-
Review Article
Agricultural Wastes: Environmental Impacts of Open Field Burning of Crop Residues - a Review
David Njuguna Githinji,
Rebecca Jepkoech*
,
Benson Dulo,
Rose Ramkat,
John Githaiga,
Lydia Mwazia
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
142-157
Received:
2 June 2026
Accepted:
18 June 2026
Published:
11 July 2026
Abstract: The global increase in population and economic development has intensified pressure on the agricultural sector to increase production of food. In Kenya, the agricultural sector accounts for 20% of Gross Domestic Product with maize, wheat and rice being the most grown food crops. Maize is the most grown staple food and it contributes to 30% of the total agricultural activities, and serves 90% of the population. With large volumes of agricultural products produced, large volumes of agro-wastes are equally generated. Maize residues generated in Kenya vary by county, with the largest maize producing regions such as Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu generating approximately 4.72 MT per acre and lowest producing regions like Makueni generating 0.43 MT per acre. Disposal of crop residues has become a global problem and most agricultural economies have resorted to burning, the most convenient technique of waste management. The practice is most prevalent in India, China and Sub-Saharan Africa. This review presents an overview of burning agricultural wastes as driven by different factors. It also addresses the detrimental effects of burning on health, productivity, economy and environment, delves into the state of residue management in Kenya and associated policies and presents possible alternatives for managing agro-wastes such as composting, biochar production, animal feeds, energy production, paper manufacturing and material development. In Kenya, maize stalk residues are mainly utilized for animal feeds and large volumes are improperly disposed. Therefore, alternative solutions should be enforced including enabling innovation-based solutions.
Abstract: The global increase in population and economic development has intensified pressure on the agricultural sector to increase production of food. In Kenya, the agricultural sector accounts for 20% of Gross Domestic Product with maize, wheat and rice being the most grown food crops. Maize is the most grown staple food and it contributes to 30% of the t...
Show More
-
Research Article
The Contribution of Civil Societies' Psychosocial Support Programs on the Wellbeing of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
158-166
Received:
29 June 2026
Accepted:
10 July 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
Abstract: Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) face significant welfare challenges arising from poverty, parental loss, limited access to healthcare, and restricted educational opportunities. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in addressing these challenges through psychosocial support programs; however, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the contribution of these interventions to OVC well-being. This study assessed the contribution of civil societies' psychosocial support programs on the wellbeing of OVCs in Kawangware Ward, Nairobi County, Kenya. The study examined mentorship and guidance programs, confidence-building programs, mental health support, and emotional support activities as key dimensions of psychosocial support. The study was guided by Attachment Theory and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population comprised 521 OVCs drawn from children's homes in Kawangware. Using stratified sampling, 226 OVCs were selected, while key informants, including CSO representatives, caregivers, and community leaders, were purposively sampled for interviews. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides and analyzed using SPSS version 27. A pilot study was done in Kibera Slums to test research instruments. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that mentorship programs were significantly associated with OVC well-being (χ2 = 5.14, df = 1, p = 0.023), with 33.8% of participants reporting good well-being. Confidence-building programs showed significance (χ2 = 3.87, df = 1, p = 0.049). Mental health support was significant (χ2 = 4.62, df = 1, p = 0.032), though more recipients reported poor well-being (30.7%) than good well-being (19.5%), suggesting reactive service delivery. Emotional support activities were not significant (χ2 = 2.98, df = 1, p = 0.084). Regression analysis revealed that psychosocial support positively predicted OVC well-being (β = 0.607, p < 0.001). The study concludes that psychosocial support programs contribute meaningfully to OVC well-being, though their effectiveness varies by intervention type. It recommends strengthening mentorship and counseling services, expanding professional mental health support, and integrating emotional support activities with other interventions for comprehensive care.
Abstract: Orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) face significant welfare challenges arising from poverty, parental loss, limited access to healthcare, and restricted educational opportunities. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in addressing these challenges through psychosocial support programs; however, limited empirical evidence exis...
Show More
-
Research Article
Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Sustained Access to Domestic Water from a Community Managed Water Supply in Nakuru County, Kenya
Joel Kinyanjui Njoroge*,
Daniel Muasya Nzengya
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
167-186
Received:
23 February 2026
Accepted:
24 March 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20261203.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Access to safe and reliable domestic water remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. In Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, community-managed water services (CMWS) provide an indispensable source of domestic water for millions of households. This study assessed household factors associated with sustained access to CMWS in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a mixed-methods cross-sectional design, drawing on quantitative data from 130 households across 10 CMWS in Gilgil and Njoro sub-counties, complemented by six focus group discussions with 10 participants each. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were applied to examine associations between household characteristics and sustained access. Findings showed that 61.5% of households reported sustained access, while 38.5% experienced unsustainable access. Education emerged as a significant determinant (p = 0.006): households headed by individuals with secondary education were more than twice likely to sustain access (OR = 2.23, p < 0.05) compared to those with no schooling. Income sources also mattered (p = 0.002). Farming households were less likely to sustain access (OR = 0.37, p < 0.01), while daily laborers and non-government employees reported higher sustainability. Marital status was significantly associated with sustained access (p = 0.005): 60.8% of married households maintained service continuity, widowed households reported the highest level of unsustainability (12.3%). Household proximity and service availability further shaped outcomes. Households near water points reported higher sustainability (57.5%) compared to those farther away (42.5%). Service availability was the strongest determinant (p = 0.001): households with consistently available water were ten times more likely to sustain access (OR = 10.21, p < 0.001). Cost of service showed weaker associations, suggesting that reliability outweighed affordability in shaping household engagement. Age was negatively associated with sustainability (OR = 0.50, p < 0.01), indicating older household heads were less likely to perceive water services as sustainable. The study concludes that sustained access to CMWS is mediated by education, livelihood strategies, marital stability, service availability, and governance confidence. Policy recommendations include equity-sensitive tariffs, governance transparency, and professionalized backstopping for community systems. Addressing vulnerabilities among widowed and farming households is essential to achieving universal and equitable water access in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Abstract: Access to safe and reliable domestic water remains a cornerstone of sustainable development. In Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, community-managed water services (CMWS) provide an indispensable source of domestic water for millions of households. This study assessed household factors associated with sustained access to CMWS in Nakuru County, Ke...
Show More
