HoAREC Repository Collection:

Impact Of Prosopis Juliflora To Biodiversity And Ecosystem Services In Lake Turkana Ecosystem In Turkana County, Kenya

2024-07-11T08:29:57Z

Title: Impact Of Prosopis Juliflora To Biodiversity And Ecosystem Services In Lake Turkana Ecosystem In Turkana County, Kenya Authors: Edome Akwee, Peter Abstract: Prosopis juliflora in Kenya has attracted an immense attention as a result of its invasive nature and altering Lake Turkana its natural ecosystems at an alarming rate. This attention has been mainly attributed to the impact this species has on the social, economic and ecological well-being of communities in the infested areas. The purpose of the study assesses the impact of Prosopis juliflora on plant abundance and species diversity; livestock and human health and ecosytem services in Lake Turkana ecosystem in Turkana county. Ecological quantitative data was collected by using cross- sectional survey research design. Quadrat sampling method was used to determine plants population size and density. Sampling plots were laid to collect data from the study area. The main sampling plots of 400 m x 400 m and sub- plots of 25 m x 25 m (225 m2 and square quadrats square quadrats of 5 m x 5 m (25 m2). Diversity index was used to calculate the Diversity index. A sample of 251 of respondents were selected from the target population. Questionnaires and Interview schedules were used to collect data from respondents. Data analyzed by use of descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Correlation and Regression Analysis will be used to show associations between independent variables and dependent variable. A p-value of < 0.05 level of significance. The findings have established that the sampled study sites in Lake Turkana ecosystem have extremely displayed lower species diversity and species richness and mostly dominated by the same Prosopis species with average species diversity index of D = 0.69. The results have confirmed that the rapid expansive nature of Prosopis juliflora in the Lake Turkana ecosystem has affected the critical ecosystem of Lake Turkana shorelines hence impacting negatively the biodiversity and ecosystem services. P. juliflora species were subjected to ANOVA and the result of the study showed significant differences in plant tree species abundance and species diversity at level of significance (p<0.001). The reduced indigenous plant species distribution, species richness and species diversity is as a result of colonization and aggressive nature of the Prosopis species. The study therefore recommends that, there is need to reversing the trends in biodiversity loss of indigenous plant species and restoration of natural lake Turkana ecosystem by coming up with an integrated approach for effective management of Prosopis species.

Critical Review Of Prosopis Juliflora Species In Turkana County, Kenya: Current Status For Informed Policy Decision And Management Of The Species

2024-07-11T08:25:55Z

Title: Critical Review Of Prosopis Juliflora Species In Turkana County, Kenya: Current Status For Informed Policy Decision And Management Of The Species Authors: P. E., Akwee; G. N., Nambafu Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is among one of the world’s most invasive alien species that is widely spreading in Kenya natural grazing lands due to its adaptive physiological characteristics. The species came from south Africa with the intention of benefiting the people living in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), which ironically resulted in more harm than good. Turkana and Baringo are heavily hit counties whose people are suffering from the continuous expansion of land under Prosopis. Their speedy growth, development and colonization of an area are driven by the climate, existence of large herds of livestock, government policies and topography. To completely eradicate the species from agricultural land, it calls for an integrated approach that will bring together mechanical, chemical and biological methods of controlling Prosopis. To that extent, the Kenya government should enact appropriate policies governing its spread and detach Prosopis invested land from gazette government forest.

Access to IoT Technologies for Processing and Sharing Terrestrial Biodiversity Data for Sustainable Livelihoods among Rural Communities in Turkana County, Kenya

2024-07-08T09:31:45Z

Title: Access to IoT Technologies for Processing and Sharing Terrestrial Biodiversity Data for Sustainable Livelihoods among Rural Communities in Turkana County, Kenya Authors: Osida Onunga, Jeremiah Abstract: Purpose – This study aimed to evaluate the access to IoT devices and technologies in Turkana County, Kenya, to enhance sustainable livelihoods. Method – The study used theoretical research findings to connect IoT theory and practice, as well as biodiversity data for sustainable livelihoods. The mixed method was used, with a sample of 384 households. Data was collected through questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews. Results – The study found that rural communities in Turkana County primarily use mobile phones and radio for accessing terrestrial biodiversity data. The findings emphasized the need for initiatives allowing rural populations to fully utilize IoT technologies for processing and sharing terrestrial biodiversity data. Conclusion – The study's knowledge contribution took the form of an enhanced Sustainable Livelihoods (SLF), where varied responses and systematic analysis made terrestrial biodiversity data access and use via IoT relevant for understanding the relationship between terrestrial biodiversity data and sustainable livelihoods. Recommendations – The findings can be used to provide policy recommendations and suggestions for Kenya's future terrestrial biodiversity data plans, policies, and strategies. Implications – As IoT technologies continue to advance, their potential for positively impacting biodiversity conservation and environmental management will only grow, ensuring a brighter future for our planet's ecological health.

APPLICATION OF IoT-BASED TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY DATA FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN TURKANA COUNTY

2024-07-08T07:10:39Z

Title: APPLICATION OF IoT-BASED TERRESTRIAL BIODIVERSITY DATA FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES IN TURKANA COUNTY Authors: Osida Onunga, Jeremiah; Ikoha Peters, Anselemo; Edome Akwee, Peter Abstract: ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the application of IoT-based terrestrial biodiversity data for sustainable livelihoods in Turkana County, Kenya. The study used theoretical research findings to connect IoT theory and practice with biodiversity data for sustainable livelihoods. The mixed method was used, with a sample of 384 households in Turkana County. Data was collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The study found that pastoralists who were aware of terrestrial biodiversity and pastoral advice provided by IoTs used the information to influence their way of life. The findings emphasized the need for initiatives allowing rural populations to utilize IoT technologies for processing and sharing terrestrial biodiversity data. The study's knowledge contribution took the form of an enhanced Sustainable Livelihoods (SLF), where varied responses and systematic analysis made the IoT application relevant for understanding the relationship between terrestrial biodiversity data and sustainable livelihoods. The findings can be used to provide policy recommendations and suggestions for Kenya's future terrestrial biodiversity data plans, policies, and strategies.