EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Teacher Training and Professional Development: Assessing the Quality of Teacher Training Programs and Ongoing Professional Development Initiatives in Improving Teaching Practices in Kenya
Get PDFDespite significant investments in pre-service and in-service teacher education, disparities in instructional quality and learning achievements persist across the country, particularly between urban and rural schools. The purpose of the study was to assess how structured teacher training, continuous professional development, and school-based learning communities influence instructional competence and classroom performance. The study was guided by Mezirow’s Transformative Learning Theory, which posits that critical reflection on prior assumptions facilitates meaningful changes in beliefs, perspectives, and behaviours. A secondary data methodology was employed, analysing peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, policy documents, and previous empirical studies published between 2020 and 2024. Data were synthesised using content analysis to identify trends, gaps, and outcomes related to teacher development initiatives. The findings indicated that pre-service training equips teachers with foundational pedagogical knowledge, while continuous professional development and mentoring programs significantly improve learner-centred teaching, classroom management, and assessment strategies. School-based professional learning communities enhanced collaboration, reflective practice, and adoption of innovative instructional methods. However, challenges such as limited resources, unequal access, large class sizes, and inadequate monitoring constrained the effectiveness of these programs. The study concluded that sustained, contextually relevant, and collaborative teacher development initiatives are crucial for improving teaching quality. Based on the findings, the study recommended expanding equitable access to training, integrating mentoring and technology, providing adequate resources, and establishing systematic follow-up and evaluation mechanisms
Urban Consumption of Charcoal and Its Implications on Deforestation in Puntland, Somalia
Get PDFSlow-growing Acacia species, such as A.bussei and A.nilotica, constitute the main part of the woody vegetation and the backbone of economic activities in the dryland ecosystems of Puntland state, Somalia. These trees are the most important, if not the only, customary source of energy for the whole Somali population to meet their household cooking needs. Charcoal manufacturing and use are often claimed to be a major threat to maintaining a tree cover on drylands, especially when these activities are linked to national and international trade, as is the situation in Puntland. The main aim of this study was to analyse the effect of urban charcoal consumption on forest loss in Puntland. Another aim was to contribute to new policy and management recommendations in order to alleviate the pressure on forest and tree resources and to diminish the dependency on energy derived from charcoal. The present results show that the average kiln efficiency in charcoal production was around 20%. In the urban household surveys conducted in four towns, the mean per capita consumption was found to be between 2.7 and 4 sacks, corresponding to 63kg and 93kg per person and year, respectively. There was significant variation in charcoal consumption between the four towns studied (Garowe, Burtinle, Bossaso and Galkayo), with Garowe consuming significantly less than the other three towns. This disparity renders further studies on ways to increase energy efficiency important. Assuming that 95% of the population of Puntland relies on charcoal, the total area of acacia forest cleared every year in the state for charcoal production purposes can be estimated to be 2,400 ha. In order to attain sustainable management in its forests and woodlands, Puntland should increase its woody vegetation cover and develop a monitoring system for its forest and tree resources based on new scientific research. Similarly, to other countries in the Horn of Africa region, Somalia and the Puntland state, as part of it, must find a balance between conserving tree resources and supplying wood fuel. However, an ultimate solution requires observing the specific local conditions. Additionally, policies should be established that contribute to improvements along the whole wood energy value chain. Such policies can guide the management of natural and planted forests to rural communities, state agencies and the private sector. Similar guidance is needed for wood harvesting and utilisation, especially paying attention to kiln and cooking stove efficiency and alternative energy sources. This would profoundly change the present situation in which the charcoal used in the state comes exclusively from natural, unmanaged forests and woodlands. Alternative potential sources for household energy are LPG, kerosene and solar energy, but their wider use also necessitates research and development in a participatory wa
Gully Erosion associated with Peri-Urbanization: Focus on the Catchments around Kimwenza in the South of Kinshasa (DR. Congo)
Get PDFThe catchments draining Kimwenza, a small plateau in Southern Kinshasa town (DR Congo), are undergoing rapid and extensive peri-urbanization with limited planning. This research focuses on gully erosion processes associated with different infrastructures. The objectives are to characterize the morphometry of the catchments, describe the surface water flow network, assess the runoff rates, and propose an appropriate drainage solution to collect runoff. It appears that these basins have a high drainage density, ranging from approximately 1,800 to over 11,000 m/km², with a general average of around 6,570 m/km², as determined through field and laboratory investigations. In addition, all the basins in this area are somewhat rounded in shape and modest, which means they are more likely to have rapid rainwater concentration and response times. As a result, runoff flow can be torrential, especially since 80 % of this sector has slopes greater than 8%. The peak rate of surface runoff can exceed 650 l/s/ha, according to an analysis of active showers and their intensities. Due to the incoherent soil structure, mainly composed of sand, 30 gullies were mapped with an average length of 560 meters, a width of 27 meters, and a depth of 10 meters. Under these conditions, mitigating the gully phenomenon requires significantly reducing runoff flow
Assessing the Impact of Flooding on Livelihoods in Kamonyi District, Rwanda
Get PDFThe general objective of the study was to investigate the impact of flooding on the livelihood of the Community in Kamonyi District. The Specific objectives were: to establish the causes of flooding, to assess the occurrence and intensity of flooding, to evaluate the livelihood of the community of Kamonyi District, to investigate the effect of flooding on biodiversity and to examine the coping mechanism. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The targeted population for this study included 838 farmers and 6 local leaders. However, given that this population was huge, sampling was conducted of this target population. The simple random sampling was applied in the selection of respondents from the farmers who use this marshland in cultivation, whereby 75 respondents were used as a sample and the Purposive sampling was used to select local leaders. Both primary and secondary data were used. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interview schedules and document review. In relation to the first specific objectives, Table 6 indicates that massive rainfall was identified as a major cause of flooding, accounting for 44.94%. Hydrological changes were also reported as a contributing factor at 14.50%. It is important for farmers to understand and follow advice given by local leaders regarding flood prevention in their cultivation areas. The sector officer in charge of agriculture must ensure that tools reserved for the development of modern agriculture are effectively utilised with proper distribution and allocation of resource
Impacts of Non-Compliance with Environmental Mitigation Measures for Road Construction on Community Livelihood in Nyanza and Bugesera Districts, Rwanda
Get PDFThe study sought to investigate the environmental impacts mitigation methods for road construction and community livelihood in Rwanda. Case of Nyanza and Bugesera. The study employed a mixed-method approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data by utilising a sample size of 249 respondents. Data collection techniques included questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis. The data were analysed through means, standard deviation and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings showed that environmental degradation was a notable outcome of the Kibugabuga-Shinga-Gasoro Road construction, with key concerns such as soil erosion (Mean = 3.85, SD = 0.78), vegetation destruction (Mean = 3.75, SD = 0.81), and water pollution exceeding World Health Organization thresholds. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 67.7% of the variance in environmental and socio-economic impacts could be explained by the combined effect of enforcement, mitigation, and monitoring measures. Among the predictors, monitoring contributed 39.8%, mitigation accounted for 26.5%, and enforcement contributed 24.2% to the observed impacts. These findings indicate that inadequate implementation of these three components was strongly associated with increased environmental degradation and socio-economic disturbances in the project areas. The study concludes that non-compliance with environmental impact mitigation measures significantly influenced environmental and socio-economic disruptions during the road construction project. The weak enforcement of environmental guidelines, poor implementation of mitigation measures, and inconsistent monitoring practices were the primary contributors to the observed negative impacts. To improve compliance and reduce negative outcomes, the study recommends that government agencies strengthen enforcement mechanisms through increased funding, staffing, and independent oversight. Project implementers should integrate mitigation plans into all stages of construction with clear timelines and accountability. Additionally, continuous environmental monitoring and transparent reporting should be institutionalised, and local communities should be actively involved in the oversight process to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible road infrastructure development
Influence of Education Levels on Land Conservation Initiatives in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFEducation plays a pivotal role in shaping environmental awareness and influencing participation in land conservation initiatives. The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of education levels on land conservation efforts in Wajir West Sub-County, Kenya. Specifically, the study aimed to assess how varying education levels affect participation in land conservation initiatives within the four electoral wards of Wajir West sub-county: Arbajahan, Hadado/Athibohol, Ganyure/Wagala, and Adamasajida. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with data collected from a sample of 386 households selected from a target population of 10,630 households of agricultural and livestock keepers according to the 2019 census. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. The findings revealed that higher education levels were associated with greater awareness of conservation practices and more active participation in conservation programs. Notably, 87% of individuals with higher education levels demonstrated a better understanding of conservation, and 84% felt that education facilitated knowledge transfer, helping to spread conservation information within their communities. Further analysis revealed that 81% of respondents with higher education were more likely to volunteer for leadership roles in conservation groups, while 83% noted that education promoted compliance with conservation policies. 82% of respondents stated that education helped overcome participation barriers faced by less-educated populations. Additionally, 75% reported gaining practical knowledge on soil conservation techniques through educational training programs. In the multi-group analysis using β coefficients, the study found varying levels of influence across different wards. The β coefficients from the analysis indicated that education had the most significant positive impact in Hadado/Athibohol, followed by Adamasajida, showing a clear trend that higher education correlated with greater involvement in land conservation efforts in these wards. The study concluded that enhancing community education is crucial for fostering more meaningful and widespread participation in land conservation initiatives. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government and NGOs invest in improving education levels and implement structured empowerment programs that specifically address land conservation practices
Smallholder Farmers’ Perception, Level of Awareness, And Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change in Tharaka South Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFClimate change and variability bring negative impacts to agricultural productivity with direct consequences for poor rural communities in Kenya. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness, perception, and adaptation strategies to climate change amongst smallholder farmers in Tharaka South Sub-County. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Quantitative data was obtained from smallholder farmers through a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained through key informant interviews. A total of 100 households in three wards, namely: Chiakariga, Marimanti, and Nkondi in Tharaka South Sub-County, and 20 key informants in the three wards were targeted. The results showed that 97.9% were aware and had a climate change understanding, while only 2.1% had no understanding. The study findings indicate that climate change, which is indicated by changes in rainfall patterns and high temperatures, affects 83% of the farmers, who face challenges such as low crop yields 81.9%, crop failure 83%, increased pests and diseases 21.3%, drying up of water sources, and soil erosion 2.1%. The adaptation strategies included planting drought-resistant crops, diversifying crops 72.3%, water conservation methods such as rainwater harvesting 10.6%, use of organic or improved fertilisers 6.4%, and early and timely planting 6.4%. The adaptation strategies have, however, not been so effective due to the challenges faced in the area. There is a need for the government and NGOs to come up with various programs to help farmers adapt better to a sustainable future. These provisions will provide important insights into the effectiveness of the current adaptation strategies and inform the policy recommendations for enhancing climate resilience among the farmer
Setbacks of Form One Orientation Programme in Secondary Schools: Lessons from Moshi Rural District, Tanzania
Get PDFThe study objective was to identify the specific setbacks of the Form One Orientation Programme in secondary schools within Moshi Rural. A mixed-methods study approach was employed, conducted in two phases: a qualitative and a quantitative phase, with an exploratory sequential design. Four secondary schools were involved, with a total of 37 participants, including 2 Heads of Schools (HOS), 1 District Secondary Education Officer (DSEO), and 2 Schools Quality Assurers (SQA) participated in phase one, and 32 teachers participated in phase two. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews, unstructured observations and the closed-ended questionnaire. The study revealed key setbacks in implementing the Form One Orientation Programme, including the transfer of students during the Programme's implementation, managing overcrowded classrooms, late student reporting, and a lack of training for teachers and school heads in implementing and supervising the Programme. The study recommended future studies that could adopt a quantitative or mixed-methods approach, taking larger samples to assess the setbacks of the Form One Orientation Programme for the generalisation of findings and examine strategies for unlocking the barriers to the successful Form One Orientation Programm
Advancing Gender-Responsive AI in Higher Education: A Participatory Rural Appraisal of Traditional and Modern Food Processing Innovations in Uganda
Get PDFThis study explores how gender-responsive artificial intelligence (AI) can transform higher education participatory rural appraisal (PRA) research to advance Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 - Zero Hunger - by harmonising traditional and modern food processing practices in Uganda. Amidst rapid technological progress, AI’s potential remains disproportionately urban-centric, sidelining rural women who dominate Uganda’s traditional food systems yet face systemic barriers to accessing modern innovations. Through a mixed-methods approach including a systematic review of global AI applications in agriculture, analysis of national and international policy frameworks, and community-driven PRA case studies, this research uncovers critical gaps in gender-equitable AI adaptation within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Findings reveal that socio-economic disparities, limited digital literacy, and infrastructural inequities exclude women from AI-driven solutions, thus undermining Uganda’s progress toward sustainable agriculture. However, HEIs emerge as pivotal agents of change. This is because, by embedding gender-responsive AI into participatory research curricula, universities can co-design inclusive technologies that amplify women’s expertise in traditional food preservation while integrating modern efficiencies. This study proposes a tripartite strategy: (1) Gender-sensitive AI training programs tailored to rural contexts, (2) Low-cost, culturally relevant AI tools for decentralised food processing, and (3) Cross-sector partnerships linking academia, policymakers, and grassroots innovators to align AI initiatives with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) targets. This work challenges the global AI paradigm by centring marginalised voices and demonstrating how participatory, gender-responsive education frameworks can catalyse equitable technological adoption. Its actionable insights offer a blueprint for HEIs worldwide to harness AI as a tool for social justice, bridging the divide between tradition and innovation to build resilient, inclusive food systems
Evaluating the Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extracts from Leaves, Flowers and Roots of Iris versicolor and Nerium oleander Plants Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Get PDFBacterial infections are prevalent in most parts of Kenya and cause diseases like pneumonia, typhoid, cholera, and meningitis. This has contributed to unsustainable socio-economic development following the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant strains of bacteria and, hence, the need for alternative strategies that are effective against bacteria and environmentally safe. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts from leaves, flowers and roots of Iris versicolor and Nerium oleander plants against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The plant parts were macerated and extracted to obtain phytochemicals that were then identified under different classes of compounds by treating them with varying reagents following standard laboratory procedures. To assess antimicrobial activity, discs were infused with an antimicrobial compound derived from the leaf, flower, and root extracts of N. oleander and I. versicolor at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml. Bacterial isolates (inoculum) were then introduced into plates containing Mueller-Hinton agar media. Infused discs were dispensed aseptically on the plates. The discs were pressed to ensure contact between the agar and the disc and incubated at 37 °C for 24 hrs. The Kirby-Bauer method was used to assess the antibacterial efficacy of the plant extracts against the bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The crude plant extracts showed a greater zone of inhibition ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.2 mm in diameter, irrespective of the plant part and the test micro-organism. The methanolic crude extract of N. oleander leaves showed a greater zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus at 3.1 mm and 2.9 mm against E. coli. The zone inhibited by the crude extract on S. aureus showed no growth of the micro-organisms; this was observed on all the crude extracts, irrespective of the extracting solvent, on both E. coli and S. aureus. The methanolic crude extract of N. oleander flowers showed a greater zone of inhibition against S. aureus at 2.9 mm. The hexane crude extract of I. versicolor leaves showed the least zone of inhibition against E. coli at 2.2 mm in diameter. This showed that the plant crude extracts exhibited much higher activity against S. aureus, followed by E. col