Integrating local ecological knowledge and management practices of an isolated semi-arid papyrus swamp (Loboi, Kenya) into a wider conservation framework

The current study documented local utilization of Cyperus papyrus L. (papyrus), harvesting patterns, threats, and local management practices among the Endorois community living around Loboi swamp (Kenya). Papyrus is a highly productive freshwater macrophyte that is widely utilized throughout tropical Africa. However, increased human population and poverty, has led to over exploitation and conversion of papyrus wetlands to agricultural fields. Nonetheless, users of papyrus hold important local ecological knowledge (LEK) and practices. We show that Endorois practices on papyrus uses are compatible with the management priorities of the swamp and a wider conservation framework using data obtained from three focus group discussions (FGD), interviews of 34 households and 15 key informants. The study revealed that papyrus support local livelihood notably as a source of income (papyrus mats are sold), cattle fodder, roofing materials (shelter), and cooking fuel. The study further revealed important LEK relating to harvesting patterns, recovery after harvesting and traditional management practices. Correlation and principal component analyses showed that experienced old harvesters (EXPERT) avoided harvesting repeatedly at the same location (REVISIT), thereby allowing recovery of papyrus when compared to younger harvesters (r = 0.63, p < 0.01). However, over 70% of harvesters predicted a decrease in papyrus coverage in the future due to the current diversion of water from the swamp, and frequent droughts, despite the instituted traditional management strategies (e.g. rotational harvesting) to curb overharvesting. The study concluded that the documentation of site-scale papyrus users' profile, LEK, and traditional practices are vital for the conservation and management of Loboi swamp.     

Environmental goods collection and children’s schooling: evidence from Kenya

This paper presents an empirical study of schooling attendance and collection of environmental resources using cross-sectional data from Kiambu District of Kenya. Because the decision to collect environmental resources and attend school is jointly determined, we used a bivariate probit method to model the decisions. In addition, we corrected for the possible endogeneity of resource-collection work in the school attendance equation by using instrumental variable probit estimation. One of the key findings is that being involved in resource collection reduces the likelihood of a child attending school. The result supports the hypothesis of a negative relationship between children working to collect resources and the likelihood that they will attend school. The results further show that a child’s mother’s involvement in resource collection increases school attendance. In addition, although there is no school attendance discrimination against girls, they are overburdened by resource-collection work. The study recommends immediate policy interventions focusing on the provision of public amenities, such as water and fuelwood.     

Drought responses and adaptation strategies to climate change by pastoralists in the semi-arid area,Laikipia County,Kenya

With socioeconomic development, the shift from staple food-based to diversified and nutrition-dense diet types will put pressure on land resources in Africa. In order to elaborate the impact of dietary pattern on arable land resources, we classify all African countries into five clusters according to their dietary characteristics and the change patterns of diet, and assess how much land needed for each cluster to feed its people from 1961 to 2011. We then quantify the contributions of dietary pattern, along with population growth and agricultural technology, to the land requirements for food (LRF) for each cluster. Most clusters’ dietary patterns in Africa were dominated by staple food and at low nutritional levels, lagging far behind those of developed regions, with great potential for change. Throughout the whole time period, population growth, rather than diet, was the major driver of the LRF. But after 1991, the contribution of dietary pattern gradually increased and exceeded the contribution of agricultural productivity for all five dietary clusters. Our results show that more research should focus on how to sustainably increase animal-derived food productivity. Meanwhile, a call for more researches needs to focus on the diet and its impact on food and nutrition security, especially in less-developed areas. As the African cities have been rapidly sprawling, it is important to focus on the interaction between food security and urbanization in Africa.