Research Publications

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Sustainable Utilization of Wetlands Resources in Selected Areas of Nyamira County, Kenya
(Research journali’s Journal of Geography, 2015) Huho, Julius M.; Angawa, Francis O.; Nyaboga, John Oganda
Researches on wetland utilization in Kenya focus more on wetlands located in the ASALs and Lowland areas giving less emphasis to those in high agricultural potential highland areas. This paper examined the utilization of Sironga and Nyabomite wetlands resources in the high potential agricultural areas of Nyamira County. The specific objective established the resources and their uses. Purposive sampling was used in selecting study areas and key informants. Simple random sampling was used in selecting household heads. Data was obtained through the administration of 126 questionnaires of which 115 was used for analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was presented using statistical tables, percentages and photographs. The common wetland resources utilization practices in the area are brick making activities and crop production. Traditionally, the wetlands provided place for conducting rituals and ceremonies. The following recommendations ought to be prioritized: identification of key stakeholders and assessment of their interests; emphasis on afforestation of the wetlands with trees that are friendly to the environment and adoption of alternative sources of livelihoods. The recommendations of this paper are useful in the sustainable utilization of wetland resources in Nyamira County and other high agricultural potential areas. Keywords: Biodiversity, conservation, livelihoods, utilization, wetland resources
The Role of Selected Environmental Factors on the Regeneration of (Ocotea usambarensis ) in Mount Kenya Forest, Kenya
(International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch, 2018) E., Githae; G.M, Nduru; A.M., Magana; J.N, Rithaa
Despites the propagation efforts, density of Ocotea usambarensis has continued to diminish in the southern slopes of Mount Kenya. The species which is native in the montane forest is seldom on farm and found as remnant species. The concerns on the role of environmental factors and how they influence regeneration of Ocotea usambarensis have been sidelined resulting to lack of adequate information that would be required for modeling how to reestablish Ocotea usambarensis. This study therefore examined the role of Rainfall, Humidity, Temperature, wind speed and soil characteristics on regeneration of Ocotea usambarensis. The study was conducted in the southern slopes of Mount Kenya forest. Data on environmental factors, regeneration status and species diversity were analyzed using regression, Pearson Correlation, Shannon- Wiener (H ) Index and Simpson (D) Index. The regeneration status was “J” shaped with mature trees more than regenerants. The relationship was strong (R2 = 78%) between humidity and rainfall (P < 0.05) while for temperature and wind speed were insignificant. The correlation between soil compositions varied significantly (P< 0.05). The soil pH positively correlated with soil nutrients while Cation exchanges capacity negatively correlated with potassium and silicon. It was observed that Diospyros abyssinica was growing in close association with O. usambarensis playing the role of nurse species. With the absence of seedlings in most of the sites and the limiting environmental factors, promotion of vegetative propagation and enrichment planting would enhance conservation and restoration of the species in Mt. Kenya forest. The high levels of soil nutrients and Cation exchange capacity in forest soils indicated the need to maintain them high on farm for optimal growth rate. Enhancing optimal environmental conditions for growth would enhance conservation and restoration of the Ocotea usambarensis
Tea and biofertilizers: A below ground biodiversity sustainable approach
(2015) Kavoo, A.; Kamiri, H.; Jefwa, J.
Tea is produced in the humid tropical and sub-tropical regions, which are home to rich biodiversity. The tea plantation environments have the potential to conserve a rich biodiversity which could serve as a source of biofertilizers. The natural abundance of microorganisms within the tea agro-ecosystems are expected to play a key role in sustainability of environment and increase tea performance and quality. However, agricultural and anthropogenic practices interfere with the tea agro-ecosystems and reduce the potential of the below ground biodiversity in sustainable tea production. The extent of this interference differs agro-ecologically and mapping of the biodiversities could provide a guide into the rich sampling sites which can be characterized, isolated, bulked and packaged into biofertilizers. Biofertilizers often double as efficient plant-aids in nutrient uptake and biopesticides, and offer an alternative to inorganic fertilizers and chemical pesticides which are a threat to humans and environments. Currently, the biotechnological manipulation of the tea rich biodiversities is very limited despite the opportunity it offers in biofertilizer production and utilization.

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