ISSN 2756-3251
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-009, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Factors determining the use of botanical insect pest control methods by small-holder farmers in the Lake Victoria basin, Kenya
1A. L. Deng1*, J. O. Ogendo2, G. Owuor3, P. K. Bett1, E. O. Omolo2, M. Mugisha-Kamatenesi4 and J.M Mihale5.
1Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 20115 Egerton, Kenya.
2Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 20115 Egerton, Kenya.
3Department of Agricultural Economics, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536 20115 Egerton, Kenya.
4Department of Botany, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
5Department of Chemistry, The Open University of Tanzania, P.O. Box 31608, DAR ES SALAM, Tanzania.
Accepted 16 May, 2019
Abstract
A farm survey was conducted in three representative administrative districts of the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), Kenya to document farmers’ indigenous knowledge and the factors that influence the use of botanicals instead of synthetic insecticides in insect pest management. A total of 65 farm households were randomly sampled using stratified sampling procedure. The maximum likelihood log model was used to determine factors that influence use of botanical and synthetic insect pest control methods (PCM). Results revealed that female gender as household head (HH) and age significantly (P < .001) increased the likelihood of a household using botanical PCM in the field by 0.15 and 0.021, respectively. In storage, female gender and severity of pest infestation significantly (P < .001) increased the probability of a household using botanical insecticide by 0.814 and 0.738, respectively. On the contrary, education of HH (0.342) and ownership of title to land (0.512) significantly (P < .001) reduced the likelihood of using botanical PCM in the field, while traditional rank (0.910) and cash rank (0.744) of the crops reduced the likelihood of using botanical insecticides in the store. With respect to synthetic pesticides, gender (3.407), area cultivated (0.295) and expected yield (5.315) significantly (P < .001) reduced likelihood of their use in the field, while food rank (3.967) reduced the probability of use in storage. In storage, female gender, crop type, food and traditional rank of crops were also the most important factors determining the use of botanical control methods. In conclusion, the study established that female gender, literacy levels, wealth endowments in form of land and old age are key determinants of botanical insecticides use in small-holder farming systems in the LVB, Kenya. It is recommended that the Government of Kenya enacts policies that empower youth and female gender economically in subsistence farming with the aim of improving their educational levels and farming skills to modernize agriculture among the rural communities.
Key words: Botanical, Synthetic pesticide, Insects, Pest control method, Determinants, Small-holder farmers.
J. O. Ogendo, M. Mugisha-Kamatenesi and J.M Mihale, E. O. Omolo, P. K. Bett, A.tL. Deng*, G. Owuor
Page: 1 - 9
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-011, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Assessment of pollution impacts on the ecological integrity of the Kisian and Kisat rivers in Lake Victoria drainage basin, Kenya
Kobingi, Nyakeya1*, Raburu, Philip Okoth2, Masese, Frank Onderi2 and Gichuki, John1
1Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), P. O. Box 1881 Kisumu, Kenya.
2Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Moi University, Kenya, P. O. Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
Accepted 14 December, 2019
Abstract
Macro-invertebrate assemblages were used as bioindicators to assess the ecological integrity of Rivers Kisat (influenced by urban development) and Kisian (influenced by agriculture) using community attributes and the Index of Biotic Integrity. Six stations, three per river, were selected to correspond to different impact types and intensities along the rivers. Physico-chemical parameters and nutrients were determined for each station on a monthly basis from November 2007 to April 2008. Two-way analysis of variance was used to compare water quality and nutrient parameters, and macro invertebrate community attributes between the two rivers, with the river and station as the main factors. Significant differences were accepted at 95% confidence level. There were inconsistencies in the variation of physico-chemical parameters along the two rivers. However, River Kisat recorded higher values for all physico-chemical parameters considered, except pH and DO. Different indices and metrics representing the structural and functional organization of macro invertebrates were computed and evaluated for responsiveness to physico-chemical parameters and nutrient levels. Macro invertebrate diversity, richness and evenness values failed to delineate stations according to the different levels of degradation they were experiencing. However, the differences were captured by the index of biotic integrity, which separated stations into different classes of quality. River Kisat stations in urban areas scored lowest index values, less than 15 out of 25, while two river Kisian stations scored the highest value, more than 19. The index provided evidence of response to changes in ecosystem integrity exhibited by resident macro invertebrate assemblages to pollution arising from both point and non-point sources.
Key words: Urban rivers, water quality, physico-chemical parameters, macro invertebrates.
Kobingi , Frank Onderi and Gichuki, Nyakeya* , Raburu , Masese , Philip Okoth, John
Page: 1 - 11
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Effects of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) on the structure and function of thyroid gland
Ashraf S. Yousif1* and Asma A. Ahmed2
1Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Tropical Medicine Research Institute, National Centre for Research, P. O. Box 1304, Khartoum 11111, Sudan.
2School of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al Neelain University, P. O. Box 12702, Khartoum 11121, Sudan.
Accepted 12 November, 2019
Abstract
The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of two heavy metals, Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb), on the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Wistar albino rats were chosen for experimental purpose. The animals were fed on diet mixed with given doses of Cd and Pb salts. Blood serum was taken from treated rats recorded decrease in the thyroxine (T4) and the 3, 3 , 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels with a concomitant rise in the Thyroid Stimulator Hormone (TSH) levels, while no change in glucose and cholesterol levels was shown. Microscopic examination of the cellular structure of the thyroid glands of treated rat’s recorded changes in the follicular cells of the thyroid tissues in the rats exposed to Cd and Pb in a comparison to that of the control animals. Histological results were confirmed by the findings of the serum analyses that recorded inhibition on the production of the thyroid hormones in the presence of Cd and Pb. This indicates that animals exposed to Cd and Pb may be at a risk of thyroid damage.
Key words: Heavy metals, cadmium, lead, thyroid.
Asma A. Ahmed, Ashraf S. Yousif*
Page: 1 - 8
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Improving soil productivity through biochar amendments to soils
Yeboah E.1*, Ofori P.1, Quansah G. W.1, Dugan E.1, Sohi S. P.2
1Soil Research Institute, Academy Post Office, Kwadaso, Kumasi, Ghana.
2Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, UK.
Accepted 07 January, 2020
Abstract
Biochar based soil management has not being fully exploited in the tropics. In a greenhouse study, two soil types (sandy loam and silt loam soils) and 6 treatments namely: 3t ha-l Biochar, 120 kg N ha-1, 120 kg N ha-1 + 3t ha-1 biochar, 4t C ha-1 cattle manure, 4t C ha-1 cattle manure + 3t ha-1 biochar and control un-amended soil were evaluated for soil productivity. The treatments were replicated 3 times. Maize variety “mamaba” was the test crop. Shoot dry weight ranged from 41 to 45 g pot -l at the sandy loam soil at Ayuom and 28 to 35 g pot-l at the silt loam soil at Kwadaso. Shoot dry weight was significantly (P < 0.001) higher at the sandy loam soil compared to the silt loam soil. Soil pH declined in both soils. Biochar resulted in N recovery of 4 and 5% in maize shoot and root respectively on the sandy loam soil but caused less N recovery at the silt loam soil. The results show that N recovery can be improved by biochar application to sandy loam soil but not silt loam soil suggesting soil textural effect in the effectiveness of biochar application for soil productivity.
Key words: Biochar, nitrogen use efficiency, soil texture.
Yeboah E.*, Quansah G. W, Dugan E and Sohi S. P, Ofori P
Page: 1 - 8
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-008, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Microbiological quality and metal levels in wells and boreholes water in some peri-urban communities in Kumasi, Ghana
K. Obiri-Danso1*, B. Adjei1, K. N. Stanley2 and K. Jones3
1Department of Theoretical and Applied Biology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
2Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
3Department of Biological Sciences, I. E. N. S., Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
Accepted 14 November, 2019
Abstract
Many communities in Kumasi, Ghana, are increasingly dependent on boreholes and hand dug wells. The aim of this study was to examine the drinking water suitability of 6 wells and 3 boreholes in peri-urban communities in Kumasi, between December 2003 and January 2005. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and enterococci were enumerated using the standard most probable number method and membrane filtration methods. The heavy metals in the water samples were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. Overall, significantly higher bacterial counts were recorded during the wet (rainy) season compared to the dry (harmattan) season. Faecal coliforms counts (FCC) in 3 borehole samples ranged between 3 x 101 and 3.5 x 107 per 100 ml (geometric means 1.82, 1.75 and 2.8 x 104) while mean numbers of enterococci were 103-105 times lower. The range and geometric means of FCC was similar in samples from wells but levels of enterococci were 8 times higher than in boreholes. Manganese and iron levels were well within the WHO standards for all 9 sites but lead levels except for one site (Boadi) were all higher than the WHO standard. A brief sanitation survey at each site suggested that wells and boreholes were frequently cited near latrines, refuse tips and other social amenities, and in the vicinity of domestic or grazing animals. In Kumasi, the water from shallow wells and boreholes, upon which the local communities depend is of poor quality. The data are being used to advise the local government. An integrated approach is required to minimise faecal pollution of wells and boreholes within peri-urban communities.
Key words: Boreholes, enterococci, faecal coliforms, peri-urban communities, total coliforms, wells.
K. Obiri-Danso*, K. N. Stanley and K. Jones, B. Adjei
Page: 1 - 8
Research Article
Advanced Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ISSN 7675-1686 Vol. 11 (3), pp. 001-005, March, 2020. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
An evaluation of the effect of land use/cover change on the surface temperature of Lokoja town, Nigeria
Ifatimehin Olarewaju Oluseyi1*, Ujoh Fanan2 and Magaji J. Y.2
1Department of Geography and Planning, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
2Department of Geography, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria.
Accepted 11 January, 2020
Abstract
This research integrated remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to identified land use/cover types in Lokoja, including their temporal transformation and association with surface temperatures from the LandSat TM and LandSat ETM imageries of 1987 and 2001 respectively. As the built-up area increased in size (2667.6%) so was the surface temperature (6.48oC), vacant land (872%: 9.65oC), cultivated land (104.4%: 1.2oC) and water bodies (64.3%:0.94oC) while vegetation cover increased by 2.44oC while its area extent decreased (316.7%). These changes were responsible for the rise in the mean surface temperature from 38.39oC in 1987 to 42.61oC in 2001, indicating a 4.22oC increase in 14 years. The study revealed a direct relationship between the changing pattern among the various landuse/cover types and the variations in the surface temperatures of these landuse/cover types within the study period. If the rate of decline in vegetation covers is not checked, Lokoja may witness continuous increase in its radiant surface temperature as the cooling effect of vegetation cover is lost to impervious surfaces that litter the urban landscape. Therefore, policies that will help to provide more vegetation cover should be adopted to curb the effect of urban heat island on the environment and health of the residents.
Key words: GIS, land Sat, landuse/cover, remote sensing, temperature, thermal.
Ifatimehin Olarewaju Oluseyi*, Ujoh Fanan and Magaji J. Y
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