Faculty of Environment and Resource Development

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://172.16.31.117:4000/handle/123456789/43

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    Impact of wetland conversion to cropland on soil organic carbon and greenhouse gas emissions in yala wetland, kenya
    (Egerton University, 2025) Mukiibi Jackson
    Climate change is one of the major global concems, with scientific evidence linking it to the rising emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20) in the atmosphere. Wetlands provide an optimum natural environment for mitigation of climate change through carbon sequestration. Converting wetlands to cropland is well known to reduce soil carbon storage and increase emissions of GHGs. However, there is limited data on how different wetland plants and conversion of wetlands to cropland influence carbon and GHG fluxes. This study aimed to fill the gap in understanding how different wetland plant communities and land conversion affect carbon and nitrogen fluxes. This study was conducted during a dry season i.e. from December 2024 to March 2025 in Kadenge and Usonga sections of Yala wetland. The sampling design was stratified and included four sampling sites that is, wetland areas converted to sugarcane and those dominated by Cyperus alopecuroides, T ypha latzfolia, and Cyperus papyrus. Each site had three sub-sampling sites (replicates), each with three chambers to cater for spatial heterogeneity. Sampling of gases was carried out twice a month using the closed static chamber method. The gas samples were analysed using the SRI GHG gas chromatograph. Soil samples were collected during each sampling session and analysed for NO;-N, NH4-N, soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus, and total nitrogen. The Kruskal—Walli’s test was used to examine the differences in the medians of SOC and GHGs under the different wetland plant dominance and cropland. The results showed that SOC was significantly lower in areas converted to sugarcane (1.73%) than areas dominated by either Cyperus alopecuroides (2.98 %), Typha latzfolia (3.50%) or Cyperus papyrus (3.09 %) (adj. p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportion of SOC among the plant communities (adj. p > 0.05). Both CO2 and NZO did not show significant differences in their emissions among the sites (adj p > 0.05). Significantly higher CH4 emissions were observed in Cyperus alopecuroides (27.19 mg m’ 2 h") compared to Cyperus papyrus (0.09 mg m’ 2 h’l) and sugarcane areas (0.31 mg m’ 2 h’l). In this study, conversion of a wetland area to a sugarcane farm significantly reduced the SOC but had no significant effect on GHG emissions except for CH4 which was significantly higher in Cyperus alopecuroides. Therefore, this necessitates sustainable use of wetlands to minimize SOC loss and consequently GHG emissions
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    Effect of mixing ratios of superabsorbent polymer and pumice on clay soil properties and crop productivity
    (Egerton University, 2025) Mukami, Fridah Muriithi
    Water scarcity and poor soil conditions pose substantial challenges to agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), such as Mogotio Sub-County in Kenya. Specifically, the complex problems exhibited in the clay soils that are the most common in such areas. These soils hold water firmly in fine particles, reducing the water availability to plants. They waterlog during rainy seasons, and are compacted after a rainfall event. This makes the conditions unfavourable to crop growth more so the crops that are highly sensitive to water like the bell pepper (Capsicum annuum). In this regard, superabsorbent materials show potential in enhancing soil hydraulic properties and moisture availability. However, the best application of such amendments in clay soils is not well documented. The study was conducted to determine the effect of various mixing ratios of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and pumice on soil moisture dynamics using the growth of bell pepper, and to identify the optimum mixing ratio to promote agricultural water management in clay soils. The research utilized a completely randomized design that included treatment combinations of SAP at levels of 0, 5, l0, and l5 kg/ha and pumice at levels of 0, 6250, 12500, and 18750 kg/ha. All treatment combinations were replicated. The data was collected for one cropping season and analysed using analysis of variance in J ohn’s Macintosh Program Pro l7. It consisted soil physical properties (porosity, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity, moisture retention, and available water) and plant performance (growth parameters, number and weight of fruits). The amendment mixing ratios were found to have a significant effect on soil hydraulic properties. The l5 kg/ha SAP and 6250 kg/ha pumice treatment had the highest porosity (60.l8%), the lowest bulk density (1.03 g/cm’), reduced available water, and a 53% increase in yield over the control. However, high concentrations of amendments lowered hydraulic conductivity which could be attributed to pore clogging. The optimal soil conditions were characterized by a balanced enhancement of both water retention and aeration. Physical optimization identified the best amendment rate as l5 kg/ha SAP and 6250 kg/ha pumice. The combinations of various mixing ratios of SAP and pumice have the potential to enhance soil water retention, reduce compaction, and boost bell pepper yield in clay soils in some ASALs. However, disproportionate amendment levels may restrict water movement or root respiration.
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    An assessment of socioeconomic factors influencing the Adoption of cenchrus ciliaris for environmental conservation Among agro-pastoralist communities in South Baringo, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2025) Nyambari, Davis Mathew
    Land degradation is a major issue of environmental concern not only affecting food but also environmental security in many countries across the globe. Livestock production is important for communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS), but overstocking and overgrazing has over the years led to a decline in pasture production, and by extension food security. In response to soil erosion, deforestation, and Prosopis juli/‘Zora invasion in the Lake Baringo Landscape, the Global Environment Facility through the Small Grants Program supported communities in establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass), a grass species that has been adopted by some local communities led by local Community Based Organizations. Its establishment and adoption in relation to socioeconomic characteristics of the communities in ASALs has so far not been documented. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess its ecology, and socioeconomic factors influencing its adoption for environmental conservation three wards (llchamus, Mochongoi and Marigat) of Baringo South Sub- County. A cross- sectional survey was employed in this study and data was collected from 103 randomly selected households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Key infonnant interviews (Klls) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to collect qualitative data to get more insights into the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze this data. Key findings reveal a strong relation between socioeconomic factors, specifically gender and education; and the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris, with male respondents being predominant (54.4O%). Higher education level was associated with improved awareness and pasture production and environmental conservation (X2 = 16.9344, p < 0.05), while there was a strong association between the type of pasture grass species planted and the stakeholders involved in providing training (X2 = 153.65; p<0.05). A section of the respondents (29%) stated that integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems provides dual benefits of enhancing environmental sustainability and boosting economic productivity. The findings of this study show that despite several challenges, there are multifaceted benefits of integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems which goes beyond enhancing livestock nutrition and productivity to include environmental conservation and economic stability.
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    Water supply and demand situation among households and institutions in Nakuru municipality, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2012) Mathendu Sammy
    The quantity and quality of water allocated and used by households and institutions is an zportant aspect of water supply which influences hygiene and the social wellbeing of humanity. ‘Rater contributes to economic growth and is regarded as a fundamental human right under a zrrnber of international treaties and conventions. This underscores the need for a proper Llocation of water resources. In 1985, it was estimated that 25 % of the urban population in iew eloping countries lacked access to safe water. In Nakuru Municipality, it is estimated that the rzrent level of water supply is about 48%, which is below the national average of 60%. The rrcumstances behind this problem are not clear and needed further investigation. The broad objective of this study was to investigate the water supply and demand situation within Nakuru Mimicipality. The study was done in three estates namely; Milimani, Shabab and Kaptembwo which represent different income levels. Water use in schools, health centers and hotels and restaurants within the Municipality was also assessed. The research employed social survey techniques. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from different sectors of zhe population within the study area. Primary data was collected using oral interviews, questionnaires, key informants, and observations. Stratified random sampling techniques were applied in collecting data from households, schools and health centers in the study area. Data analysis was done using the computer based Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study established that 88% of all households and institutions in the Municipality rely on water zrom the Municipal Council with“ 12% using vended or water fi'om communal water kiosks and individual tube wells. Household size and education level were found to directly influence the amount of water needed by households. However, income (t=0.966; p=0.335) and occupation :t=0.722; p=0.471) levels did not have a significant effect on the amount of water used. The findings further showed that 75% of the residents in the Municipality use less than the average amount of water suggested by the World Health Organization (50 litres per day). The results also showed that 22% of the households used between 9 and 14 litres of water daily while 15% used between 14 and 27 litres. Only 25% of the respondents mostly from Milimani used more than 27 litres of water per day. The study concluded that the amount of water available for distribution falls short of demand and hence the need for new water sources.
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    Perception by Communities on Socio-Economic Impacts of Hyena Predation on Livestock around Lake Nakuru National Park and Soysambu Conservancy, Kenya
    (Egerton University, 2021-11) Chepngeno, Christine Koskey
    Human-wildlife conflicts may arise when expanding human populations and activities overlap or compete for spaces and resources with wildlife, or when growing wildlife populations encroach on those of human populations. The effects of human-wildlife conflict include livestock predation, harassment, property damage, habitat loss due to human activities, and interpersonal conflict over wildlife issues resulting in injuries or mortalities. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is among animals involved in livestock predation for many reasons, including; their abundance, gregariousness, camivorous nature, and wide-ranging behaviour. This study focused on understanding the co-existence between people and wildlife for better livelihoods and conservation outcomes through improved knowledge on human-wildlife interactions and conflicts Within a human-wildlife dominated landscape. The study adopted a survey research design. Purposive sampling was employed in data collection. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule, and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs), targeting different segments of the community. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (charts, tables and graphs) and inferential statistics. The findings from the study were that 40% of the respondents indicated that poor park fencing is the major cause of conflict and people’s perceptions towards hyena conservation was positive. Conservation of hyena depended on the demographic characteristics of the respondents, education, age, occupation, and ethnicity. There is a significance relationship between hyena conservation with education (chi square 44.961, p=0.000), occupation (chi square 77.473, p=0.000) and ethnicity (chi square 45.171, p=0.00l) of the respondents. Conservation of hyena leverage on education, occupation, and ethnicity of the local community. On the other hand, conservation of hyena corresponding to gender (chi square, 2.140, p=O.343), age (chi square 12.294, p= 0.422) and religion (chi square, 0.743, p=0.994) are not significant therefore conservation of hyena is not influenced by on gender, age nor religion in villages around Lake Nakuru National Park and Soysambu Conservancy. The respondents proposed that reinforcement of an electric fence and frequent monitoring of the faulty areas will help in reducing hyaenas attacks. These results contribute towards understanding of human-hyena conflicts and spatial dynamics for enhanced coexistence between wildlife and local communities through improved decision making on mitigation measures. The information emanating from this study provides a basis for policy formulation on wildlife conservation and management in both protected and non-protected areas. vi
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    Effects of Perceived Climate Variability On Provisioning
    (Egerton University, 2021-11) Rabera, Maoncha Merculine
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    Factors Affecting Maize Production in Nyando Division, Nyando District, Kenya
    (Egerton university, 2003) Onyanyo, Henry Otieno
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    Forest Resources Utilization and Conflicts in Kapolet Forest, Cherangani Hills, Kenya
    (Egerton university, 2014-04) Kanyongi, Brian Rotich
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