Improving the understanding of climate change awareness is one of the top priorities in climate change research. While the African continent is among the regions with the highest vulnerability to climate change, research on climate knowledge and awareness is lacking. Kenya is already grappling with the impacts of climate change, which are projected to increase in a non-linear and non-predictable manner. This study sought to determine climate change awareness levels among households residing in Upper Nyakach Division, Kisumu County, Kenya using common climate change markers viz heavy rainfall, floods, droughts and temperature. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted in which 384 household heads were selected as respondents from 11 sub-locations; all located within Upper Nyakach Division. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Most (90.9 %) respondents had observed changes in the overall climate. Awareness level of climate change varied significantly across the 11 sub-locations. To further gain insight unto which variables were the most significant determinant of climate change awareness in upper Nyakach division, Kisumu county, a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with Poisson error distribution was built. The model indicated that sex of the household head, education level and age significantly influenced respondents’ awareness to climate change markers. Most (87 %) households reported rising temperatures over the past 20 years. Over half (55.2 %) the respondents had observed declining rains, with significant differences being observed across age groups. Up to 75 % of the respondents reported increased droughts frequency over the last 20 years, with significant differences observed across gender. Most (86.7 %) respondents reported having observed changes in water sources with significant differences reported across age groups. The respondents reported an increased prevalence of malaria with significant differences being observed among the education levels and households’ main livelihoods. The general population of the Upper Nyakach Divison is aware of changing global climate. However, more effort is required in mitigating climate change as per the local settings. Awareness campaign aimed at increasing knowledge of climate change markers among community members is recommended.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-2699-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
The Sondu-Miriu Hydroelectric Power Project (SMHPP) is a run-of-the-river hydro-power project on the Sondu-Miriu River, Kenya. The part of the river studied: between the Sondu Bridge upstream, and Osodo Bay on L. Victoria, was divided into three zones; 1. Upstream of the dam, artificial lake approximately 5 km long; 15 -2 km wide, 2. Depleted section and, 3. Lower section. SMHPP caused part of river below the dam (depleted section) to reduce in volume during power generation. Since inception, construction and implementation of the project, concerns were raised that the project would result in loss of Labeo and Synodontis fishes which were singled out as most vulnerable. This investigation set to determine the effects of SMHPP on river's fishes; and focused on species diversity, abundance and distribution. An electrofisher was used in sampling. The data obtained was compared with those reported earlier, particularly a single previous report based on electrofishing. Fish biomasses were: Upper zone 4,583 g, depleted zone, 10,666 g and lower zone, 22,004 g respectively, with a total biomass of 37,253 g from fishing activity lasting for 429 min. Catch-effort data for each zone; types, numbers and weights are given, compared and discussed. Diversity was highest, Simpson's Diversity Index was 12.945 in the upper zone.
The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of dissemination channels on utilization of research findings in the management of Environment and Fishing Efforts in Kisumu Municipality kenya. The objective of this study was: determine influence of dissemination channels on utilization of research findings. Cross sectional descriptive survey design was used in this study. Households were the unit of analysis. From a study population of 15,179 households, a minium sample of 384 household heads were used, proportionate sampling and systematic sampling were used to select households according to location of study area. Purposive sampling were also used to get key informants. Primary data on dissemination channels affecting utilization of research findings were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, Focus Group Discussions, field observation, and photography. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to establish relationships. Qualitative data were analyzed by creating patterns and themes. Finally logistic regression analysis were used to establish influence of channels of dissemination on utilization of research findings to answer the research questions. The regression output shows that the relationship between channels of accessing research findings and its utilization was positive r = 0.194 variation R 2 =0.38 , β 0.194, p < 0.05 channels of dissemination influence utilization of research findings among fisherfolks. The study concluded that there was a strong relationship between the channel of dissemination of research findings and its utilization by fisher folks. The study recommended that the scientific community/researchers should be encourage to be more open with their findings, to publish/disseminate their findings using channels of disseminations which are accessible to more and more people who can access and learn from them so that they can reduce pollution going on in the lake.
The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of socio-economic factors on utilization of research findings in the management of Environment and Fishing Efforts in
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