Browsing by Author "Stephen Mailu"

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    Afforestation as a Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Strategy in Isiolo County, Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities
    (International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 2025-10) Abdullahi Hassan Osman; Israel Nyadera; Stephen Mailu
    The aim of this study was to examine afforestation as a climate change mitigation and adaptation strategy in Isiolo County, focusing on its evolution, the challenges limiting its implementation, and the opportunities that can be harnessed to improve its effectiveness. The study also sought to demonstrate how afforestation contributes to building resilience in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), where recurrent droughts, land degradation, and dependence on natural resources increase vulnerability to climate change. Over the past few years, afforestation programmes have been launched to curb climate impacts in ASALs. The study was guided by three objectives: to investigate the evolution of afforestation as a climate change mitigation strategy in Kenya; to assess challenges facing its implementation in ASALs; and to establish opportunities for enhancing its effectiveness. Anchored on Ecosystem Restoration Theory, a mixed-method research design was applied with a sample size of 80 participants. Data was collected through questionnaires, analyzed descriptively, and presented in tables. Findings show afforestation programmes have improved in ASALs; however, their main challenge is the frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Opportunities lie in proactive governance through climate-sensitive policies and legislation. The study concludes that afforestation has evolved as a key climate change response, but its impact is limited by environmental and institutional barriers. It recommends policies linking afforestation to economic outcomes for local communities and stresses the need for regular maintenance practices such as weeding, thinning, pruning, and fire prevention to strengthen sustainability.
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    Evaluating Climate Change Resilient Approaches to Reduce Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Tana River County, Kenya
    (The International Journal of Social and Development Concerns (IJSDC), 2025-09) Douglas F. Chikandah; Mariah Ngutu; Stephen Mailu
    Human-wildlife conflict remains a persistent challenge in Kenya's Tana River County, exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and shrinking natural habitats. This journal evaluates the effectiveness of climate change resilient strategies in mitigating such conflicts by examining local perceptions, institutional interventions, and ecological impacts. Adopting a mixed methods research (MMR) design, the study collected data from a total of 399 participants, including 183 household representatives selected through simple random sampling and 216 key informants comprising 113 wildlife officers, 45 government officials, 34 conservationists, and 24 community leaders selected through purposive sampling. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources. The findings reveal that climate variability has intensified competition over water and pasture between communities and wildlife, increasing incidences of crop destruction, livestock predation, and human injuries or deaths. While several mitigation strategies such as early warning systems, community-based wildlife management, and climate-smart land use planning have been initiated, their implementation remains inconsistent and under-resourced. The journal underscores the need for integrated, locally grounded, and climate-resilient approaches that engage multiple stakeholders. It recommends enhancing institutional coordination, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and investing in climate data infrastructure as critical pathways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and enhance ecological and community resilience in Tana River County.