Sustainable Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Strategies Around Busitema Central Forest Reserve, Eastern Uganda

The study aimed at establishing sustainable Human-wildlife co-existence strategies to help settle the conflicts existing between humans and wildlife living around Busitema Central Forest Reserve. To achieve this, we first examined the nature of the existing conflicts which helped us to come up with conflict-specific co-existence strategies. We used questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussions, where the information obtained was confirmed by field observations. The data was then analysed using simple descriptive statistics like percentages, means and standard deviations. Results indicated that primates (baboons and monkeys) dominated the conflicting list of wildlife with humans followed by rodents while carnivores were the least reported. Crop raiding (100%), livestock and poultry predation (36%) were the most dominant conflicts reported posed to man while habitat destruction (40%) and road accidents (26%) were the biggest conflict man has posed on wildlife. Equitable compensation (10±0.0) and community involvement in conservation (8±1.4) dominated the sustainable Human-Wildlife co-existence strategies suggested by local communities. It was concluded that, involvement of local communities in wildlife conservation should be prioritized and areas surrounding the protected forest area should be planted with crops such as tea and trees such as eucalyptus (woodlots) that are not affected by wildlife but rather are enhancers of wildlife habitats

Conservation Of Urban Forest In Tanzania: Community Attitudes Towards Njiro Forest, Arusha

Understanding community attitudes towards urban forests is of great importance since these attitudes are inherently linked to the long-term sustainability of urban forests management and conservation. We analysed the attitudes of the local community towards the Njiro forest (Arusha, Tanzania) which is managed and used as an experimental beekeeping area by TAWIRI (Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute). Data collection was done between September-October 2018 involving a sample of 163 randomly selected respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Quantitative data were analysed through Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Chi-square tests and contingency tables were used to determine whether there was a significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories. Possible influences coming from sociological and demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, occupation were assessed. The majority of the respondents declared to gain ecological benefits from the forest. A significantly larger group of older respondents in comparison with the younger ones (p<0.05) declared to face problems coming from the forest (stray dogs, robbers, illegal waste disposal). Males showed to be more interested in practising beekeeping than females (p<0.05). Respondents with a primary education level were more prone to express agreement with the adopted management strategies in comparison with respondents with higher education (p<0.001). In conclusion, the great majority of respondents declared to support the conservation of Njiro forest, however, employed respondents and females were more positive regarding the hypothesis of abolishing the forest (p<0.05). In order to improve management strategies and support the long-term conservation of the forest, respondents recommended strengthening the protection of the forest by fencing it, providing environmental education to the surrounding community, reinforcing the cooperation with the local community and planting new trees to improve the health of the forest ecosystem.

Adaptation and Growth Performance Evaluation of Nitrogen Fixing Tree/Shrub Species in Dello-menna District of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Prior integration of any tree/shrub species in a given land use system, there is always the need of undertaking a field trials to assess their adaptability and growth performance under a particular environment. Study was planned and conducted to evaluate the adaptability potential and growth performance of six nitrogen fixing tree/shrub species in Dello-menna district of Bale zone, southeast Ethiopia. The considered species in the study are Cajanus cajan, Flemingia macrophylla, Gliricidia sepium, Sesbania sesban, Calliandra calothyrsus, and Leucaena leucocephela. Seedlings were produced in a nursery site and transplanted to the experimental site. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three replications, and the management practices employed uniformly for each species throughout the stud period. In the study the necessary growth performance data parameters; plant height, root collar diameter and survival rate were measured and recorded. Thereafter, the data was analysed by GenStat (15th ed) and Excel computerized programs. Results obtained showed that, these growth performance data parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) varied among the tested species. In this respect, F. macrophylla, S. sesban, G. sepium and C. cajan attained the higher mean values in survival rate, plant height and root collar diameter. While L. leucocephela and C. calothyrsus attained the lowest mean values for the entire growth performance parameters. Hence, it can be inferred that the study site matched well with the environmental requirement of F. macrophylla, S. sesban, G. sepium and C. cajan. The species therefore offers much promise for future use in any of agroforestry practices in the area. However, evaluation of their contribution to soil fertility improvement and crop yield needs to be further investigated as this may insights to know their nutrient provision potential while integrated together with annual and/or perennial plants in agroforestry land use system.

Conservation Activities of Women in Nyangores Forest Station, Mau Conservancy, Kenya

Community-based forest management has increasingly gained popularity in many parts of developing countries. Although the roles of women in forest conservation, management and sustainable utilisation, as well as livelihood improvement, are of paramount importance, it is still scarce and unaddressed in new forest management approaches. Structured questionnaires were administered to 248 Nyangores community forest association members to capture the forest conservation activities of women, determine their role in community forest management and evaluate their socio-economic benefits. Results indicate tree seedling propagation (87.1%), monitoring and evaluation (M&E) (85.1%), and protection of regenerates (84.7%) as the major forest conservation activities. Minor roles included timber harvesting (22.9%), enrichment planting, silvicultural operations (12.9%), and firefighting (8.5%). Accrued socio-economic benefits as a result of women’s role in forest management and conservation were freshwater (95.6%) and firewood (94.8%). These results suggest the incorporation of both genders as a pre-requisite for the success of community forest conservation programs in Mau Conservancy, Kenya.

Incidence of Pests and Diseases in Tree Nurseries and Plantations in Kimondi Forest, Nandi County, Kenya

Increasing demand for wood is putting pressure on forest resources that are equally under threat from insect pests and diseases. Reported average annual forest loss stands at 0.2% globally, 0.8% in Africa, and 1.6% in Kenya. To meet the increasing demand for forest products in Kenya, the government and private sector have established plantations of non-native tree species dominated by Eucalyptus species, Cupressus lusitanica, and Pinus patula. To ensure successful forest plantation establishment and management schemes, there is a need for sufficient knowledge and understanding of tree growth conditions and threats including pests and diseases. This study aimed at determining the incidence of plantation and tree nurseries in Kimondi Forest, Kenya. Tree plantations were mapped into 2.5 Ha rectangular portion transects parallel to the forest roads. In randomly selected portions, observations were carried out for disease and pest signs and symptoms on various tree parts (leaves, stem, roots, fruits, and twigs). In the tree nurseries, 3 m × 1 m rectangular quadrants were placed on seedling beds and similar observations were made. Collected data indicated a high incidence of nursery seedling pests (5.3 % leaves and 5.1% stems) on Eucalyptus species and least on P. patula (2.4% leaves and 3% stems). Higher incidence of plantation pests (35.0% leaves of Eucalyptus sps.) and least on P. patula stems (1.2%) were recorded. On the other hand, twelve (12.0%) of C. lusitanica and (1.8%) Eucalyptus species plantation twigs were infested by pests. A high incidence of nursery seedling disease (9.8%) was observed on C. lusitanica leaves and least on P. patula stems (3.6%). Higher incidence of plantation diseases (32 %) on leaves of Eucalyptus sps. and least on C. lusitanica stem (1.4%) was recorded. In both tree nurseries and plantations, roots and fruits remained free from pests and disease. Major tree pests and diseases identified in Kimondi forests include (Human, wildlife, livestock, Cinara cupressi, Gonipterus scutellatus, Pinus pini, and Leptocybe invasa) and (damping-off, Fusarium wilt, Botryosphaeria canker, cypress canker, and Mycosphaerella spp.) respectively. These results suggest a need for regular monitoring and intervention measures to control pest and disease infestation in the Kimondi forest.

The Geology of Silali Basin (Kenya) as an Extra-Terrestrial Impact Crater (ETIC)

Certain rocks, rock minerals and rock formations have come to be associated with ETICs (Extra-terrestrial Impact Craters). An extra-terrestrial impact crater is a crater that is formed by an extra-terrestrial impact event whereby a heavenly body (a meteor, comet, or asteroid) hits the earth’s surface and creates a crater; before it cools on the earth’s surface as a meteorite or completely gets squashed by the thermodynamics of space transit. The crater created can be dry or filled with water and may be a simple crater or a complex one, also denoted as a basin. The objective of this paper is to describe the geology of the Silali basin as an Extra-Terrestrial Impact Crater (ETIC), highlight the importance of some of its ETIC rocks and explain the formation of the Silali basin resulting from extra-terrestrial impact. Data was collected through field observation, remote sensing, analysis of past geographical and geological studies, interviewing and laboratory analysis. Information has been presented in the form of analyzed satellite images, pictures, tables, and maps. Notably, this is the first study on extra-terrestrial impact cratering (ETIC) in Kenya. Consequently, the Silali basin, as an ETIC, and its environs, is a virgin field for further scientific research.

Variability of Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Potential of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Euphorbiaceae) at Fine Scale in Southern of Benin

Ricinodendron heudelotii (Euphorbiaceae) is an oilseed plant with high socio-economic value. Unfortunately, the seed’s tegumentary dormancy causes low germination and severely limits its large-scale spread. Germination and juvenile growth of eleven provenances from Benin and Central African Republics were tested under four different pre-treatments (control, lime scarification, soaking in water for seven days and scarification followed by soaking in water for three days) in order to provide information for use in the reforestation and improvement of R. heudelotii. In a Fischer block with three replicates of ten seeds, the daily and final germination (nine months) was recorded and the cumulative germination rate, average germination time and survival rate were calculated. In addition, total height, diameters at the collar and above the cotyledons, internode length, total number of leaves and seedling internodes were measured quarterly. Germination and growth of juveniles were significantly different between provenances and pre-treatments. The highest germination rate (%) in short duration (d) was recorded with seeds both scarified and soaked for three days in water from Akouho (20%, 42.08 d), CRAPP (36.67%, 18.82 d), Agrimey (33.33%, 18.30 d), Ilikimou (26.67%, 19.94 d) and Woroko (26.67%, 19.25 d) and then lime scarified seeds from Massi (80%, 14.46 d), Itchede (80%, 21.29 d) and Lobaye (60%, 19.11 d). Seedlings from seeds that were scarified and soaked for three days in water showed optimal growth for all traits; Lobaye and CRAPP provenances showed the best height growth (33.22±1.45 and 31.96±1.15 cm) while Massi and Illikimou provenances showed the best growth in collar diameter (1.08±0.06 and 1.11±0.09 cm). Provenances and pre-treatments revealed a discrete variation in germination and growth of R. heudelotii. Scarification on the one hand and scarification coupled with soaking into the water for three days on the other hand, are the best pre-treatments to increase seedling production while the best provenances are Lobaye, Massi and Itchede. These provenances are potential seed sources for Forestation Program in Benin.

Forest Tree Composition: A Comparative Study of Timber Species in Bayelsa State Nigeria

Measuring tree species diversity is critical for forest management, particularly where timber species suffer undue anthropogenic pressure. This study was carried out in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A sample plot was systematically chosen from randomly selected communities in each of the three senatorial districts Bayelsa West (BW), Bayelsa East (BE) and Bayelsa Central (BC) of the State. Each sample plots measured 25 m x 25 m and all timber tree species that were at least six feet above ground level within each sample plot were identified, counted and measured. Fifty individual timbers were encountered in the sample plot at Ogobiri community in BW, fifty-two at Kolo 1 community in BE and fifty-six at Gbarain community in BC belonged to 18, 16 and 14 different families respectively. Families with the largest number of species in the plots were Gentianaceae and Meliaceae, and the highest diversity indices were recorded from BE senatorial district. Generally, the basal area of the sample plots increases with an increase in diameter at breast height. The forested zones were on flat terrain characterized by seasonal flood inundation, and the similarities of timber species in the plots occurred as (BW-BC)> (BW-BE)> (BC-BE). Also, four tree species Coelocaryon preussii, Sacoglottis gabonensis, Milicia excelsa and Triplochiton scleroxylon were identified as rare species, and management options that would ensure ad infinitum supply of timber species were proposed.

Comparative Study on Volume Estimation Using a Model with one and Model with two Independent Variables in Meru/USA Forest Plantation, Northern Tanzania

Worldwide, the management of forests has been known to rely on the determination of the size of tree stands. The size of tree stands is determined based on dimensions that include the diameter and the marketable height through the volume equation. The volume is often evaluated from the diameter. It can however also be measured directly on felled trees or logs. It is difficult to obtain the volume for the stand trees directly, so, models were developed to tackle the situation based on standing trees’ variables like diameter and height in order to simplify volume estimation because it is more closetful and difficult to measure direct volumes for standing trees. The general objective of this study was to estimate trees’ volume using one and two independent variables. Systematic sampling was used to allocate the plots on which the diameters of the trees were measured, and counted for the number of individuals (trees stems). The Relascope was used to assign the trees to be considered in the set plot while a diameter tape measure was used for diameter (DBH) measurements and the already measured trees were marked (using marker pens, paints and chalk). Data recording sheets and a handheld GPS were used for recording coordinates. The study findings revealed that having a model with two independent variables; DBH and height(H) is more accurate compared to the model with one independent variable.

The Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Climate Change in Kakamega Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem of Kakamega County, Kenya

The main objective of this study was to establish the spatial and temporal characteristics of climate change in the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest. This study was descriptive and cross-sectional in design and relied on a mixed methods methodology. Anthropogenic Global Warming Theory and Adaptive Management Theory were used to guide the study. A conceptual framework showing the interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables was outlined. The study utilized both secondary and primary data. The target population was 200 households living up to 10 km from the forest edge in the selected communities neighbouring Kakamega Tropical Rainforest and 20 government officials within Kakamega County. A total of 119 members of the households and 20 forest officers were sampled as respondents in the study. The study findings revealed that the spatial and temporal characteristics of climate change were very extreme temperatures and precipitation (the results revealed that temperature is increasing by 0.04 °C per annum while rainfall amounts have dropped by 150 mm for the past fifty-three years in the region). The study recommended that there is a need to conserve the forest to get rid of extreme temperatures and precipitation since it was a source of many services to the surrounding communities and that the forest ecosystem also helped to adapt or mitigate climate change among others.