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Causal Factors Responsible for Changes in the Attributes of Urban Green Spaces in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(2024-07-26) Mbugua, Martin Wandie; Kamiri, Hellen; Kamau, Peter
Urban green spaces are an important part of public open spaces and a common service provided by a city, town, or municipal council. In Nairobi City County, green spaces have been increasingly threatened by overcrowding, poor planning, weak management structures, and illegal alienation thus denying city residents access to the much-needed recreation and leisure facilities. As the population increases in urban areas, their activities impact the environment and therefore the ecosystem services. This study was done with the Principle of Intelligent Urbanism in mind, as the most prolific urban development theory developed by the International Congress of Modern Architecture. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data while a cross-sectional survey designs and stratified random sampling of the green spaces was employed, based on the location within the urban core and peri-urban of Nairobi County. Four green spaces (Karura Forest, Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi Arboretum, and City Park) with diverse characteristics and attributes were selected. A sample population of 384 visitors to the green spaces was surveyed for their perceptions of the functions, uses, and benefits of the green spaces. Our findings showed that management structures and population growth are the main causal factors responsible for changes in the attributes of urban green spaces.
Temporal changes in Rainfall and Temperature influence on Solid Waste Generation in Bungoma County Urban Centres, Kenya
(2024-07-28) Wafula, Godfrey Wekesa; Ouna, Tom; Kamiri, Hellen
Globally, temperature and rainfall play an integral role in the management of solid waste in urban areas. This is because many countries especially, the developing countries conventionally rely on both variables in the management of waste. However, the urban environment faces many threats as a result of challenged waste management practices due to these climate stressors. This research aimed to assess how temporal changes in temperature and rainfall influence solid waste generation. The study was carried out in Bungoma county urban centres, specifically Bungoma town, Webuye, Kimilili, Kapsokwony, Chwele, and Sirisia townships. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select the urban and peri-urban centres while random sampling was used to select respondents in residential dwellings, business people, urban residents, and officers from government institutions including public health and environment, water, and natural resources were interviewed. Ancillary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules while historical data was obtained to validate observed data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and summarized using tables, charts, and graphs. The findings of the study indicated that rainfall and temperature significantly influenced the generation of solid waste.
Assessment of Solid waste generation and composition in Bungoma County Urban Centres for appropriate waste management approaches
(2024-08-02) Wafula, Godfrey Wekesa; Kamiri, Hellen; Ouna, Tom
The quantity and characteristics of urban solid waste are a result of the interconnectedness of diverse factors at play including social, economic, and environmental factors. These directly influence the choice of management practice at the household or community level. Understanding these relationships can help policymakers and urban planners develop more effective waste management strategies. This study aimed at assessing solid waste generation and composition in Bungoma county urban centers to inform on strategies for effective management of urban waste. The study was carried out in Bungoma County urban centers, specifically Bungoma town, Webuye, Kimilili, Kapsokwony, Chwele, and Sirisia townships. The study applied a stratified sampling technique to select the urban and peri-urban centers while random sampling was used to select respondents in residential dwellings, business people, urban residents, and officers from government institutions including public health and environment, water, and natural resources were interviewed. Ancillary data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedules while historical data was obtained from the Bungoma County Department of Environment and used to validate observed data. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and summarized using tables, charts, and graphs. Our findings show that the highest waste was generated from residential homes, commercial, and municipal services. In terms of composition, biodegradable waste had the highest proportion, followed by plastics and glass waste. Population growth could be a key factor in the increased generation of the waste.
Integrating Cordia Africana Trees on Farms Differentially Improves Soil Properties in Small Holder Farms in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(2023-08-08) Kamau, Miriam; Kinyanjui, Mwangi; Kamiri, Hellen
Tree-based solutions are more efficient in nutrient cycling in farming systems and hence ideally suited for impoverished farmers experiencing food insecurity. Agroforestry trees have a positive effect on soil fertility through litter fall by the canopies compared to that of the adjacent open fields. Field sampling involved selecting mature Cordia africana trees from ten farms and collecting soil samples at varying distances from the tree trunks and at two depths (0-15 and 15-30cm). For each selected farm, soil samples were collected at three sampling points defined by distance from the tree base thus: - 5M (under the tree canopy), 11M (at the edge of the crown), and 30M (from the tree's influence. Laboratory analyses measured concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and organic carbon. The soil parameters investigated (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Soil organic carbon, Potassium, and Calcium) were significantly higher in the topsoil than in the subsoil. The horizontal effect of trees with increasing distance from the tree on soil nitrogen, organic carbon, and phosphorus is minimal, the effect being more on vertical distribution (across depth). Differences in nutrient contents in soil nutrient variables between agroforestry and cropped land showed that soil nutrients within the Cordia africana system were higher than those under cultivated land implying that Cordia africana has a positive effect on soil quality. Thus, the study emphasizes the adoption of Cordia africana in agroforestry practices with a view to increase soil fertility and improve crop yields in sustainable farming. There is therefore need for the formulation of appropriate measures of soil management based on the characteristics of the sites.
Attributes of Urban Greenspaces and their Influence on Visitors’ Preferences in Nairobi City County, Kenya
(Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Vol. 3 No. 1, 2024-07-07) Mbugua, Martin Wandie; Kamiri, Hellen; Kamau, Peter
Urban green spaces refer to land covered with vegetation such as forests, street trees, parks, gardens, and water bodies in an urban setup. In this study, we sought to investigate the attributes of urban green spaces in Nairobi County and their relationships to visitor preferences. The Garden City Model advanced by Howard (1898) guided the study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data while a cross sectional survey designs and stratified random sampling of the green spaces was employed, based on the location within the urban core and peri-urban of Nairobi County. Four green spaces (Karura Forest, Ngong Road Forest, Nairobi Arboretum, and City Park) with diverse characteristics and attributes was selected. A sample population of 384 visitors to the green spaces were surveyed for their perceptions of the functions, use, and benefits of the green spaces. Our findings showed that attributes of green spaces including location, accessibility, security, hygiene, and infrastructure could explain the interaction between green space provision factors and the frequency of visits, time spent in the green spaces and overall satisfaction of the visitors. Green space provision should be equitable in regard to distance to residents, quality of spaces, facilities and services and should be designed to meet the needs of diverse residents. Further, they should provide services and benefits such as shade, recreation, and health which are the main attractions to the green spaces. To achieve maximum benefits for visitors, green spaces need to be safe and physically accessible to all.
Effects of Land Use Change on Banana Production: A Case Study of Imenti South Sub-County of Meru County in Kenya
(Britain International of Exact Sciences (BIoEx) Journal, 2020-09) Nyamamba, Kevin A.; Ouna, Tom O; Kamiri, Hellen; Pane, Erwin
Most high agricultural potential regions in Kenya such as Imenti South (Meru County) have exceeded their population density and have been associated with sharp decline in farm productivity. There has been a systematic transformation of land use for banana production in the area. This has led to reduction in land acreage under other crops and increase in land acreage under banana farming. This study focused on land use and banana production trends between the years 2000 to 2019 in Imenti South. To achieve the objective, the study used mixed research design that involved qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 377 respondents was identified using simple random sampling. Banana yields and land acreage data were obtained from Imenti South Agricultural office for the study period. The main research instruments were questionnaires for households and key informants. Majority of the respondents (72%) in the study region admitted to have changed the land use and type of crops they have been farming during the study period whereas 28% changed from other crops to banana farming. Land acreage and banana production have been increasing during the study period in the area. The study revealed there is positive and statistically significant relationship (r = .617; p = .004) between land under banana and production. The study recommends that stakeholders in County governments should establish departments that independently identify, analyses, monitor and educates the famers on the new technologies that improves and increases banana production
Effects of Land Use Change on Banana Production:A Case Study of Imenti South Sub-County of Meru County in Kenya
(Britain International of Exact Sciences Journal, 2020-09) Nyamamba, Kevin A.; Ouna, Tom O.; Kamiri, Hellen; Pane, Erwin
Most high agricultural potential regions in Kenya such as Imenti South (Meru County) have exceeded their population density and have been associated with sharp decline in farm productivity. There has been a systematic transformation of land use for banana production in the area. This has led to reduction in land acreage under other crops and increase in land acreage under banana farming. This study focused on land use and banana production trends between the years 2000 to 2019 in Imenti South. To achieve the objective, the study used mixed research design that involved qualitative and quantitative approaches. A sample size of 377 respondents was identified using simple random sampling. Banana yields and land acreage data were obtained from Imenti South Agricultural office for the study period. The mainresearch instruments were questionnaires for households and key informants. Majority of the respondents (72%) in the study region admitted to have changed the land use and type of crops they have been farming during the study period whereas 28% changed from other crops to banana farming. Land acreage and banana production have been increasing during the study period in the area. The study revealed there is positive and statistically significant relationship (r = .617; p = .004) between land under banana and production. The study recommends that stakeholders in County governments should establish departments that independently identify, analyses, monitor and educates the famers on the new technologies that improves and increases banana production
Influence of Vegetation Cover and Topographic Position on Water Infiltration, Organic Matter Content and Aggregate Stability of Grassland Soils in Semi-Arid Kenya
(Advances in Agricultural Science, 2019) Mutuku, Daisy; Kamiri, Hellen; Ndufa, James; Kiama, Stephen; Mware, Mugo
A study was conducted in Mpala and Ilmotiok ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya, to investigate the influence of vegetation cover and topographic position on soil organic matter, bulk density, aggregate stability and water infiltration rate. Three vegetation cover types; (Tree, Grass and Bare) and four topographic positions (Hillslope, Headwater, Riparian, and Plateau) were evaluated. Soil samples were collected along the topographic positions and within the vegetation cover types at five levels of depth; 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 cm during the dry season May to August 2016. The samples were analyzed for soil organic matter, bulk density and soil aggregate stability. Water infiltration rate was measured in situ on the soil surface using a mini-disk Infiltrometer. Soil aggregate stability varied significantly between topographic zones (p=0.0124) but not between the vegetation cover types and soil depth in Ilmotiok site. Mpala site showed a significant difference in aggregate stability between the topographic zones (p=0.0152). However, no significant difference was observed in variation of aggregate stability between the vegetation cover types and soil depth (p=0.8998; p=0.8284) respectively. In Ilmotiok site, the highest infiltration rate was recorded in the Tree covered fields (73.3 mm/hr) and decreased in Grass fields and Bare grounds at 25 and 17 mm/hr, respectively. The Headwater zones had the highest infiltration rates (73.3 mm/hr) while the lowest infiltration rates were (0 mm/hr) in the Hillslope zones. The infiltration rates in Mpala site were highest in Bare grounds (37.8 mm/hr) and lowest in Tree fields with 5.7 mm/hr. The Headwater zones had the highest infiltration rates followed by Hillslope zones with (8.9 mm/hr) while the Riparian zones had the lowest infiltration rates (0.00 mm/hr). Soil organic matter (SOM) differed significantly at P (<0.0001) among the vegetation cover types, topographic zones and soil depth for both sites. In Ilmotiok site, the mean soil organic matter was highest (1.96%) in Hillslopes zones and lowest in Grass covered fields (0.30%). In Mpala, SOM content was highest in Tree covered fields at 2.28%, and lowest in Grass covered fields at 0.38%, for RIP and PLA zones respectively. Topographic positions and grazing management influenced soil properties in the semi-arid grasslands, hence the need for strategies in grazing management that will promote restoration of these degraded areas.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Banana Farmers’ Perception to Climate Change in Nyeri County, Kenya.
(Journal of Arts & Humanities, 2019-08-29) Karienye, David; Nduru, Gilbert; Kamiri, Hellen;
Climate change is one of the key constraints to banana production globally. The extent of the climate change impacts depends largely on farmers’ awareness, perceptions and responses to climate change. This study examined the perception of farmers in Mt Kenya region, Nyeri County-Kenya of climate change impacts on banana value chain and analysed the socio-economic factors that influenced these perceptions. The study sites were purposively selected to include areas where banana production had been practiced since the 1980s. Data was collected from a hundred and thirty farming households between February and April 2018. Results indicated that 78.2% of the respondents perceived increase in rainfall and temperature as what constituted climate change. The major perceived effects of climate change to be high transport cost of banana to the market, low prices during rainy season and high demand of the produce during dry season. Results of logit model analysis indicated that gender of household head, farming system, type of farming and access to weather information influenced farmers’ perception towards climate change. Even though majority (78.5%) of the farmers perceived climate change to have changed over the years, 47.7% recommended accessibility of weather information on onset of the rainfall period, while 49.2% preferred information on rainfall distribution within the seasons in order to respond to climate change occurrences. These findings show that there is need to integrate policies that safeguard the smallholder farmers from adverse effects of climate change.
Dynamics of agricultural use differentially affect soil properties and crop response in East African wetlands
(Springer Science, 2013) Kamiri, Hellen; Kreye, Christine; Becker, Mathias
Agricultural land use changes differen- tially affect soil fertility and crop production potential of wetlands. We studied East African wetlands with contrasting hydro-geological characteristics (high- and lowland ﬂoodplains and valley swamps). Land uses ranged from no use and grazing over crop production in ﬂooded and drained ﬁelds to abandon- ment. We classiﬁed the dynamics of wetlands’ con- version into agricultural sites and assessed selected soil fertility attributes associated with land use changes, and their effect on the crop production potential in aerobic and anaerobic soils. A conversion of pristine wetlands, differing in soil physical and chemical attributes, into sites of production tended to negatively affect soil total C and N. Effects were stronger with soil drainage and in the coarse-textured soils of the lowland ﬂoodplain and the mid-hill valleys. Mineral P application in drained valleys signiﬁcantly increased available soil P. Crop response followed these patterns with usually higher biomass accumulation and nutrient uptake in ﬂooded than aerobic soils. Wetlands of ﬁne soil texture in the highlands appeared more resilient than coarse-tex- tured soils, particularly when drained. Enhanced crop performance in ﬂooded soils indicates the possibility for partial recovery of the production potential and the rehabilitation of some wetlands. Keywords Carbon Drainage Floodplain Inland valley Nitrogen Oryza glaberrima

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