Journal Articles

Fuelwood Supply Consumption and Dynamic on Forest Resource in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County Kenya

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Fuelwood Supply Consumption and Dynamic on Forest Resource in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Turkana County Kenya kandie, Kipkemboi; Kipkore, Wilson k.; Odwor, P. O. Forestry is a source of livelihood for many farmers and rural households in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the utilization of fuelwood in Africa contributes greatly to desert encroachment and consequently has implications with regard to climate change. Its, little to understand about the drivers and dynamics of fuelwood consumption in Kenya and other African countries. This study is to analyze determinants of refugee camp forest resource utilization efficiency Kakuma refugee camp Turkana county. It accomplishes two broad objectives:( 1) To analyse utilization of fuelwood from indigenous tree species supplied to the camp, the profitability of firewood supplied to the local market and a growing body of evidence on the influence of utilization of fuelwood in the camp in the refugee camp, as the host community get cash from the refugees and food ration in exchange with the resource (Fuelwood) in a household’s level. It embraced a mixed methods approach embedded with an explanatory research design for concurrent triangulation. The study interviewed a total of 296 respondents through HH questionnaires, the KII Tool and FGD Guide. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic framework approach while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential (correlations) statistics on SPSS. Results suggest that even with minimal investment in both productive and non-productive assets (M=2.40) and SD=0.99) from cash purchase of fuelwood from agencies, there is significant negative effect (r=0.139) and P=0.05) between asset accumulation and poverty reduction among targeted household. study reveals that the provision of alternative sources of energy has the potential to reduce overdependence on wood fuel by the refugees in Kakuma Kenya. Therefore, the government ought to support other cheaper energy alternatives like alternatives gadgets and energy-saving cooking technologies, while the local administrators should integrate the refugee needs in the development plans for equal distribution of resources at large

BOTRYOSPHAERIACEAE FUNGAL SPECIES AS POTENTIAL PATHOGENS OF MELIACEAE IN THE ARID AND SEMI-ARID LANDS OF KENYA

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

BOTRYOSPHAERIACEAE FUNGAL SPECIES AS POTENTIAL PATHOGENS OF MELIACEAE IN THE ARID AND SEMI-ARID LANDS OF KENYA MUTHAMA, ANGELA M.; NJUGUNA, JANE W.; SANG, FRANCIS K. Botryosphaeriaceae are significant and cosmopolitan pathogens worldwide. In Kenya, the fungal family has been reported on Grevillea robusta on-farm. Two Meliaceae tree species, exotic Azadirachta indica (A. Juss.) and indigenous Melia volkensii (Geurke) were sampled across Kenya. Symptoms found in the field included shoot die-back (45%), canker 14%, both canker and dieback (25%) while 16% of the trees sampled were healthy. Botryosphaeriaceae was most prevalent in Melia volkensii mortality rate of 28%. DNA results of the ITS gene region for 86 isolates classified into 6 species of the Botryosphaeriaceae. 3 of these species belonged to the genus Lasiodiplodia namely L. pseudotheobromae, L. theobromae and L. parva. This is the first report of species Spencermartinsia viticola and Macrophoma theicola in Kenya. Pathogenicity tests done under glass house conditions showed that the L. pseudotheobromae species was most virulent to both M. volkensii and A. indica while L. theobromae was least virulent to both tree species. Wilting and necrosis was recorded within 7 days of inoculation but wound healing occurred on both species after 12 weeks. This study gave insight into disease resistance and tolerance of these dryland species for plantation establishment. It also revealed wider host diversity for Botryosphaeriaceae in the drylands.

Growth and Productivity of 11-Year-Old Pine Hybrids in TurboKenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Growth and Productivity of 11-Year-Old Pine Hybrids in TurboKenya Welimo, Martin Exotic Plantation species, especially of the Pinus genus are very popular in many countries. In the Tropics, and Kenya in particular, Pinus radiata and Pinus patula are the most widely planted. But exotic species have many challenges and attacks by diseases and pests are common. Research has therefore to keep abreast with establishment effort to thwart massive disease attacks and losses. Species and provenance trials are conducted with this in mind. A Pine hybrids trial was conducted in Turbo, Kenya with the aim of testing the suitability of 11 hybrids against the locally grown Pinus patula. The experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Height, Diameter (Dbh) and survival were assessed and results at age 11 years were analyzed and are reported in this paper. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences (p <0.001) in height and Dbh between the hybrids. The control (Pinus patula) performed poorly compared to some of the hybrids. Mean Dbh at 11 years ranged from 12.9cm to 25.68cm for the hybrids against 18.8cm of Pinus patula while mean height range was 11.6m to 23.18m against 20m of Pinus patula. Hybrids volume (D2*H) performance ranged between 328m³ per Ha to 1,894m³ per Ha compared to 1,006.9m³ per Ha for P. patula. The highest volume was found for PatxOoc (patulaby-oocarpa hybrid) with 1,894m³ per Ha. Hybrids PatxTecL and PatxOoc had superior performance for both growth variables (Dbh and Height) throughout the experiment period. These results embrace the view that hybrids are better performing than pure races and that there is value in doing more research in hybrids in the tropics to diversify genetic base and improve growth and productivity

Evaluation of the Performance of County Forest Conservancies against their Performance Contracts Targets as Indicated in Their AWP&B in Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Evaluation of the Performance of County Forest Conservancies against their Performance Contracts Targets as Indicated in Their AWP&B in Kenya Ogilo, Maurice Charles Ouma; Bekuta, Balozi Kirongo; Odwori, Paul Okelo Annual Workplan and Budget (AWP&B) are prepared annually by public organizations as required by the government policy for funds allocation by the treasury, which presents a focused role and a determined direction that estimates organization finances against her activities in a financial year. This study analyzed the effect of AWP&B on the performance of County Forest Conservancies (CFCs) in Kenya. Specifically, the study evaluated the performance of CFCs against their PC targets as indicated in their AWP&B. Descriptive research design was employed to analyze the AWP&B on the performance of CFCs. The result of the evaluation of performance showed that the observed calculated Chi-square (χ2) test statistics (79.81) was greater than the critical value (5.99) at 95% (α = 0.05). The test result was found to be significant, showing that the performance of CFCs did not support the full realization of their PC targets as indicated in their AWP&B. In conclusion, AWP&B indicated a significant impact on the performance of CFCs, showing that the planned target was not achieved fully as expected. The reason established for under achievement was that the CFCs do not receive adequate fund to enable them run their activities effectively. The study, therefore, recommended that the management implement a co-financing/cost-sharing model in AWP&B by exploring, securing and harnessing diversified funding sources, including private stakeholders, public-private partnerships and international grants to enable the organization to attain the overarching goal of increasing forest and tree cover in the country.

Correlation between Funds Allocation and Performance of County Forest Conservancies Against Their Performance Contracts Targets as Indicated in Their AWP&B Using Feasible Model in the Optimization in Kenya

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Correlation between Funds Allocation and Performance of County Forest Conservancies Against Their Performance Contracts Targets as Indicated in Their AWP&B Using Feasible Model in the Optimization in Kenya Ogilo, Maurice Charles Ouma; Bekuta, Balozi Kirongo; Odwori, Paul Okelo Annual Workplan and Budget (AWP&B) are prepared annually by public organization as required by the government policy for funds allocation by the treasury which presents a focused role and a determined direction that estimates organization finances against her activities in a financial year. This study analyzed the effect of AWP&B on the performance of County Forest Conservancies (CFCs) in Kenya. Specifically, the study derived a correlation between funds allocation and the performance of CFCs. A descriptive research design was employed to analyze the AWP&B on the performance of CFCs. The result of the correlation between funds allocation and performance of CFCs with the application of the Linear Programming (LP) model of optimization provided optimal solution on performance that will lead to lasting output, especially the allocation of enough funds for better implementation of the activities towards the achievement of planned targets. In conclusion, funds allocation and performance of CFCs correlated with established constraints of budget, raw materials cost, labour cost, and machine operation cost due to limited fund allocation, which had a negative effect on performance in terms of the level of activities done. LP model clearly provided optimal solutions to the viability of carrying out seedling production and other activities in the counties. To this effect, the LP model is to be enhanced to help the organizations optimize decisions on variables to solve problems of limited resources and multiple objectives incurred when implementing AWP&B.

Influence of Invasive Acacia melanoxylon on the Forest Stand Volumes and Annual Increment of Commercial Tree Species in Two Humid Forests (Nabkoi and Timboroa Forests, Kenya)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Invasive Acacia melanoxylon on the Forest Stand Volumes and Annual Increment of Commercial Tree Species in Two Humid Forests (Nabkoi and Timboroa Forests, Kenya) Kiptoo, Thomas Kiprotich; et. al... Background and Objective: The ecological relationship between Acacia melanoxylon invasion and forest ecology is not well understood in tropical humid forest ecosystems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the influence of Acacia melanoxylon on the volume and annual increment of two commercial forest tree species (Cupressus lusitanica and Pinus patula) in a humid tropical forest (North Tinderet Forest, in Kenya). Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a 10×10 m plot overlaid on a 500 m transect in univaded and invaded sites. Tree density, Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) >1.3 m and tree heights were measured. Volume and the mean annual biomass increment (MAI) were calculated. Results: There were significantly (p<0.05) higher tree densities, DBH and height in Timboroa than Nabkoi regardless of invasion. Further, the increased density of Acacia melanoxylon suppressed the volume of commercial tree species. These findings suggest that Acacia melanoxylon invasion reduced volume through reduced annual growth increment of commercial tree species. The proactive management of invasive Acacia melanoxylon should be considered to prevent the loss of tree volumes. Conclusion: However, the complexity of controlling both invasion and restoration side effects highlights the importance of taking a preventive approach

Influence of Tree-Crop Distance on Growth of Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica in Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of Tree-Crop Distance on Growth of Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica in Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme Ingura, Isaac Omoding The Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS), is an approach of raising young seedlings in a plantation whereby communities are given small areas of forest land with seedlings to till and take care of the planted seedlings until they reach canopy closure. But the system has had a number of managerial issues, the most prominent being that there is no recommended distance between the seedlings and crops (tree-crop distance). Thus, farmers plant their food crops immediately next to the young tree seedlings thus exacerbating intra-specific competition. Some of the crops planted include maize, cabbages and Irish potatoes. These crops cause excessive competition for moisture, nutrients, space and light to the detriment of the desired tree seedlings. The result has been massive failures of young plantations, while those that are cited as “successful” end up with poor growth rates and poor form not suited for the objectives of plantation establishment. This study was set up to elucidate the effects of tree-crop distance on the growth of Pinus patula and Cypress lusitanica seedlings in a PELIS system so as to come up with an optimum distance for treecrop in a PELIS system of establishment. The treatments constituted plantation tree species (P. patula and C. lusitanica) and crops (cabbages and potatoes) at treecrop distances of 20cm, 50cm, 100cm and 150cm. The control for the experiment was at tree-crop distance of 20cm. Plots of 5 × 5 tree seedlings with a weed free zone at the center (3x3 seedlings) were set up for C. lusitanica and P. patula. The inner 3 × 3 tree seedlings were assessed monthly for height and root collar diameter growth from time of transplanting while the outer trees formed the guard row. The experiment was in Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in 2 replicates. The study was in two sites, Timboroa and Kipkurere. ANOVA analyses were performed on the data (P < 0.05) and significant treatments were discriminated using Turkey’s HSD test. The results showed that the best growth in RCD and height occurred at tree-crop distance of 100 cm which was significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05) at both sites. The research demonstrated that in PELIS tree-crop distance is an important factor that affects the growth of tree seedlings and therefore we recommend tree-crop distance of 100 cm for successful C. lusitanica and Pinus patula establishment.

Allelopathic Effects of Vachellia nubica, Vachellia tortilis and Hyphaene compressa on Germination and Seedling Growth of Prosopis juliflora

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Allelopathic Effects of Vachellia nubica, Vachellia tortilis and Hyphaene compressa on Germination and Seedling Growth of Prosopis juliflora Lolimo, Festus Napokol; Ondeng’i, Benard Orori; Odhiambo, Kenneth Opiyo Background: Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC is an invasive species negatively impacting plant ecology and livelihoods in introduced areas. Native tree species may produce allelochemicals that can inhibit growth of invasive species, resulting in a natural management technique. Aim: This study aimed to determine allelopathic effect of three native tree species (V. tortilis, V. nubica, and H. compressa) on seed germination and early seedling growth of P. juliflora to identify the tree species that can be used to suppress P. juliflora invasion as part of its management strategy. Methodology: Crude Leaf and root extracts of the native trees at 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations were prepared. P. juliflora seeds were subjected to 24 crude extract treatments and a control in a completely randomized design in Petri dishes. The seeds were uniformly moistened with 10 ml extracts daily in a germination chamber for 14 days, and germination counts were done after every 2 days. Shoot and root length and wet weight were measured after 14 days. The data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and means separated by Tukey. Results: Prosopis seed coats treated with V. tortilis and V. nubica leaf extracts turned darkish before germination while germination of seeds in 10% leaf extracts of V. nubica aborted. Seed germination percentage in 10% leaf extracts of V. tortilis (30%) and V. nubica (23%) were the lowest compared to control (90%). P. juliflora seedlings under 5% V. nubica and 10% V. tortilis died before the experiment period. Depending on crude extract concentrations, percent inhibition on germination characteristics were; percent germination (21-74%), wet weight (6-49%), plumule length (10-47%), and radicle length (7-86%) of germinating P. juliflora. Conclusion: The native tree species studied have allelopathic effects on the germination of P. juliflora and thus can be promoted to suppress invasiveness of P. juliflora.

Impact of Tree-Crop Distance on Pine (Pinus patula) Growth in Intercropping Under the Plantations Establishments Livelihood Scheme (PELIS)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Impact of Tree-Crop Distance on Pine (Pinus patula) Growth in Intercropping Under the Plantations Establishments Livelihood Scheme (PELIS) Ingura, Isaac Omoding; Kirongo, Balozi Bekuta; Odhiambo, Kenneth Opiyo Background and Objective: In the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) there is no recommended spacing between the crops and trees (microsite distances). Therefore, the study determined the influence of microsite distances on the growth of Pinus patula. Materials and Methods: In PELIS, the treatments constituted of P. patula and crops (cabbages) at tree crop microsite distance (20, 50, 100 and 150 cm). Plots of 10×10 m were replicated 3 times at two sites. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and significantly different means by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Growth of P. patula in terms of root collar diameter (RCD) and height was measured for 6 months. Results: The best growth in DBH and height occurred at a tree crop microsite distance of 100 cm followed by 50 cm which was significantly higher than the control (p<0.05). Similarly, the best growth trends in terms of average height occurred at a tree crop microsite distance of 100 cm followed by 50 cm which was significantly higher than the control (p<0.05) at both sites. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that in PELIS tree crop microsite distance is an important factor that affects the growth of trees and therefore it is recommended tree-cropping microsite distances of 100 and 50 cm for Pinus patula establishment

Impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification on mammalian diversity in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Impacts of anthropogenic habitat modification on mammalian diversity in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya Ouya, Evance O.; et.al... Habitat destruction is a major driver of biodiversity loss, especially in the tropics. We investigated changes in the diversity and occupancy of forest-dwelling mammals in response to habitat loss, alteration, and degradation at the Mau Forest Complex (MFC), southwestern Kenya. Using a systematic camera trapping grid, we estimated patterns of mammalian diversity, occupancy of small carnivores, and detection rates of functional mammalian groups across three habitat types (primary forests, secondary forests, and cultivated habitats). Between March 2019 and October 2021, 246 camera traps were deployed across 181 locations representing 5509 sampling days, resulting in 47,345 images of 52 mammalian species in nine mammalian orders. Alpha diversity differed among treatments, with primary forests having the highest diversity, and cultivated habitats the lowest, though results were not statistically significant. Beta diversity differed significantly among treatments, indicating differences in community composition as well as species richness. Overall occupancy for small carnivores was highest in primary forests and lowest in cultivated habitats, with some species specializing in primary forests while others were able to occupy more degraded habitats. Among functional groups, detection rates only differed signifi- cantly for large rodents, primates, and ungulates. Our results indicate that although functional groups and species may respond differently to habitat loss and alteration at the MFC, overall species diversity of specialist mammals was highest in the less-disturbed primary forests. Specialist, forest-dependent species are likely most affected by human activities, making them especially vulnerable to habitat loss at the MFC