Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resource Management

EFFECTS OF WATER SCARCITY ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF RURAL WOMEN IN THARAKA NORTH AND MAARA SUB-COUNTIES, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

EFFECTS OF WATER SCARCITY ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF RURAL WOMEN IN THARAKA NORTH AND MAARA SUB-COUNTIES, THARAKA NITHI COUNTY, KENYA KIBORO, EMMANUEL N Water is a critical resource for rural development, poverty alleviation, and agricultural productivity. However, its availability in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya remains limited, with scarcity threatening the livelihoods of millions of rural households. In Tharaka Nithi County, water scarcity not only undermines household welfare but also perpetuates poverty by constraining agricultural production, increasing women’s workloads, reducing their economic opportunities, and eroding community resilience. This study investigated the causes of water scarcity, gender-differentiated access to and use of water, and its impacts on women’s livelihoods in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Data were collected between May and August 2023, during the long dry season when water scarcity is most acute. A total of 313 respondents were surveyed, comprising 113 from Tharaka North and 200 from Maara Sub-County. The uneven distribution reflected differences in population density, ecological conditions, and accessibility, with Maara being more densely populated and better connected than the drier and sparsely populated Tharaka North. Household surveys were complemented with focus group discussions, key informant interviews, direct field observations, and GIS mapping of water sources. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS (Version 26), while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings revealed that Maara Sub-County relied primarily on tap water (85%), while Tharaka North depended on rivers (53.1%), showing significant disparities in water source usage (χ² = 179.57, p < 0.0001). Drought and low rainfall were identified as the leading causes of scarcity, while governance issues and inadequate infrastructure further worsened the situation. Gender analysis showed that a majority of respondents in both regions perceived unequal access to water for women, with this association being statistically significant (Maara: χ² = 6.26, p = 0.0123; Tharaka North: χ² = 7.84, p = 0.0051). Economic impacts were also substantial, as water scarcity reduced agricultural productivity and income opportunities (Tharaka North: χ² = 32.35, p < 0.0001; Maara: χ² = 41.95, p < 0.0001). Women’s coping strategies varied: in Maara, 43.0% engaged in trade, while in Tharaka North, 21.2% relied on livestock rearing. However, poverty constrained the adoption of technologies such as boreholes, storage tanks, and sand dams. The gendered impacts included increased burden in water collection, reduced time for productive and educational activities, compromised health, and diminished resilience to climate shocks. The study concludes that water scarcity in Tharaka Nithi County is not merely an environmental challenge but also a driver of entrenched poverty and gender inequality. Addressing it requires integrated interventions, such as investment in climate-resilient water infrastructure, community-based water management, poverty reduction programs, and dismantling of cultural barriers that limit women’s agency. Strengthening women’s participation in water governance and promoting affordable technologies like sand dams, aquifer recharge, and household water storage systems are essential for equitable and sustainable water access. These findings directly contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on gender equality by reducing the disproportionate burden on women, and SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation by promoting universal, reliable, and sustainable access to safe water in ASAL regions.

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DUCKWEED (LEMNACEAE) IN SELECTED WETLANDS AND POND WATERS OF THARAKA- NITHI COUNTY, KENYA

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF DUCKWEED (LEMNACEAE) IN SELECTED WETLANDS AND POND WATERS OF THARAKA- NITHI COUNTY, KENYA MUTHIKE, KATHENYA G Duckweeds are aquatic herbs adapted to various geographic and climatic zones, with significant applications in wastewater treatment, animal feeds, biofuel production, and as a culinary ingredient in some Asian countries. In Kenya, including Tharaka-Nithi County, duckweed has attracted the attention of farmers as a feed supplement for livestock. However, commercial extraction poses a threat to the survival of the plant and its ecological roles, necessitating its conservation and promotion of sustainable utilization. This study aimed at characterizing local duckweed species to understand their taxonomic variation and distribution in Tharaka-Nithi County. Samples were collected from selected wetlands and ponds, with GPS coordinates and elevation of sampling points recorded for analysis of their distribution. Morphological features of duckweed were studied and the DNA extracted for molecular characterization using DNA barcoding markers. One hundred and forty-four samples of duckweed were collected and from morphological characterization, they were grouped into nine clones. All the nine clones had parallel veins and obovate fronds with rounded apices. Morphological features such as frond symmetry, color, border and length varied among clones. Hence, frond symmetry, border and color, formed significant qualitative characteristics while frond length formed a significant quantitative characteristic. Morphological data suggested that the clones belonged to the same genus, consistent with previous studies. Further, molecular characterization that was done using RBCL and matK genes, successfully confirmed they were duckweed species. Six RBCL gene amplification products were sequenced, and BLAST search results indicated they were from the genus Lemna. Three samples collected from Chogoria, Gatithini and Ikumbo were identified as Lemna minor. In contrast, samples collected from Marimanti, Kathwana and Kaanwa were identified as Lemna turionifera, Lemna aequinoctialis, and Lemma perpusilla respectively. Lemna minor and Lemna turionifera were predominant in treated sewage ponds while Lemna aequinoctialis and Lemma perpusilla were found on still waters in swamps and fishponds respectively. This study provides information that can be used in formulating conservation and utilization policies for duckweed in Tharaka-Nithi County and beyond. The findings highlight the need for molecular identification to supplement morphological methods due to the intricate nature of duckweed species identification. Through this foundational understanding of duckweed biodiversity in the region, this research contributes valuable insights into sustainable resource management and conservation strategies, ensuring the long-term viability of these vital aquatic plants in local ecosystems.

EXPERIENTIAL ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE TEACHERS’ PREPAREDNESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION IN PUBLIC JUNIOR SCHOOLS IN TIGANIA ZONE, MERU COUNTY, KENYA

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

EXPERIENTIAL ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURE TEACHERS’ PREPAREDNESS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION IN PUBLIC JUNIOR SCHOOLS IN TIGANIA ZONE, MERU COUNTY, KENYA KIBURI, MWIKA A The global trends and increasing demand for twenty-first-century skills have prompted countries like Kenya to adopt a Competency-Based Education. Despite its implementation, the experiential needs of Agriculture Teachers, who are pivotal on executing agriculture education at the junior school level, have not been adequately addressed, hence calling for an investigation. The current study was guided by three objectives: digital literacy on CBE implementation, instructional materials availability on CBE implementation, and instructional methodologies on CBE Implementation among Agriculture Teachers. Experiential Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovations Theory were employed. The study employed a descriptive survey research method. The target population was 295 respondents, and the sampling procedure was done through a multistage process at different levels: The stratified approach sampled Tigania West, Tigania Central, and Tigania East sub-counties, which constituted the Tigania Zone of Meru County. Simple random sampling was applied to choose the junior schools and, purposive sampling for Agriculture Teachers to participate in the study. The sample size was 169, comprising Agriculture Teachers. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires for the Agriculture Teachers. The reliability was approximated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient at 0.81 for the questionnaire. Data was collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Quantitative data were presented using frequency distribution tables and pie chart figures. Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression analysis conducted to show a significant relationship between various study variables with CBE implementation. Stakeholders may benefit from improved resource allocation decisions and enhanced instructional practices. Ultimately, this may enhance the learning outcomes of students in Agriculture Education in Tigania Zone in Meru County. The study found that Agriculture Teachers need professional development and CBE-aligned education. Agriculture Teachers need ongoing capacity-building in digital literacy, modern instruction, and classroom management. Improved instructional approaches will promote interactive and student-centred learning and skill development in Agriculture Education in Tigania Zone, Meru County.

KAGURU AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER: EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ENHANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IN IMENTI SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, MERU COUNTY, KENYA

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

KAGURU AGRICULTURAL TRAINING CENTER: EDUCATIONAL INFLUENCE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ ENHANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IN IMENTI SOUTH SUB-COUNTY, MERU COUNTY, KENYA KIRIUNGI, RIZIKI K Agricultural Training Centers (ATC) play a critical function in revealing knowledge to farmers planning to upgrade their agricultural methods and enhance their livelihoods. This study explored the educational influence of Kaguru Agricultural Training Center (KATC) in the enhancement of knowledge of smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. Despite the presence of Kaguru ATC in Imenti South Sub-County, there still existed a gap of limited adoption of modern farming techniques by smallholder farmers (SHFs) in this area. Three objectives based the study namely, to determine the influence of physical infrastructure in Kaguru ATC, influence of Kaguru ATC curriculum in modern farming practices, and to analyse the implications of challenges faced by Kaguru ATC in delivering effective training programs on enhancement of knowledge among smallholder farmers in Imenti South Sub-County ,Meru County Kenya.Theoretical framework was based on The Kirkpatrick and Input-Process-Output (IPO) Models which provided structured approaches to evaluate the influence of Kaguru ATC and address the challenges in delivery of effective training programme. Conceptual framework outlined the variables adequate physical infrastructures, curriculum alignment with modern techniques, the knowledge acquired through training, improved skills, social capital, and community networks. Study location was The Sub-County of Imenti South in Meru County. Piloting of the study questionnaires and interview schedule took place at Imenti North Sub-County, Meru County, Kenya. A reliability coefficient of α = 0.78 was established. Design used for research was descriptive in nature. The target population was 500 smallholder farmers trained at Kaguru ATC in The Sub-County of Imenti South. The technique used for sampling was stratified random. The sample size consisted of 217 smallholder farmers selected using the Kathuri and Pals sample determination table. The research instruments included a structured questionnaire and an interview schedule which gathered quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative techniques using SPSS v25 software. The study found out that the adoption of contemporary farming techniques is greatly affected by factors such as education level, years of farming experience, and training attendance. Gains in knowledge were greatest in crop management training, then in livestock farming. Training in agribusiness was the least effective. Although Kaguru ATC is vital for expanding people's knowledge, challenges like lack of funding, restricted curricula, and outdated infrastructure prevent it from being widely used. Government should boost its expenditure, realign its curricula, and implement financial support mechanisms in order to improve training outcomes in ATCs according to the suggestions made. The study findings will be beneficial to policymakers in coming up with policies that guide conservation of natural resources, the County government in allocating funds to ATCs, and farmers and give support in favor of additionalexploration