EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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The Impacts of Waste Management Practices on Environmental and Social Well-being in Secondary Schools of Musanze District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study explored the Impacts of Waste Management Practices on Environment and Social Well-being in Secondary Schools with a focus on selected schools in Musanze District. The study aimed to examine the types of waste generated in secondary schools, assess the methods used to manage this waste, analyze the environmental and social impacts resulting from these practices and identify the challenges faced by secondary schools in implementing effective waste management practices. A mixed-methods approach and tools were used, combining a survey with questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions with students, teachers, administrators and local authorities. The findings revealed that the most common types of waste generated include paper, plastic, food remains, and sanitary waste. Regarding management methods, the study found that most schools rely on basic practices such as open burning and dumping, with limited segregation, recycling, or proper disposal systems in place. On environmental impacts, it was observed that poor waste handling contributes to pollution, unpleasant odours, and blockage of drainage systems, negatively affecting the school environment and surrounding communities. In terms of social well-being, the study found that improper waste management exposes students and staff to health risks, reduces school cleanliness, and contributes to absenteeism, especially among female students due to poor sanitary disposal. The challenges to effective waste management practices include lack of awareness and education on waste management among students, inadequate waste disposal facilities and low involvement of stakeholders in waste management. The study concludes that waste management practices in secondary schools are inadequate and contribute significantly to environmental degradation and social challenges. It recommends increased awareness, training on proper waste handling, provision of bins, and stronger involvement of school administrators and local authorities to improve overall waste management and enhance both environmental and social well-being in schools
Perception of Local Communities Towards Conservation of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Karongi District, Rwanda
Get PDFTraditional medicinal plants played an important role in Rwanda’s health, environmental, and cultural systems. This study assessed the perception of local communities towards the conservation of traditional medicinal plants in the Karongi District, specifically in the Bwishyura and Ruganda Sectors. Using a cross-sectional descriptive method, data were collected (analyzed with SPSS) from 398 participants through structured questionnaires, but field observations were also used. The study identified over 130 species of traditional medicinal plants, where Tetradenia riparia is the most commonly used by 86.68% of respondents. A significant majority (85.93%) were aware of Traditional medicinal plants, and 45.48% reported that they frequently use them. Additionally, 55.78% of participants strongly agreed that traditional medicinal plants are important in Rwanda’s healthcare system. The most common uses of traditional medicinal plants were for treating digestive problems (66.83%) and skin diseases (61.56%). Most respondents (74.62%) reported that they obtain them from natural vegetation such as forests and wetlands, while 51.76% attain them from home gardens. However, 82.66% of participants think that access to traditional medicinal plants has decreased. The main reasons cited were urbanization (68.34%), agricultural expansion (58.04%), and deforestation (46.26%). Participants show that the most preferred conservation practices are allowing plants to regenerate (55.78%), and replanting after harvesting (49.25%). 21.61% reported the absence of specific conservation measures. Key challenges identified were a lack of knowledge of conservation methods (74.62%) and knowledge of traditional medicinal plants (69.10%), followed by government restrictions and limited access to land. The study concludes that enhancing community awareness through workshops and promoting intergenerational knowledge transfer can strengthen the conservation and sustainable use of traditional medicinal plants in Rwanda
Assessing the Environmental Impact of Post-Harvest Coffee Processing: A Case Study of Kanzu Coffee Washing Station in Karambi Sector (2022–2024
Get PDFThis study sought to assess the environmental impact of Coffee post-harvesting processing. A case study of Kanzu Washing Station in Karambi Sector. The study was directed by the following goals such as: to assess the coffee post-harvesting processes, to analyse the environmental impact in the coffee growing region, and to determine the extent to which coffee post-harvesting processes have influenced the environmental factors. Through a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data from a sample size of 378 respondents, the research assessed the effectiveness of environmental practices adopted by the CWS and contrasted these with local perceptions. The quantitative data was collected through surveys, while qualitative insights were gathered through interviews and focus groups. The local community perceives coffee processing as having a negative effect on the environment, particularly with regard to water quality and resource depletion. Thus, the findings revealed that the majority of respondents (54.55%) use wet processing, followed by dry processing (33.77%). The majority of respondents (62.34%) report using between 50 and 200 litres of water per kilogram of coffee, with a significant portion (16.88%) using over 200 litres. High water usage in wet processing can have serious environmental consequences, particularly in areas with water scarcity or poor waste management systems. The average response is 3.39, meaning that, on average, people perceive the environmental degradation due to coffee processing to be between "Moderately Serious" and "Serious". While the local community remains concerned about the environmental impact of coffee processing, especially regarding water contamination, the data suggests that the measures put in place by Kanzu CWS are effective in reducing pollution and improving environmental conditions. The study concludes with recommendations for sustainable post-harvesting practices and community-based interventions aimed at mitigating the negative environmental effects of coffee processing. The research highlights the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific data to formulate effective environmental management strategies in coffee-producing area
Anthropogenic Disturbances on Plant Species Foraged by Stinging Honey Bees, Apis mellifera L., within Vegetation Types of Kipembawe Bee Reserve, Tanzania
Get PDFThis publication focuses on the investigation of anthropogenic disturbances on plant species foraged by the stinging honey bee, Apis mellifera L., within vegetation types of Kipembawe Bee Reserve in Chunya District, Tanzania. A total of 67 concentric circular plots with a radius of 15 m were established at an interval of 1500 m. Within those plots, at a radius of 1 m, herbaceous plants were recorded for their botanical names. At 2 m, all shrubs were recorded, and at a radius of 15 m, all trees were recorded. Honey forage species were recorded through observation of honey bee movement and indigenous knowledge. Anthropogenic activities were recorded and assigned a score of the level of damage cover [1, 2, 3, 4, AND 5] within the plots. The score meant 1 = no disturbance; 2 = low disturbance; 3 =neutral/between low and high disturbance; 4 = very high disturbance, and 5 = extremely high. Key informants were consulted to collect the native’s knowledge. A total of 245 plant species were recorded, and of all those, the foraged plant species were 227, totalling 92.65%, while 17 of them (6.95%) were not known to be foraged. The nectar and pollen were collected from 164 plant species, which was equivalent to 66.9%, pollen (56) equivalent to 22.86%, and nectar (1) totalling 0.41%. The recorded anthropogenic disturbances of stinging honey bee foraged plant species were debarking, illegal settlement establishment, illegal cultivation (farming), and livestock grazing. Mean score of 3 implied high chances of falling into either low or high, depending on the natural resources management strategies in the future. Regular conservation education and awareness to the local community are needed, regular patrols, employees’ commitment, and an adequate budget for patrols play a vital role
Assessing the Contribution of Women's Activities to Environmental Conservation in Sectors Surrounding Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study, titled "Assessing contribution of women's activities to environmental conservation in sectors surrounding Nyungwe National Park, Nyamagabe district, Rwanda", discusses the criticality of women in enhancing green environmental associations. The motivation of this study has been informed by the fact that women are increasingly being accepted as important stakeholders in conservation, but their role is mostly undocumented, especially along the borders of the conservation areas, such as Nyungwe. The objectives of the study were to: determine which particular conservation activities women were engaged in, evaluate the level of their achievement, identify the areas in which they were not doing very well, and analyse the connection between their involvement and the environment. The mixed-methods design, including quantitative and qualitative information, was implemented. Using a population household size of 17,375 women, a sample size of 396 was drawn out of which 391 women took part in the survey, whereas 5 local leaders were involved in the interview. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires and interview guides, and analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23.0. Findings show that women are actively involved in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and water management. These activities have contributed to improved forest cover, reduced deforestation, and enhanced biodiversity. Nevertheless, problems such as a lack of resources and cultural restrictions continue to exist despite the active position of women. Pearson correlation result indicated that there was a strong positive correlation (r = 0.712, p < 0.05) between the activities of women and positive conservation results, hence the important role of their participation. In conclusion, the sustainability of the environment can be encouraged by the fact that women have been empowered in terms of conservation. The research suggests that the government and other stakeholders should empower community-based conservation projects practised by women and commit more resources in the form of education, material, and participation in policy-making
Wetland Conservation and Avitourism Development in Rwanda. A Case of Rugezi Swamp- Northern Province
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the role of wetland conservation in the development of avitourism in Rwanda, with Rugezi swamp as a study area. While the Rwandan Government is targeting to develop Avitourism at the same level as other forms of tourism, such as MICE and gorilla tourism, there is still a big problem of rapid loss and degradation of wetlands, the habitats of different aquatic animal species, including birds. Different wetland conservation strategies were undertaken, where, for example, all wetlands are under the management of the Rwandan Government through the Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), but the problem still exists. The study specifically (1) examined the importance of wetland conservation in Rugezi Swamp, (2) the relationship between Avitourism and wetland conservation in Rwanda, (3) the main challenges facing wetland conservation to the development of Avitourism in Rugezi Swamp, and (4) the strategies to deal with those challenges. In addition to secondary data collected through literature review, primary data were gathered through surveying 50 RWCA marsh rangers and 6 executive secretaries of the six sectors adjacent to the swamp by means of questionnaires and interviews. The results indicated that the government’s wetland conservation strategies have played a big role in the development of Avitourism in Rugezi swamp, whereby there has been an increase in the amount of food for aquatic birds in that swamp, which hosts 43 bird species. Protected wetlands such as Rugezi swamp control floods and erosion, and they rejuvenate ecosystems, including bird species. Conservation of wetlands has resulted in the increase of different bird species, which attract more birders to Rugezi swamp. Furthermore, the development of Avi-tourism in Rwanda has influenced wetland conservation efforts and the improvement of the livelihood of the surrounding local communities. Concerning the challenges facing wetland conservation to the development of Avi-tourism in Rugezi swamp, human activities, natural disasters, lack of awareness on wetland conservation, topography, and communities’ lifestyles were highlighted as the major ones. The strategies to solve these challenges are: establishment of buffer zone areas, removing non-native and invasive species from the swamp, terracing, and preparing local communities for avitourism. It was concluded that wetland conservation has contributed more to the development of avitourism in Rugezi swamp. For maximum development of Avi-tourism and wetland conservation in Rwanda, REMA, RDB, RWCA, MINICOM, MINAGRI, PSF, and MINEDUC were recommended to cooperate in stimulating investments in the Avi-tourism sector and wetland projects, and also by educating all citizens about the Environmental Organic Law and the Land Law under which wetlands are managed
Transitioning towards a Circular Economic Model: Opportunities for Sustainable Industrialisation in Uganda
Get PDFThis study examined the potential of transitioning towards a circular economic (CE) model to foster sustainable industrialisation in Uganda. The country's prevailing linear economic model is characterised by unsustainable resource extraction, an escalating waste burden, and a lack of integration of circularity within industrial processes. Through a comprehensive analysis of academic literature, policy documents, and secondary data, this research highlights the potential of a CE model to address these challenges. Key findings reveal significant opportunities for resource efficiency gains, waste valorisation through recycling and remanufacturing, and innovation-driven growth in green industries. In addition, the study identified critical success factors for a circular transition, including the need for a supportive policy framework, investment in circular infrastructure, technical capacity building, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. While acknowledging challenges such as integrating the informal sector and promoting behavioural change, this research underscores the potential of CE to drive inclusive and sustainable industrialisation in Uganda. By strategically adopting CE principles and practices, Uganda can unlock a pathway towards long-term economic prosperity while safeguarding its environment and promoting social equit
Estimating the Extent of Money Muling: The Case of a University Campus in Nairobi, Kenya
Get PDFMoney muling is not only a crime but is one of the major enablers of a 5 trillion United States Dollar (USD) criminal enterprise globally. Very little is known about money muling, yet it contributes significantly to money laundering, which is to blame for widespread terrorism, crime and proliferation financing globally. The lack of knowledge and data on this phenomenon significantly hampers efforts to measure, manage, and control money laundering and associated crimes. This study sought to assess and estimate the extent of money muling among university students at a university campus in Nairobi, Kenya, with the aim of adding to the literature and recommending tactical action. Using a sample of 121 respondents from a population of 174, the study found that there exist significant levels of money muling among respondents, with a 63% overall rate of involvement. Unwitting money muling was the most prevalent (90%), followed by complicit (44%) and witting (24%), respectively. This study also established that money muling was more prevalent among undergraduate students (93%), males (61%) and younger students aged below 40 years (93%). Consequently, several recommendations, including proposed amendments to the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (POCAMLA) of 2009, targeted awareness and training of tertiary level students on financial crime and the need for better measurement and documentation of money laundering and crime statistics in universities and colleges ensued from the finding
Blockchain Resilience and Public Service Delivery: Empirical Evidence from Kenya’s National Government Ministries
Get PDFAs governments increasingly adopt emerging technologies to improve public service delivery, blockchain has gained prominence for its unique attributes, including resilience. Resilience, in the context of blockchain, refers to the system’s ability to maintain functionality despite faults, disruptions, or cyber threats, making it especially relevant for sustaining uninterrupted service in critical government operations. This study examines the relationship between blockchain technology resilience and service delivery in Kenya’s national government ministries. Anchored in the New Public Management (NPM) theoretical framework, the study employed a cross-sectional survey involving 319 respondents: 220 government officials and 99 citizens, selected through stratified and purposive sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed through multiple regression analysis. The results revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between blockchain resilience and service delivery (β = 0.287, p < 0.05), suggesting that robust and fault-tolerant blockchain systems can enhance efficiency, continuity, and public confidence in service delivery. The study recommends that government institutions prioritise the integration of resilient digital infrastructure to strengthen service delivery outcome
Land Informality and Financial Exclusion Contributing to The Mortgage Dilemma in Uganda’s Housing Sector
Get PDFThe limited availability of affordable housing is one of the top development priorities in Uganda. The country has a total deficit of 2.4 million housing units. Approximately 70% of those who suffer from housing insecurity in Uganda fall within the low-income bracket. While mortgage financing options could help a number of people purchase houses, Uganda’s mortgage market remains underdeveloped. The mortgage market contributes to less than 1% of GDP, and is largely inaccessible to low-income earners. The primary constraints include the high interest charges (16% - 24%), a lack of secure land tenure systems, widespread informal employment (which involves over 75% of the entire labour force), and low financial literacy levels. The purpose of the study was to understand the accessibility of mortgage financing to low-income people in Uganda and to identify whether land tenure systems and socioeconomic issues affect exclusion from the market. The study employed a desk-based qualitative approach to document a review of academic literature and policy developments, to understand the institutional, legal and economic obstacles to achieving inclusive housing finance. Overall, the findings noted that policies on land tenure continue to reflect historical as well as current patterns of social exclusion, as ongoing challenges with Mailo and customary tenure continue to stop people from accessing land titles securely. This encourages banks to step away from providing credit. Formal housing generally remains unattainably expensive due to speculative development and constraints on affordable. New concepts to help low-income people may include micro-mortgages, digital credit scoring and incremental loans