Arid And Semi-arid Lands Research Articles

A comprehensive review of climate information systems in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya for enhanced decision-making process

The reality of climate change has had far-reaching effects on climate and weather patterns globally. High carbon emissions have resulted in wildfires causing migration and death from natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and strong winds. Climate change has also led to reduced crop and livestock farming yields, and worsening incidences of hunger and famine. The use of climate information systems (CIS) in the Arid and Semi-Arid regions of Kenya has not been extensively reviewed. This study reviews the use of CIS in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) to improve decision-making and adapt to climate change. We reviewed past and present research on Kenya's ASAL counties’ smallholder farmers’ CIS use. National and international attempts to develop early warning systems through CIS to help stakeholders and end users make farm-level decisions were reviewed. Kenya leads Eastern African countries in emphasizing CIS to reduce climate change's effects on sustainable agriculture. In ASAL countries, the gap between CIS information and its applicability for smallholder farmers’ farm-level decisions, low finance, weak infrastructure, and limited capability are major issues. Limited indigenous knowledge integration and the absence of regular updates and end-user co-development were also noted. Despite these obstacles, CIS can improve decision-making, catastrophe risk management, and socioeconomic growth in these places. Tailored CIS solutions are essential to address the specific needs of smallholder farmers in ASAL regions. Improved coordination and leveraging newer technologies are crucial for effective CIS implementation.

Assessing production, processing and utilization of sorghum in West Pokot County, Kenya

Sorghum is one of the most important and under-utilized cereal crops in the Arid and Semi-Arid land (ASAL) regions of Kenya. The crop is grown in drought-prone marginal agricultural areas of Western Central and Eastern and coastal regions of Kenya. The diverse biotic and abiotic constraints including climate changes reduce sorghum productivity. Sorghum technology generators continue promoting suitable management practices and innovations to cushion and improve the resilience of smallholder farmers against the adverse effects of climate change. These interventions contribute to the attainment of not only household and national food security but also enhance incomes. Despite the increasing sorghum production and utilization in West Pokot County, there is limited knowledge of the status of production, processing, and utilization technologies. The aim of this study was to assess the current sorghum production, processing, utilization technology, innovations, and management practices among smallholder farmers. A household survey was undertaken using a jointly developed structured questionnaire by a multi- and inter-disciplinary team of researchers. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 599 households were randomly selected and interviewed. Data collected were on household and farm characteristics including technologies. The study revealed that compared to maize and pasture, land allocated to sorghum enterprise was relatively low ranging from 0.32 acres to 0.80 acres with an average of 0.73 acres. The adoption of various sorghum technological components was also low. Adoption of improved sorghum varieties was less than 7% while fertilizer use was less than 20%. These contribute to low crop yields of about 140kg per acre. In addition, value addition was also low. Sorghum use was limited to ugali (56%) and porridge (39%) against the diverse value-added products including bread baking. and industrial processing of pure and blended products. More farmer and stakeholders training need to be done. In order to fully upgrade the sorghum value chain; there is the need to have targeted sorghum policies focusing on a range of activities along the value chain. These interventions could be integrated into the West Pokot County Integrated Development Plan. Key words: Sorghum, Production, Marketing, Utilization, Challenges, Opportunities, West Pokot

Nomadic Education Policy's Effectiveness in Enhancing Access to Primary Schools by Learners in Balambala Sub-County, Garissa County, Kenya

Primary schools in Kenya play a vital role in providing a strong foundation for education by imparting fundamental skills like reading, writing, and communication. Unfortunately, low access, retention, and completion rates have contributed to high levels of illiteracy in the country, according to the Republic of Kenya (2019). The purpose of the study was to investigate nomadic education policy's effectiveness in enhancing access to primary schools by learners in Balambala sub-county, Garissa County, Kenya. The design used in the investigation was descriptive. The target population was 33 public primary schools in Balambala Sub-County. The specific respondents were the 199 Sub-County Director of Education, Sub-County Director of TSC, Headteachers, teachers, Student Council representatives, and the Board of Management of Primary Schools. The data collection was achieved by utilizing questionnaires and interview guides. The researcher issued questionnaires and sufficient time was provided to allow them to respond to the instruments accurately. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies, mean, and standard deviation, and inferential statistics like single regression. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically as per the research objectives. A pilot study was conducted with 40 participants from ASAL Primary schools in Dadaab Sub County. Data was presented using tables, figures, and charts. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.750, p < 0.001) between the implementation of the nomadic education policy and access to education. Notably, the study revealed positive perceptions regarding the effectiveness of nomadic education policies, particularly in improving access and retention rates in schools. The study recommends that a longitudinal study should be conducted to assess the long-term impact of education policies and integrated solutions on access and retention rates in primary schools in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions.

National Food Policies and Food Security in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) due to a combination of frequent climate shocks such as droughts, floods and livestock diseases. These extremes disrupt traditional ways of life and devastate crops and livestock, leaving communities with little to no food. This paper examined the effect of national food policies and strategies on food security in these fragile regions, specifically focusing on initiatives designed to address the recurring problem. The arguments of the decentralization and institutional capacity theories were used to guide the analysis. Methodologically, the study employed a descriptive survey research design to inform data collection and analysis. The research established that despite government interventions, food insecurity remains prevalent in ASAL regions. The causes of this insecurity are multifaceted, encompassing factors such as climate variability, restricted access to resources and socio-economic disparities. The paper recommends a review of national food policies targeting ASALs to align them with the drivers of food insecurity. The review should include community engagement and stakeholder collaboration to attain effective and sustainable solutions.

Dynamics towards Sustainable Food Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) Parts of Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia

Dynamics towards Sustainable Food Security in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) Parts of Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia

Evaluating cropping intensity in registered and unregistered farms: Evidence from Kenya

Sustainable agricultural intensification strategies are crucial in increasing Africa's agricultural productivity. Globally, literature shows strong linkages between land tenure security and sustainable agriculture. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), findings remain inconsistent. Studies attribute this inconsistency to the use of cost-benefit and yield methodologies that are limited in capturing the nuance of subsistence farming and spatial and temporal distribution. Thus, this study seeks to fill this gap using Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya by employing remote-sensing and spatial econometrics to evaluate this relationship. The study uses the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) as the dependent variable and a proxy for cropping intensity, which similar studies have not used. NDVI datasets covered seven years (2014–2020) acquired from Copernicus Global Land Service. Explanatory factors include land registration status, topography and climatic characteristics. The study utilises a three-step analysis, which includes exploratory regression for model selection, global regression using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), and localised regression using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR). Spatial autocorrelation tests on OLS residuals using Moran's Index indicated spatial heterogeneity; hence, the study ran GWR. GWR performed better with an adjusted R2 value of 0.941, compared to OLS with an R2 value of 0.807. Mapping the GWR model illustrated that NDVI is lowest in unregistered land in the semi-arid zone of the County (0.012608) and highest in registered areas (0.883172). A hot-spot analysis using the Gettis-Ord Gi* Statistic validated the findings. The test showed cold spots in unregistered land in the semi-arid zone and hot spots in registered land, which was significant at 99 % confidence. The findings shows that the relationship between land registration and cropping intensity is highly significant, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), an indicator that land tenure security promotes sustainable agriculture in Kenya. The results enrich policy discussions aimed at land reforms and sustainable agriculture. The study recommends fast-tracking land registration prioritising ASALs, implementing the national land information system, and modernisation of land registries in Kenya to improve public access to land information. The study also recommends similar studies on various agroecological zones to supplement the findings, mainly where subsistence farming is dominant. The findings will add a critical layer of information in decision-making for sustainable agriculture and land reform policies.

Higher livestock abortion burden in arid and semi-arid lands, Kenya, 2019-2020.

Tracking livestock abortion patterns over time and across factors such as species and agroecological zones (AEZs) could inform policies to mitigate disease emergence, zoonoses risk, and reproductive losses. We conducted a year-long population-based active surveillance of livestock abortion between 2019 and 2020, in administrative areas covering 52% of Kenya's landmass and home to 50% of Kenya's livestock. Surveillance sites were randomly selected to represent all AEZs in the country. Local animal health practitioners electronically transmitted weekly abortion reports from each ward, the smallest administrative unit, to a central server, using a simple short messaging service (SMS). Data were analyzed descriptively by administrative unit, species, and AEZ to reveal spatiotemporal patterns and relationships with rainfall and temperature. Of 23,766 abortions reported in all livestock species, sheep and goats contributed 77%, with goats alone contributing 53%. Seventy-seven per cent (n = 18,280) of these abortions occurred in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) that primarily practice pastoralism production systems. While spatiotemporal clustering of cases was observed in May-July 2019 in the ASALs, there was a substantial seasonal fluctuation across AEZs. Kenya experiences high livestock abortion rates, most of which go unreported. We recommend further research to document the national true burden of abortions. In ASALs, studies linking pathogen, climate, and environmental surveillance are needed to assign livestock abortions to infectious or non-infectious aetiologies and conducting human acute febrile illnesses surveillance to detect any links with the abortions.

Climate Smart Agriculture in Kenya's ASALS: Gaps and Barriers in Policy Development and Implementation

This paper presents an evaluation of the gaps and barriers in policy development and implementation with regard to Climate Change in Kenya's arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS). In spite of concerted efforts and considerable attention accorded to the climate change effects in the region, there is little improvement. Through a desktop review of previous studies and policy documents, this paper examines the mitigation measures proposed and interrogates the practicality of these measures as well as the gaps and challenges in formulation and implementation. The ASALS are the most hit by climate change, and they make up 89% of the country's landmass and are home to approximately 20 million people, which translates to 38% of the Kenyan population. The region is also home to 60% of the country's livestock, and the considerable contribution of livestock to global warming is justification enough to focus on Climate Smart Agriculture in the ASALS. The region is predominantly rural, and for their livelihoods, the farmers rely on rain, which has become unreliable due to climate, hence the persistent food insecurity. Policies have been formulated to address mitigation, adaptation, and food security with outcomes such as improving yields, growing net returns, lessening the emission of Green House Gases, boosting input use and efficiency, enhancing resilience, and improving gender and social inclusion. Understanding the constraints in the implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices would be useful in improving policy formulation and intervention planning. The findings of this study reveal gaps and barriers in the formulation and implementation of CSA policies stemming from lack of awareness, which is responsible for the low adaptability levels, nature of land ownership in the ASALS, cultural factors, poor coordination between stakeholders and inadequate funding for CSA projects

A Review on Significance and Failure Causes of Small-Scale Irrigation Dams in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASAL)

Water scarcity is increasingly becoming a significant challenge in arid and semi-arid lands. In these areas, small dams and reservoirs are important in providing water resources, supporting agricultural activities, and contributing to sustainable and resilient rural communities as they require an affordable investment. However, their frequent failures pose significant challenges to sustainable water management and agricultural development in these regions. This review study was developed based on the review of many international standards and guidelines from published studies in scientific journals in addition to information from practitioners. We examined the significance and causes of the failure of small dams and reservoirs; and discussed design criteria and considerations involved in their construction. The outcomes of this study offer valuable insights into the significance of small-scale irrigation dams and shed light on the multifaceted causes of their failure. A holistic approach to address the challenges identified are approach is required. Integrating engineering solutions such as improving design, and regular maintenance, with sustainable land management are crucial for optimising the small dams and ensuring that they adequately serve the needs of the community. The causes of failure were found to be multifaceted encompassing factors such as poor construction and maintenance practices and inadequate design considerations. Finally, this review highlighted the key elements in assessing structural conditions critical to the functionality and sustainability of small dams and reservoirs.

Effects of Major Fungal Pathogens on Growth and Yield of Improved and Local Sorghum Genotypes under Field Trials in Lower Eastern Kenya

Sorghum is a climate resilient cereal that offers food and nutrition security for the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Its production potential is however limited by fungal diseases. A study on the effects of major fungal diseases on sorghum growth and yield and identification of tolerant genotypes is critical for sustainable sorghum production. A total of 14 germplasms were analyzed under a two-seasonal field trial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications at two different agro-ecological zones within Kenya’s ASALs. A spreader row technique using a highly susceptible variety and natural infections was used for fungal inoculation. Ten plants randomly sampled and tagged from two inner rows in each plot, were used to asses plant growth, yield, and diseases. Diseases were identified using identification keys, visual symptoms, and signs and effects scored through disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI). Identified diseases included anthracnose, leaf blight, rust, gray leaf spot, ladder leaf spot, oval leaf spot, downy mildew, and covered kernel smut. Higher DS (>7.0) and DI (>50%) were recorded in anthracnose, leaf blight, and leaf rust across most genotypes. The significant (P≤0.01) negative correlations between DS and days to 50% flowering, number of green leaves, leaf area and panicle width indicated potential disease inhibition of sorghum growth. Correlations between DS and dry biomass, grain yield and grain weight were also negative but insignificant (P>0.05) implying no disease effects on sorghum yield. Improved genotypes had the least foliar and panicle infections and produced significantly higher grain yield (>2.0 t/ha) compared to local varieties with lower yield (<1.5t/ha) and higher foliar and panicle symptoms. The improved genotypes were thus classified as tolerant to fungal diseases and could be used to support resistance breeding programs as a sustainable management strategy for improved sorghum production in ASALs of Kenya.

Growth, development and yield of safflower genotypes in response to environmental variations

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a crop that is drought tolerant and grown in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) for its commercial utility as vegetable oil, animal feed, cut flower, leafy vegetable, pharmaceuticals, foods colorant, textile dye, cosmetics, and biofuel production. These important attributes make safflower an ideal crop to diversify the economy and improve the socioeconomic status of many smallholder farmers in ASALs. This study evaluated the growth, development, and yield of five safflower genotypes in three different locations in the southern part of Botswana under farmers’ fields during winter and summer. The results showed that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variability for all phenological development (days to emergence, stem elongation, and flowering), plant growth (plant height and shoot biomass), the yield and yield components (number of branches/plant, number of capitula/plant and 1000-seed weight), oil content and oil yield. However, genotypes did not vary significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in number of primary branches/plant. The results showed that winter planting significantly (P ≤ 0.05) promoted safflower growth and yield than planting in summer. The growth, development, yield, and yield components of safflower genotypes varied across locations with Ramonaka being the most favorable. The GGE biplot revealed that genotype Kenya-9819 was found to be the most stable and adaptable with above-average yields. Sebele winter planting was the best representative environment and most suitable for discriminating genotype performance. The genotype by yield*trait combination (GYT) biplot revealed that genotypes ranked as Kenya9819 > Turkey > Sina > PI537636 > Gila. The results suggested that safflower was best planted in winter and that Kenya9819 was the best genotype to be planted in the greater Gaborone region.

Analysis of Coping Strategies Adopted by Smallscale Farmers due to Climate Change Hazardsin Baringo County, Kenya

Climate change impacts food production and hence food security, negatively affecting Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) areas. The focus of this study was to find out strategies used by small-scale farmers to cope with climate change hazard in Lembus-Perkerra Ward, Baringo County, ASAL region vulnerable to climatic hazards hence a suitable site for the study. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 2and 13, many researchers have been conducted on climate change but little has been documented in the study area on climate change coping strategies against its effects. Therefore, the objective of present study was to identify coping strategies that have been adapted by farmers within the study area and assess the farmers perception in regards to climate change.
 A descriptive research design was adopted for this study, where 191 questionnaires were administered to household heads, and a Focus Group Discussion with key informants (2 agriculture officers) and five lead farmers from farmer groups were conducted to establish sufficient strategies corresponding to climate change situations. The findings showed strong positive influence at 5% levels of significance, between the selected variables (Age β1.34P:0.003, Education level β=2.11 P: 0.01,Access to climate info β =0.48P : 0.031,Access to extension services β=1.71 P:0.19 and Membership to farmer group β=1.02 P: 0.008 shows positive significance to farmers’ perception of climate change situations n. The gender of the household head and household size were insignificant in relation to farmers perception.The findings of the present study are significant to the County government of Baringo and Kenyan Governments in coming up with appropriate interventions for coping with climate change and policy development, to cushion the local communities against the effects.

Socio-Economic Determinants for Adoption of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change and Variability among Smallholder Farmers in Igambang’ombe, Sub-County, Kenya

Climate change and variability have been identified globally as a major challenge to food security especially in Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs). Agriculture and smallholder farmers have also been identified as the most vulnerable, mainly due to the former being rain-fed and the latter having inadequate adaptive capacity to the dynamics of climate change and variability. This study, therefore, sought to determine the social-economic factors that influence the adoption of adaptation strategies for climate change and variability, among smallholder farmers in Igambang’ombe Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County. A descriptive research design was applied. Systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents and a semi-structured questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions was used for data collection. Observations and interviews were carried out, while systematic random sampling was used to select the respondents. Correlation analysis was used to assess which socio-economic factors influenced the adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. Some of the adaptation strategies considered included; accessed weather information Ox-ploughing and herbicide use for preparation, terracing and intercropping, crop and variety diversification The study showed that age (42%), farmer’s farming experience (40%), and level of education of the household head (24%), were the key socio-economic factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies to climate change and variability. Adaptation of climate change and variability adaptation strategies was also associated to access and frequency of extension services. Access to farm subsidy and credit was also important. Farmers and agriculture stakeholders needed to upscale training, guided by specific socio-economic farmer characteristics.

Evaluation of CMIP6 historical simulations over IGAD region of Eastern Africa

The Accuracy of model simulations is critical for climate change and its socio-economic impact. This study evaluated23 Global climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The main objective was to identify the top 10 best performance models in capturing patterns of rainfall for the 1981–2014 period over the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region of Eastern Africa. The total rainfall, annual cycle, continuous, categorical and Volumatic statistical metrics, scatter plots, Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF), and colored code portrait were used to assess the patterns of total rainfall. Results indicate that most CMIP6 models generally capture the characteristics of the observed climatology pattern of total rainfall, bimodal and unimodal rainfall regimes. The majority of models over Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan scored the lowest skills, highest bias, and over-estimated rainfall, and lower skills over June–September (JJAS) compared to March–May (MAM) and October-December (OND). Quantitatively, a high percent of bias exceeding 80% scored over ASALs, a high correlation coefficient ranging between 0.6 and 0.7 across Ethiopia’s highlands, and a 5–40 as the lowest Root Mean Squared Error scored over the majority of the region. In addition, 21 out of 23 CMIP6 over-estimated rainfall over most parts of the region. The ACCESS-ESM1-5 and MIROC6 are the most over-estimated models as opposed to CNRM-CM6-1HR as the most model under-estimated rainfall, highest bias, and RMSE values. The regional and sub-national analysis showed it is inconclusive to select best-performed models based on individual metrics and sub-national analysis. Out of 23 models, the INM-CM5-0, HadGEM3-GC31-MM, CMCC-CM2-HR4, IPSL-CM6A-LR, KACE-1-0-G, EC-Earth3, NorESM2-MM, GFDL-ESM4, TaiESM1, and KIOST-ESM are the best 10 performance models over IGAD region. These findings highlight the importance of selecting the best performance models for mapping present and future hotspots and extreme rainfall events over the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.

Effect of Rainfall and Temperature Variability on Green Gram Yield in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Globally, green gram is a significant legume particularly in Arid and Semiarid Lands (ASALs), as a source of food, income, and soil enhancement. Despite this importance, green gram yield in Tharaka South Sub County is still too low at 560 kg/ha far below the crop’s estimated national potential of 1500 kg/ha and compares unfavorably with the global and national average of 730 kg/ha and 670 kg/ha, respectively. Green gram production is primarily rain-fed and variability in rainfall and temperature affects the ideal conditions favourable for the crop growth. This study aimed at quantifying the effect of rainfall and temperature variability, separately and jointly on green gram yield in Tharaka South Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya for the period 2002-2021. Secondary data on seasonal rainfall, temperature, and green gram yield was collected from the Meteorological Services and County Department of Agriculture. Data was analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods by use of coefficient of determination, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlation, and regression analysis. The study found that rainfall variability explained 30.4% of the variables affecting green gram yield. The findings of the model showed that a 1% increase in rainfall in March-April- May (MAM) season increased yield of green gram by 49.3% but no effect was observed in OND (October-November-December) season. Temperature variability explained 28.5% of the variables affecting green gram yield. Further, the model findings revealed that a 1% increase in temperature in OND season decreased yield of green gram by 48.5% and no effect was observed in MAM season. A combination of rainfall and temperature variability explained 34.2% of the variables affecting green gram yield. The model coefficients showed that a 1% increase in rainfall and temperature during the OND season increased yield of green gram by 16.2%. In addition, it was noted that a 1% rise in temperature and rainfall during MAM season reduced the output of green gram by 13.2%. The study concluded that rainfall and temperature had an effect on green gram yield and recommended that green gram farmers need to adapt to the changing climate to lessen the effects of climate change and for sustainable green gram production.

Performance evaluation of the Alphasense OPC-N3 and Plantower PMS5003 sensor in measuring dust events in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah

Abstract. As the changing climate expands the extent of arid and semi-arid lands, the number of, severity of, and health effects associated with dust events are likely to increase. However, regulatory measurements capable of capturing dust (PM10, particulate matter smaller than 10 µm in diameter) are sparse, sparser than measurements of PM2.5 (PM smaller than 2.5 µm in diameter). Although low-cost sensors could supplement regulatory monitors, as numerous studies have shown for PM2.5 concentrations, most of these sensors are not effective at measuring PM10 despite claims by sensor manufacturers. This study focuses on the Salt Lake Valley, adjacent to the Great Salt Lake, which recently reached historic lows exposing 1865 km2 of dry lake bed. It evaluated the field performance of the Plantower PMS5003, a common low-cost PM sensor, and the Alphasense OPC-N3, a promising candidate for low-cost measurement of PM10, against a federal equivalent method (FEM, beta attenuation) and research measurements (GRIMM aerosol spectrometer model 1.109) at three different locations. During a month-long field study that included five dust events in the Salt Lake Valley with PM10 concentrations reaching 311 µg m−3, the OPC-N3 exhibited strong correlation with FEM PM10 measurements (R2 = 0.865, RMSE = 12.4 µg m−3) and GRIMM (R2 = 0.937, RMSE = 17.7 µg m−3). The PMS exhibited poor to moderate correlations (R2 < 0.49, RMSE = 33–45 µg m−3) with reference or research monitors and severely underestimated the PM10 concentrations (slope < 0.099) for PM10. We also evaluated a PM-ratio-based correction method to improve the estimated PM10 concentration from PMSs. After applying this method, PMS PM10 concentrations correlated reasonably well with FEM measurements (R2 > 0.63) and GRIMM measurements (R2 > 0.76), and the RMSE decreased to 15–25 µg m−3. Our results suggest that it may be possible to obtain better resolved spatial estimates of PM10 concentration using a combination of PMSs (often publicly available in communities) and measurements of PM2.5 and PM10, such as those provided by FEMs, research-grade instrumentation, or the OPC-N3.

Co-designed Practical Use of Probabilistic Climate Advisories among Smallholder Farmers: A Balance between Confidence and Caution

Especially for smallholder farmers with limited land and financial resources, farming in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where season-to-season rainfall fluctuation dictates production, is a risky business. Through participatory approaches, this study compares deterministic and probabilistic interpretations of climate forecasts and their use by smallholder farmers through a crop-growing season. The study revealed that deterministic advisories are good for smallholder farmers only when formulated from forecasts with higher accuracy than the historical climatological distribution. Otherwise, they cause farm loss in terms of labor and inputs. On the other hand, probabilistic advisories help farmers spread the risk to cater to all the uncertainty and in so doing bring out a balance between confidence and caution. However, farmers must be supported with enough sensitization to comprehend forecast probability, translate it into probabilistic advisories and use that to plan and manage farm activities. The findings support the hypothesis providing packaged climate products in transparent probabilistic terms in place of deterministic form can overcome inherent credibility challenges. The study’s conclusion highlights important takeaways and new understandings of the advantage of using probabilistic advisories among resource-poor smallholder farmers.

The Influence of Communication Messages on Adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Pastoralists in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose was to establish influence of communication messages on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya. Messages were studied under parameters of inoculation site, benefits, required frequency of vaccination and side effects. The focus on the vaccine messaging was informed by the slow pace of adoption of live T1 vaccines currently being used to eradicate CBPP in Kenya. Diffusion of innovation and social learning theories were used to support the study.
 Methodology: Study population were pastoralists in Narok South Sub County. 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews participated. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to analyze data, which was presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA.
 Findings: CBPP messaging influenced respondents to vaccinate although some had more influence than others. Messages on inoculation site, benefits, required frequency of vaccination side effects and communal vaccinations were important for the survival of their cattle and significantly influenced the decisions of respondents to vaccinate against the disease. Moreover, messages helped them to know important information details such as vaccination venues, and costs of vaccination and availability of the veterinary officers. CBPP vaccine messages attributes were key in the success of influencing respondents. However, the messaging ran into already held misinformation by some pastoralists confirming earlier study that vaccination rate was at 20-60% because some skipped the exercise.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: CBPP vaccine messages and attributes significantly influenced CBPP vaccinations decisions among pastoralists. This study validated diffusion of innovation and social learning theories that innovation-decision process is essentially an information seeking and processing activity in which an individual is motivated to reduce uncertainty about the advantages and disadvantages of the innovation. For policy and practice, this study recommends development of communication plans, and packaging of CBPP vaccine messages for dissemination in the ASALs where disease is prevalent. Considering that CBPP is a trans-boundary disease, these plans and messages could be harmonized across ASAL counties to enable consistency and coherence.

The Influence of Communication Participants on Adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Pastoralists in Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of communication participants on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya.
 Methodology: The study population was pastoralists in Narok South Sub-county. Sample size was 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews. Cross-sectional research design entailing collection of qualitative and quantitative data was used to assess association between variables. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Data derived from 468 respondents was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA.
 Findings: All respondents engaged in discussions with others before vaccinating cattle against CBPP. This is because as members of social groups, they interacted with each other through networks, a dominant mechanism for diffusion. Within parameters of experts, veterinary officers and agro-veterinary sales people were influential. In the community, family and neighbours were equally influential and among peers were elders and herders. These influencers were effective because of their attributes and social qualities; trustworthiness and credibility, accessibility, knowledgeability, government authority, advised on many issues, related easily with others and were friendly.
 Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Some people have influence over others in CBPP vaccine adoption among ASAL pastoralists. Governments, veterinary researchers, and communication experts need to leverage on them to encourage diffuse of the vaccine. These influencers could also be trained on some basic aspects of disease reporting, control and eradication.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns and characterisation of emerging beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in camels sampled from Northern Kenya.

Animal husbandry practices in different livestock production systems and increased livestock-wildlife interactions are thought to be primary drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). Despite a tenfold increase in the camel population within the last decade, paired with widespread use of camel products, there is a lack of comprehensive information concerning beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) within these production systems. Our study sought to establish an AMR profile and to identify and characterise emerging beta-lactamase-producing E. coli isolated from faecal samples obtained from camel herds in Northern Kenya. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. coli isolates were established using the disk diffusion method, with beta-lactamase (bla) gene PCR product sequencing performed for phylogenetic grouping and genetic diversity assessments. Here we show, among the recovered E. coli isolates (n = 123), the highest level of resistance was observed for cefaclor at 28.5% of isolates, followed by cefotaxime at 16.3% and ampicillin at 9.7%. Moreover, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli harbouring the blaCTX-M-15 or blaCTX-M-27 genes were detected in 3.3% of total samples, and are associated with phylogenetic groups B1, B2 and D. Multiple variants of non-ESBL blaTEM genes were detected, the majority of which were the blaTEM-1 and blaTEM-116 genes. Findings from this study shed light on the increased occurrence of ESBL- and non-ESBL-encoding gene variants in E. coli isolates with demonstrated multidrug resistant phenotypes. This study highlights the need for an expanded One Health approach to understanding AMR transmission dynamics, drivers of AMR development, and appropriate practices for antimicrobial stewardship in camel production systems within ASALs.