Tana River Research Articles

Rainfall cycle causes the inter-seasonal instability of ecosystem service trade-offs: A case study in the Tana River Basin, Kenya

As a crucial climate condition, the inter-seasonal rainfall cycle directly impacts the livelihoods and productivity of billions residing in monsoon regions. However, there is still limited understanding regarding its effects on trade-offs among ecosystem services (ES). This knowledge gap may impede the sustainable development of human well-being in these regions. In this study focused on Tana River Basin, a representative monsoon region, we assessed the seasonal supply and trade-offs of three ESs including water yield (WY), soil conservation (SC), and net primary production (NPP), which are closely linked to local human well-being. To comprehend the driving mechanism of inter-seasonal variation, the influential factors were identified using the Geographical Detector Model. Furthermore, by quantifying the seasonal trade-off intensity among three ESs, the managemental optimization priority areas were identified.The results showed that (1) all three ES supply presented an increasing trend from 2000-2020. Seasonally, both the supply and trade-offs of ESs were significantly enhanced in the rainy seasons, with spatial heterogeneity observed in the response to inter-seasonal rainfall cycle. (2) Natural condition factors presented stronger influence on the seasonal variation of ES trade-offs, which is crucial to consider the comprehensive hydrological response resulting from vegetation growth as the foundation for these seasonal variations. For the WY-SC trade-off, precipitation was identified as the primary influential factor, while vegetation coverage impact on SC-NPP and WY-NPP trade-offs. Higher precipitation and vegetation coverage would intensify the trade-off between corresponding ESs. (3) Regarding the spatial distribution of seasonal instability, several sub-watersheds aggregated in the midstream hill region were identified as the primary optimized zones, more flexible management strategies should be implemented preferentially. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how the inter-seasonal rainfall cycle impact on the ES trade-offs, supporting effective ecosystem management in monsoon regions.

Diversified flood governance and related socio-spatial vulnerability in Tana River County, Kenya.

What are the consequential socio-spatial vulnerabilities of fragmentation in flood risk governance (FRG) functions in Tana River County, Kenya? To answer the question, this paper utilises social differentiation theory to establish types and consequences of such fragmentation. It applies theoretical patterns and processes of social differentiation to expose that FRG diversification could result in fragmentation of FRG functions. The study employs an interview strategy that focuses on governmental and non-governmental FRG actors. The results reveal that fragmented FRG functions in Tana River County was not an intentional policy decision, but rather a product of a transitional vacuum between policy promulgation and implementation. Furthermore, socio-spatial vulnerabilities differentiated by patterns and processes related to age, gender, disability, and ethnicity, for instance, are consequential outcomes of fragmented FRG functions in the Tana River floodplains. The study recommends implementation of the National Disaster Management Policy in Tana River County and institutionalisation of a specific FRG policy and legal framework.

Examining the implementation of the language in education policy in Tana River County: a case of a Pokomo speakers’ school

ABSTRACT The language in education policy (LiEP) in Kenya calls for the use of mother tongue for pre-primary and lower grades of primary education. However, its implementation has been erratic. This study sought to explore the implementation of LiEP in Tsana Primary School, situated in Tana River County, Kenya, where the local language is Kipfokomu. Using an ethnographic approach, the study involved interviews and observations with Grade 3 students, their parents or guardian, and teachers from Grades 1 to 3. Relevant documents were also reviewed, and thematic analysis was conducted on the collected data. The study revealed two main themes: (1) the lack of a supportive environment for Kipfokomu in the classroom, and (2) the presence of Kipfokomu resource materials on the school premises, but their limited availability in the classroom setting. These findings suggest challenges in implementing LiEP, as teachers often prioritise English over the local language. Despite the presence of essential resources intended to support LiEP, the persistent challenges undermine its effectiveness. Understanding these challenges can inform policy improvements and more effective strategies for implementing mother tongue-based education, ensuring that the educational system better serves linguistic and cultural diversity.

Policy coherence assessment of water, energy, and food resources policies in the Tana River Basin, Kenya

Water, energy, and food resources are closely related in the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus, a tightly connected system in which impacts in one sector leads to changes in the other sectors. The WEF nexus approach studies these interactions to better understand their connections and implications across sectors, and is focused on making research practicable for policy. There is a clear lack of policy coherence studies to provide practical recommendations to achieve integrated resources management. This is true in the Tana River Basin (TRB), which provides abundant water, energy and food resources to the national economy and development of Kenya. This work carried out a WEF policy coherence assessment of the Tana River Basin. Results show that there are synergies and trade-offs across all resources sectors and their policy objectives. Water policies (e.g. to secure water availability) are generally evaluated as win-win, thus being supportive of attainment of goals in other policy sectors. Food policies (e.g. to develop the agricultural sector) show the highest number of trade-offs, suggesting these policies could be redesigned to minimise the trade-offs with other resource policies. This work highlights specifically which policies are relatively more or less supportive for holistic resources management in the TRB. In particular, the only TRB-level policy analysed (which is cross-resource in its ambition) shows synergies with national policy, offering opportunity for leveraging benefits and increasing implementation efficiency across resources. Strengthened cross-sectoral collaboration, joint workshops, and the establishment of a national cross-sectoral taskforce to develop aligned policies are recommended. This work provides a basis for similar studies across Africa, and promotes research that is of practical relevance.

Flow regime alteration in Arctic rivers due to dam operations and climate change

Arctic rivers and water resources currently experience significant hydrological changes due to climate change and global warming. The flow regime alteration in Arctic rivers strongly influences the conservation and sustainability of the native biodiversity of the riverine ecosystem. The change in major characteristics of the daily and monthly flow regime of seven arctic rivers has been assessed in this study. The daily flow (40–120 years) at the outlet of Lena River, Yenisey River, Kolyma River, and Ob’ River in Russia; Yukon River in the USA; Mackenzie River in Canada; and Tana River, Norway was used. Except for the Tana River, the rest of these rivers have been regulated. In addition, monthly flow alteration in the headwater of these rivers and below sixteen dams was assessed. In this research, we applied ‘Indicator of Hydrologic Alteration’ (IHA) and ‘River Impact’ (RI) methods to estimate daily monthly flow change in the river. Based on the daily analysis, the most significant change was observed for Yenisey and Ob rivers. The Kolyma hydropower shows the lowest impact, while the Shushenskaya Dam on Yenisey shows the highest impact on the flow regime.

Assessment of Flood Vulnerability and Coping Strategies of Communities Living along River Tana in Madogo Ward, Kenya

Purpose: Flood is a natural disaster that occurs due to the sudden onset of rainfall that causes runoff waters from high to low altitude area. Community living along the River Tana in Madogo ward, Tana River County are affected by the floods when it occurs. It was therefore important to assess factors contributing to their flood vulnerability and assess their flood coping and adaptation strategy for current and future planning. This study assessed the factors contributing to flood vulnerability, adaptation and coping strategies along River Tana in Madogo Ward, Tana River County, Kenya. The research objectives were to assess the trends of flood occurrence in Madogo Ward between 2000 and 2020 as well as the coping and adaptation strategies of communities to floods in Madogo Ward.
 Materials and Methods: A descriptive research design approach was used. Data collection approaches involved the use of questionnaires to identify coping strategies by communities. Key informant interviews were also conducted with government officers within the study area to provide information on factors contributing to flood vulnerability, flood trends, occurrence adaptation and coping strategies. Secondary data was acquired through journals, books, and maps. The Statistical Package for Social Science was used to analyze the quantitative data. The analyzed data was presented through maps, tables, figures and graphs.
 Findings: The results indicated that the floods occur after every two years in the study area with different magnitudes and durations. The main coping strategies employed by the community living along River Tana in Madogo Ward was relocation to the higher grounds. It was also established that the community in the area had developed adaptive strategies to flood by putting barriers round their houses. Further findings indicated that the major flood vulnerability factor was topography of the area.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on the findings, it is being recommended that community leaders and county government of Tana River should not allocate plots in the flood zone area. Hence, there is a need for flood zone mapping for resident to know whether they are living within flood zone or not. Additionally, the people’s economic power should be enhanced through entrepreneurial training and giving them first priority in job opportunities. There is also a need to improve the quality of the infrastructures in the area to enhance their resilience to the negative impact of floods.

Landscape of esophageal cancer in Northern Kenya: experience from Garissa Regional Cancer Center.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. More than 80% of cases and deaths from EC occur within developing countries. In Kenya, cancer is the second leading cause of non-communicable disease deaths, and the trend of cancer deaths is projected to increase as per the 2020 GLOBOCAN report showing 42,116 new cases annually with a mortality of 27,092 cases. EC is the leading cancer in men and the third most common in women in Kenya. The Garissa Regional Cancer Center (GRCC) is one of the three regional cancer centres in Kenya. Despite the rising EC incidence in the region, there is limited data about the clinicopathological features and treatment outcomes of EC, therefore, this is the first study to look at the landscape of EC in the northern Kenya region. This was a retrospective study involving patients' file review of confirmed EC cases diagnosed or treated at the GRCC from 2019 to 2023. Data collected from each patient's chart included age, sex, risk factors, family history of EC, histological type, stage at diagnosis, treatment type and survival outcomes. For patients who were no longer in contact with the staff through clinic visits, the patients or their next of kin were contacted through phone calls for patients' survival status. Data were collected and stored using the STATA software. Over the study period, 124 esophageal cases were identified, 64 (51.4%) were males and 60 (48.4%) were females with a mean age of 57.56 years. In terms of risk factors, hot beverage consumption was the highest (47 cases, 37.9%), followed by history of peptic ulcer disease (27 cases, 21.8%), smoking (8.9%) and gastresophageal reflux disease (2 cases, 1.6%). Stage of diagnosis at presentation was stage 1 (1 case, 0.8%), stage 2 (22 cases, 17.8%), stage 3 (25 cases, 20.2%), stage 4 (50 cases, 40.3%), not staged (26 cases, 21%). The majority had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (105 cases, 84.7%), followed by adenocarcinoma (5 cases, 4%), anaplastic (5 cases, 4%), SCC+ adenocarcinoma (1 case, 0.8%), unknown histology (8 cases, 3.2%). Nearly all patients had triple assessment (Endoscopy, histology and staging scans) accounting for 92 cases (74.2%), 24 cases (20%) had endoscopy+ histology only, and 8 cases (3.2%) had only imaging scans. In terms of family history of EC, 20 cases (16.1%) had a family history of EC.Most of the patients were of ethnic Kenyan-Somali background (108 cases, Kenyan Somali, 87.1%) and majority were from Garissa County 96 cases (77.4%), 12 cases (9.7%) Wajir County, 12 cases (9.7%) from Tana River County and 4 cases (3.2%) from other counties. Many patients lacked health insurance (27 cases, 25.8%), while the majority paid out of pocket (92 cases,74.1%). Only 21% (26 cases) received chemotherapy alone, 5 cases (4%) got radiotherapy alone, 12.9% (16 cases) got chemoradiotherapy and a significant number of patients (77 cases, 62.1%) did not receive hospital-based cancer treatment. This study is the first esophageal study at the GRCC and in northern Kenya in general. Our study confirmed the clinicopathological features of one of the most common cancers in Kenya and more so among Kenyan-Somalis.The study also validates the predominance of histological subtypes of esophageal SCC with the late presentation, short survival and significant loss of follow-up. We recommend future EC studies employing a large prospective design with a large sample size to determine the impact of the new GRCC on the outcomes of EC patients and the local community.

Determinants of Children’s Enrollment in Selected Pre-Schools in Tana Delta Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya

Purpose: The purpose of the Study is to gather useful information on the determinants of children’s enrollment in pre-schools, the study was guided by the following research question “How do parents’ attitudes towards pre-school education influence pre-school enrollment?” Literature was reviewed under the following sub heading; parents’ attitude towards early learning and pre-school enrollment.
 Methodology: The researcher employed use of survey method to gather data, simple random was used in sampling respondents.
 Findings: The study found out that Parents’ Attitude towards Pre-School influences children’s enrolment as majority (75%) of the parents in the study indicated that pre-school education was important to the child. This shows that majority of parents had a positive perception of pre-school education.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The researcher recommended that the government should include pre-schools into free primary education and financially support the school feeing program. The County Director of Education Mr M ashengu was a worried person in the declining enrolment of early learners, a view shared by the Director of Preschools, Tana-River County, Mr Abdi Bantta that that the two provided excellent support in solving the puzzle and delve into ways that will significantly reduce the costs incurred by parents’ thereby encouraging increased enrollment.

Characteristics, drivers, and predictability of flood events in the Tana River Basin, Kenya

Study areaTana River Basin in Kenya. Study FocusFlood-related impacts and losses have been rising. Therefore, understanding flood characteristics, drivers, and predictability is critical for informed decisions in the ongoing flood early warning (FldEWS) projects. This study presents an in-depth analysis of hydro-meteorological, Sentinel Mission (SM), and ensemble hydrological model datasets. We examine flood characteristics using observed hydro-meteorological and SM datasets, followed by statistical analysis of climate drivers of flood events at inter-annual and sub-seasonal (S2S) time scales. Finally, reforecasts from Global Flood Awareness System (GloFAS) are assessed against observed river flows. New hydrological insights for the study regionThere is a high inter-annual variability of flood events with flood peaks occurring in May and December. SM satellites have the ability to map flooded areas in near-real time. At inter-annual timescales, positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and warm El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) drives short rains (October to December). At Sub-Seasonal (S2S) timescales, Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO; phases 2-4) is a notable driver of flood related extreme rainfall. GloFAS offers reliable forecasts depending on the flood magnitude, trigger probability, and 'anticipation window' and it meets the tolerable skill requirements for flood preparedness actions (FAR < 50% and POD > 50%) with up to a 20-day lead time for 1 and 2-year return periods. We subsequently discuss how our research findings can inform the development of FldEWS in Kenya, with an emphasis on improved co-production of flood forecast information with relevant stakeholders.

Influence of Social Cultural Factors on Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Tana River County

The main purpose of the study was scrutinize the socio- cultural aspects on academic performance in public secondary schools in Tana River County. The study employed the Socio-cultural theory as well as System Theory. The study employed descriptive study design. The study was carried out in public secondary schools in Tana River County with a target population of 253 respondents. A census of sample size of 155 participants. The researcher applied primary data. Questionnaires were applied to gather information from principals whereas interview schedule was applied to gather gen from parents. Expert opinion was used to ensure data validity and reliability. The data was analysed descriptively by means and the standard deviation, while multiple regression analysis was used to establish the influence between the variables. The researcher applied SPSS version 25 to examine facts. Regression, ANOVA, correlation as well as model summary was created in addition, facts were presented in tables. The correlation between the independent variables (home chores activities, community activities, parents’ level of edification besides learners’ engrossment in early marriages) besides the dependent variable (academic performance) outcomes showed that all are positive as well as momentous. Particularly, home chores activities is positively as well as significantly correlated (r=.033, p&lt;.05). Likewise, learner’s involvement in community activities (r=.203, p&lt;.05), parents’ level of education (r=.075, p&lt;.05), and learners involvement in early marriages (r=.230, p&lt;.05) are positively as well as ominously interrelated with academic performance in public secondary schools in Tana River. The constant of fortitude infers that the set of independent variables in this research is in lieu of 51.8% of disparities in the academic recital in public secondary schools. The ANOVA outcomes demonstrate that the F_ ratio is 32.048 with a conforming p-value of .000. The projected model linking the social cultural factors to academic performance in public secondary schools is a decent model. Parents’ participation in edification takes various methods comprising the provision of safe as well as steady environment, scholarly imitations, parent to youngster conversation, good replicas of constructive communal as well as scholastic standards and high ambitions connecting to personal contentment, contact with school to pass gen, contribution in school proceedings as well as school work and governance.

Determinants of Implementation of the Public Procurement Preference and Reservation Scheme in Tana-River County

Public procurement is estimated to account for a huge percentage of government expenditure. For instance, it is estimated to account for 12% of the GDP of OECD countries. This huge expenditure presents opportunity for governments to use public procurement to promote local industry and disadvantaged groups in an economy; through the application of preference and reservation schemes in public procurement. In Kenya, reports indicate that public procuring entities have not fully implemented the preference and reservation scheme; that requires them to procure 30% of their needs from enterprises owned by youth, women and persons living with disability (PWDs). This study therefore sought to examine the effect of: Access to Funding; and Access to Procurement information; on the implementation of the preference and reservation scheme in Kenya. The study collected data from 28 procuring entities in the County of Tana River. The study established that Access to funding does not have significant and substantial effect on implementation of the preference and reservation scheme, while access to procurement information has significant and substantial effect on implementation of the preference and reservation scheme in the County of Tana River in Kenya. The study recommends setting aside more lucrative tenders for the special interest groups to stimulate interest in the preference and reservation scheme. The study further recommends adoption of strategies to enable publicizing procurement information on social media. These have potential to enhance the Implementation of the Preference and Reservation Scheme. Further, the study invites researchers to examine whether the low value of procurement contracts set aside for the youth affects the implementation of the preference and reservation scheme in Kenya.

Evaluation and selection of a set of CMIP6 GCMs for water resource modeling in the poorly gauged complex terrain of the Tana River basin in Kenya

Evaluation and selection of a set of CMIP6 GCMs for water resource modeling in the poorly gauged complex terrain of the Tana River basin in Kenya

Factors that influence the availability of childhood vaccine in healthcare facilities at Tana River County, Kenya.

Routine vaccine is a cost-effective health intervention against vaccine preventable diseases (VPD). Tremendous gains have been realized since the introduction of vaccines. Despite the gains, access to the lifesaving commodity has remained a major obstacle globally. Various factors have been associated with vaccine stock-out. This research assessed the factors that influence the availability of vaccines in healthcare facilities at Tana River County in Kenya. Cross-sectional design was adopted. Census sampling technique was used where all 61 immunizing healthcare facilities were included. The study was carried out in Tana River County which is located in the coastal part of Kenya. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The researchers requested for authorization from relevant bodies and consent from participants. Data were collected, cleaned and recorded in Microsoft excel. STATA version 14 was used to analyze data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that 62.71% of the facilities experienced routine vaccine stock-out. There was statistically significant association between availability of vaccines and work experience (p = 0.001), training on immunization services (p = 0.027), catchment area map with target population displayed in the facility (p = 0.049), and use of target population method in vaccine forecasting (p = 0.004). The independent predictor of vaccine availability was work experience (p = 0.025). There was inadequate vaccine forecasting, vaccine stock management practices and accountability. Work experience was the main factor that affected their availability in the health facilities.

Assessment of The Influence of Management Committee on Community-Led Monitoring of Borehole Water Project in Bura Sub-County, Tana River County in Kenya

Assessment of The Influence of Management Committee on Community-Led Monitoring of Borehole Water Project in Bura Sub-County, Tana River County in Kenya

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Participation of Youth and Women in Management of Rural Sacco’s in Tana River County, Kenya

Influence of Socio-Cultural Factors on Participation of Youth and Women in Management of Rural Sacco’s in Tana River County, Kenya

Headteachers Management Practices and its Influence on Teenage Pregnancies in Schools in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya

The goal of the research was to evaluate the Head Teacher’s Management practices and its influence on Teenage pregnancy in schools in Tana River Sub- County, Tana River County. The study employed Rational Emotive Behavior Theory, Theory of Joharis Window of Personality and Communication Privacy Management Theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The study was carried out on 100 people from Galole North Zone in Tana River Sub County, Tana River County, Kenya. Stratified random sampling was encompassed to institute a sample size of 80. The investigator used primary data collection instruments. Expert opinion was used to ensure data validity and reliability. The data was analyzed descriptively by means and the standard deviation, while multiple regression analysis was used to establish the influence between the variables. The study revealed that the correlation coefficient between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies in Tana River County is -0.088. The P-value of 0.544 also shows that there exist no significant association between head teachers supervision practices and teen pregnancies since the P-value is above the 0.05 test of significance. Support practices was found to be strongly positive correlated to teen pregnancies with a coefficient of 0.886 with a P-value of 0.000 which is below the threshold of 0.05 thereby indicating a statistically significant association between support practices and teen pregnancies. Communication practices was found have a weak positive correlation to teen pregnancies in Tana River County with a coefficient value of 0.427. The study found that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study conclude that parental communication on peer group pressure could reduce chances of teenage pregnancy in Tana River Sub- County. The study recommends that efforts on educating people regarding teenage pregnancy should be focused on areas that are poor. Parents should also take the initiative of talking to their children about sex. The government should also ensure that they, the parents are well educated on the how and when to talk about sex with their children.

Factors affecting the availability of tracer health commodities in public facilities at Tana River County, Kenya

BackgroundDelivery of quality healthcare is significantly based on the level of commitment among health facilities. This includes building a strong system with the continued availability of tracer commodities. Human resources, financing, health information provision, and technologies integrated into the care environment have been vital in defining improved care.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in health facilities in Tana River County. A census method was used where all 62 health facilities across different tiers of healthcare delivery were considered. Out of 62 facilities, 60 participated in the study. A structured questionnaire and a checklist were used to collect data. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was used for data analysis.ResultsMajority of the participants were nurses (71.7%), male (68.3%), and diploma holders (78.3%). The mean availability of the tracer commodities was 68.73%. The human resource-related factors influencing availability were personnel training on commodity management (β = 4.56, 95%CI 2.29–11.21, p = 0.012) and presence of pharmaceutical technicians dispensing commodities (β = 2.85, 95%CI 1.29–5.21, p = 0.005) Financial factors investigated revealed that those who were in county hospitals (β = 19.11, 95%CI 7.39–30.83, p = 0.002) and facilities which has disbursement of budgetary allocation on time (β = 12.08, 95%CI 3.11–23.57, p = 0.002) had higher availability of tracer commodities.ConclusionThere was moderate availability of tracer commodities which was influenced by training, personnel, level of the facility, and budget allocation on time.

Keanekaragaman Tumbuhan Herba Berpotensi Obat Di Daerah Aliran Sungai Kambata Tana Kabupaten Sumba Timur Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Biologi

This study aims to determine the diversity of herbaceous plants with medicinal potential and the use of plants as learning media in the form of flipbooks. This type of research is ecological research with a quantitative approach. Based on the research results, it is known that the diversity of herbaceous plants in the Kambata Tana river is classified as moderate with an H'= 2.212. Analysis of other ecological indices such as density is known to be the largest density by Stachytarpheta jamaicensis with a relative density (KR) value of 19.5% while the smallest density is by Amaranthus spinosus which has a relative density (KR) value of 2.2%, the highest species frequency is owned by Stachytarpheta jamaicensis which has a relative frequency value of 8.73% while Amaranthus spinosus has the smallest species frequency with a relative frequency value of 0.48% and a dominance index of herbaceous plants with medicinal potential of 0.061 which is relatively low. The diversity of herbaceous plants with medicinal potential is used as a learning medium in the form of flipbooks which obtain an average validation value of 96% and are classified as very valid.

Aquaculture in Hydropower Reservoirs

There is an undoubtedly existing relationship between water, energy, and food and their interaction with the natural environment and mankind. Climate change is the talk of the day in global development discussions as it intensifies water shortages, energy, poverty, food shortages, and environmental degradation. Currently, most of the hydropower dams constructed in Africa are majorly built to store water for agricultural purposes, control flooding, and generate electricity. Notable projects include the seven forks hydropower stations located on the Tana River in Kenya; Aswan high dam in Egypt; Grand Renaissance dam in Ethiopia; Kariba dam in Zimbabwe and Akosombo in Ghana. Since agriculture is the major source of livelihood in Africa, the construction of dams is key for socio-economic development. Many countries in Africa have adopted crop farming and livestock farming but have neglected fish farming. Fish farming is mainly carried out in the natural water resources which highly makes it to be at risk within a climate change ecosystem. Climate change has led to the high and low fluctuation of water levels in the natural water bodies. This highly affects fish farming negatively and has led to the extinction of some fish species. To curb the problems faced by fish farming arising from climate change there is a need to create mitigation measures to ensure an adequate supply of fish in Africa. One of the mitigation measures is incorporating caged aquaculture in hydropower dams. Having caged fish farming will not only increase the fish supply but also increase income generation and food security across Africa. The paper followed a desktop research approach and provide detailed analysis of the relations between the availability of water, energy, and food in regard to fish production. A proposed conceptual framework for caged aquaculture systems was presented in this study as a means of promoting sustainability in food and agricultural production. The study further provided feasible climate-friendly food systems and blue justice approaches that can be adopted by the key stakeholders.

The joint effects of forest habitat area and fragmentation on dung beetles.

Habitat loss and habitat fragmentation usually occur together, at the same time and place. However, while there is a consensus that habitat loss is the preeminent threat to biodiversity, the effects of fragmentation are contentious. Some argue that habitat fragmentation is not bad for biodiversity, and even that it is good. Generally, the studies that find no harm or positive outcomes of fragmentation invariably assume that it is independent of habitat loss. However, dissociating the effects of habitat fragmentation from habitat loss is questionable because the two are essentially coupled. Accordingly, we evaluated how forest area and fragmentation (via edge effects) influenced dung beetles per se, and through their effects on the abundance of mammals, using structural equation modeling (SEM). Dung beetles are very sensitive to forest habitat loss and fragmentation and to changes in the abundance of mammals on which they depend for dung. Our study area was in the Tana River, Kenya, where forest fragments are depauperated of mammals except for two endemic species of monkeys. We mapped 12 forests, counted the resident monkeys, and sampled 113,955 beetles from 288 plots. Most of the 87 species of beetles found were small tunnellers. After implementing a fully latent Structural Regression SEM, the optimal model explained a significant 26% of the variance in abundance, and 89% of diversity. The main drivers of beetle abundance were positive, direct, effects of forest area and number of monkeys, and negative edge effects. The main drivers of diversity were the direct effects of the beetle abundance, indirect effects of forest area and abundance of mammals, and indirect negative edge effects. Thus, forest area, fragmentation (via edge effects), and the number of monkeys jointly influenced the abundance and diversity of the beetles directly and indirectly.