Research
Implications of Wet-Rice Farming on Human Health and Physical Environment in Kenya: a Comparative Study in Mwea Irrigation Settlement Scheme, Kenya
This paper examines the implication of wet-rice farming or irrigated agriculture on the physical environment and human health. Environmental problems seem to have increased in the recent past posing a major threat to irrigation development. Several environmental problems created by irrigation development in Mwea Irrigation Settlement Scheme (MIS) could be attributed to improper understanding of the complex processes involved in the irrigation system. The main objective of this study was to examine cases and causes of some environmental and health problems and planning related issues in MIS. An environmental planning and management methodology is suggested which will attempt to minimize or at least mitigate against the environmental and health problems.
Resolution of Agro-Pastoral Conflicts through Community based Actors in Nakuru County, Kenya
This paper discusses the rationale for involvement of multiple stakeholders or actors in addressing agro-pastoral conflicts. To be able to understand the rationale, the study identified the resources at the center of agro-pastoral conflicts, identified key stakeholders to be involved in resolving the agro-pastoral conflicts and why they should be involved in resolving the conflicts and also sought to establish the mechanisms that can be adopted to ensure sustainable peace. The study used a structured questionnaire, in-depth interview schedule and an observation schedule to collect data. A standardized questionnaire was administered to selected household respondents while in-depth interviews were conducted with the teachers, religious leaders, elders and local government administrators. The data collected was analyzed descriptively using frequency tables. The findings show that there are specific resources at the center of the agropastoral conflicts; there are multiple stakeholders that are important in resolving the conflicts and that a multipronged approach will be necessary in addressing the agro-pastoral conflicts in Nakuru County.
