http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/172 2026-04-19T21:46:19Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2686 Use of Seasonal Climate Forecast in Agricultural Decision-making among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Southeastern Kenya Mwatu, Morris Maingi Various adaptation strategies to climate variability have been used over the years with little attention given to the vital role played by seasonal climate forecast (SCF) in providing information on the expected climatic conditions to adapt to. This study sought to assess the level of use and constraints in using seasonal climate forecast in agricultural decisionmaking by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Voi sun-County. SCF for October-November-December (OND) 2015 was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and compared to observed climatic conditions for the season. Climatic data of the study area for the period 1985-2014 was obtained from Voi Meteorological station and used to calculate the OND mean rainfall for the study area. Questionnaires were administered to 204 household heads randomly selected from two Locations and interview schedule administered to five purposively selected Key Informants. Primary data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation test. The study showed that 41.7% of smallholder farmers used OND 2015 SCF in agricultural decision-making. Key constraints to use of seasonal climate forecast were lack of trust in the forecasts and inadequate extension support. The household’s socio-economic characteristics that were found to have a significant relationship with use of SCF were education level and reason for farming. The study concludes that although OND 2015 SCF was accurate, there was poor use of the forecast in agricultural decision-making mainly due to lack of trust on the information and low level of training on its use. The study recommends enhancement of awareness on importance of SCF information and training on its use in agricultural decision-making especially in semi-arid areas Various adaptation strategies to climate variability have been used over the years with little attention given to the vital role played by seasonal climate forecast (SCF) in providing information on the expected climatic conditions to adapt to. This study sought to assess the level of use and constraints in using seasonal climate forecast in agricultural decisionmaking by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Voi sun-County. SCF for October-November-December (OND) 2015 was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and compared to observed climatic conditions for the season. Climatic data of the study area for the period 1985-2014 was obtained from Voi Meteorological station and used to calculate the OND mean rainfall for the study area. Questionnaires were administered to 204 household heads randomly selected from two Locations and interview schedule administered to five purposively selected Key Informants. Primary data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation test. The study showed that 41.7% of smallholder farmers used OND 2015 SCF in agricultural decision-making. Key constraints to use of seasonal climate forecast were lack of trust in the forecasts and inadequate extension support. The household’s socio-economic characteristics that were found to have a significant relationship with use of SCF were education level and reason for farming. The study concludes that although OND 2015 SCF was accurate, there was poor use of the forecast in agricultural decision-making mainly due to lack of trust on the information and low level of training on its use. The study recommends enhancement of awareness on importance of SCF information and training on its use in agricultural decision-making especially in semi-arid areas 2017-12-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2685 Spatial Analysis of Food Crop Diversification in Busia County-Kenya: Implications on Household Food Security Odhiambo, Ongang’a Peter; Ngugi, Margaret Njeri; Mwatu, Morris Maingi Food insecurity is a major problem in Busia County as studies show that 54 percent of households face food insufficiency and child malnutrition. This problem is compounded by small land holdings per household, with just 155,990 acres under food crops. Studies that have been done in the County to show the major food crops that are cultivated, however, no single one has been done showing the variations of these food crops within regions, while it is well known that diversity in terms of space has a bearing in food security at household level. This research sought to find out how food crops are diversified within space and its implications on household food security. Mixed design approach was used (descriptive and correlational). Nine research assistants were involved to collect data in the cropping season using interview schedules and observation schedules. Primary data was collected in one cropping season using interview and observation schedules. Gibbs and Martins Index of crop diversification was applied to determine crop diversification. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine food security status. Multi-stage mixed sampling techniques involving purposive, simple random stratified proportionate was used. Qualitative data was used to address research questions while quantitative data addressed the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a wide range of food crops grown in the County with cereals taking the largest portion while oils and miscellaneous crops had the lowest acreage. The study further revealed that Busia County had household food security index of 3.52 in the range of 1 to 6. It also found no statistically significant difference in regional diversification of food crops (p= .126). Finally, it revealed a very low negative correlation (r= -.080) with an insignificant relationship (p= .13) between crop diversification and household food security. Food insecurity is a major problem in Busia County as studies show that 54 percent of households face food insufficiency and child malnutrition. This problem is compounded by small land holdings per household, with just 155,990 acres under food crops. Studies that have been done in the County to show the major food crops that are cultivated, however, no single one has been done showing the variations of these food crops within regions, while it is well known that diversity in terms of space has a bearing in food security at household level. This research sought to find out how food crops are diversified within space and its implications on household food security. Mixed design approach was used (descriptive and correlational). Nine research assistants were involved to collect data in the cropping season using interview schedules and observation schedules. Primary data was collected in one cropping season using interview and observation schedules. Gibbs and Martins Index of crop diversification was applied to determine crop diversification. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine food security status. Multi-stage mixed sampling techniques involving purposive, simple random stratified proportionate was used. Qualitative data was used to address research questions while quantitative data addressed the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a wide range of food crops grown in the County with cereals taking the largest portion while oils and miscellaneous crops had the lowest acreage. The study further revealed that Busia County had household food security index of 3.52 in the range of 1 to 6. It also found no statistically significant difference in regional diversification of food crops (p= .126). Finally, it revealed a very low negative correlation (r= -.080) with an insignificant relationship (p= .13) between crop diversification and household food security. 2024-05-30T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2684 Assessment of Livelihood Vulnerability to Rainfall Variability among Crop Farming Households in Kitui South Sub-County, Kenya Mwatu, Morris M.; Recha, Charles W.; Ondimu, Kennedy N. Rainfall variability has negatively impacted rain-fed crop farming in arid and semi-arid lands increasing households’ vulnerability. This study sought to establish the extent to which rain-fed crop farming households in Kitui South sub-County in semi-arid Southeastern Kenya are vulnerable to rainfall variability. The study used index-based approach where Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) for each of the randomly sampled 311 households was calculated using the IPCC framework. Rainfall data for six rainfall seasons for the period 2016-2018 was used to calculate index for exposure while questionnaires were administered to the household heads to establish sensitivity and adaptive capacity indices. Responses from the selected sub-components were assigned index values ranging between zero and one. LVI levels were scored between −1 and +1. The study established that indices for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity were 0.71, 0.09 and 0.19 respectively and that 97.4% of the households in the study area were vulnerable to rainfall variability. The study concludes that households in the study area have different livelihood vulnerability levels to rainfall variability due to differences in their sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The study recommends use of households’ LVI levels in determining appropriate intervention measures to effects of vulnerability to rainfall variability among different farming households in order to avoid generalization. Rainfall variability has negatively impacted rain-fed crop farming in arid and semi-arid lands increasing households’ vulnerability. This study sought to establish the extent to which rain-fed crop farming households in Kitui South sub-County in semi-arid Southeastern Kenya are vulnerable to rainfall variability. The study used index-based approach where Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) for each of the randomly sampled 311 households was calculated using the IPCC framework. Rainfall data for six rainfall seasons for the period 2016-2018 was used to calculate index for exposure while questionnaires were administered to the household heads to establish sensitivity and adaptive capacity indices. Responses from the selected sub-components were assigned index values ranging between zero and one. LVI levels were scored between −1 and +1. The study established that indices for exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity were 0.71, 0.09 and 0.19 respectively and that 97.4% of the households in the study area were vulnerable to rainfall variability. The study concludes that households in the study area have different livelihood vulnerability levels to rainfall variability due to differences in their sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The study recommends use of households’ LVI levels in determining appropriate intervention measures to effects of vulnerability to rainfall variability among different farming households in order to avoid generalization. 2020-06-05T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2682 Exploring the Role of the Dove in Intelligent Design: Navigational Precision and Contributions During World Wars Chebii, Zephaniah Kiprono; Mwatu, Morris; Kiplagat, Mercy Chebet The Dove, emblematic of peace, has long captured human fascination, not only for its symbolic associations but also for its remarkable navigational abilities, which defy natural explanations. This paper seeks to explore the Dove’s role within the framework of intelligent design, highlighting its exceptional direction-finding skills and its contributions during the two World Wars. The study adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing historical case studies, literature analysis, and a comparative examination of avian behaviour to investigate whether the Dove’s navigational precision points to an intelligent cause rather than an undirected evolutionary process. The concept of intelligent design asserts that certain natural features, such as the Dove's ability to navigate vast distances with precision, suggest the involvement of an intelligent creator. This study emphasizes the strategic use of pigeons (close relatives of the Pegion) during World War I and World War II, where their navigational abilities were pivotal in delivering critical messages across enemy lines. Despite technological setbacks, pigeons succeeded in missions where human efforts failed, further reinforcing the argument for intelligent design in their biological makeup. The study argue that the Dove’s navigational prowess is not merely a product of natural evolution, but rather a testament to purposeful, intelligent design. This paper concludes by reflecting on how the complexity of the Dove’s navigation system challenges the evolutionary paradigm and aligns with the principles of intelligent design, offering a unique perspective on nature and the design of life. 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z