East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources

Conflicts and Treaty over the Nile Basin. A Critical Review

Asabeneh Alemayehu — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 09:16:58 +0000

The Nile, which flows through ten river basin nations, is the most crucial water channel in Africa's north-western region. The river receives its water from two key rivers: the White Nile in Burundi and the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. The Atbara River, which commences in Sudan and runs north of Khartoum, connects the two rivers. The Nile River is the foundation of life and conflict. Conflicts between riparian countries that rely upon this common freshwater source have grown as a result of the river's deterioration and problems with water scarcity in the basin. The bilateral agreement that governs the allocation of water among the nations allocates the majority of the Nile river's flow to Egypt, which is the downstream country, and the remaining portion to Sudan, leaving the other nations that make up the Nile catchment deprived of determined shares. Although there is a chance for conflict amongst Nile riparians, current attempts to forge an all-encompassing regional agreement to control the river's use encourage riparians to work together rather than compete for water in the future. The Nile River would not have caused conflict amongst its riparian countries if it had been apportioned evenly. For millennia, the Nile's countries that border it have worked cooperatively to overcome problems throughout the basin in order to utilize the resource for the benefit of future generations. Various forms of international technological cooperation have been signed to halt conflicts and bring sustainable management to the Nile basin. This review addresses the conflicts and treaties in the Nile Basin between the Nile riparian countries. It also describes international collaboration, emphasizing the latest Nile Basin Initiative as an example of successful multilateral cooperation that could avert future conflicts over the Nile

The Afrocentric Imperative in Tackling African Environmental Challenges: Afroecosolidarity Perspectives

Mark Omorovie Ikeke, Joachim Ireruke Ukutsemuya — Sun, 07 Jan 2024 09:32:07 +0000

Africa is not exempted from environmental challenges. Environmental challenges in the continent include desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, gas flaring, overpopulation, resource wars, multidimensional poverty, oil spillage and pollution. The challenge is that in the process of seeking solutions to the environmental crisis in Africa, solutions rooted in African indigenous ecological values may be neglected or sidelined in preference for Western or Eurocentric ideologies and philosophies. This paper argues that there is a need to pay attention to environmental solutions based on indigenous ecological ideals and values. African solutions to her environmental problems should be Afrocentric, sourced from an Afroecosolidarity perspective. A critical hermeneutic and analytic method is adopted here to help understand the issues that the paper deals with. The paper finds that there is an undue privileging of Western ideas in the search for solutions to African environmental problems. The paper concludes that solutions to African environmental problems should be both Afrocentric and also informed by the value of Afroecosolidarity

Scenarios for Adoption of Low-Carbon Household Cooking Fuels in Biomass-Dependent Informal Settlements of Urban Sub-Saharan Africa: A Critical Analysis of Kisumu City

Luther Okore, James Koske, Sammy Letema — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 07:14:25 +0000

The use of unclean cooking fuels is widespread in urban informal settlements in Africa, while the adoption of clean fuels is largely done by stacking with traditional biomass fuels. Rapid urbanisation has aggravated the situation since it hampers effective planning for climate action and the provision of clean and affordable cooking fuels. It is, therefore, essential to deploy effective household carbon emissions (HCE) reduction strategies that are cognizant of the fuel use patterns and household dynamics of households in urban informal settlements. This study highlights the status of HCE in Kisumu City’s informal settlements and subsequently explores possible pathways for reducing emissions through the adoption of low-carbon cooking fuels. The paper features existing and plausible emissions scenarios in the informal settlements of Kisumu City. The study adopts a descriptive correlation research design targeting a sample 419 households drawn from seven informal settlements of Kisumu City. Binary logistic regression is used to establish the relationships that exist between household characteristics and the adoption of clean fuels. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals existing and probable emission pathways, informed by varying household characteristics and adjusting fuel-stacking scenarios. Household income has a positive correlation with adoption of clean fuel combinations (p<0.01), while household size does not have a significant relationship with adoption of clean fuels. The annual HCE attributable to cooking in Kisumu City’s informal settlements is 976 KgCO2. Fuel stacking nuances are vital considerations in choosing practical emission reduction pathways for these households. Emission reduction scenario that contemplates transitioning households that use charcoal in their fuel stacks to using LPG has the highest emission reduction potential of 72%. Although an emission scenario that includes LPG in the fuel mix of households that do not use it has an emission reduction potential of just 9%, it is the most realistic option since it accommodates the phenomenon of fuel stacking

Comparing Spatial Determinants of Forest Landscape Degradation based on Experts’ Perceptions and GIS Analysis: The Case of Kilimanjaro World Heritage Site, Tanzania

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:25:44 +0000

The awareness of spatial determinants of forest degradation is crucial to adequately equip human capacity and inform decision-makers when implementing institutional instruments, including the World Heritage Convention (WHC) and other strategic policies for forest protection. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate and contrast experts’ perceptions and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) outcomes on spatial determinants of forest landscape degradation in the Kilimanjaro World Heritage Site (WHS), Tanzania, to create awareness and support strategic policies for forest landscape protection and natural heritage sustainability. In doing so, Matrix questionnaire was designed to generate data and deployed a descriptive analysis of response to summarise the questionnaires’ data characteristics. The findings were used to contrast the GIS outcomes on spatial determinants of forest degradation. The key findings showed that most experts perceived distances to tourist routes, campsites, picnics, historical sites, and degrees of slope as positively associated with forest degradation but with contradicted opinions on the level of elevation. Also, key findings showed contradictions between the GIS outcome and experts’ perceptions of the degrees of slope. However, the findings on distances to campsites, tourist routes, and picnics showed that experts’ opinions are in line with the GIS outcomes as both indicated positive associations. The awareness provided in this study is crucial for experts and other decision-makers in implementing WHC and other strategic policies for forest protection in the Kilimanjaro WHS and other natural WHS found in the Global South in general and Sub-Saharan Africa in particular

Environmental Impact Assessment Follow–Up in Central Uganda’s Processing and Manufacturing Industries: Implications for Achieving Sustainable Development

George Edema Taako, James Karatu Kiemo, PhD, Edward Andama, PhD — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 19:12:48 +0000

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) was introduced in Uganda by the National Environment Act 1995, now repealed by the National Environment Act 2019. EIA was made operational by the EIA Regulations, 1998, which is now replaced by the National Environment (Environmental and Social Assessment) Regulations 2020. It is generally agreed that the EIA follow-up is an essential part of the EIA process, without which EIA becomes a pro-forma exercise seeking plan or project approval. This paper assesses the legal and regulatory provisions for EIA follow-up and the actual practice in central Uganda’s processing and manufacturing industries for 24 years (1995-2019) of practice. Data was collected from key categories of EIA stakeholders, including the affected public, the interested public, the developers, and the regulator or its delegated entities. Data was collected between 2018 and 2019 using a review of related literature, documentary analysis, checklists, key informant interviews, and specifically designed questionnaires for the different categories of key EIA stakeholders. Data was analyzed using largely descriptive statistics and, to some extent, inferential statistics. Our finding was that there was a wide gap between law and the actual practice of EIA follow-up. Specifically, there was limited monitoring by the regulator, absent post-assessment environmental audit, low to moderate implementation of mitigation measures and poor communication between the developers and the affected public. This was mainly due to poor implementation of the pre-approval phases of the EIA process and other context factors. The paper made several recommendations to improve the design and implementation of the EIA follow-up program

Remote Sensing-Based Water Quality Parameters Retrieval Methods: A Review

Abebe Tesfaye — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:40:47 +0000

Water quality is a sensitive global environmental issue, as it is important for long-term economic development and environmental sustainability. It is a general descriptor of water properties in terms of physical, chemical, thermal, and/or biological characteristics. Laboratory analysis is used to measure and analyze water quality parameter, however, it is a conventional, time-consuming, and expensive approach often providing discrete data at a single point in space and time and making it difficult to characterize a larger waterbody, while remote sensing methods is a cost effective and accurate methods of water quality monitoring with a high spatial and temporal resolution for large area of waterbodies. To this end, this review focused on novel findings in the field of water quality estimation using remote sensing techniques, and the result revealed that remote sensing method has used to retrieve water quality parameters which are optically active (Chlorophyll-a, Secchi Disk depth, Water temperature, Turbidity, Total Suspended Matter, Electrical conductivity, Sea Surface Salinity and Colored Dissolved Organic Matter), and optically non active (Dissolved Oxygen, Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Total Nitrogen, Ammonia Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus). Various properties (spectral, spatial and temporal, etc.) of the more commonly employed multi spectral and hyper spectral sensors of both satellite and non-satellite-born data sources are tabulated to be used as a sensor selection guide. Furthermore, this paper summarizes the commonly used different retrieval algorisms (analytical, empirical, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML)) employed in evaluating and quantifying the water quality parameters. As a whole, remote sensing technology is a permissible method for water quality monitoring across the world in its spatio-temporal coverage, accuracy, and its cost effectiveness

Habitats Heterogeneity Affects Bee Species Assemblage in an Urban Green Space: A Case Study of Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden, Kenya

Jane Muthoni Macharia, George Gatere Ndiritu — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 07:35:38 +0000

The conversion of natural landscapes into human-dominated areas has been identified as one major threat to the existence of biodiversity. However, properly managed anthropogenic biomes can act as areas of biodiversity conservation with the potential to provide ecosystem services similar to those obtained in natural habitats. Classic examples are botanic gardens that have become popular in urban centres as examples of nature-based solutions to landscape loss and degradation. To assess the importance of botanic gardens as biodiversity habitats, a study was carried out in the Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden (NMBG). Bees were sampled using pan traps and sweep nets in four habitats classified as gardens, including the Herbal Garden (HG), Memorial Garden (MG), Succulent Garden (SG), and Quarry Garden (QG). A total of 286 individual bees were collected, with MG having 83 individuals, QG (75), SG (66), and HG (62). Though HG recorded the lowest abundance of bees, it recorded the highest number of bee species (14), MG (13), SG (12), and QG (5). The diversity of bees was highest in the HG (H’=1.89), SG (1.88), MG (1.67), and QG (1.15). Meanwhile, high bee abundances and richness were strongly correlated with diverse flowering plants per habitat, with HG having the highest number of flowering plants (23), MG (16), SG (13) and QG (7). The study found that different flowering plants provided habitats that supported unique assemblages of bee communities, a scenario attributed to enhanced habitat heterogeneity. The findings demonstrated that botanic gardens can act as important habitats and refugia for bees in human-dominated landscapes. Therefore, the establishment and conservation of botanic gardens in urban areas is one way to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 11 of ensuring sustainable cities and human settlements

Water Governance in Tanzania – A Synthesis of Legal and Institutional Frameworks for Groundwater Management in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment

Devotha Baltazary Mosha — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 11:47:17 +0000

The importance of groundwater resources in buffering the effects of climate change on water scarcity and security is highly acknowledged worldwide. However, groundwater development and use can only be sustainable with a more robust policy and institutional arrangements related to water governance. The purpose of this study was to analyse the legal framework of water resource development and management in order to contribute in identifying policy constraints to sustainable groundwater resource development and management in Tanzania. The paper used information from literature reviews and data collected through qualitative methods using a case study of Usangu Plains in the Upper Great Ruaha River Catchment in Tanzania. The findings reveal that water governance institutional frameworks are well structured to provide guidelines on how water as a basic human resource can be utilised and properly managed, but most importantly, these institutional arrangements place disproportionate emphasis on groundwater. Attaining sustainable groundwater development and use requires new disclosures and narratives in water policy and law, integrating both surface and groundwater resources. The weaknesses identified in groundwater governance need to be taken on Board once, the existing water institutional frameworks open to perfection for sustainable utilisation of groundwater resources

Relationships between Anthropogenic Activities and Distribution of Medium to Large Mammal Species Assemblage in Madi Wildlife Corridor: Implication for Biodiversity Conservation in Uganda

Edward Andama, Jane Bemigisha, Turyahabwe Remigio — Sat, 04 May 2024 15:56:10 +0000

Wildlife corridors between protected areas increase connectivity by integrating populations into single demographic units, thereby increasing gene flows within populations and thus probability of survival. This study assessed the relationship between anthropogenic activities and mammal species assemblage within and around Madi wildlife corridor. The study adopted recce walks along a zig-zag line transect and straight line transect methods of game tracking. Global Position System (GPS) was used to map locations of direct mammal sightings, vocalizations, tracks, dung/droppings, diggings, carcasses, and skeletal remains of mammal species. Similarly, anthropogenic activities such as hunting using bow and arrows, rifles, trapping, tree cutting, charcoal burning, bush burning, cultivation, and settlements that seemed to influence assemblage of the mammals in the area of study were mapped. The result showed that the Madi wildlife corridor still contained diverse mammal species including but not limited to; the African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana sp.), Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) Leopards (Panthera pardus), Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta), Northern Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi), Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) and Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), which were comparable to that of the adjacent Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). The relationship between anthropogenic activities and species assemblage showed a negatively skewed distribution of some of the large mammal species specifically Elephants, Giraffes, and Hippopotamus. The study recommends gazettement of a wildlife corridor between MFNP and East Madi Wildlife Reserve to promote wildlife connectivity between two adjacent ecosystem-protected areas in northern Uganda. As a long-term strategy for wildlife conservation, it is crucial to undertake a systematic assessment and prioritization and demarcation of wildlife corridors and development of a comprehensive action plan for securing them. We further recommend development of a national Wildlife Corridor Regulations to provide a framework for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity

Factors Influencing Management of Human Excrement through Biogas Technology in Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums, Nairobi City County Kenya

Lilian Munyigi, Daniel Mang’uriu, PhD — Sun, 12 May 2024 17:26:18 +0000

One of the factors influencing the achievement of sustainable sanitation is the proper disposal of human excrement. The problem is most prevalent in informal settlements, where sewerage systems are rare. One of the approaches considered sustainable is the conversion of human excrement into renewable energy via biogas technology. The purpose of the study, which was guided by Roger's theory of innovation diffusion, was to investigate the key factors that influence human excrement management through biogas technology. Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums were chosen as a study area. A sample of 100 people was selected using systematic random sampling. Data were analysed using a social science statistics package. Multiple linear regression was used to determine demographic factors that influence technology adoption. The Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between various variables. Tables and charts were used to present the data. The study revealed that gender (p=.001) and education level (p=.000) significantly influence the use of biogas technology in the management of human excrement. Technology failure ((χ2= 10.301, p=.036) and lack of technical skills ((χ2= 7.518, p=.128) have no significant effect on the technology adoption rate. Cultural beliefs (χ2= 23.665, P=.000) have a significant effect on the use of biogas produced from human excrement. The ability of technology to prevent overflowing of faecal matter during heavy rainfall (χ2= 23.937, P=.000) and the prevention of odour from sanitation facilities (χ2=17.983, p= .001) has encouraged many residents to use the technology. The study concludes that technical and socio-economic factors, as well as its relative advantage over other excrement disposal methods, influence its adoption rate

Farmer-Agropastoralist Conflict Escalation in Morogoro Region, Tanzania: A Structural and Process Analysis

Wed, 29 May 2024 10:21:33 +0000

In Africa, access to natural resources such as land, water, forest, and wildlife reserve areas is a key factor for socio-economic development. The scarcity and degradation of these resources in rural environments threaten human security, leading to conflicts. Conflicts between agropastoralists and farmers are increasing in Tanzania. This research deployed the Social Conflict Theory that embeds structural and process elements to address the question of why and how the conflict between farmers and agropastoralists has escalated into deadly violence in the Morogoro region, Tanzania. Qualitative and ethnographic research methods were used. Results demonstrate that the way farmers lose their land by illegal means (e.g., bribes, force and coercion, and deception and stealth) is a critical factor that contributes more to land resource conflicts. We argue that land resource-related conflicts in Tanzania cannot be explained solely by a single driver (e.g., limited land resources), but by a combination of drivers including the illegal mechanisms used to control access to land resources. Conflicts between farmers and agropastoralists in the Morogoro region escalated to violence following the general patterns and transformation dynamics (i.e., process variables) described in Social Conflict Theory. These process variables involve tactics shifting from light to heavy, goals shifting from specific to general, and involvement shifting from few to many. The analysis of conflicts by focusing on process variables (conflict dynamics) enabled the identification of new factors (culture and age of participant in the conflict) that helped explain why some conflicts between farmers and agropastoralists escalate to deadly violence. The study recommends the formation of a loose coalition (e.g., Elders’ Tribunal) which includes equal representation of members from the farmer and agropastoralist communities which may help solve the current conundrum caused by top-down administrative procedures and practices, which often leads to outcomes that are ineffective and unsatisfactory to all parties

Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability by Amboseli Ecosystem Households in Kajiado County, Kenya

Faith Resiato Oloitipitip, Ezekiel Ndunda, Cecilia M. Gichuki — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 19:30:23 +0000

The Amboseli ecosystem has been made fragile by climate related challenges causing household vulnerability. As a result, the pastoral community has had to put in place mechanisms to cope and reduce vulnerability. The aim of this study was to determine the adaptation strategies at the household level and how effective they were at minimizing risks at the household level. The study used a mixed method, which focused on descriptive and correlational research designs. It targeted a population of 47, 058 residents from which a sample of 374 households was selected. Cluster and convenient sampling were used for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. A questionnaire with open and closed ended questions and with Likert scale format were used to collect quantitative data while interview schedules were used for qualitative data. Qualitative data was collected from interview schedules with key informants. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse qualitative data while quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics Results showed that climate variability is indeed causing livelihood vulnerability and thus the need for intervention inform of adaptation strategies by the individual households, community and at the national and county levels. This study recommends livestock diversification, crop farming small scale businesses and employment of household members so as to reduce vulnerability and live decent lives. In addition, there is need to empower women through education, offering of small loans and grants for businesses as well as involvement in decision making on matters pasture and water management

Landslide Susceptibility Assessment Using Frequency Ratio: A Case Study of Kiliba (Sud-Kivu/DR Congo)

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:01:44 +0000

The conversion of natural ecosystems into agricultural or urban areas can alter geomorphological processes, particularly in landslide-prone regions. Landslides in such areas can be triggered by natural events like heavy rainfall or earthquakes, as well as human activities such as deforestation and unplanned urbanization. Their impacts can be severe, resulting in significant socio-economic damage. Uvira Territory, in the western part of the East African Rift Valley, frequently experiences these events. It is located between the Ruzizi Plain to the east and the Mitumba Mountains to the west, with diverse geology comprising precambrian formations and quaternary sediments. The topography has a stepped relief with altitudes ranging from 770 to 3250 meters. The climate is tropical and humid, with a rainy season from September to May and a dry season from June to August. The area features coastal plains and mountain slopes, with many waterways flowing into Lake Tanganyika or the Ruzizi River. Detailed studies on landslide susceptibility mapping in this area are limited. This study aimed to map landslide susceptibility in the Kiliba River catchment to assist policymakers in land management. It used Google Earth images, GPS surveys, and field observations, applying a Frequency Ratio (FR) model that considered seven geo-environmental factors: slope, aspect, elevation, distance to watercourses, topographic wetness index, vegetation cover, and land use/landcover. The inventory identified 106 landslides in the study area, with densities of up to 11.25 landslides per km². Key factors in predicting landslide susceptibility were slope, elevation, and vegetation cover. The prediction model had an accuracy rate of 72.2%. The study shows that regions at medium elevation with steep slopes and low vegetation cover are mostly at risk for landslides. These findings are key for land management and disaster prevention. Future studies should consider more factors and a broader geographic range to enhance risk management

Effects of Effluent on Cultivated Soil Properties in Kedjoum Ketinguh, Northwest Region of Cameroon

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:02:36 +0000

This study assessed the physicochemical and heavy metal properties of cultivated soils contaminated by effluent and uncontaminated soils in Mphiewen-Kedjoum Ketinguh, Northwest region of Cameroon, in the rainy and dry seasons respectively. In addition, the physicochemical and heavy metals properties of effluent from Mphiewen, responsible for contamination of Mphiewen soil were assessed. We hypothesized that heavy metals from the effluent affected the cultivated soil and plants grown on it. All analyses were carried out on the soil and effluent samples using standard analytical methods. The results revealed that, the soil samples had pH values ranging from 5.9 to 6.0. The effluent sample had pH value of 5.9 and 6.9 in rainy and dry seasons respectively. The organic matter levels in the soils were high and ranged from 5.0-8.92% in both seasons. Total nitrogen content in all the soils were low (N < 1%) and ranged from 0.1 to 0.3%. C/N ratios were high (ranging from 15 to 17), indicating that the organic matter was inadequately mineralized. Heavy metals analysis showed that the cultivated soil was contaminated by cadmium with total concentration of 3.7 mg/kg in the dry season, and chromium with total concentrations of 100.05 and 105.49 mg/kg in rainy and dry seasons respectively. Pearson correlation between some physicochemical properties of the contaminated soil and effluent physicochemical properties were all unity (r = 1.000; p < 0.01). This indicated that the effluent from the dumpsite was the main source of contaminant in the cultivated soil receiving the effluent. The problem of Cd and Cr toxicity in the contaminated soil can be solved by using various methods based on physical, chemical, and biological processes such as chemical precipitation, membrane separation, ion exchange, electrodialysis, phytoremediation, and surface adsorption