-
Research/Technical Note
Socio-Economic Impacts of Flooding Around Lake Victoria, Kisumu County, Kenya
Herine Pamela Auma Ondolo*
,
Ann Osio
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-16
Received:
1 October 2024
Accepted:
20 November 2024
Published:
6 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajere.20251001.11
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: History shows that people have settled around the shores of Lake Victoria and used its water for varied purposes that include, but not limited to, domestic use, trade, and agriculture. Relatedly, the lake has also been known to flood annually with devasting effect on the settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify the trend in the expansion of the lake over the years with a goal of making recommendations to alleviate the negative impact of the floods. Sentinel satellite images were obtained from internet open sources and then they were classified, leading to six classes comprising: water, built up, herbaceous, roads, bare land and woody vegetation. The period studied covered the years 2019 to 2022. From the satellite images, it is observed that water coverage was most expansive in 2021 compared to the other years. In the year 2021, it was occupying an area of 584175600m2, this is a significant increase from the year 2019, when it was covering, 559258200m2. In the year 2022, there was a reduction in the area covered by water, 583134300m2. Most flooded areas are along the shores of the lake. This study recommends that the previous dry lands that are now under water be used for rice farming by public private partnerships and the owners of the lands be compensated as necessary. It further recommends on adoption of geospatial technology to identify suitable spots to build structures for living and / or business, along the shores. Such policies will alleviate the destruction of properties and the loss of lives due to floods.
Abstract: History shows that people have settled around the shores of Lake Victoria and used its water for varied purposes that include, but not limited to, domestic use, trade, and agriculture. Relatedly, the lake has also been known to flood annually with devasting effect on the settlements. The purpose of this study is to identify the trend in the expansi...
Show More
-
Research Article
Environment-Food-Energy Nexus Complexities in Zambia: A Case of Forest Exploitation in Mpande Community of Kafue District
Lweendo Mulombwa Kageya*,
Gear Mumena Kajoba
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
17-30
Received:
20 February 2025
Accepted:
4 March 2025
Published:
18 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajere.20251001.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Forests are important for sustaining life on Earth, they perform environmental functions such as soil management, biodiversity conservation and climate moderation. However, forests have been threatened with deforestation due to the need for income generation and forest clearance for agriculture purposes. The anticipated annual rate of deforestation in Zambia is between 250,000 and 300,000 hectares. Mpande community in Zambia’s Kafue district has been faced with forest exploitation, which has resulted in intricate problems pertaining to the environment- food-energy nexus. Competition has arisen among food and energy resources due to the growing scarcity of environmental resources, coupled with population growth. This study explored the complex interrelationships among the environment, food and energy in Mpande community. Thus, this study aimed to explore the relationships among the environment, food and energy nexus with specific focus on the complexities arising from forest exploitation in Mpande community. Using a qualitative case study design, data was gathered through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, unstructured interviews and physical observation. Data was collected from a sample of 254 respondents that were purposively selected. The respondents comprised of members of Mpande community and key informants from Kafue Forestry department and Ministry of Agriculture. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data in order to recognize the linkages in the environment- food-energy nexus. The results of this study revealed that forest exploitation has led to loss of biodiversity, weakened soil fertility and reduced the availability of wild foods, thereby exacerbating food insecurity. Additionally, the community’s dependence on charcoal and firewood which has been driven by lack of alternative energy sources had also accelerated forest exploitation. Therefore, this study highlighted the need for integrated community-based forest management, sustainable agricultural practices, promoting alternative energy sources and an increase in environmental literacy.
Abstract: Forests are important for sustaining life on Earth, they perform environmental functions such as soil management, biodiversity conservation and climate moderation. However, forests have been threatened with deforestation due to the need for income generation and forest clearance for agriculture purposes. The anticipated annual rate of deforestation...
Show More
-
Research Article
Assessment of Community Participation in Forest Conservation in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
31-37
Received:
17 February 2025
Accepted:
26 February 2025
Published:
18 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajere.20251001.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: This study investigated the role of community participation in forest conservation in Ekiti State, Nigeria, focusing on the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, their level of participation, factors influencing community participation in forest conservation and the challenges they face. Primary data were collected from 90 respondents from three different Local Government Areas through a well-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that community participation in forest conservation was limited, with many respondents not actively involved in conservation efforts. Key factors influencing community participation included level of education, forest policy awareness, and land ownership. Conversely, major obstacles to effective participation were identified as lack of awareness and education, inadequate institutional frameworks, and limited access to technology and resources. The study concluded that the level of community participation in forest conservation in the study area is not encouraging; level of education, forest policy awareness and land ownership were the factors responsible for community participation in forest conservation in the study area and that lack of awareness and education, inadequate institutional framework and limited access to technology and resources were the challenges to community participation in forest conservation in the study area. To address these challenges, the study recommends the development of awareness and education programs, strengthening of institutional frameworks, and provision of access to technology and resources. These initiatives would support community-led forest conservation efforts and enhance community participation in forest conservation, ultimately contributing to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Abstract: This study investigated the role of community participation in forest conservation in Ekiti State, Nigeria, focusing on the socio-economic characteristics of respondents, their level of participation, factors influencing community participation in forest conservation and the challenges they face. Primary data were collected from 90 respondents from...
Show More
