Forests continue to degrade as communities harvest wood fuels for their household energy needs. Charcoal burning for commercial and domestic use threatens forest resource and continues unabated resulting to increased climate change effects. Use of briquettes can substantially create win win situation for forests and household energy demands

 

INTRODUCTION 

The quality of life for both the rural and urban population across East Africa, like others in the developing world, is difficult by high cost of fuel wood and oil based products (paraffin and gas) used in cooking. For this majority the problem of obtaining fuel wood comes as a secondary priority to obtaining food. The high cost is as a result of unprecedented destruction of forests and bushes that were the traditional source of wood fuel and charcoal. However, fuel briquettes-made by compacting agricultural and commercial waste can be used for cooking is as a viable alternative.

The potential of fuel briquettes

A viable alternative fuel for cooking that is increasingly becoming popular is fuel briquettes made by compacting agricultural and commercial residues such as dried leaves, sugar bagasse , sawdust, scrap paper, and even charcoal dust into a small cake or briquettes. The briquettes can be produced locally using simple hand operated tools. Available estimates indicate that fuel briquettes can reduce the demand for firewood by more than 200,000 kilograms per year, helping to degrease deforestation. A Unique approach to conservation. Fuel briquettes have been successfully utilized in many parts of the world including Malawi, Haiti, Zimbabwe, Peru, Mali, and Kenya. However, there is great need to increase awareness on the value of briquettes as an alternative fuel in East Africa as a means of reducing local dependence on fuel wood and as a tool for teaching the community about forest conservation.

According to the World Bank and the Paris based SEED organization, 1200 grams of wood are burned per person per day in the typical cooking situation in third world countries using the three stone stove. This is equivalent to using 400 kilogram of wood each year to satisfy the energy needs of one person. In contrast, a typical person consumes only 140 kilograms’ worth of fuel briquettes made of agricultural and commercial residues, in one year. Therefore, using fuel briquettes dramatically reduces the strain on forest resources.

Usage of briquettes

Briquettes can be used in almost every application where firewood and charcoal is traditionally used, even in a typical three-stone stove. They are most applicable in areas where access to firewood is limited, such as the arid lands or in densely populated areas. In these areas, fuel briquettes can compete favorably with traditional solid fuel (firewood, charcoal, and cow dung). In Kenya briquette business is becoming popular particularly in the arid lands and other regions adversely affected by deforestation.

Briquettes as a means of protecting Forest

Forests play a vital role in stabilization of soils and ground water, thereby sustaining agricultural activity. Forests also play a crucial role in protection of water catchments an in climate moderation by absorbing greenhouse gases. They also contribute immensely to biological diversity and are a major habitat for wildlife. In the developing world, forests also provide valuable raw materials such as timber and fuel wood.

Advantages and challenges of producing and using briquettes

1.     Recycling of organic waste into fuel briquettes can be an income generating venture, leads to efficient waste disposal and maintenance of environmental aesthetic quality. Enhancing the process of recovery of organic residues can restore various natural cycles, thus preventing the loss of raw materials, energy and nutrients.

2.     Fuel briquettes are regarded as a viable answer to the urgent need for climate –friendly technologies in developing countries. The market prices of briquettes are cheaper than wood fuel and charcoal and they offer greater opportunity for environmental protection and sustainable development due to the following reasons:

a.     Using briquettes made from organic materials and other biological residues helps conserve the vegetation cover in the environment by reducing community reliance on forests.

b.     Briquettes emit little smoke in comparison to other sources of energy for domestic consumption and hence there is reduced pollution.

c.     Briquettes offer a safe and financial way of disposing organic residues and by-products, which would otherwise pollute the environment.

d.     Briquettes offer alternative source of fuel, which is cheap, easily available and accessible; they reduce the long hours community members, especially girls and women, would otherwise spend in search of fuel

Conclusion

Although briquettes are a viable and sustainable alternative to firewood and charcoal, there are several challenges to overcome before development of a successful briquette enterprise. Perhaps the biggest challenge is convincing community members that briquettes can actually replace traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal. The transition from firewood to briquettes can be difficulty, particularly in areas where fuel wood is readily accessible.

World Environment Day, Ending Plastic Pollution

World Environment Day, Ending Plastic Pollution 

June 5^th Kenya will join the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment day. It is annual global social event geared towards creating environmental consciousness. The day brings together millions of volunteers, governments and organizations from 100 countries and territories to tackle global waste crisis and more sustainable waste disposal options. It’s the largest global platform for environmental public outreach. In Kenya, the event will be marked in Tharaka University and will bring together different actors in Environment sector  

The theme for this year World Environment day is Ending Plastic pollution. Plastic pollution remains the most prominent challenge when it comes to solid waste management. The gazette notice of Kenya plastic bag ban notice No. 2356 in 2017 marked great milestone in addressing the plastics pollution menace. However, despite those efforts, plastics bags remain rampart and key component for both rural and urban pollution stress. The stubbornness of plastic bags pollution can be associated with;

Plastics have been used for industrial and household packaging for decades.  Plastic bags availability will have significant impact to the environment in days to come. In industries plastic bags have formed the core of packaging for the household consumable items. Shopping malls, retail shops and supermarkets are the main distributors of the plastics bags to the end users. The growth of this sector can be attributed to their durability, malleability, light in weight and low cost. Its estimated that by 2050 there will be 12000 million tons of plastic waste accumulation if no action is taken.

Non-Biodegradable Nature of Plastics as Soil Contaminants. Once in the soil, plastic eventually breakdown releasing toxic chemicals which affect soil pH. This leads to reduction of soil productivity. According to the interactive soil quality assessment report 2018, more than 80% of plastics found on marine environments are produced, consumed and disposed of in soils. Plastics can also lead to soil infertility by tempering with moisture and nutrition supplies for the crops resulting to reduced yield.

Plastics Damaging the Environment. Plastic are directly associated with numerous dangers to the Environment. Terrestrial and aquatic animals suffer due to presence of plastic in their food chains. Significant deaths of cows are experienced due to consumption of plastic materials that are spread all over their grazing fields. Once an animal swallow’s plastic, it causes intestinal obstruction which leads to slow death.  The poisoning emanates from chemical components making up the plastic. Plastics don’t readily break down while in the animals’ digestive track, this makes the animal feel full and eventually they succumb to malnutrition or starvation.

Clogging of water and sewerage systems. Once deposited to the environment, plastics find their way to the water supply and drainage systems whereby the clog the supply leading to disconnection of utility supplies and pollution. Their removal is costly in both time and monetary value. Sewage blockage escalates to health threat as other diseases associated with poor sewage disposal crops up.

Aesthetic defloration of the Environment. Poorly disposed plastics create unpleasant scenery. They act as breeding ground for disease transmitting insect such as mosquito as water accumulates in the inside. A vast majority of residents both from urban and rural areas would agree that plastic debris ruin the appearance of habitats.

Conclusion

Despite pollution associated with plastics, if well harnessed, they can offer much need job opportunities while reducing climate change associated effects. Through circular economy, plastics have been recycled to provide much needed alternative fencing and furniture to the rescue of our forests.  Clean natural habitats and green spaces help reduce recovery time and improve healing period of hospital patients. Such environment sustains children concentration and focus, either they reduce crime rates. However, if the environments are littered with plastics and other unpleasant debris, these benefits are highly reduced. With right legislative frameworks and governance, plastics has potential to offer much needed solutions to humanity without resultant pollution menace, this is achievable through partnerships and synergy from all stakeholders. 

 

 

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: SURFACE RUNOFF WATER HARVESTING IS KEY TO RESOLVING WATER SHORTAGE

 

Water is life and every effort to harvest, store and efficiently utilize water is worth to be undertaken. Kenya remains a water scarce country making agricultural productivity in many parts of the country unsustainable. The 6^th Sustainable Development Goal is geared towards ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water. This implies that water provision remains a priority at global arena.

Kenya has been experiencing heavy downpours during the rain seasons and extended dry periods. These phenomenon has resulted to reduced crop production, reduction of livestock pasture and general vegetation decline especially in Arid and Semi-Arid parts of the country. With changing climate, the situation is expected to get worse with time if no action is taken to cushion communities from declining water resource

Water harvesting remain viable solution to water challenges both at households and community levels. Many a time, biggest percentage of rain water is not usable by households and communities due to lack of water harvesting structures and knowhow. This is demonstrated when communities have to travel long distances to fetch water immediately after rains. The painful irony is the factor that the water at the water points is product of surface runoff from their households and farms.

Surface water runoff remain least explored means water harvesting. After rains, huge amounts of water drain in rivers, streams, pathways, roads and at times cause disasters such as loss of lives and destruction of properties. The surface runoff can be utilized with ease and made available for households for domestic and agricultural uses. This can be done through channeling the surface water to water ponds, earth dams, arable lands and other water harvesting structures.

Roof catchments too provide ideal water harvesting avenue, many rural households have access to low cost water tanks and jericans which are mainly used for water harvesting. With right incentives by government, roof catchment offers complementary source to household water availability. The high penetration of plastics tanks and concrete water reservoirs has seen short term water harvesting done targeting domestic water uses while farm ponds remain adorable water harvesting and storage techniques for both domestic and agriculture.

Farm ponds have also proven to be manageable water harvesting option at household level. Many small and marginal farmers have found farm ponds to be ideal solutions to their water struggles. Farm ponds are small in size and thus fit well within these farmers’ land holding size. They are easy to construct and mainly do not require skilled labour, they can be filled by small amounts of rain. Furthermore, since they are individually managed farmers can freely use the harvested water without any competition or conflict. In addition, farm ponds save women and children from walking for miles to find, collect, and carry water for domestic use. Farm ponds can also provide an additional source of income for families by supporting activities like fish rearing and growing vegetables.

At community levels, earth dams and water pans are being excavated to provide large scale water source. Although they have not been much explored by both government and development actors. With right water catchment, earth dams are able to harvest substantial amounts of water which is available for communities during dry seasons. They provide solution to medium scale water needs for livestock, horticulture and household uses. Although susceptible to pollution due to level of exposure, many a time community through their management committees provide much needed leadership and regulatory bylaws which prevent pollution and misuse of the rare commodity.

ROLE OF CHURCH IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES OF KENYA (NCCK)

 

Church remain one of most respected institutions and plays significant role in influencing quality of life through offering spiritual nourishment and material support to its congregants. Anchored in the Bible, Church grew from tiny village of Judea. The faith has grown over the entire world to claim loyalty of about a third of world population by today. According to the scripture, upon creation, Adam and Eve where given solemn duty to take care of the Garden of Eden, an indication of the significance of environmental conservation to mankind.

In Kenya, Church has held grip on many decisions of its members and its word is taken with respect and honor by congregants. Church is the only institution where goers don’t expect meals facilitation and transport refund, instead, they are the ones ready to give to support clergy and Church development. Kenya being a strictly religious country, one wonders why there is so much environmental degradation yet environmental conservation has its origin in the Bible. Generosity, loyalty and respect accorded to Church by its followers offers opportunity for Environmental conservation.

Church institutions remain vibrant most of the time as congregants assemble to worship or seek spiritual and material support. In rural setting and some urban areas, Churches own land where their structures have been put up, however, such institution at times remain epitome of environmental unconsciousness. With relevant mobilization, Church can take leading role in mobilizing its members to actively participate in environmental conservation. Within the institution, the congregants can plant trees, establish water harvesting structures to cater for Church water requirement.

National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), a oriented organization in Kenya has taken bold steps to ensure its members conserve their environment at both Church compounds, households and other affiliated institutions. NCCK did launch ambition 1.5 billion tree planting initiatives for the next 8 years targeting to contribute 10% of President target of 15 billion trees. The Church organization has mobilized its members and offered much anticipated support including provision of planting materials, water tanks and trainings on relevant environmental conservation skills to its member Churches.  

Church has always and timely offered direction to its members during time of crisis to cushion its members from potential risks. With the changing climate which remains most eminent global threat, its time Church voice is heard loud and clear when it comes to environmental degradation, emission of greenhouse gases, destruction of water catchments, charcoal burning, illegal logging among other environmental vices.

Church is the conscious of the society and fulfils its divine mandate to save the world.   One step in demonstrating its consciousness is to condemn environmental destruction. Church leaders need to preach green gospel to ensure amidst focus to eternal life, the life on the earth of livable for both human and non-human population. Providing instruction on environmental issues is another role of the Church in the conservation efforts. The Church teaches that the entire universe belongs to God. Mankind must protect the earth.

Article by

Andrew Muendo Nyamu

Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI) fellow 2018

Project Coordinator – Nature Positive food systems project

National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) 

WORLD WOMEN DAY: ITS TIME TO ENTRENCH WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT POSITIONS

For ages, women have been subjected to back seat when leadership and development issues are being discussed. African culture and traditions have disadvantaged women who have been left to perform demanding yet perceived insignificant chores at household levels. Traditionally women were embedded to cook, take care of children, collect firewood and remain submissive and indecisive to their know-all male counterparts. Similarly, men were believed to be God chosen leaders who were bestowed with sole mandate to make decision regarding property ownership, chiefdom and kingdom selection, property acquaintance and disposal and marital decisions such as number of children to be born, number of wives and wife inheritance matters

 

The perception has created man-made vulnerability to women and girls. Some chores continually subject women to otherwise dangerous yet mandatory environments, while collecting firewood, fetching water, attending livestock women have drowned, attacked by wild animals and militia groups causing emotional and bodily harm. Women have been subjected to lesser economic gainful enterprises in patriarchal societies who perceives women contributions as insignificant.

 

The trend seems to change in unprecedented rate as whole world. Women have taken influential and seat in cornerstone on many development and leadership positions. World Super power United States of America has woman vice president Her Excellence Kamala Harris. While Theresa May and Margaret Thatcher held Britain prime minister position in different times. For sixteen years, Angela Markel led Germany.

 

 Africa is not left behind as Ellen Sirleaf Johnson held the helm of Liberia, a leadership which has saw sanity and rule of law back to the country wounded by civil war. Catherine Samba Panza led Central Africa Republic between 2014 and 2016 while Rose Francine Rangombe led Gabon between June and October 2009. Samia Suluhu Hassan took over from Late H.E Dr Magufuli in Tanzania while Sahle Work Zedwe is the current president for Ethiopia.

 

In Kenya women have made remarkable strides from dark past to limelight both in private sector, public leadership and political position. The appointment of Nyiva Mwendwa to cabinet position in 1995 took male chauvinists by surprise but was the beginning of women presence in leadership positions which is now entrenched in the 2010 constitution. Performance of women in leadership position has proofed that they are equal participant with men.

 

In community development front, women have provided the most needed workforce either freely and below market rates. Family farming which feeds over 70% of world population according to World Rural Forum statistics 2013 is most dependent of women labor who toil to ensure their crops are planted in time, weeded and manure applied and taken care from pest and diseases and harvested. In most patriarchal African societies’ men make the decisions while women implement such decisions, a culture which continues to draw back gains made in gender equality. In pastoral communities, women are left to small livestock while men own large livestock, which bring incomes in terms of labor and sells when they are sold. Decisions to own some property and even income by women remain highly influenced by men and thus low homegrown development initiatives in rural communities

 

In recent past women have clustered themselves in self run and regulated micro finance initiatives which have offered much needed and deserving source of income in rural areas. These initiatives have seen women be able to afford household items such as cooking wear, school uniform for their children and school fees, access to better health and more regular and nutritious meals to their families. Through loans and financials savings from their groups’ (chamas’) women are able to start business and earn income and decent lives.

 

Women play important roles in all aspects of development, due to their closeness to nature, while proving for the families, women have very sound mindset in environmental conservation which has seen many women take lead in rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems.   For any community, be it in developed countries, developing, war torn regions, rural or urban to realize sustainable development, women need to be placed in their right positions as the current trend has proven that they can do what men have done and even in better. Previous closed opportunities for women need to be availed to them so that they can optimize their contribution in nation building.

 

Adoption of fuel briquettes is solution for deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions

 

Climate Change is a phenomenon which has captured attention of the entire world. Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi and Conference of Parties (CoP 28) held late last year in Dubai is clear indicator of significance of the Climate Change discussion. Fuel provision remains primary and most elusive Climate Change driver whose contribution to greenhouse gases has been on increase. Sustainable Development Goal 7 focuses on access to clean and affordable energy, however fossil fuels still remain the dominant energy source globally.

Majority of Africa households especially in rural settings depend on firewood for cooking and heating due to its affordability, accessibility and versatility in meeting household fuel needs. Firewood usage remains unsustainable because it leads to deforestation and land degradation and emits both carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide both of which are high impact greenhouse gases once released to the atmosphere. The quality of life for both the rural and urban population in Kenya, like others in the developing world, is difficult by high cost of fuel wood and oil based products (paraffin and gas) used in cooking. For this majority the problem of obtaining fuel wood should come as a secondary priority to obtaining food

With increase in wood dependent population in Africa and declining forest resource, charcoal briquettes can offer low cost, sustainable and accessible energy source. Made from compacting biomass residue such as sawdust, charcoal dust, other wood remnants or agricultural residues, charcoal briquettes remain low hanging fruit in sustainable energy options.

Charcoal briquettes offer employment opportunities thus closing the unemployment gap witnessed in third world countries. There is very huge potential for cooking and heating fuel market which remains unmet or met using unclean and polluting energy options, any viable clean energy will be great welcome in the market.

Briquettes offer waste management opportunities in circular bio economy approach. Waste which would otherwise create pollution and call for collection and disposal costs is in return converted in to sustainable bioresources for the benefit of households and the environment. Circular economy creates a continuum which appreciates all value chain actors in the ecosystem in easy to manage context, and does not require extensive legislation

According to the World Bank, 1200 grams of wood are burned per person per day in the typical cooking situation in third world countries using the three stone stove. This is equivalent to using 400 kilogram of wood each year to satisfy the energy needs of one person. In contrast, a typical person consumes only 140 kilograms’ worth of fuel briquettes made of agricultural and commercial residues, in one year. Therefore, using fuel briquettes dramatically reduces the strain on forest resources.

 

Briquettes can be used in almost every application where firewood and charcoal is traditionally used, even in a typical three-stone stove. They are most applicable in areas where access to firewood is limited, such as the arid lands or in densely populated areas. In these areas, fuel briquettes can compete favorably with traditional solid fuel (firewood, charcoal, and cow dung). In Kenya the price difference is already in favor of fuel briquettes

 

Conclusion

Beyond reasonable doubt, Earth’s climate is warming and climate change will have widespread impact on African society and their interaction with natural environment. However, there is great need to increase awareness on the value of briquettes as an alternative fuel in East Africa as a means of reducing local dependence on fuel wood and as a tool for teaching the community about forest conservation.

Andrew Muendo Nyamu

Young African Leaders Initiative alumni (cohort 24)

Nature Positive project coordinator

National Church Council of Kenya (NCCK)

Email: nyamu1895@gmail.com

 

RIVER SAND SHOULD BE SEEN AS WATER SOURCE BUT NOT MINERAL

  River sand remain key component in construction industry and water availability. In the last few decades, the world has experienced significant demand for river sand because of increasing living standards, rapid population growth, and the expansion of the construction sector. The growth of sand harvesting activities is associated with adverse environmental impacts, including reduced water quality, the widening of river beds, and reduced water quantity. Achieving equilibrium between river sand harvesting and water availability has remained elusive leading to decline in water availability due to quick cash associated with river sand harvesting

The 6^th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 6) is geared towards ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable drinking water. For its full realization, all water sources ought to be preserved to ensure their water provision is not compromised. Although hardly considered, river sand remains critical water source for households in rural arid and semi-arid areas and its continued exploration has jeopardized their livelihoods.

National Sand Harvesting Guidelines 2007, provides legal framework for conservation and utilization of sand resource, albeit it does not explicitly define whether sand is mineral or water reservoir. Makueni County Sand Conservation and Utilization Act 2015, in principle put much emphasis on conservation of river sand while creating sand utilization framework for local domestic use within Makueni County, its implementation challenges notwithstanding, the Act has led to restoration of many rivers and brought much needed sanity within sand value chain in Makueni County.

Kenya is a water scarce country with per capita water availability of 600M³ which is below global threshold of 1000M³. Coupled with climate change, the situation is likely to worsen in future. Rivers provide bulk of water for domestic and agricultural uses among rural households and their water availability is dependent on river sand availability. River sand harvesting has led to degradation of river beds which are custodians of surface water within river channels, this practice in return has resulted to drying up of rivers and water structures within river channels.

Sand dams have been widely used to restore river equilibrium and their water holding capacities through acting as barrier to sand flow downstream. Due to their relatively low cost construction and technical requirements, communities have taken up the initiative to erect as many sand dams as possible within their river channels. These initiatives have led to restoration of degraded riparian ecosystems and reclamation of adjacent arable lands.

Utilization of river sand remains threat to water availability despite its role in construction industry, this calls for regulation its regulation to ensure sustainable harvesting. To achieve this, stakeholder engagements remain primary including local communities, sand dealers, sand loaders and County and National government enforcement and compliance teams.

To realize harmony and unity from all involved river sand harvesting stakeholders, benefit sharing among involved riparian communities ought to be factored. Riparian communities through Water Resource User Associations and other local formations are the custodians of rivers and unsustainable sand harvesting directly impacts on their livelihoods and wellbeing. Laws regulating river sand harvesting should ensure trickle down of revenue to the communities through conservation projects, water projects and environment restoration projects

Water is life, and thus all water sources need to be conserved to ensure their ability to provide the much needed resources remains optimal. Sand rivers remain one of key water sources and hence their protection is paramount, for this to be achieved, sand river should be understood as water tank and not mineral

 

SOLUTIONS TO PLASTICS POLLUTION: Rethinking Plastic Pollution Menace

 

Plastic bags have been used for industrial and household packaging for decades.  Plastic bags availability will have significant impact to the environment in days to come. In industries plastic bags have formed the core of packaging for the household consumable items. Shopping malls, retail shops and supermarkets are the main distributors of the plastics bags to the end users. The growth of this sector can be attributed to their durability, malleability light in weight and low cost. Its estimated that by 2050 there will be 12000 million tons of plastic waste accumulation if no action is taken. In 2016 Kenya enacted law regulating production, use and disposal of plastic bags, however plastics bags have found their way back to the market.

Dark site of plastics, this year’s World Environment Day celebration has been coined to address the plastics related menace. Dabbed “solutions to plastics pollution”, the focus is mainly revisiting the entire plastic value chain in efforts to address perennial menace emanating from their disposal.

Non-Biodegradable Nature of Plastic Bags as Soil Contaminants. Once in the soil, plastic bags eventually breakdown realising toxic chemicals with affect soil pH. This leads to reduction of soil productivity. According to the interactive soil quality assessment report 2018, more than 80% of plastics found on marine environments are produced, consumed and disposed of in soils. Sewage sludge contributes to percolation of microplastics in soil. This happens through application of municipal wastewater treatment plants as fertilizers in agricultural lands. Plastic bags can also lead to soil infertility by tempering with moisture and nutrition supplies for the crops resulting to reduced yield

Plastic Bags Damaging the Environment. Plastic bags are directly associated with numerous dangers to the Environment. Terrestrial and aquatic animals suffer due to presence of plastic bags in their food chains. Cows have had significant deaths due to presence of plastic bags in their grazing fields. Once an animal swallow’s plastic bag, it causes intestinal obstruction which leads to slow death.  The poisoning emanates from chemical components making up the plastic bags. Plastics don’t readily break down while in the animals’ digestive track, this makes the animal feel full and eventually they succumb to malnutrition or starvation.

Clogging of water and sewerage systems. Once deposited to the environment, plastic bags find their way to the water supply and drainage systems whereby the clog the supply leading to disconnection of utility supplies and pollution. Their removal is costly in both time and monetary value. Sewage blockage escalates to health threat as other diseases associated with poor sewage disposal crops up.

Aesthetic defloration of the Environment. Poorly disposed plastic bags create unpleasant scenery. They act as breeding ground for disease transmitting insect such as mosquito as water accumulates in the inside the bags. A vast majority of residents both from urban and rural areas would agree that plastic debris ruin the appearance of habitats.

Conclusion

Despite pollution associated with plastics, if well harnessed, they can offer much need job opportunities while reducing climate change associated effects. Through circular economy, plastics have been recycled to provide much needed alternative fencing and furniture to the rescue of our forests. Initiatives such as International Coastal Clean-up held annually have seen Beach Management Unit reap benefits of maintaining clean terrestrial and marine ecosystems through selling plastic waste to recycling firms.  Clean natural habitats and green spaces help reduce recovery time and improve healing period of hospital patients. Such environment sustains children concentration and focus, either they reduce crime rates. However, if the environments are littered with plastic bags and other unpleasant debris, these benefits are highly reduced. With right legislative frameworks and governance, plastics has potential to offer much needed solutions to humanity without resultant pollution menace, this is achievable through partnerships and synergy from all stakeholders. 

Andrew Muendo Nyamu

Young African Leaders Initiative alumni (cohort 24)

Project Coordinator, National Church Council of Kenya (NCCK)

Email: nyamu1895@gmail.com

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION: Farm ponds as means for water harvesting and storage

    

Water remains essential commodity for human survival and communities keep putting different measures on its harvesting, storage
and efficient utilization. The 6^th sustainable goal (SDG 6) is geared towards ensuring everyone has access to safe and affordable drinking water. Statistics allude that water scarcity affects more than 40% of world population and with effects of climate change, the situation may worsen.

Kenya is considered water scarce country with per capita water availability of 600M³ which is below global threshold of 1000M³ and the situation remains unpredictable due to climate change and increasing water demands at household and farm levels. In 2017, Government of Kenya in partnership with development actors and business community launched Kenya Chapter of Billion Dollar alliance for water harvesting designed to scale up farm pond technology in efforts to increase water harvesting amongst communities in arid and semi-arid areas  

Kenyan climatic conditions for past six years have been patterned by heavy downpours during rains seasons and dry spells characterized by wilting and withering of crops and vegetation, reduction of pasture for livestock consequently leading to death of livestock and conflicts associated with water and pasture right of usage. During the heavy downpours however, the resultant phenomenon has been destruction of property and infrastructure, loss of life and outbreak of diseases.  

In urban areas, rainfall is seen as a curse due to its resultant effects of massive traffic congestion, accidents and flooding. In urban areas rainwater harvesting remains a non -priority according to 2009 census only 0.8 % of urban residents practice water harvesting, whereas in rural areas its seen as a big blessing, the iron however is that once it rains, people congregate in houses or use umbrellas to safeguard against rain drop, once the rain stops rains, the same people are spotted carrying, jericans on their backs following the same water to rivers and other water points, with massive sensitization on water harvesting, however this tread is rapidly changing

In most rural different water harvesting and storage approaches are being applied at household level to harvest and store water for use at later dates, high penetration of plastics tanks and concrete water reservoirs has seen short term water harvesting  done targeting domestic water uses while farm ponds remains adorable water harvesting and storage techniques for both domestic and agriculture.

Farm Ponds

Many small and marginal farmers have found farm ponds to be ideal solutions to their water struggles. Farm ponds are small in size and thus fit well within these farmers’ land holding size. They are easy to construct and mainly do not require skilled labour, they can be filled by small amounts of rain. Furthermore, since they are individually managed farmers can freely use the harvested water without any competition or conflict. In addition, farm ponds save women and children from walking for miles to find, collect, and carry water for domestic use. Farm ponds can also provide an additional source of income for families by supporting activities like fish rearing and growing vegetables.

Inades Formation Kenya, a pan African Organization working within lower Eastern areas of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui has been working with farmers in promoting water harvesting using farm ponds. To realize its mandate, it clusters farmers in groups whereby they are trained on establishment of farm pond including establishing demonstration unit for the group. The demonstration acts as a source of water for group enterprise while creating practical knowhow to group members. The group members having acquired knowledge and skills then embark on household level establishment. This has seen real transformation of lives as farmers are able to harvest, store and use water during dry seasons. In Yatta Sub County, Bishop Dr Titus Masika has been leading campaigns to mobilize farmers excavate farm ponds resulting to transformation of local youths and farmers who now actively participate in agribusiness, his intervention which is geared towards reducing reliance on relief food and donation has rekindled the zeal and passion for farmers to make use of surface runoff and roof catchment to combat climate change at minimal costs.

Farm pond water harvesting is an instrument of increasing community resilience to recurring droughts and decreasing rainfall amounts, however farm ponds are face challenges of water quality, high evaporation and downward percolation losses. These makes it hard for farmers to leap the benefits of the investment. Despite low excavation costs, other expenses for retain the water and ensuring good quality make the farm pond unavoidable to certain community segments thereby the need for government and NGO intervention in the entire water harvesting chain. Farm ponds have potential of transforming previously dry and wastelands to agricultural hubs, all partners and stakeholders have to play their part accordingly for realization of this noble goal 

  

UNREGULATED SAND HARVESTING IS THREAT TO OUR RIVERS AND WATER CATCHMENTS

 

Kenya water availability has worsened due to effects of climate change, rising population pressure and destruction of wetlands and catchments. Kenya, with total area of 582,646KM², water mass occupies on 1.9 % or 11230KM² while 80% of total area is arid and semi-arid implying that on 114283KM² is available for productive rainfed agriculture. However, there is large potential of agriculture in the arid and semi-arid areas subject to investment in irrigation, water harvesting and water storage. ASAL areas water sources are rivers, farm ponds, boreholes, dams and sand dams.  River water per capita has been in decline due to anthropogenic activities leading to increased vulnerability of farming communities along riparian areas

Sand harvestings is the world’s largest mining endeavor, responsible for 85% of mineral extraction. However, its least regulated, most corrupt, and environmentally destructive. In Kenya, booming construction industry continues to pile pressure on arable land, riparian resource, and infrastructure. Sand contribution to construction industry remains all times high as trucks and lorries loaded with sand are always visible from rural areas towards urban areas. These heavy automobiles have resulted to destruction of road networks especially feeder roads within rural areas as they access the sand mines.

Rivers provide source of livelihood for communities living adjacent and far off distances through different water channeling methods. Such communities carry out agriculture related activities whilst taking care of the rivers for sustainability. Kenya has good river network some stretching from high potential mountainous regions to drier lowlands. As they flow along, these rivers offer sources of livelihood while upholding scenic environment. Sand harvesting continues to pose one of greatest threat to rivers and riparian ecosystem. Sand acts as safe aquifer of water flowing beneath the rivers, sand harvesting destroys these aquifers, loss of aquatic ecosystem and decline in water quality.

Riverbed sand harvesting remains most single destructive activity to river ecosystem. As the sand is being scooped, the river continues to widen its bank leading to accelerated soil erosion and in return reducing arable land. Due to its role as water aquifer, as the sand reduces so the water reduces and eventually by the time the sand is completely depleted so is the water. Pollution associated with sand harvesting has continually posed diseases both to human, livestock, and aquatic ecosystem. On-farm sand harvesting on the other hand continues to deplete the fertile topsoil leading to reduced fertility and productivity. 

Weak governance structures have resulted to rampant illegal and uncontrolled sand harvesting.  Irresponsible and unsustainable sand harvesting has caused environmental destruction and devastated scenery.  Communities living in sand harvesting prone areas have borne the blunt. Mostly controlled by cartels and machete wielding goons, the vice has taken root in rivers adjacent to major towns and highways. Loss of lives, distraction of properties and injuries have been witnessed as communities protect their source of livelihoods. National Sand Harvesting guideline (2007) did provide elaborate sand harvesting procedure; however, its enforcement remains weakest link in conservation efforts.

Poverty and unemployment have remained as key drivers of the vice, Unable to anchor living due to effects of climate change and diminishing natural resource base, individuals living adjacent to rivers have sought refuge in sand harvesting fueled by weak implementation of National Sand harvesting guidelines. Loading, transportation and offloading of sand have offered the much-needed employment opportunities especially to the youth. School enrolment, retention and performance have adversely been affected because some of learners have been involved in the sand business. 

Water is life, any endeavor which threatens its availability deserves condemnation from all fronts. Communities living along the river banks have the primary responsibility of safeguarding riparian ecosystem. Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) have continually advocated for responsible, legal, and regulated sand harvesting, such efforts ought to be lauded and supported by all actors. Governments, both National and County levels have mandate to legislate and enforce laws which safeguard our rivers. The synergy of all actors remain will curb illegal and unregulated sand harvesting and thereby restore the glory of our rivers.

                                       

                                      

THE PRINCIPLES OF WATER HARVESTING IN CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE FOR ARID AND SEMI ARID AREAS

 RETENTION DITCHES

                  

Retention ditches are large ditches, designed to catch and retain all incoming runoff and hold it until it infiltrated into the ground. They are sometimes also called infiltration ditches. In semi-arid areas retention ditches are commonly used for trapping rainwater and for growing crops that have high water requirements, such as bananas. These crops can be planted in the ditch and thereby get increased supply of moisture. The design of retention ditches is usually determined by trial and error. Often the ditch is about 0.3-0.6 m deep and 0.5-1 m wide. In very stable soils it is possible to make the sides nearly vertical, but in most cases the top width of the ditch needs to be wider than the bottom width. The spacing between the ditches varies according to slope. On flat land the ditches are usually spaced at 20 m and have close ends so that all rainwater is trapped. On sloping land the spacing is between 10-15m and the ditches might have open ends so that excess water can exit. Retention ditches can also be made for the purpose of harvesting water from roads or tracks. The location of such ditches will be specific to the site. When constructing the ditches, the soil is thrown to the lower side to form an embankment that prevents soil from falling back in. In order to stabilize the structure grass can be planted on top of the embankment.

  CONDITIONS FOR RETENTION DITCH

Retention ditches are particularly beneficial in semi-arid areas where lack of soil moisture is a problem. They should be constructed on flat or gentle sloping land and soils should be permeable, deep and stable. Retention ditches are not suitable on shallow soils or in areas prone to landslides.

CONTOUR FARMING

Contour farming means that field activities such as ploughing, furrowing and planting are carried out along contours, and not up and down the slope. The purpose is to prevent surface runoff down slope and encourage infiltration of water into the soil. Structures and plants are established along the contour lines following the configuration on the ground. Contour farming may involve construction of soil traps, bench terraces or bunds, or the establishment of hedgerows. The first step in contour farming is to determine a contour guide line. All subsequent water conservation measures are related to the contour guidelines. Contour ploughing ensures that rainfall and runoff are spread evenly over a field by making furrows parallel to the contours

If you don’t plough along the contour, water will run down the furrows and erode soils when it rains Small dams made of earth can be made at regular intervals in the furrows, to trap rainwater and prevent it from flowing along the contour; these are known as tied ridges

CONDITIONS

 Contour ploughing is successful on slopes with a gradient of less than 10%. On steeper slopes contour ploughing should be combines with other measures, such as terracing or strip cropping. The fields should have an even slope, since on very irregular slopes it is too time-

consuming to follow the contours when ploughing

CONTOUR FURROWS

Contour furrows are, small earthen banks, with a furrow on the higher side which collects runoff from the catchment area between the ridges. The catchment area is left uncultivated and clear of vegetation to maximize runoff. Crops can be planted on the sides of the furrow and on the ridges. Plants with high water requirements, such as beans and peas are usually planted on the higher side of the furrow, and cereal crops such as maize and millet are usually planted on the ridges The distance between the ridges varies between 1m and 2 m depending on the slope gradient, the size of the catchment area desired and available rainfall amounts. The drier the area, the larger the distance between the furrows. Small cross–ties in the furrows can be constructed at regular intervals and at right angle to the ridges to prevent flow of runoff and to ensure an evenly distribution of captured water.

CONDITIONS FAVOURABLE FOR FULLOWS

Contour furrows are suitable for areas with annual rainfall amounts of 350-700mm. The topography should be even to facilitate M an even distribution of the water. Contour furrows are most suitable on gentle slopes of about 0.5-3%. Soils should be fairly light. On heavier, more clayed soils they are less effective because of the lower infiltration rate

GRASS STRIPS

Grass strips are a cheap alternative to terracing. Grass is planted in dense strips,  up to a meter wide, alone the contour. These lines create barriers that minimise soil erosion and runoff. Silt builds up in front of the strip, and within time benches are formed. The spacing of the strips depends on the slope of the land. On a gentle sloping land the strips should have a wide spacing (20-30 M). On a steep land the spacing needs to be less (10-15M). Grass strips can be planted along ditches to stabilise them, or on the rises of bench terraces tom prevent erosion.

The grass needs to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from shading and spreading to cropped area between strips. The cut grass can be used as livestock fodder or mulch. Any grass varieties can be used depending on what is locally available. Vetiver grass is a good grass to reduce erosion and resists drought well. Other examples of grasses that can be used are Napier guinea and Guatemala grass. Alternatively a local veld grass can be used.

 PLANTING PITS

Planting pits are the simplest form of water harvesting. They have proved especially successful for growing sorghum and millet in areas with minimal rainfall amounts. Small holes are dug at a spacing of about 1 m. During rainstorms the planting pits catch runoff and concentrate it around the growing plant. Crops are planted in the pits and thereby benefit from the increased moisture availability in the pits.  Compost or manure is placed in the pits before planting to improve soil fertility. It is not necessary to follow the contour when constructing planning pits. Dimensions of the pits vary according to the type of soil in which they are dug. Usually they are between 10-30 cm in diameter and 5-15 cm deep. In the second year, farmers may sow into the existing holes or, if spacing of the pits is large, they may dig new ones in-between the existing ones

CONDITIONS

Planting pits have proven successful in areas with annual rainfall of 200-750 mm. They are particularly useful for rehabilitate barren, crusted soils and clay slopes, where infiltration is limited and tillage is difficult. The slope should be gentle (below 2%) and soils should be fairly deep. Where soils are already shallow, they become even shallower when planting pits are dug. In those cases farmers should not plant in the pit, but in top of the ridge of excavated soils in order to maximize rooting depth.

SEMI-CIRCULAR BUDS

Semi-circular bunds are earth bunds in the shape of a semi-circle with the tip of the bunds on the contour. The size of the bunds varies, from small structures with a radius of 2 m to very large structures with a radius of 30 m. They are often used to harvest water for fruit trees and are especially useful for seedlings. Large structures are used for rangeland rehabilitation and fodder production. The entire enclosed area is planted. When used for tree growing, the runoff water is collected in an infiltration pit, at the lowest point of the bund, where the tree seedlings also are planted. The bunds are laid out in a staggered arrangement so that the water which spills round the ends of the upper hill will be caught by those lower down

CONDITIONS

Semi-circular bunds are suitable on gentle slopes (normally below 2%) in areas with annual rainfall of 200-750 mm. The soils should not be too shallow or saline

 COVER CROPS

Cover crops are usually creeping legumes which cover the ground surface between widely spaced perennial crops such as fruit trees and coffee, or between rows of grain crops such as maize. Often cover crops are combined with mulching. They are grown to protect the soil from erosion and to improve soil fertility. Cover crops protect the soil from splashing raindrops and too much heat from the sun. Most of the plants used as ground cover are legumes, such as different varieties of beans and peas. Pigeon peas and other crops with strong tap roots and longer growing season than maize and beans make good mix and can be used to break hard-pans in semi-arid areas. Over 100 species of cover crops are in use around the world.

For the cover crop to compete with the main crop as little as possible the cover crop should be of a low yielding variety. Cover crops should be planted as soon as possible after tillage to be fully beneficial. This can be done at the same time  as sowing the main crop, or after the main crop has established, to avoid competition at crop nutrition level