EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Efficacy of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Process on the Management of Selected Irrigation Schemes Funded by Baringo County Government, Kenya
Get PDFEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainable implementation of irrigation schemes by identifying and mitigating potential environmental and social risks. This study assessed the efficacy of the EIA process in the management of selected irrigation schemes funded by the Baringo County Government, Kenya. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting 192 beneficiaries, 10 irrigation scheme managers, 4 county irrigation engineers, and 4 environmental experts. Data were collected through questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics was used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The findings revealed that stakeholders perceived the EIA process as crucial for regulatory compliance, conflict resolution, and improved decision-making. The study concludes that strengthening the EIA process enhances sustainable irrigation outcomes and recommends stakeholder involvement and regulatory enforcement for improved effectiveness
An International Survey of Literature on Military Spending and Economic Growth
Get PDFThis study is an extensive investigation of military spending and economic growth (1960-2024). The purpose of this study is to profile and summarise earlier work done about military spending and economic growth, which provides new meanings that guide decision-making. It uses meta-analytic and scientometric analysis to bring to light related literature on the military spending-economic growth nexus. This is useful in providing evidence and greater meaning to the scholarly work done so far on the subject. It provides valid information for decision-making about military spending and economic growth. It is anchored on four hypotheses: feedback, growth, conservation and neutrality. The selection of variables, models and techniques, and time periods has contributed to the intensified dissent within the findings. The debate had sparked off controversy that still requires further inquiry. The results are mixed, with 430 observations in this study having dissenting results, and this debate is not yet concluded. The results demonstrate that the growth hypothesis accounts for 72.2 %, feedback 9.8%, conservation 4.9%, and the neutrality hypothesis 13.1%. This study elevates debate for researchers on military spending and economic growth based on credible evidence of empirical work. It furnishes researchers and practitioners with leading antecedents on the nexus. This study is able to synthesise and provide relevant data for evidence-based policy makin
Analysis of the Legal and Institutional Framework for Oil and Gas Governance in Hoima, Buliisa and Kikuube Districts, Bunyoro Sub-region, Uganda
Get PDFThe discovery of commercially viable oil and gas in 2006 in the Albertine region, specifically in the districts of Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube, has signalled a social and economic transformation of Uganda. However, the legal, institutional and human rights frameworks governing the sub-sector remain contested. The study explores the effectiveness of Uganda’s oil and gas governance in Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube districts by analysing the legal and institutional frameworks, environmental governance, community participation, land rights and human rights. Drawing on the qualitative approach with 120 stakeholders through FGDs and KIIs, the findings reveal that centralised governance, legal pluralism, weak environmental enforcement, and gender inequities undermine inclusive development. The study recommends enhancing fiscal decentralisation, integrating the customary tenure system, and enforcing rights-based safeguards for equitable oil governanc
The Politicization of Urbanization: An Analysis of City Creation in Uganda
Get PDFUrbanisation is a transformative global phenomenon, profoundly shaping societies and economies in the 21st century. In Africa, many governments are actively pursuing the creation of new cities as a strategy to stimulate economic growth, enhance decentralisation, and implement governance reforms. Uganda, aligning with its Vision 2040 strategic development framework, has embarked on an ambitious initiative to transition from a predominantly agrarian economy to a modern, urbanised nation through the establishment of new cities. In 2020, ten new cities were declared by the Ugandan government, with further plans for additional urban centres by 2025, aiming to bolster local economies, upgrade infrastructure, and decentralise administrative functions. However, this initiative has not been without significant contention. Scholarly discourse suggests that political motivations have been a primary driver in determining which towns are elevated to city status, frequently overshadowing genuine developmental needs and economic viability. This politicisation of urban development is not unique to Uganda; studies across sub-Saharan Africa indicate that urban administrative reforms are often influenced by political agendas aimed at consolidating power, securing electoral victories, and manipulating demographic voting blocs. This paper critically analyses the city creation process in Uganda, examining the extent to which political considerations have shaped urbanisation trends and their subsequent impact on governance structures and the efficiency of service delivery. By investigating the interaction between political objectives and urban development outcomes, this research aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for sustainable urbanisation in Uganda and offers recommendations for a more equitable and development-focused approach to city creation
Assessment of Socio-Demographic and Economic Characteristics and Nutritional Status of Children in Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFChild undernutrition remains a major public health concern in Kenya, especially in rural areas where food production does not always lead to improved nutritional outcomes. Despite national and county-level progress, localised disparities persist, highlighting the need for sub-county-level evidence. This study assessed the nutritional status of children aged 12–60 months and examined the influence of socio-demographic and socio-economic factors on stunting, wasting, and underweight in Navakholo Sub-County, Kakamega County. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 agricultural households using structured questionnaires and anthropometric assessments, with nutritional status classified using WHO child growth standards. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to assess associations. Stunting prevalence was 23.4%, underweight 4.9%, wasting 1%, and overweight 5.5%. Stunting was significantly associated with Protestant religion (AOR=5.697; CI=1.881–17.260), geographic location—children in Shinoyi-Shikomari-Esumeiya Ward had reduced odds (AOR=0.324; CI=0.130–0.806)—and household head education, with the highest risk among children whose household heads had no formal education (AOR=21.012; CI=1.180–374.085). Wasting was associated with household income between KES 7,000–9,000 (AOR=5.143; CI=1.345–19.667) and tertiary education of the household head (AOR=12.110; CI=1.001–146.568). Underweight was associated with caregiver age 42–49 years (AOR=0.080; CI=0.009–0.688), having two (AOR=4.345; CI=2.259–8.356) or three or more children under five (AOR=8.951; CI=2.504–31.996), and was least likely among children in Bunyala East (AOR=0.070; CI=0.016–0.305). Localised disparities in child nutrition in Navakholo Sub-County are driven by socio-demographic and economic factors, highlighting the need for targeted, context-specific intervention
Adverse Birth Outcomes in Kenya: Prevalence and Key Health-Related Predictive Factors- A Cross-Sectional Analysis of KDHS 2022 Data
Get PDFBackground: Adverse birth outcomes (ABOs) including low birth weight, stillbirths, and early neonatal deaths remain a major public health concern in Kenya, contributing significantly to maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and health-related predictors of ABOs using data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS). Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 17476 women aged 15–49 who had given birth in the five years preceding the survey. Adverse Birth Outcomes were defined as any occurrence of low birth weight, stillbirth, or early neonatal death. Statistical analyses included descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable binary logistic regression using SPSS version 28, accounting for sampling weights and survey design. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to identify significant predictors. Results: The prevalence of Adverse Birth Outcomes was 11.1% which was contributed by 8% of preterm babies, 2.3% Low Birth Weight and 2.0% Neonatal Births. The key health-related factors that predict Adverse Birth Outcomes included number of ANC visits {with higher odds to those who scheduled ANC visits(≥8) (AOR = 2.947; 95% CI: 1.734–5.006), compared to women who had less than three visits}, timing of the first ANC visits {delaying the first ANC visit until after the first trimester resulted in lower odds of Adverse Birth Outcomes (ABOs) – AOR: 0.673; 95% CI: 0.412–0.729}, and parity/birth order{Multiparity exerted a protective effect among multiparous women showing decreased odds of adverse outcomes compared with primiparous women-AOR = 0.507; 95% CI: 0.461–0.559}. Conclusions: Adverse Birth Outcomes of over 10% of the population in Kenya remain a significant concern. Among the health-related factors that predict Adverse Birth Outcomes are the frequency of ANC visits (a paradoxical finding that demonstates that ANC visits frequency is significantly associated with higher ABOs), the timing of initiation of ANC visits and parity, which should be the focus of implementing targeted interventions to improve birth outcome
The Role of Nutrition Therapy in Recovery from Severe Burns: A Case Report from Muhimbili National Hospital, Mloganzila
Get PDFBackground: Severe burn injuries are associated with profound hypermetabolic and catabolic responses that significantly increase nutritional requirements. Effective nutritional management is crucial for promoting wound healing, minimising complications, and improving recovery outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. Purpose: This case report aims to highlight the practical and individualised nutritional strategies used to manage a patient with extensive burn injuries in a low-resource ICU setting. Methods: A 30-year-old male was admitted to Muhimbili National Hospital–Mloganzila following a motor traffic accident, sustaining deep second-degree burns over 53% of his total body surface area (TBSA), including the trunk, back, forearms, lower limbs, and buttocks. Upon admission, he presented with fluid imbalance, hypoalbuminemia, and functional feeding limitations. Nutritional needs were calculated using the Curreri formula, and a tailored nutrition care plan was developed. Fluid resuscitation followed the Parkland formula. Meals were provided from both hospital and home sources, supplemented with high-protein oral feeds, zinc (15 mg), and vitamin C (500 mg). Caregiver involvement and nursing support were integrated into the feeding process. Key Results: The individualised nutrition plan, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver education, contributed to achieving target nutritional intake and clinical improvements. The patient showed gradual recovery with stabilised albumin levels, improved wound healing, and reduced complications. Conclusion: In resource-limited settings, effective burn nutrition therapy is feasible using locally available foods, targeted supplementation, and multidisciplinary coordination. Early assessment, tailored interventions, caregiver engagement, and regular monitoring are critical to successful burn recovery outcome
Assessing Tuberculosis Knowledge and Its Influence on Primary Healthcare Choice Among TB Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Nkoranza South Municipality of Ghana
Get PDFBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern in Ghana, and delayed treatment and diagnosis have caused problems in controlling the disease. Patient knowledge regarding TB, its treatment, transmission, cause, and symptoms has been pinpointed as a determinant in triggering early healthcare-seeking behaviour. Thus, this study assessed tuberculosis knowledge and its influence on primary healthcare choice among TB patients in the Nkoranza South Municipality. Method: This cross-sectional study assessed the association between tuberculosis (TB) knowledge and Primary Healthcare Choice among TB patients. 286 TB patients aged 18 years and above, who received treatment between 2016 and 2020, participated in this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarised socio-demographic, TB knowledge, and health-seeking behaviour variables. Fisher’s Exact Test and Logistic regression analysis were used to assess the associations and likelihood of seeking care at health facilities, respectively, with a significant threshold set at p<0.05 using SPSS version 26. Results: Out of the expected 297 respondents, 286 (96.3%) participated. Most respondents had high overall TB knowledge (88.1%). About 93% of respondents visit health facilities when they feel unwell. Major reasons for choosing where to access healthcare included easy accessibility (p<.001) and low cost (p = 0.049). On average, low TB knowledge (aOR = 0.16, 95%CI [0.04-0.60], p = 0.019), especially on treatment, was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of seeking care at a healthcare facility. Conclusion: This study found that while general TB knowledge among patients is high, gaps in areas such as knowledge about treatment significantly influence primary healthcare choices. Bridging these gaps in knowledge and access to services is crucial for improving early detection and treatment adherence, thereby strengthening TB control in Nkoranza South Municipality. Future studies should focus on designing and evaluating interventions that address structural barriers to accessing formal TB treatment
Sub-Granting for Localisation: Aligning Donor Priorities with Local Leadership in Kenya-Lessons from the Centre for the Study of Adolescence
Get PDFThis study examines the implementation of Locally Led Development (LLD) principles by the Centre for the Study of Adolescence (CSA) in Kenya, with a specific focus on sub-grant management practices and their implications for sustainability and operational efficiency within non-profit ecosystems. Using a qualitative research design, the case study draws on document reviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with CSA staff and Sub-Implementing Partners (SIPs) and donors. Findings highlight the central role of resource diversification, particularly through community-led funding approaches, financial accountability, underpinned by real-time monitoring systems and finance, subaward and transparency fostering protocols, in ensuring effective and transparent grant management. Strategic capacity strengthening of SIPs, CSA’s emphasis on adaptive management demonstrated through proper understanding of the SIPs, facilitated through organisational capacity assessments, regular follow-ups, contingency planning, and flexible budgeting, were established as key enablers. Key challenges identified include the unpreparedness of SIPs for the complexity of compliance requirements, rigidity among some SIPs to change, heavy technical support needed by smaller SIPs, adverse effects of currency fluctuations on budget predictability, and significant administrative demands on both CSA and SIPs. The CSA experience offers lessons for organisations seeking to institutionalise LLD principles in development programming across similar contexts. To strengthen locally led sub-grant management, the study recommends a multi-pronged approach: investment in structured, needs-based capacity strengthening for SIPs; enhanced financial accountability through digital systems; institutionalisation of adaptive management practices that promote responsiveness; a graduated compliance framework; adoption of strategies to promote local resource mobilisation; increased donor flexibility and establishment of a learning agenda across the Sub-granting cycle. Further, support mechanisms to address organisational rigidity, improved budgeting and monitoring tools to track progress, and streamlined administrative processes to minimise operational burdens are imperative
Exploring the Role of E-learning in Addressing Challenges Associated with Slow Content Coverage and Syllabus Completion among Graduate Students: A Design-Based Research
Get PDFThe study aimed to evaluate the role of e-learning in resolving challenges associated with slow content coverage and syllabus completion among graduate students. The study was conducted at one university in Uganda on Master of Education in Educational Psychology students as respondents and lecturers as practitioners, based on Activity Theory. Methodologically, the study was a design-based research (DBR). Findings revealed that e-learning through the use of WhatsApp and Google Docs reduced time spent and wasted during physical classes. In conclusion, although e-learning speeds up teaching and learning, it has challenges and limitations that are both institutional and technical in nature. Therefore, universities, to reap the benefits of e-learning, need to equip faculty with computers and offer basic training for staff in e-learning pedagogie