity. The aim of the current study is to investigate the community's perception of the adoption of single use self-sanitizing biodegradable toilets and its impact on the flying toilets menace. Specific objectives will focus on perception on adoption, community level of awareness and socio-economic and environment impact of adopting single use self-sanitizing biodegradable toilet bags.The study will be carried out in Kibera slums. Using questionnaires a survey will be conducted to collect information from community on their perception, awareness and valuation of the single use biodegradable toilets from schools and households. Data collected using questionnaire will to Chi-square and spearman's correlation to determine the relationships of the respondent's views on the self-sanitizing biodegradable toilets. The current study will increase the level of awareness on the use and benefits of single use self-sanitizing biodegradable toilets and identify the challenges the community experience in the adoption of the use of single use biodegradable toilet bags and recommend informed solution.
Gender analysis in mango production and marketing in Kilifi County, Kenya
(2014-08-15) Nyagaya, Billy; Macharia, Ibrahim; Affognon, H.
The production of mango and marketing in Kenya is hampered by several challenges: inadequate gender involvement in production and marketing, pest and diseases attack, high cost of inputs, poor market infrastructure, and e.t.c leading to lower productivity, decreased profitability and reduction in household income. The objective of this study is to analyze the gender roles in mango production, mango fruit fly control, and marketing in Kilifi County and also to identify constraints affecting men and women involved in mango production, mango fruit fly control and marketing. The study will further assess intra house hold resource allocation and its impact in mango production, mango fruit fly control, marketing and general household well being. Mango productivity in the dominant coastal varieties such as apple, ngowe, boribo, batawi, dodo and the local varieties will be assessed Concern for gender equality in development is now sufficiently well recognized as a prerequisite for poverty reduction, food security and sustainable development .It's against this background that analysis of gender in mango production and marketing needs to be looked at. The study will use purposive sampling method and structured questionnaires will be administered to 500 randomly selected mango growing farmers in Kilifi County. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression and correlation analysis.Gender analysis tools such as Harvard analytical framework, Moser gender planning framework and cooperative and non cooperative household models will also be employed. From the problems identified and conclusions made, recommendations for appropriate policies and interventions will be made on best way to involve gender in mango productivity, mango fruit fly control and marketing in Kilifi County and Kenya in general.
The role of community based environmental literacy on small scale quarrying in Bahari division Kilifi county, Kenya
(2014-08-13) Rakamba, Gikenyi Dennis; Manguriu, Daniel; Gichuki, Cecilia Muringo
Small scale quarrying ill Kenya has adversely contributed to environmental degradation. This study will establish the role of community based environmental literacy on quarrying area in Bahali division KiIifi county of Kenya, in small scale quarrying for environmental conservation. The main objectives will be to determine the social and economic benefits of small scale quarrying in Bahari division, assess community awareness on environmental impacts of quarrying, identify the possible quarry rehabilitation measures in the area and to determine possible irrigation measures to minimize environmental impacts of quarrying. Quarrying along the coral belt is the main economic activity that has not been sustainably exploited to benefit and improve the lives of residents. Community awareness on environmental conservation has not been adequately investigated in the area and rehabilitative quarrying practices have not been put into action too and therefore this study intends to ensure sustainable small scale quarrying. The study will be carried out in Bahari division among the stone workers and other stakeholders within the quarry sites. Data will be collected through administration of questionnaires, interview schedules and direct observation through visits to quarry sites. There will also be collection of secondary data from books, print media and online resources using Google search engine. Statistical data analysis shall include mathematical presentation and analysis of data from population and quarry sites count through formulation of graphs and charts to arrive at conclusions. Bar charts shall be used to compare the level of environmental degradation within the quarry sites and the income generated to quarry workers.
Effectiveness of Natural Wetland in Waste Water Treatment: A Case Study of Tibia Wetland, Limuru Municipality.
(2014-07-31) Gitau, James Kinyua; Kitur, Esther; Gathuru, Gladys
Information on wetland function is very important as the information can be used to remove undesirable qualities of water. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of natural wetlands in the treatment of waste water. The study will be carried out for a period of four months (November 2012 to February 2013). The objective of the study is to fmd out the physical chemical parameters of water from Lirnuru water and Sewerage Company and Bata Shoes Company before and after entering the wetland, and whether there is a relationship between the physico-chemical characteristics of water before and after coming out of the wetland. The parameters to be measured are pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, BOD, TDS, TSS, DO, phosphorous, chromium and nitrate. Water samples will be collected and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. Data will be analyzed using SPSS, Microsoft excel program and results presented using graphs, charts and tables.
Impacts of petroleum contamination on the chemical characteristics of soil and ground water quality case study of Mombasa joint terminal, Changamwe
(2014-07-28) Sanga, Kiprono Silas; Gathuru, G.
Soil and ground water contamination with petroleum is becoming an environmental problem in many parts of Kenya. The problem has become rampant more so in the petroleum industry where there is storage, transport and handling of these products. Petroleum is made of hydrocarbons. Any spillage of petroleum products either impacts on soil or groundwater as it is deposited on the ground. Studies on the impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons on soil and groundwater have been researched on and there are numerous impacts on health and environment of this particular problem. The purpose of this study will be to establish the impacts of petroleum contamination on the soil and ground water quality by focusing on Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe. The research study will seek to answer the following questions: What are the avenues through which contaminations of soil and groundwater occur at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe, what are the contamination levels of soil and groundwater on Butane, Toluene, Ethylene and Xylene, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons parameters respectively at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe, what is the flow rate and direction of groundwater contaminants at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe, How do the levels of Butane, Toluene, Ethylene and Xylene, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons parameters compare with regional and global results, standards and guidelines on petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater. The broad research objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of contamination of petroleum on the soil and groundwater quality parameters, and the specific objectives will be: To determine the avenues through which contamination of soil and groundwater occur at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe, to determine the contamination levels of soil and groundwater oil Butane, Toluene, Ethylene and Xylene, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons parameters respectively at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe, to determine the flow rate and direction of groundwater contaminants at Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe and to compare the levels of Butane, Toluene, Ethylene and Xylene, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons parameters with regional and global results, standards and guidelines on petroleum contamination of soil and groundwater. The research hypothesis is that Petroleum contamination has adverse effects on the quality of soil and ground water at the Mombasa Joint Terminal, Changamwe and there is a significant variation between contamination of soil and groundwater. Data collected will be analyzed by comparing the results to the existing local and global water quality standards. Results will be presented in form of tables, charts, and graphs.
Effectiveness of farmer field schools in enhancing adoption of agroforestry technologies by smallholder farmers in Gatundu, Kiambu county.
(2014-07-24) Wambui, Ng'ang'a Ruth; Muriithi, J.K.; Gicheha, M. G.
The farmer field schools (FFS) extension approach has proved effective in dissemination of agricultural technologies and has lately been used in agroforestry technologies. However there is little evidence to show their effectiveness on adoption of agroforestry technologies which are knowledge intensive. This study will examine the effectiveness of the FFS extension approach in enhancing adoption of selected agroforestry technologies by smallholder farmers in Gatundu sub-county. More specifically, the study will assess the farmers' levels of knowledge and skills on the technologies, compare the levels of adoption of the agroforestry technologies by the farmers and the motivation for the farmers to join and participate in the FFS trainings. The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data will be collected through household survey 300 farmers sampled from smallholder farmers in the study area. Additional data will also be collected through interviews with key informants and personal observation. A T- test will be used to analyze data for objectives one and two while data for objective three will be analyzed by multiple regression analysis. The results will be discussed transformative learning and adoption and diffusion theories. II relative to
Livelihood diversification as a drought response strategy in Chyulu-Amboseli ecosystem, Kajiado county, Kenya
(2014-07-23) Nyangena, John; Onywere, S. M.; Shisanya, C.A.
Frequent drought in Kenya's dry lands has raised uncertainty about the future of pastoralism as a livelihood practice. This is more so in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya where recent droughts have forced farmers to consider alternative livelihoods. This study will be based in the Chyulu-Amboseli ecosystem, in Kajiado County. The aim of the study is to assess the impacts of the shifting livelihood strategies on pastoralists' capacity to manage drought. The specific objectives are to (i) examine the biophysical impacts of drought on the Chyulu- Amboseli ecosystem, (ii) examine the socio-economic impacts of drought on the inhabitants of Chyulu-Amboseli ecosystem, and, (iii) analyse the effectiveness of adaptation strategies in Chyulu-Amboseli ecosystem on household drought resilience. A cross-section household survey will be used for this study. Data on drought and its impact on biophysical system will be obtained through observation mapping using remote sensing techniques. The study population include all habitants of Imbirikani Group Ranch. These will be stratified according to ecological zones from which a sample of 228 farm households will be drawn using proportional stratified sampling. Socio-economic data will be collected by use of a questionnaire, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. Content analysis, vegetation index and propensity Score Matching techniques will be used to analyze qualitative and quantitative data respectively. It is expected that the findings will be important in understanding the linkages between drought, pasture availability and local livelihoods. In addition, it is expected that the study will highlight the effectiveness of community responses to drought to inform the design of adaptation strategies in the area
The Potential for Soil Carbon Sequestration under Different Land Management Practices in Small Holder Farms of Murang'a County, Kenya
(2013-12-14) Ng'ang'a, L. W.; Letema, S.; Thuo, A.D.M.
Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems mitigates the Green House Gases (GHGs) effect and combats land degradation. This makes soil carbon sequestration a vital ecosystem functions that contributes to soil structure, water-holding capacity, cation exchange capacity, and the soils ability to form complexes with metal ions and to store nutrients. However land management practices have significant influence on the ability of soils to store the carbon stocks. This study will be carried out in Murang'a County in the central region of Kenya. The study will assess the potential for soil carbon sequestration udder different land management practices in small holder farms of Murang'a County. Small holder farmers are experiencing declining productivity due to continuous cropping without adequate addition of inputs like fertilizer and manure. Declining soil fertility causes substantial net losses of soil carbon resulting in increased carbon flux to the atmosphere. There is need to sustain efforts for carbon sequestration through sustainable land management practices.' The main objectives of the study are to; measure the amount of soil carbon stocks at different depths under different land use types; assess how the different land management practices affect the amount of organic carbon sequestered by soils and determine if there are significance differences in soil carbon stocks among the two major soil types. This study will sample soils at different soil depths of; 0~30, 30~60 and 60-90 cm to evaluate the soil organic carbon stocks at the three different depths under different land use. Samples will be analysed for soil bulk density, percent organic carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, potassium, pH and C: N ratio. Determination of organic carbon will use Walkley-Black chromic acid wet oxidation method. A questionnaire will be administered to the farmers whose farms will have been identified for soil sampling in order to capture the land management practices 'currently in use. Data collected will be analyzed to generate general or summary statistics. Data will also be subjected to Analysis of Variance to evaluate if there exists significant difference in the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon stocks and cross the land use types and management practices. Effects of land management practices on the soil organic carbon stocks at different depths and in different soil types will also be evaluated. The study is expected to show the potential sequestration capacity of soils in the study 'area under the different management practices and land use types. An evaluation will be done to assess if the stocks available are adequate for carbon market participation. This is expected to inform the policy direction on small holder farmer's participation in the carbon market and also show which land use types and management practices accrue significant carbon stocks. Finally data from this study can be used to model a baseline scenario for future soil carbon stocks assessment and trend analysis in Murang' a County.
Adoption and Sustainability of Small Hydro Power and Biogas Plants and their Contribution to Energy Poverty Alleviation in Kirinyaga County
(2013-12-14) Njiru, C. W.; Letema, S. C.; Maingi, S. M.
Energy is an essential component in the development of any nation. In the last decades, the main sources of energy have been fossil fuels mainly petroleum, coal and natural gas, but they are major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases contribute to climatic changes, thus a need for a shift to clean renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower to reduce greenhouse gases. Many developing countries, Kenya included, are facing major challenges in energy provision and many rural populations are experiencing energy poverty exhibited by lack of access to electricity and reliance on traditional fuels for cooking. The main purpose of this research, therefore, is to examine the contribution of adoption of small hydropower and biogas plants to energy poverty alleviation in Kirinyaga County. The research design will be exploratory case study. The sampling procedure will be purposive sampling for those who have adopted biogas and those connected to the small hydro power projects. Sampling of non adoptees of biogas and small hydro power and those connected to the national grid will be through simple random sampling based on administrative divisions. Data collection will be through structured interviews for schools principals, managers of community based organizations, biogas contractors, small hydro power projects operators and government institutions that support them. Questionnaires will be administered to users and non-users of small hydro power and biogas plants. Visits will be made to the farms and small hydro power stations to make observations. Focus group discussions will be used to validate obtained information or capture new information. Primary data will be analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square) for questionnaires and in themes for interviews, focus group discussions and observation. Secondary data will be analyzed through content analysis and descriptive statistics. The study findings will give the status of energy in rural Kirinyaga County, contribution of small hydro power and biogas plants to rural energy poverty alleviation and recommendations for improving renewable energy policies and practices.

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