EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Rubondo Island National Park: Overlooked World’s Largest Tropical Lake Island Protected Area in Tanzania
Get PDFRubondo Island National Park in Tanzania is a biodiverse conservation area situated within the complex Lake Victoria Regional Mosaic. While other islands have been modified by human activities, Rubondo Island remains a unique model for island conservation, characterized by diverse ecosystems and endangered species like chimpanzees. This makes it an ideal location for research on wildlife behaviour, species conservation, and human-wildlife coexistence. However, little effort has been made to explore the research potential of this island, and it is underrepresented in conservation literature. Existing studies are limited in scope, often focusing on specific species or isolated ecological features, without providing a comprehensive understanding of the island’s biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and broader conservation value on regional and global scales. This review addresses this gap by undertaking a comparison analysis of lake island sizes and synthesizing available research. Literature on Rubondo Island was searched in academic databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus using relevant and specific keywords related to Rubondo Island and its biodiversity. Among the world's lake islands, Rubondo is distinguished as the largest fully protected tropical lake island, free from human habitation or consumptive activities. The island hosts key native species such as sitatunga antelopes (Tragelaphus spekii), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), vervet (Cercopithecus aethiops), hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious), spotted-necked otter (Hydrictis maculicollis), African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis), and marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), avian, amphibians and reptiles such as crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Some of the introduced species, including elephant (Loxodonta africana), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), colobus monkey (Colobus guereza), suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus), have been successfully integrated into the ecosystem. The island is an Important Bird Area (IBA), hosting over 194 bird species, and is home to 19 reptiles and 11 amphibian species, contributing to ecosystem balance. Its primary lowland Congolese forest is the only intact remnant of this forest type in the Lake Victoria and western Tanzania region. Rubondo also protects vital fish breeding grounds critical for sustaining native and endangered fish populations. Historically inhabited by the Banyarubondo subgroup of the Zinza people, the island retains cultural and spiritual landmarks that warrant preservation. Future research should focus on chimpanzee behaviour, elephant ecosystem roles, avian and fish species updates, vegetation surveys, herpetofauna diversity, and crocodile adaptations to environmental change
Assessment of the Impact of Community-Based Conservation Interventions to Biodiversity Conservation Around Protected Areas: Case of Nyungwe National Park
Get PDFCommunity-based conservation can be the venue to shape the attitude of local communities towards conservation and contribute to counter biodiversity losses in protected areas. This study aimed to assess the impact of community-based conservation interventions on biodiversity conservation around protected areas, specifically focusing on Nyungwe National Park (NNP). Primary data were collected using a checklist of the questionnaire, and secondary data were collected by reviewing Earth Ranger data on illegal activities from 2021-2024. The study utilized descriptive and correlational analysis research designs. A purposive sample of 225 individuals from seven cooperatives operated around NNP, constituted the study population, with a sample size of 144. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics and were then processed by using SPSS. The correlation coefficient ® of 0.942, implies that community-based conservation interventions increase attitude and behaviour changes towards biodiversity conservation. From 2021 to 2023, the illegal activities spiked due to much effort applied by the management of NNP for diagnosing and collecting them. However, they were a significant decline in illegal activities in the year 2024, which implies that community-based conservation interventions have played a big part in this decline. The researcher revealed that in 2024, snares 6,831 were uprooted in NNP, where community-based conservation through community eco rangers played a crucial role in uprooting 3,848 snares (56.3%) within the park through their joint patrols with park rangers. For maintaining the positive attitude and behaviour changes towards conservation and momentum of the decline of illegal activities in NNP, it is recommended to enhance the involvement of local communities in deterring illegal activities mostly community eco-rangers; to scale up and monitoring income-generating projects throughout the parks; To intensify environmental education and awareness programs for curbing the culture and beliefs of local communities on wildlife animal
Techno-Economic and Socio-Cultural Determinants of Beekeeping Integration within Agricultural Production Systems of Landowners in and Around the Luki Biosphere Reserve (Kongo Central, DR Congo)
Get PDFLand capital and compensation preferences emerge as the principal determinants governing the integration of beekeeping into the agricultural production systems of landowners in and around the Luki Biosphere Reserve (LBR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study investigates the techno-economic and sociocultural factors shaping this integration, with the aim of identifying key barriers and proposing context-specific interventions. A purposive sampling strategy was employed, targeting farmers who demonstrated an explicit interest in the concentrated apiary approach, following preparatory consultations with local village authorities to facilitate engagement. Findings indicate that landowners most receptive to beekeeping adoption possess extensive and diversified landholdings, spanning multiple agroecological zones, with diverse cropping systems and a significant proportion of fallow land. While demographic characteristics such as age and gender were found to be non-determinant, apicultural knowledge, and compensation arrangements, specifically a preference for long-term agreements (exceeding five years) and annual in-kind payments representing at least 10% of production, play a pivotal role in decision-making. The study underscores the crucial importance of economic incentives and capacity building to foster the sustainable integration of beekeeping practices. Accordingly, development initiatives promoting concentrated apiaries should primarily target landowners with secure tenure rights, substantial and diversified land assets, and a readiness to engage under mutually advantageous partnership terms
The Status and Extent of Eucalyptus grandis Invasion in Kindoroko Forest Reserve, Mwanga District, Tanzania
Get PDFEarly detection and the ability to remove new populations of species showing signs of becoming invasive have been acknowledged as the most cost-effective and effective ways of managing invasive alien species globally. This study assessed the status and extent of Eucalyptus grandis invasion in the Kindoroko Forest Reserve (KFR), located in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study aimed to assess (i) the population status and abundance of E. grandis in relation to other woody species in KFR, (ii) the spatial distribution of E. grandis in KFR, and (iii) factors influencing the abundance of E. grandis in KFR. Vegetation data were collected from 60 concentric sample plots of a 15m radius established along 17 cardinal transect lines across the forest area of 885 ha. The study revealed that E. grandis is most abundant near the forest boundary within 50m in comparison with other native species, contributing 44% of the total species counts and accounting for 23% of the overall species counts across the entire forest area. Its abundance and spread are strongly linked to the presence of favourable environmental factors and human disturbances. Canopy cover exhibited a strong negative effect (p<0.001), indicating that invasion decreases with high canopy cover, while slope showed a significant positive relationship (p = 0.044), suggesting that steeper terrains facilitate E. grandis growth. Medium disturbances negatively affected abundance (0.001), meaning decreases in the rate of invasion, whereas high disturbances had a significant positive effect (0.031), meaning invasion increases with increasing disturbances. It is concluded that E. grandis is showing all signs of becoming a problematic species in KFR. Thus, forest management efforts should focus on removing the identified population and reducing disturbances currently occurring in the forest reserve to contribute to mitigating the spread of E. grandis in the KFR
Climatic Variability and Change on Biodiversity, Freshwater Wetland Ecosystem Service and Livelihoods in Zanzibar
Get PDFWorldwide, freshwater wetland ecosystems are very important for maintaining the ecological stability of natural ecosystems as well as enhancing the human well-being of the surrounding community. This study was aimed at assessing the impacts of climatic variability and change on freshwater wetland ecosystem services and associated livelihoods in Zanzibar. The Islands are extremely vulnerable to climate change; However, a limited number of studies have been conducted on the possible effects of climate change on the wetlands. The study was carried out in eight wetland areas, four from Pemba, which include Machopozoni, Kangani, Bopwe, Shidi, and Tibirinzi, and four from Unguja Island, which include Mwera, Matetema, Kaburi kikombe and Mtwango. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify representative wetlands for this study. A total of 160 households living in the area for more than ten years were randomly selected and surveyed in this study, making an average of 20 households per study site. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to capture different socio-wetland activities, and a checklist was used to record observations. The results show that about 98% of women interviewed mentioned that they used wetland for farming rather than other activities, while 88% of men depend on wetland for food and employment, and 30% of all respondents mentioned the importance of wetland for agricultural production. 57% of respondents in Unguja mentioned that pollution of wetlands is due to pesticides, while in Pemba, it is 78%. In the present study, there is no proper strategy set by communities for the conservation of wetlands. There is a decline in animal and plant species, Poor use and handling of pesticides, community dependent on wetland. Developed a wetland conservation strategic plan in both languages (English and Kiswahili). To encourage stakeholders to support the implementation plan
Mapping Land Use Land Cover Changes (LULC) in Eastern Slopes of Mount Kenya; Case of Tharaka Nithi County
Get PDFMapping and quantifying the status of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes and their drivers are essential for identifying strategic areas for designing and implementing interventions to promote sustainable landscape management. Through a combination of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and interviews with Key Informants, the study analyzed the status of LULC changes and drivers in Tharaka Nithi County, Eastern Slopes of Mount Kenya for the last 22 years. Using Landsat images of 2001,2014, and 2023, four major LULC categories: forest/tree cover, agricultural lands, built-up areas, and water bodies were identified. Results indicate forest/tree cover experienced the most dynamic changes, with tree and forest cover increasing by +38% between 2001 and 2014 and declining by -25.74% between 2014 and 2023. Built-up areas increased by +139.18% over the same period, while agricultural and water bodies remained stable. The main drivers of LULC change include: expansion of built-up areas/settlement areas, expansion of agricultural land, and harvesting of trees for timber, fuelwood, etc, which are driven by population growth. Therefore, to address the causes of LULC change, there is a need to design and implement policies to promote sustainable management and utilization of resources within the study area
Effectiveness of Indigenous Techniques in Response to Climatic Stresses in Northern Tanzania: Insights from Maasai Communities in the Monduli District
Get PDFAgro-pastoral communities are recognized as masters of innovative traditional adaptation strategies in dry lands. This study examines the effectiveness of indigenous knowledge in responding to climatic stresses in the Monduli district, Northern Tanzania. A mixed-method research approach was adopted, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Primary data were collected through 315 household surveys, 12 focus group discussions, 25 key informant interviews, and field observations. Secondary data were sourced from records maintained by government institutions. Results were analyzed and presented using thematic content analysis and descriptive statistics. Most respondents (74.9%) indicated that birth control is an effective adaptation strategy for the Maasai agro-pastoralist communities in semi-arid areas. The main indigenous techniques were traditional birth control, acacia seed ponds in dry spells, traditionally constructed water wells and seasonal migration. Caution ought to be taken when generalizing and incorporating context-specific IK into local and national adaptation planning to ensure effective adaptation strategie
Co-operation, Competition and Market Structure from A Game-Theoretical and Austrian Perspective
Get PDFWhile the Austrian School emphasises entrepreneurial discovery and the evolutionary nature of competition, game theory provides structured tools for analysing strategic interactions. This paper combines both perspectives to examine how voluntary co-operation influences market outcomes. Building on game theory concepts such as Nash equilibrium, repeated games and the coopetition approach, a theoretical analysis of strategic decisions is provided. These models are then compared with the Austrian view of dynamic market processes. Case studies from the platform economy, opensource development, the blockchain sector and the pharmaceutical and financial industries show real forms of cooperation without centralised control. A game-theoretical model is developed that depicts voluntary cooperation under different competitive conditions, taking into account trust, incentives and strategic expectation formation. This model is supplemented by simulation-based approaches that examine the long-term stability of cooperative structures in decentralised markets. The results show that voluntary co-operation can generate efficiency gains, but that it is largely dependent on institutional framework conditions and the repeatability of interactions. The combination of both theoretical approaches enables a deeper understanding of market behaviour beyond static equilibrium models. Competition and co-operation are not seen as opposites, but as complementary forces that together promote innovation processes, adaptability and market stability. The paper argues in favour of adaptive, institutionally embedded regulatory approaches that allow for competitive structures and at the same time support voluntary coordination. It thus contributes to the development of theory and offers practical implications for competition policy and corporate strategy in dynamic markets
The Built Environment of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, Nairobi: Implications for Rehabilitation and Psychological Well-being
Get PDFThis article explores the built environment of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison in Nairobi, Kenya, analyzing its spatial layout, architectural features, and their impact on the psychological well-being of inmates. Building surveys, guided by a structured observation checklist were used to evaluate the physical characteristics of the built environment, while a semi-structured questionnaire was used to study inmates’ perception of the built environment. 250 respondents, drawn from the inmates’ population participated in the study. Descriptive correlational analysis was used to relate the in-mates’ subjective views to the presiding physical characteristics of the built environment. The study findings identified the constructed environment as the sovereign contributor of psychological dis-tress, with significant variation with age, which added 0.016 variance, while length of imprison-ment and marital status had insignificant variation at 0.007 and 0.001 respectively. Both the inade-quate infrastructure and the deficient design of spatial layouts, ward sizes and design, outdoor open spaces, training facilities and sensory environment were identified as the specific attributes of the built environment with significant impact on psychological wellbeing, with significance coefficients of 0.86, 1.84, 0.94, 2.12 and 1.27 respectively. The study thus concludes that the built environment at Kamiti Maximum Prison is driven by colonial punitive principles rather than modern rehabilita-tive strategies. The study highlights the deficiencies in Kamiti’s infrastructure and recommends a rehabilitative model that balances security and control; health and well-being; and rehabilitation and reintegration, thereby contributing to the growing discourse on therapeutic prison architectur
Participatory Approaches and Rural Women's Empowerment in Uganda
Get PDFThis study explores the role of Participatory Rural Development (PRD) approaches in enhancing women's empowerment in Uganda. PRD approaches such as inclusive decision-making, participatory planning, capacity building, and resource mobilization have gained recognition as effective strategies for fostering women's socio-economic and political empowerment. Using secondary data, this study examined how these PRD components contribute to women's economic independence, leadership opportunities, access to resources and social inclusion. Findings reveal that PRD interventions significantly enhance women’s agency by providing platforms for participation in community development, improving access to financial resources, and strengthening leadership capacities. Community engagement strategies, including self-help groups and participatory governance, have empowered women by fostering collective action and amplifying their voices in decision-making processes. Capacity-building initiatives such as; vocational training, financial literacy programs and legal education have further enabled women to gain essential skills for economic self-sufficiency and advocacy. Moreover, access to resources including; land rights, credit facilities and technology, has played a critical role in reducing gender disparities in economic opportunities. Despite these achievements, challenges such as socio-cultural barriers, limited access to capital and weak policy enforcement continue to hinder the full realization of PRD’s potential in empowering women. The study recommends targeted policy reforms, increased investment in women-centred development programs and strengthened institutional support to enhance the effectiveness of PRD initiatives. Strengthening PRD frameworks will not only promote gender equality but also contribute to broader sustainable development efforts in Uganda and beyond