Adjoining Communities Research Articles

THE PSU RUBBER AND ABACA PLANTATION PROJECT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT OF ITS ADJOINING BARANGAYS IN RIZAL, PALAWAN

This paper highlights the rubber and abaca plantation’s contribution to the ecological enhancement of its adjoining barangays in Rizal, Palawan, namely Bgy Candawaga and Bgy Calusian particularly on species richness and plant diversity of the plantation area, the buffer zones and the farm-to-market road leading to the plantation. Data were gathered using transect walk, quadrat sampling and observation method. It also verified the results of an earlier study that compared the perceived ecological condition of the adjoining communities before and after the establishment of the Project in terms of instances of soil erosion, frequency of slash-and-burn farming (swidden agriculture), cases of illegal logging, and diversity. Respondents believed that these four areas have improved with the establishment of the plantation. Study results revealed that species richness and plant diversity in the areas along the FMR were highest, followed by those in the buffer zones. The rubber plantation was understandably lowest in species richness and plant diversity. But as perceived by the indigenous people respondents, the plantation had attracted more animal that prefer trees as habitats.

Mapping of mangrove extent and zonation using high and low tide composites of Landsat data

Monitoring mangrove health and distribution requires reliable methods that can be undertaken rapidly and at a resolution that optimises costs and accuracy. The Landsat record has been used for this purpose, but its application has been limited by the capacity to provide accurate results that distinguish mangrove from adjoining communities. The Australian Geoscience Data Cube provides a framework for exploring the Landsat record from 1987 onwards, and as pre-processing has already been undertaken there are efficiencies gained using this resource. Using the Data Cube, we exploited the differential spectral signature of mangrove under high tide and low tide conditions at Darwin Harbour, Australia, a relatively stable mangrove ecosystem, using image composites that combined imagery corresponding to the highest 10% and lowest 10% of tides. By applying the automated RandomForest classification technique, we demonstrate the capacity to accurately determine the extent of mangrove zones. Classification identified five mangrove zones: (1) seaward margin dominated by Sonneratia alba, (2) Rhizophora zone dominated by Rhizophora stylosa, (3) tidal flat dominated by Ceriops tagal, (4) landward salt flat and (5) marginal hinterland. Image composites that included high and low tide images achieved the best outcomes with kappa co-efficient of 0.81 and overall accuracy of 82%.

Impact of roads on biodiversity: a case study from Karekhola rural road in Surkhet district of Nepal

Loss and degradation of biodiversity is continuing despite the past conservation efforts in Nepal. Out of many potential causes, this study strives to investigate the effects of a road project on biodiversity in the Middle Hills of Nepal. Information about floristic composition was collected from the adjoining community forests using group of 30 circular sample plots, each located at 50 m and 20 m far from the edge of the road. Results provide evidence that rural road projects are contributing to reduction of biodiversity which may be due to the removal of low-yielding timber species near the road-edge. The study also suggests that proximity to road-edge reduces under- storey vegetation which will lead less capable forest to sustain its original biodiversity. However, silvicultural operations have potential to minimize the indirect loss of biodiversity caused by road projects.Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for NepalVol. 26, No. 1, Page: 70-77, 2016

Analysis of Akure Urban Land Use Change Detection from Remote Imagery Perspective

This study presents the analysis of Akure urban land use change detection from remote imagery perspective. Efforts were made to examine the direction that the continuous expansion of the city tends towards since its inception as a state capital in 1976. Using Aerial Imagery Overlay (AIO), the pattern of land use changes in Akure and its environs were determined. This involves imageries interpolation and overlaying to determine the land use changes, direction, and extent of the expansion. Findings revealed unguided expansion in the growth of the city which affects the pattern of land uses within the city and, by extension, into the adjoining settlements. There were incompatible conversions in land uses and undue encroachment into green areas in the adjoining communities. The study suggests effective zoning strategy on unguided nature of urban development whose effects on land use are very prominent in the study area. Adequate monitoring by the Development Control Department and other stakeholders in urban planning is equally suggested to mitigate the incompatible land use changes in the area.

The Social and Economic Impacts of Ruaha National Park Expansion

Displacement of people to allow expansion of protected areas involves removing people from their ancestral land or excluding people from undertaking livelihood activities in their usual areas. The approach perpetuates the human-nature dichotomy, where protected areas are regarded as pristine lands that need to be separated from human activities. Beyond material loss, displaced communities suffer loss of symbolic representation and identity that is attached to the place. The aim of this paper was to assess impacts of Ruaha National Park expansions to the adjoining communities. Five villages were surveyed: Ikoga Mpya, Igomelo, Nyeregete, Mahango and Luhango. All participants were victims of the eviction to expand the park borders. Based on the conceptual analysis, major themes generated were: loss of access to livelihood resources, change in resource ownership, conservation costs, resource use conflict, place identity, and the role of power. Similar to previous studies, results show that local communities suffered both symbolic and material loss as a result of park expansion. Furthermore, it has shown that conflicts related to land use changes have roots within (pastoralist vs. farmers; Sangu vs. Sukuma) as well as from the outside. Hence, to better understand resource access and ownership, a deeper understanding of community characteristics/composition and their local interaction is important. Further, park expansion needs to take into consideration human livelihood need.

Gender analysis of non-timber forest products utilization by neighborhood communities of cross-river national park

This study examines gender roles in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) utilization by adjoining communities to Cross River National Park (CRNP), Oban Division. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire administered on 110 respondents randomly selected from these communities. These were augmented by information from in-depth interviews, personal observations and market surveys. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The gender composition of respondents was male dominated (62.73%). Most respondents (56.36%) were within the productive age range of 20-40 years with majority of the households (80.00%) being large; comprising at least six dependants upwards. Respondents’ main occupations were farming (45.50%), NTFPs collection (21.82%), hunting (14.55%), and fishing (9.09%). In these occupations, males (49.28%) dominated females (39.02%) in farming, while females (39.02%) dominated males (11.59%) in NTFPs collection. Hunting was 100% a male vocation, and women only assisted in processing. Sixteen different NTFPs were being collected from the forests in the area, and these were variously utilized as sources of employment, income, and consumption. For the continuous sustenance of people in the area on NTFPs, the domestication of the NTFPs and extensive education of the people on best management and utilization practices were recommended.Keywords: Gender roles, NTFPs utilization, Cross River National Park, livelihoods.

FIRST REPORTED CASE OF DOG ASSOCIATED PIG RABIES IN GHANA

Background: Pig rabies is uncommon and there is paucity of information on rabies in pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated pig rabies in Adidome, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Case history, Dog assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected pigs were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Fluorescent antibody technique. Results: Stray dog bitten affected pigs showed anorexia, constipation, hyper excitation, twitching of head, roaring and foaming with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 17% mortality and 75% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of swine brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus using Fluorescent Agglutination Test. Conclusion: This report described the first documented case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana and emphasis was laid on continued advocacy and prompt reporting of suspected neurological conditions in pigs in Ghana

Prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance in Escherichia coli in an Indian teaching hospital and adjoining communities

Abstract Multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of the Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium, Escherichia coli , particularly fluoroquinolone-resistant strains, are the major causative agents for hospital acquired (HA) infections, as well as epidemics linked to gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary tracts in the non-hygienic communities of most developing countries. The prevalence of multidrug resistance among 1642 strains of E . coli , isolated from clinical samples of patients with GI infections in a hospital over 39 months (November 2009–January 2013) is recorded, along with sensitivity patterns to 23 currently used antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones with disc-diffusion method. A total of 1642 strains of E. coli were isolated from the clinical samples, of which 810 isolates were from CA samples and 832 isolates were from hospitalized patients during the study period. Of the 810 CA isolates, 567 strains were resistant to fluoroquinolone antibiotics; of the 832 HA isolates, 575 strains were fluoroquinolone-resistant, independently. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) against the isolated E. coli strains confirmed the resistance in the current/coveted treatment options. Patients with other bacterial infections had relatively higher chances of becoming infected with fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli strains. The data presented epitomize the daunting state of the infection-dynamics of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli in hospitals and adjoining communities.

Local Livelihood of Adjoining Communities in Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi-Nigeria

Aim: To Investigate the local livelihood of Adjoining communities of Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) Bauchi, Bauchi state - Nigeria. Study Design: Survey design was used for the study . Place and Duration of the Study: Study was conducted in four communities bordering the protected area between January and March, 2014 . Methodology: Structured questionnaire was used on twenty (20) households in each of the four communities (N= 80) to generate data on socio - economi c characteristics of the communities. Data was analyzed using simple percentage and Pearson correlation. Results : The study revealed predominant youth population in the communities (43.7 - 49.1%) with

Enhancing Prevention Of Mother-To-Child Transmission (Pmtct) Of Hiv Implementation Through Community Engagement: Evidence From North Central Nigeria

Despite the enormous resources so far expended in the country’s HIV mitigation, Nigeria continues to post poor PMTCT performance. The characteristic poor uptake of maternal, newborn and child health services creates a block to the attainment of desired universal accessibility of pregnant women to needed PMTCT services. Community-level factors such as stigma, adverse gender dynamics, low support for HIV testing and antenatal care, inadequate skilled birth attendance and poor linkages between communities and their facilities have similarly hindered the uptake of PMTCT services. Demand-side factors as inadequate knowledge and mis-conceptions about HIV and PMTCT; gender inequities and other harmful gender norms; HIV-related stigma; and financial constraints, including transport are other factors with similar negative effect. Various promising practices of community engagement with evidences of their positive impact on PMTCT service uptake have been documented. The recognition of community engagement as a strategy for enhancing PMTCT uptake and a successful PMTCT outcome is what informed the implementation of the community PMTCT program in North-Central Nigeria, for which the outcome forms the basis of this review. Ward Development Committees were established for the 104 health facilities and their adjoining communities which constitute the implementation settings in this model of community PMTCT in North- Central Nigeria to engage their respective communities and create awareness and demand for PMTCT and related services. Their activities included participation in health facilities’ community service provision which included community mobilization for service uptake, monthly meeting to address community health issues and service implementation and advocate to government and other stakeholders for support to facilities and communities in their health activities. Protocols and standard operation procedures as guidelines, as well as reporting formats and templates for documentation of their activities were provided. Effectiveness was determined by increase in the number of new ANC clients booked, increase in number of ANC clients counseled, tested and received results, increase in number of facility-based delivery among ANC and PMTCT clients, and increase of partners of HIV positive clients who got counseled and tested within the reporting period. The number of pregnant women who took up ANC at the facilities rose by 50%, while the number who accepted HIV counseling and testing increased by 48% above the pre-community engagement period. Similarly, facility-based deliveries among the ANC clients rose by 61%. Among the HIV positive pregnant women, facility-based delivery increased by 25%. Acceptance of HIV counseling and testing among partners of HIV positive pregnant women rose by 75%. The outcome of this review indicates that community engagement can improve PMTCT uptake, and where rigorously implemented within the PHC system, can improve PMTCT coverage and uptake. The increases in number and proportions as found in the review buttress this. Key words : Community Engagement, PMTCT, Ante natal care, North East Nigeria

Infection dynamics of vancomycin and inducible clindamycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis in an Indian teaching hospital

ObjectiveTo do surveillance for vancomycin and inducible clindamycin resistance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), a Gram-positive bacterium in a teaching hospital. MethodsE. faecalis strains isolated from clinical samples were screened for vancomycin and inducible clindamycin resistance, i.e., D-test positivity, using vancomycin screen agar and blood agar plates, respectively. For the D-test screening, erythromycin resistant (Er-r) and clindamycin sensitive (Cd-s) strain were used. ResultsOf 265 isolated E. faecalis strains, 159 (60%) were vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and 106 were vancomycin sensitive Enterococcus (VSE). Of 265 strains, 42 were constitutively resistant to clindamycin and erythromycin and of 148 Er-r and Cd-s strains, 87 (32.83%) had D-test positivity, while the rest 61 strains were D-test negatives. D-test results examined with 6 hospital factors as bivalents, only 2 factors, the VSE/VRE and the presence/absence of prior antibiotic use > 90 days bivalent were statistically significant. A VRE strain with D-test positivity would be picked up 0.570 2 times more frequently than a strain with VSE and D-test positivity. Also, patients with prior antibiotic use > 90 days had 3.737 5 times more chance of picking up D-test positive strains than patients without any prior antibiotic use. Resistance pattern of E. faecalis strains to individual 14 antibiotics were recorded; the maximum values of resistance were against ampicillin 10 μg/disc and linezolid 30 μg/disc. Student's t-test for hospital acquired and community acquired data revealed that drug resistant strains were equally prevalent in both sources. ConclusionsPrevalence of 60% VRE in both hospital and adjoining community creates consternation. In total 87 (32.83%) strains had D-test positivity; patients who had used antibiotics within the last 90 days have got an ample chance of picking of D-test positive E. faecalis. D-test protocol should be followed with clinical samples in hospitals for Gram-positive bacteria.

Prevalence of two multidrug-resistant Klebsiella species in an Indian teaching hospital and adjoining community.

The Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca and Klebsiella pneumoniae produce the extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and cephalosporinase enzymes and are the major causes of hospital acquired (HA) infections and epidemics in non-hygienic communities in the majority of developing countries. The prevalence of multidrug resistance among 445 strains of K. oxytoca and K. pneumoniae isolated from clinical samples of patients with gastrointestinal infections over a period of 42 months in the hospital was recorded, along with the sensitivity patterns to 23 antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporin and fluoroquinolone antibiotics, using the disk-diffusion method. Of 175 K. oxytoca isolates, 143 were ESBL positive and 117 were fluoroquinolone resistant. Of 270 K. pneumoniae isolates, 200 were ESBL positive and 195 were independently fluoroquinolone resistant. The HA samples yielded more isolates than the community acquired (CA) samples for each species. The K. oxytoca strains were resistant to cefepime, gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, levofloxacin and imipenem, whereas the K. pneumoniae strains were highly resistant to ampicillin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, ofloxacin, amoxyclav, ceftazidime, cefepime, cefixime, piperacillin and imipenem. The ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae strains were more prevalent than the K. oxytoca strains in the HA/CA samples. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of the third-generation cephalosporins: cefotaxime and ceftazidime and the fluoroquinolones: ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin against both species of Klebsiella confirmed the resistance in the current/coveted treatment options. Patients with other bacterial infections had a relatively higher probability of infection with ESBL-producing and fluoroquinolone-resistant Klebsiella strains. The data presented here highlight the alarming state of Klebsiella infection dynamics in the hospital and adjoining communities.

Ecological consequences of land use change: Forest structure and regeneration across the forest-grassland ecotone in mountain pastures in Nepal

The ecotone; the spatial transition zone between two vegetation communities; is claimed to have more species than the adjoining communities. However; empirical studies do not always confirm higher richness at the ecotone. The ecotone position and structure are dynamic over time and space and it is driven by the changes in climate; land use or their interaction. In this context; we assessed the forest-grassland ecotone of temperate mountains in central Nepal by i) comparing species composition and richness across the ecotone; ii) analyzing if the forest-grassland ecotone is shifting towards the grassland center by colonizing them with trees; and iii) discussing the consequence of changed disturbance regime in the dynamics of this ecotone and the surrounding grasslands. We analyzed vegetation data sampled from belt transects laid across the forest-grassland ecotone in semi-natural grassland patches. Vegetation data consisting of species richness and composition; and size structure and regeneration of the two most dominant tree species; namely Rhododendron arboreum and Abies spectabilis; from the transects; were used to analyze the trend of the forest-grassland ecotone. Forest and grasslands were different in terms of floristic composition and diversity. Vascular plant species richness linearly increased while moving from forest interior to grassland center. Spatial pattern of tree size structure and regeneration infers that forest boundary is advancing towards the grasslands at the expense of the grassland area; and tree establishment in the grasslands is part of a successional process. Temporally; tree establishment in grasslands started following the gradual decline in disturbance. We argue that local processes in terms of changed land use may best explain the phenomenon of ecotone shift and consequent forest expansion in these grasslands. We underpin the need for further research on the mechanism; rate and spatial extent of ecotone shift by using advanced tools to understand the process in-depth.

Unanticipated Consequences

Among scholars, there is a discussion regarding whether types of places, or facilities, function as crime generators or whether the association between some categories of facilities and higher rates of offending is the result of a small proportion of all facilities within a given category, or problem places. This study seeks to further inform this debate by exploring whether policy changes that alter the social functioning of a category of facilities, specifically bars and taverns, modifies the spatial association with crime. Using routine activities theory as a framework, this study builds on previous research by exploring the association between alcohol-serving establishments and violent crimes, specifically assaults, following the implementation of a smoke-free law. Using data from a pair of adjoining communities in Iowa, findings indicate the frequency of reported assaults on blocks with bars as well as on adjoining blocks declined following the implementation of a law prohibiting smoking tobacco products within bars and taverns. Implications for policies and future research are discussed.

Landscape variables as predictors of characteristics of native-grass communities in xeroriparian areas of the Sonoran Desert

Abstract Data on density, percentage of cover, and species richness were collected for grasses occurring in xeroriparian (desert riparian) areas across the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Arizona, to understand how native grasses occurring in isolated xeroriparian areas are related to use by wildlife, exotic invasive plants, and the surrounding floral community. These data were analyzed for significant associations with two aspects of landscape: adjoining matrix community of plants; distance from water-developments for wildlife (as a proxy for long-term use by wildlife). The adjoining matrix community, either Creosote-Bursage Desert Scrub or Palo Verde-Mixed Cacti-Mixed Scrub on Bajadas, had a significant influence on communities of native and exotic grasses in xeroriparian habitats, suggesting that observed characteristics of these communities can be predicted in the Sonoran Desert when large-scale distribution of floral communities are known. Increasing cover of exotic plants was associated with decreasing na...

From housewife to health worker: touching other lives and changing my own.

Shaheen Hussain, the 6th of 7 children raised in an unprivileged home in a village of Punjab, Pakistan, married when she was 18 and played the traditional role of housewife and caregiver to her children, but she felt unfulfilled on a personal level. Two years ago, she became a field-based health educator with the “Suraj” (sun) social franchise of private reproductive health care providers, established by Marie Stopes Society in 3 provinces of Pakistan. Her story below, transcribed and translated from an interview, is a testimony of how this program not only touches the lives of the women who receive the reproductive health services but also of the health educators themselves. “I have lived in Adda Chakrala, Punjab, my whole life. I went to school till class 10, but could not continue as my parents could not afford the school fee. Instead I was married when I turned 18. As expected of me, I gave birth to my first child soon after my marriage. In a span of 10 years, I had 3 children. I was fortunate that my husband understood the importance of a small family, given our limited resources. Both of us had grown up in families that had more mouths than our parents could feed, and we had vowed not to let that happen to our own children. I took care of the house and brought up my children to the best of my ability but felt unfulfilled. I knew I could and should do more. Two years ago my husband came home from work with news of a vacancy for the position of a ‘health educator.’ He had heard of the position from the locally elected representative/counselor. It was the first time I heard of an organization called Marie Stopes Society. I learnt they required a woman who belonged to the community, was at least matriculate so that she was able to read and write Urdu, and willing to move freely within the community on a daily basis. Having always felt like something was missing in my life and wanting to be useful to my community, I applied for the job. I can never forget that day I was told I had been selected—that day became a turning point in my life. I was trained with a group of other women like myself from adjoining communities. After training, I embarked on visiting homes and meeting with married women of reproductive age. I made use of my training to broach the subject of pregnancies and contraceptives. At the beginning, I often had women closing their doors on me before I had finished speaking. These women felt awkward talking to me, and talking to their husbands, regarding spacing of pregnancies and family planning. Eventually, employing the skills taught to me during my training, my perseverance, and show of empathy, women began to let me into the home to talk. Most often, mother-in-laws of young married women sat in the room. This allowed me to not only speak to the young women but also to their mothers-in-law—the decision-makers in most cases! Today, I am invited by women to discuss personal matters and give advice. I take great satisfaction in what I do because now I can support women of my community in making informed decisions regarding spacing of their pregnancies and contraceptive choices. Those unable to pay for services have access to quality services using vouchers we offer through Suraj. Most importantly I have managed to address the myths and misconceptions surrounding modern contraceptives. I have also been able to provide support and counseling for method continuation or method switching. Increasingly, I have sensed a difference in spousal communication through the women I interact with. My work is my passion. It gives me inner satisfaction to be able to support women and couples in deciding on a method to help prevent unintended pregnancies. I can see the change in the lives of so many women with safe pregnancies and healthier babies, happier families. What I did not mention so far is the monetary benefit of my work! I am proud to be contributing to my household's income and being able to give my children better opportunities.”

Evaluation of Fadama II Road Infrastructure among Rural Communities in Adamawa State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the role played by Fadama II on road development in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The data were obtained from 300 respondents who were randomly selected from Fadama II beneficiaries, non-beneficiaries within Fadama II communities and non-beneficiaries outside Fadama II communities. Based on propensity score matching (PSM) and double difference estimator (DD), the data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and balancing test (t-test). The results showed that 30% of the roads were funded by Fadama II Project. Most of the roads were constructed and rehabilitated after the establishment of the project. Fadama II roads were found to be important for the beneficiaries’ activities. The analysis established that beneficiaries’ travel distance, travel time, waiting time and transport fares were reduced relative to non-beneficiaries. Road development has boosted marketing services for both farm and non-farm economic activities. Spill-over effect also manifests in the adjoining communities.

Hippopotamus and livestock grazing: influences on riparian vegetation and facilitation of other herbivores in the Mara Region of Kenya

Riparian savanna habitats grazed by hippopotamus or livestock experience seasonal ecological stresses through the depletion of herbaceous vegetation, and are often points of contacts and conflicts between herbivores, humans and their livestock. We investigated how hippopotamus and livestock grazing influence vegetation structure and cover and facilitate other wild herbivores in the Mara region of Kenya. We used 5 km-long transects, each with 13 plots measuring 10 × 10 m2, and which radiate from rivers in the Masai Mara National Reserve and adjoining community pastoral ranches. For each plot, we measured the height and visually estimated the percent cover of grasses, forbs, shrubs and bare ground, herbivore abundance and species richness. Our results showed that grass height was shortest closest to rivers in both landscapes, increased with increasing distance from rivers in the reserve, but was uniformly short in the pastoral ranches. Shifting mosaics of short grass lawns interspersed with patches of medium to tall grasses occurred within 2.5 km of the rivers in the reserve in areas grazed habitually by hippos. Hence, hippo grazing enhanced the structural heterogeneity of vegetation but livestock grazing had a homogenizing effect in the pastoral ranches. The distribution of biomass and the species richness of other ungulates with distance from rivers followed a quadratic pattern in the reserve, suggesting that hippopotamus grazing attracted more herbivores to the vegetation patches at intermediate distances from rivers in the reserve. However, the distribution of biomass and the species richness of other ungulates followed a linear pattern in the pastoral ranches, implying that herbivores avoided areas grazed heavily by livestock in the pastoral ranches, especially near rivers.

Typhoid Fever among Children, Ghana

Typhoid Fever among Children, Ghana

Potential impact on biodiversity in Kwale's forest reserve by power plant establishments

Kwale forest reserve with gazetted area of 3km 2 in the present Delta state, south eastern Nigeria, is surrounded by numbers of adjoining communities such as Okpai, Umu-uzor, Ugbome, Nkwor, Amama and Asa. The fringe ecosystem is endowed with important conservation-status species like primate: Cercopithecus spp; family of artiodactyla, Tragelaphus scriptus, rodentia : Dendrohyrax arborea, Thryonomys swinderianus; carnivores Panthera leo, Vulpes pallida and numbers of avifauna species as well as reptilea. The natural high forest ecosystem consists of emergent trees, such as: Ceiba pentandra , Landolphia oweriensis ; the under storeys: Strychnos spinosa , Lindaclearia dentata and the surrounding inhabitant drawn most of their livelihood from the natural ecosystem like bush meat which provide protein, firewood, water for cooking and other basic necessities. The use of Kwale forest reserve and the surrounding ecosystem by the Independent Power Plant (IPP) for electricity generation will continue to contribute to the loss of most natural resource base (flora and fauna). Many of such developmental projects (eco-development) are executed daily in the country and have resultant ecosystem damage, species erosion and environmental degradation. The exploitation over past decades has left a wasteland with serious environmental problems. The percentage preference for hunting of primate, rodent, antelope and avifauna are 55%, 20%, 20%, 5%, respectively, while the preference for consumption of meat indicated that bush meat is mostly preferred (33.5%) by the inhabitants, compared to other conventional sources such as beef, pork, fish, and chicken with 20.6%, 10.5%, 25.6% and 10.0%, respectively. It is pertinent to note that strategic management will be needed to protect, sustain, and manage the Kwale forest reserve along side with IPP developmental concept, thus, there is a need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a tool for decision makers as well as ecosystem managers. This is necessary for timely communication of information between the policy makers (government) and stakeholders conducting specific projects that have mutual benefits to the general public.