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Research Article
Irish Potato Production and Consumption Amid Climate Change and Variability Among Small Scale Farmers in Narok South Sub- County-Kenya
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
155-169
Received:
3 July 2025
Accepted:
14 July 2025
Published:
30 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijnrem.20251003.11
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Abstract: This study explored on Irish potato production and consumption among small scale farmers amid climate change and variability in Narok south sub- county-Kenya. The study employed focus group discussions and cross sectional descriptive survey research methods for data collection. A total of 393 small scale farmers were randomly sampled through multistage sampling procedure for descriptive survey and controlled focus groups discussion. Data from the cross section survey was screened and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 program to give frequencies and percentages. Chi-square was calculated and inference made at confidence level of α=0.05. focus groups discussion was analysed qualitatively. The results indicated that, majority (71.5%) of the respondents got their Irish potato seeds for planting from previous harvest. Handsomely 64.1% of the respondents responded by indicating that they planted other crops when they lacked Irish potato seeds. The study further indicated that, significant 92.9% of farmers were not taking on any an initiative on value addition method which could enhance their money in their pockets. Majority (76.9%) didn’t know how to make French fries in their homes nor sell it to their neighbours. The study moreover, indicated that a sizeable (35.3%) of the respondents consume Irish potato as an accompaniment to other foods. Further, about 33.2% of the respondents indicated that, they consume Irish potato as main dish. The study also highlighted that 82.3% of the respondents highly observed pest and disease as Irish potato production challenges amid climate change and variability. The study concluded that climate change and variability has influence on Irish potato production and consumption and therefore affecting food security and availability in Narok County. This study therefore recommends that; the agricultural extension agents should endeavour to train farmers on positive potato seed selection or similarly direct farmers where they can get certified quality Irish potato seeds.
Abstract: This study explored on Irish potato production and consumption among small scale farmers amid climate change and variability in Narok south sub- county-Kenya. The study employed focus group discussions and cross sectional descriptive survey research methods for data collection. A total of 393 small scale farmers were randomly sampled through multis...
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Research Article
El Niño-related Factors Contributing to Forest Degradation and Determinants of Amazonian Lands Recovery
Ana Rodriguez*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
170-178
Received:
2 July 2025
Accepted:
19 July 2025
Published:
7 August 2025
Abstract: Amazon forests intrinsic defenses against fire outbreaks and spread have been challenged in the past decades by extreme weather conditions, such as drought, global warming and land use practices. These alterations are particularly relevant to vegetation and soil resistance to burn, potentially impairing Amazon enhanced properties as a carbon sink. The aim of this narrative review is to outline the factors that made Amazon lands prone to El Niño (EN) environmental threats, its consequences and the conditions that favor forest regrowth. EN drought was one of the most impactful events for these forests, in which an unexpected decrease in precipitation and elevated temperature gave rise to devastating wildfires predominant in the Northern and Central Amazon. Before EN-years, rainfall periods declined causing observable, although less pronounced alterations in soil moisture and accumulated water aboveground, along with gradual scarcity of water resources in vegetation. Short- and long-term impairment of carbon stocks will have an impact on Amazon forest biomes considering foreseen climatic adversities and related fire episodes. Until the end of the XXI century, in the worst CO2 emissions conditions, Amazonian forest degradation might reach a proportion of 40%. Forest resilience to precipitation changes can be reflected in structural adaptative modifications in vegetation and cover lands as dry to wet seasonal transitions take place. Fire-effects on Amazon forests impel selective recruitment of tree species, in terms of survival and carbon accumulation abilities, in burnt lands sensitive to the number of fire incidences. Soil composition also presents distinctive components, as a result of fires when compared to undisturbed areas, suggesting vegetation and underground forest alterations in burnt sites. Predicted climate changes allowed the projection of forest responses under diversified conditions, in which the severity of drier periods and fires could be both overcome by certain vegetation species regrowth or a restrictive factor for forest survival, in the most harmful carbon emissions scenario expected in the last four decades of the century. Environmental regulations are needed to control deforestation minimizing its deleterious impact on forest biomass, carbon emissions and regeneration of the Amazonian biosphere. Governmental positions on previous mandates that overlooked the application of forest protection laws from environmental hazards have been related to toxic levels of carbon emissions, comparable to the damage that occurred during EN events. Social influence on this matter was also demonstrated by social media political comments that were associated with the incidence of fire episodes in the Amazon within a time-frame of up to one week.
Abstract: Amazon forests intrinsic defenses against fire outbreaks and spread have been challenged in the past decades by extreme weather conditions, such as drought, global warming and land use practices. These alterations are particularly relevant to vegetation and soil resistance to burn, potentially impairing Amazon enhanced properties as a carbon sink. ...
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Research Article
Feeding Ecology and Distribution Patterns of the Common Eland (Tragelaphus Oryx) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Northern Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
179-186
Received:
7 June 2025
Accepted:
25 June 2025
Published:
8 August 2025
Abstract: This study examined the feeding ecology and distribution patterns of Common eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). Study conducted early in the morning (0600-1130 HRS) and late evening (1700-1830 HRS) in both wet (April) and dry (September) seasons, in 2020 and 2021, using field observations along pre-established plots for feeding ecology, transects for distribution patterns of the common eland crossed diverse representation of vegetation types. The eland's diet varied significantly between plant species grazed often grazing on Chloris pycnothrix and Themeda triandra, but rarely browsing on Hibiscus aponeurus and Vachellia tortilis. Eland distribution patterns were computed and mapped using ArcGIS Software, while diet composition was demonstrated using Generalised Linear Model (GLM) in R statistical software. The results illustrate that 92 % of elands were mostly chosen grassland, 2% preferred shrubland, 4.8% preferred woodland, and 0.7% used the forest. The distribution patterns of eland in different vegetation did not vary significantly with the season and vegetation types, as there was no ecological association between season and vegetation types. The study provides recommendations for vegetation management in favour of the feeding ecology of common eland because they cluster into all vegetation types, whereas grassland influences the feeding of eland. The few remaining vegetation types were browsed but also used as tree cover, a security advantage, and an ability to reduce exposure to predators.
Abstract: This study examined the feeding ecology and distribution patterns of Common eland (Tragelaphus oryx) in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). Study conducted early in the morning (0600-1130 HRS) and late evening (1700-1830 HRS) in both wet (April) and dry (September) seasons, in 2020 and 2021, using field observations along pre-established plots ...
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