Geography
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/722
2024-03-20T15:57:17ZThe influence of artisanal gold mining on agricultural land in Ikolomani sub-county Kakamega county, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5228
The influence of artisanal gold mining on agricultural land in Ikolomani sub-county Kakamega county, Kenya
ANDEYO, Grace Onoka
In the entire world, 40.5 million people were directly engaged in artisanal gold mining (AGM). In Kenya, AGM is characterized with; massive clearing of vegetation and land destruction in AGM areas, overnight conversion of once arable and grazing land to AGM activities, replacement of once arable and grazing land with heaps of debris, overburden and open pits from AGM activities associated to income generation. In Ikoloman Sub County, AGM activities are intensive, notwithstanding the fact that, the Sub County is endowed with fertile soils and high amounts of rainfall nonetheless crop yields are generally low, with maize and beans yields being below 0.9 tones. This points to the fact that AGM poses a serious threat to agricultural land in Ikolomani Sub County. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine the influence of AGM on agricultural land in Ikolomani Sub County of Kakamega County. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the influence of AGM income on the acreage of arable land; determine the influence of the acreage of land under AGM on food crop yields; and establish the influence of acreage of land under AGM on livestock grazing area in Ikolomani Sub County. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed. A minimum sample size of 273 households was drawn from a study population of 950 households engaging in AGM on their farming land using Fisher’s formula. Random sampling was used to identify household heads engaging in AGM from the thirteen Sub Locations of Ikolomani Sub County. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants such as artisanal gold mining opinion leaders, chiefs, village elders, officers from Petroleum and Mining and Agricultural departments who were interviewed in Sub locations. Primary data were collected through questionnaires administered to household heads, interview schedules for key informants, Focus Group Discussions, and photography .Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics: percentages, frequencies, means, and simple linear regression. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the research objectives and presented in narrative form. Simple linear regression was used to predict the influence of: AGM income on acreage of arable land; acreage of land under AGM on food crop yields; acreage of land under AGM on livestock grazing area. The findings were presented in the form of tables, graphs, plates and discussions. The results show that 63% (r2=0.63,p < 0.05) of the variation of acreage of arable land can be explained by income from AGM. That acreage of arable land had reduced considerably as farmers practiced or leased it out for monetary gains from AGM. About 55% (r2=0.55,p < 0.05)of the variation of food crop yields can be explained by acreage of land under AGM. This can be explained by the fact that: the acreage of arable land has been taken up for artisanal gold mining activities such as; construction of mining factories, makeshift structures for miners , the land was compacted due to human traffic, motor cycles and degraded rendering it infertile and pools of stagnant water had offered conducive breeding conditions for mosquitoes leading to rampant malaria spread limiting the populace in engagement in productive farming thereby reducing on food crop yields. The acreage of land under AGM explained only 16% (r2=0.16,p < 0.05)variation of livestock grazing area. That livestock grazing area had been put under AGM concessions, heaps of debris and overburden had consumed livestock grazing area non-bio generable sacks sprawled the livestock grazing area and livestock grazing area had been flooded by water pumped by AGM miners to the surface. Using the results policy makers and society at large can gain insight on how AGM is influencing agriculture land. This will assist in control and management of AGM activities in Ikolomani Sub County.
2021-01-01T00:00:00ZEnvironmental impact of rainfall variability In semi-arid areas: a case study of Baringo District, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/4359
Environmental impact of rainfall variability In semi-arid areas: a case study of Baringo District, Kenya
KHAOMA, NgairaJoseph
Studies in climatology have revealed that the weather patterns of the world have become
very variable during the last half of the twentieth century. The causes of the variability
have identified as sunspot activity, earth's orbit, decline in the solar beam, injection of
both natural and man made aerosols in the atmosphere, depletion of the ozone layer and
albedo change due to deforestation and increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The most affected weather element by the above mentioned factors is rainfall and the
.areas most affected by the sudden changes in rainfall characteristics are the Arid and
Semi-arid Lands (ASAL) of the world, which are already moisture constrained. Most
parts of Africa suffer from aridity, where for example, 83 percent of Kenya's total area is
either arid or semi-arid. .
The study generally focussed on the impact of rainfall variability on environmental
transformations in semi-arid Baringo district in Kenya. Other objectives include:
Identification of rainfall characteristics i.e intensities droughts and trends between 1960-
1995 by use of monthly and annual rainfall totals, identification of the impact of rainfall
variability impact on pastoralism, crop cultivation and the general economic status of the
people of semi-arid Baringo.
In order to achieve the stated objectives, the following hypotheses were selected for
testing:- There is no significant difference in rainfall variability between Marigat and
Nginyang, there is no significant relationship between rainfall variability and (a) size (b)
depth and (c) fish production on lake Baringo and there is no significant relationship
between rainfall variability and (a) animal loss (b) crop production in semi-arid Baringo.
Methods of data collection in this study include:- Reviewing of the available literature
related to the topic, collection of relevant documented data from weather stations,
KEMRI, Fisheries department, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock development, all
located within the study area, and Administration of structured and unstructured
questions on selected topics (pastoralism, crop cultivation, health). Techniques in
climatology such as precipitation Concentration Index (PCK), Coefficient of Variability
(CV), Relative Variability (RV) Correlation Coefficient, Student t-test and Time Series
analysis were used.
Empirical findings established that semi-arid Baringo suffers from erratic and variable
rainfall in time and space, such that, there was a significant difference in rainfall between,
Marigat and Nginyang where Nginyang was best described as arid while Marigat as
semi-arid. It was further established that Marigat experienced frequent droughts lasting
between 2-3 consecutive years, while Nginyang experienced prolonged droughts lasting
over five consecutive years leading to temporary climate change. The general rainfall
trend in the study area pointed towards drier conditions in future.
The study also established a strong correlation between rainfall variability, lake Baringo
size and depth such that, when rainfall increases the size(surface area) and depth of the
lake increases and during droughts, the lake shrinks in size and drops in depth.
Surprisingly, there is minimal correlation between rainfall variability and fish production.
Rainfall amount has very little influence on fish production. On the other hand, it was
established that rainfall variability was responsible for a great percentage of animal loss
collapse of rainfall rainfed crop cultivation in Marigat, poor health and school enrolment
and attendance.
From the findings of the study, was concluded that rainfall variability in semi-arid
Baringo was responsible for the economic collapse, poverty and persistent starvation
among the residents. In order to alleviate some of the problems caused by rainfall
variability in the study area, a holistic approach was recommended where all the relevant
personnel must work together towards behavioural change of the residents, technical and
scientific improvement of the environment.
Thesis (PhD)
1999-01-01T00:00:00ZEffect of financial indicators on financial performance of micro finance institutions in Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/915
Effect of financial indicators on financial performance of micro finance institutions in Kenya
MUGUN, Wycliffe
Microfinance is the provision of a broad range of financial services such as deposits, loans, payment services, money transfers and insurance to the poor and low-income households and their micro enterprises. The sector reaches out to 832,794 active borrowers with a loan book amounting to Kshs.28.6 billion and reporting 26.4 % annual growth in Kenya. However, owing to the fact that there is limited literature on the determinants of financial performance, various studies conducted indicate divergent views on the effect of financial indicators on financial performance. For this reasons it is not clear whether or not financial indicators affect financial performance of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Kenya. The study focused on three plausible financial indicators namely debt to equity ratio, portfolio to assets ratio and operating expense ratio. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of financial indicators on financial performance of MFIs in Kenya. The specific objectives were to; find out the effect of debt to equity ratio on financial performance, examine effect of portfolio to assets ratio on financial performance and examine effect of operating expense ratio on the financial performance of MFIs in Kenya. The study was modeled on the Arbitrage pricing Theory and correlation research design adopted. Target population comprised 12 registered MFIs. Sample size consisted a panel data set of 12 MFIs selected using purposing sampling method for the period from 2009 to 2013 and secondary data was collected. Fixed effect model was the preferred model based on the Hausman specification but the study used random effect model since fixed effect model gave insignificant results.Breusch pagan LM test of heteroscedasticity in random effects was conducted to test if the variance of the residual term will be constant over different values of the explanatory variables. Random effect model results revealed that debt to equity ratio had a negative but insignificant relationship with return on assets ratio. Portfolio to assets ratio had a positive relationship with financial performance but the relationship was not significant. Operating expense ratio had negative and significant relationship with return to assets ratio. The coefficient for lagged return to assets ratio was 0.4733, debt to equity ratio was -0.0026, portfolio to assets ratio was 0.0090 and coefficient for operating expense ratio was -0.1857. P-values for DER was 0.878 , PAR, 0.686 and OER, 0.000.The results for lagged ROA the coefficient was positive and was statistically significant. Autoregressive distributed lag model on debt to equity ratio preferred model random effect model findings postulated that debt to equity ratio had positive and significant relationship with return to assets ratio. Lagged DER had positive and significant relationship with return to assets ratio. ARDL model on portfolio to assets ratio preferred model random effect findings revealed that PAR had positive and insignificant relationship with return to assets ratio. Lagged PAR had positive and significant relationship with return to assets ratio.ARDL model on operating expense ratio and preferred model fixed effect model showed that OER had negative and significant relationship with return to assets ratio. The lagged OER had positive and insignificant relationship with return to assets ratio .The study concluded that negative and significant effect of operating expense ratio on financial performance shows that an increase in expenses decreases the performance of the MFIs industry in Kenya and negative coefficient of OER implies that there is lack of efficiency in expense management of the MFIs industry in Kenya. The study recommends that AMFI should conduct audit to ensure that all MFIs maintain a proper balance between debt and equity, MFIs in Kenya should aim at formulating and implementing strategies that are likely to enhance rate of returns from their investment portfolios and MFIs should lower their interest rate to a level that would cover its operating expenses. The study would be significant in the provision of MFIs with proper decision making as well as provide the contextual information to researchers and scholars.
Masters degree
2017-01-01T00:00:00ZSocio–Economic factors influencing fertility behaviour in Maseno Division, Kisumu West Sub-County, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/910
Socio–Economic factors influencing fertility behaviour in Maseno Division, Kisumu West Sub-County, Kenya
OMONDI, Joseph Mohammed
Fertility behaviour issues are a concern of many governments and organizations in several countries. Documentation of children ever born is important in understanding fertility behaviour of a region. Fertility bevahiour is usually influenced by various factors so it’s necessary to determine their level of influence. Modern contraceptives are currently available for fertility regulation so when fertility is high, it’s necessary to find out the threshold at which various factors influence the decision to regulate fertility. Fertility level of Maseno Division is high as illustrated by a total fertility rate of 5.2, higher than those of the sub-county, national and global ones of 4.5, 3.9 and 2.5, respectively. Its population growth rate of 3.9% is higher the national and global ones of 2.6% and 1.2%, respectively. Its contraceptive prevalence rate of 26.1% is lower than the national of 58%. High fertility is causing undesirable effects in Maseno Division yet there isn’t documented study on factors influencing it. The purpose of this study was to examine socio-economic factors influencing fertility behaviour in Maseno Division of Kisumu West Sub-County, Kenya. The objectives of this study were to: determine the mean number of children ever born to married women; determine the level at which education level, age at marriage, sex preference, religion, income level, family pressures and family land size influence mean number of children ever born to married women; and assess the threshold at which education level, age at marriage, sex preference, religion and income level influence the decision to regulate fertility by use of modern contraceptives. Cross-sectional survey research design was used. A sample size of 384 married women was obtained from a study population of 40,306 women. The study area was stratified according to locations then married women, key informants and members of Focus Group Discussions were selected using purposive sampling technique. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions while secondary data was collected from published sources. Quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages, mean and correlation analysis.. Qualitative data was analyzed by organizing them into themes and patterns then evaluating their usefulness to answer research questions. Results showed that the mean number of children ever born to married women at age cohort 44-45 years is 7 children. Results also revealed that socio-economic factors influence mean number of children ever born at various levels: education level, age at marriage, family income, size of family land, sex preference, religious affiliation and family pressures. Results further indicated that education level, income level, age at marriage and sex preference had thresholds at which they influence the decision to regulate fertility by use of modern contraceptives. The study concluded that a small proportion of the division is in the early third phase of transition according to Demand-Supply Theory of Easterlin. The study recommends enactment of laws that limit the size of a family and a two pronged approach to empower married women economically and to increase their level of motivation towards fertility control and hence adopt modern contraceptives.
Masters degree
2017-01-01T00:00:00ZAnalysis of adoption of modern Agricultural technologies by women in Luanda and Emuhaya sub- counties, VIhiga county, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/888
Analysis of adoption of modern Agricultural technologies by women in Luanda and Emuhaya sub- counties, VIhiga county, Kenya
LUSIGI, MoureenAdamba
The agrarian revolution of the 18th century witnessed the advent of modern agricultural technologies (MATs) such as use of fertilizers increased agricultural yields. Many women are engaged in agricultural activities. However Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind other regions in adoption of MATs yet women play a leading role in provision of labour like weeding. In Kenya, the effect of MATs such as concentrate feeds is yet to be felt among the women farmers. This lowered agricultural production threatening lives of millions of people who depend on agriculture. In Emuhaya and Luanda Sub-Counties an average yield of 4 bags of maize was realized compared to its potential of 15 bags per acre. This study analyses adoption of MATs by women in Luanda and Emuhaya sub-counties. The specific objectives were to: establish the MATs adopted by women in crop farming and animal husbandry, establish the relationship between education and adoption of MATs in crop farming and animal husbandry and to examine the benefits of adopted MATs by women in crop farming and animal husbandry. A cross-sectional survey was applied and a sample size of 384 women was drawn from a population of 61,640 using the (Fisher et al., 1983) formula. Stratified random sampling was used to select women practicing crop farming and animal husbandry proportionately. A questionnaire was used to collect information from women. An interview schedule was used to gather information from assistant chiefs and extension officers. Discussion guides were used to collect information from focus group discussions. A camera was used to take slides of MATs in use. Secondary data was acquired from journals, agricultural reports and statistical abstracts. Data analysis was done using frequencies, percentages, spearman correlation, cross tabulations and chi square tests. The results were presented using tables, bar graphs, pie charts and plates. The study established that 98.4% of the women had adopted various MATs in both crop farming and animal husbandry. Spearman‘s correlation results show a significant weak negative correlation between education and MATs like certified seeds and zero grazing respectively (r=-.221,p=.000),(r=-.213, p=.016). Important benefits in adoption were food security and high production. Chi square results show there was a relationship between some benefits of adoption and MATs such as fertilizer and improving soil fertility (p=.000) while improved grasses and high production (p=.001). Plates revealed that intercropping and zero grazing were common MATs adopted. The findings will help strengthen programmes that empower women with skills, information and resources to enhance uptake of MATs.
2018-01-01T00:00:00ZEffects of Epigeal Termitaria physiography, altitude and location on vegetation lifeforms abundance in Katolo sub-location, Kisumu county, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/855
Effects of Epigeal Termitaria physiography, altitude and location on vegetation lifeforms abundance in Katolo sub-location, Kisumu county, Kenya
OLUOCH, Wyclife Agumba
Termite mounds differ in their physiography (basal radii and heights) as well as altitudinal locations and host more vegetation assemblages ascribed partly to their conducive physiography and possibly elevated nutrients levels. Large termitaria have been documented to support better fruiting of acacia trees and growth of mopane trees while hindering grass growth. However, physiographic description and modeling of how varying physiography of epigeal termitaria and altitude influence abundance of vegetation lifeforms (trees, shrubs, lianas and grass) has not been studied to support their conservation efforts within Katolo Sub-Location. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate variability in vegetation lifeforms abundance with epigeal termitaria physiography in order to support local conservation needs. The general objective is to find out how epigeal termitaria affect vegetation lifeforms. The specific objectives of this study were to: determine the influence of termite mounds physiography and altitude on vegetation lifeforms abundance; find out the influence of on-mound and off-mound locations on vegetation lifeforms abundance; and develop model for prediction of on-mound vegetation lifeforms abundance based on physiography and altitude. Study population was unknown. Cross sectional descriptive research design was used. Saturated sampling was used and where 60 termite mounds were studied. Basal radii of the mounds were measured using 50m tape measure and classed into three categories while mound heights were determined using 50m tape measure and/or hand-held inclinometer and classed. Altitude data were captured by hand-held GPS and categorized as lower, middle and upper. Trees, shrubs and lianas were identified visually and counted while grass was estimated using 0.3m by 0.3m quadrat. One way ANOVA was employed to determine significant differences in means of vegetation lifeforms abundance based on classes of termite mound physiography and location on and off-mound. Simple linear regression was used to determine magnitude of variation in vegetation lifeforms that could be explained by mound physiography differences. Multiple linear regressions were used to model vegetation lifeforms abundance based on termite mound basal radius, height and altitude. The results showed that radius was the best predictor of all vegetation lifeforms abundance except grass; (F(1, 59) = 185.77, p=0.000) with R2adj. =0.76, (F(1, 59) = 46.31, p=0.000) with R2adj. =0.43,(F(1, 59) = 164.39, p=0.000) with R2adj. =0.73and (F(1, 59) = 1.41, p=0.241) with R2adj. =0.01 for trees, shrubs, lianas and grass respectively. ANOVA revealed that location significantly (p≤0.05) influenced all vegetation lifeforms with all except grass being more abundant on termite mounds than off-mound. A multiple regression model significantly (p≤0.05) predicted vegetation lifeforms abundance; trees R2adj. =0.83, shrubsR2adj. =0.42 and lianasR2adj. =0.74 using termite mound basal radius, height and altitude. Weak R2adjfor shrubs could probably be attributed to competition from trees or preference by short grazers though not tested in current study. This study concluded that termite mound physiography (basal radius, height) and altitude influence abundance of vegetation lifeforms (trees, shrubs and lianas) but not grass. The study recommends investigations into predominant plant and termite species within the study area to anchor the need for their conservation.
2018-01-01T00:00:00ZThe Influence of Household Characteristics and Agricultural Practices on Food Security in Semi Arid Agro-Ecological Zones of Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya
https://repository.maseno.ac.ke/handle/123456789/723
The Influence of Household Characteristics and Agricultural Practices on Food Security in Semi Arid Agro-Ecological Zones of Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu County, Kenya
Obuoyo, Joyce Atieno
The world is facing decreasing food production from agriculture, especially in Africa where smallholder farming provides most of the food. The importance of agriculture in food provision at household and national levels is now universally accepted. However, in as much as smallholder production feeds majority of rural households, the available global data only exist on well-established food systems and not on the smallholder systems. In Kenya, over 85% of farmers are smallholder mixed farmers. Further, many researchers and policy-makers have not considered household characteristics and agricultural practices as determinants to household food security hence the nexus between them has received little attention resulting in limited comprehensive data linking them. This study was carried out in the semi-arid Agro-ecological zones of Nyakach where agriculture is the main source of food and food poverty level is 65.0%. Agricultural practices that the smallholder farmers engage in could be a fundamental factor influencing household food security. Studies on food security in Nyakach Sub-County have, however, concentrated on Economic Partnership Agreements and commercial agriculture. There was therefore need to determine the influence of agricultural practices by smallholder farmers on household food security. The study adds to the existing body of knowledge and forms a basis for further research and policy analysis on agriculture and food security in semi-arid environments. The broad objective of the study was to assess the influence of agricultural practices on food security. The specific objectives were: to determine the influence of demographic and socio-economic household characteristics on food security; to examine the influence of crop farming practices on household food security; to examine the influence of livestock farming on household food security. The study population was 9,331 households. The sample size was 384 households selected using Proportionate Stratified sampling method. Purposive sampling was used to identify key informants. The study adopted cross-sectional social survey research design. Primary data on household characteristics; crop and livestock farming practices and household food security were collected through field observations; questionnaires; key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Pearson‟s Correlation Coefficient (r) was used to assess the relationships between household characteristics; farming practices and household food security. Logistic regression Analysis was conducted to establish significance of relationships between size of acreage; household income and expenditure; annual crop yields; livestock numbers and household food security. Chi-Square test was used to show the association between categorical and continuous variables and household food security. Multivariate analysis was done to establish the relationship between all crop farming practices and food security. Qualitative data on household size; type of crop and livestock; food coping strategies and quality of food consumed in household was transcribed and analyzed by creating relational themes. Household Socio-demographic and economic characteristics that most significantly influenced food security were family size (0.000), consumption of own-produced food (0.000), total number of livestock owned (0.002) and off-farm employment (0.003). Choice of seeds and crop varieties, use of inorganic fertilizer, organic manure, mulching and composting; irrigation, improved fallow practices and construction of anti-erosion hedges are crop farming practices that influenced household food security. Also, Livestock type, ownership, housing and veterinary services are significant determinants of household food security. The study concludes that the household is the basis of achieving food security hence the farmer and farming practices must be prioritized. The study recommends that smallholder farmers‟ sensitization programs and extension and veterinary services should be encouraged so as to protect household food security in semi-arid lands.
2017-01-01T00:00:00Z