JNRD - Journal of Natural Resources and Development
JNRD, Journal of Natural Resources and Development, is a peer-reviewed, free of charge and open access journal that publishes articles related to natural resources management and the analysis of socio-ecological systems.
Centers for Natural Resources and Development
Using global products to improve under-standing of eco-hydrological processes and patterns in tropical catchments
Understanding the ecohydrological processes at large-scale in tropical regions across Latin America has been a challenge due to climate variability and the lack of long temporal data series. As an alternative, remote sensing data and global products have been widely used in ungauged basins to get insights into key hydro-climatic patterns. Here, we study eco-hydrological processes in 27 tropical catchments across Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico through the vegetation water use efficiency described by the Horton Index (HI) and the long-term water-energy balance described by the Budyko curve. Streamflow records from 2000 to 2014 were correlated with vegetation and climate indexes derived from MODIS, TRMM and CHIRPS at long-term and annual scales in order to find which factors presented more influence on the catchment’s response. Most of the Colombian and Costa Rican catchments were classified as energy-limited according to the dryness index (AI>1) and low water efficiency (HI ~ 0.48), meanwhile, Mexican catchments tended to be water-limited (AI>1) and more water efficient (HI ~ 0.52). Results suggested that climate is the strongest driver of water partitioning, where mean annual precipitation presented a strong linear relationship (ρ=0.93) with mean annual and intra-annual streamflow. Furthermore, the dryness index was a good predictor (r2=0.83 and 0.86, respectively) of the annual and long-term streamflow through a non-linear relationship similar to Budyko theory. Vegetation water use efficiency plays a secondary role in water partitioning, where HI was linearly negatively correlated with streamflow and baseflow (ρ=-0.78 and 0.82)
Copyright (c) 2025 JNRD - Journal of Natural Resources and Development
Analysis of Droughts in South-West Indian Ocean Countries using SPI and SPEI and their Relationship with Global SST
Drought is a continuous period of dry weather and it is one of the most serious problem for human societies and ecosystems which caused by deficiency in rainfall in that region and the most affected are tropical monsoon dependent agriculture regions including Africa. Drought indices like Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) are very useful and well accepted drought indices representing the magnitude and severity of drought at a particular location by identifying the water stresses. In present study, eight coastal and one landlocked country in South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) are selected as a study region. An approach has been made to see rainfall variability of these countries using monthly rainfall climatology which showed maximum rainfall amount received by these countries is during months of December-January-February-March (D-J-F-M) and using decadal rainfall percent departure (PD) which delineated the multi-decadal dry and wet phases precisely for these countries, with PD ranging lower than -18% to higher than 16% in some cases. To understand drought magnitude and severity in these countries we have calculated 4 months cumulative SPI and SPEI for the months of D-J-F-M. In addition, correlation between both SPI and SPEI of all nine countries with global SST and various Nino and IOD SST regions is also analysed to understand various teleconnections responsible for drought.
Copyright (c) 2022 Journal of Natural Resources and Development https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode.de
Intrinsic restoration of a ferruginous ultisol using goosegrass (Eleusine indica L. [Gaertn.]) obtained from different land use areas
The study is an attempt to predict land restoration through changes in plant-soil characteristics. The capacity of goosegrass (Eleusine indica L. [Gaertn]) obtained from different land use areas in the rehabilitation and restoration of ferruginous ultisol was investigated. Fresh healthy tillers of E. indica from ten built environments and ferruginous utisol with iron content of 298.10 mg/kg were used in the study. The plants were grown for a period of seven weeks during which changes in the morphological characteristics of E. indica were assessed. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron concentrations in the soil and plant parts were also determined. The morphological parameters revealed that there were no significant differences in the progression of plant height, spike length, number of primary roots. However, there was a significant decrease in the number of spikelets per plant, and root and shoot weight. Results suggest that rhizoacidity and phylloacidity of goosegrass roots and shoots result from the absorption and accumulation of iron from ferruginous utisols. E. indica shoots significantly accumulated more potassium compared to the roots. There were no significant differences in the residual iron content upon removal of E. indica from all locations, indicating that the introduction of the test plant did not significantly remove iron from the ferruginous soil. The concentration of nitrogen in the soil was not significantly impacted by the presence of E. indica as well as the root and shoot accumulation of nitrogen regardless of location. Overall, E. indica is capable of improving the fitness for agricultural use of ferruginous utisols.
Evaluation of the water supply potential of nature-based and reservoir-based drought adaptation measures under climate change scenarios for a rural catchment in South-east Brazil
Rural and unregulated catchments can be extremely affected by droughts due their lack of storage capacity and dependence on rainfed agricultural production. In 2014/2015 the Muriaé catchment in South-East Brazil suffered severe drought impacts. In this study we evaluated two adaptation measures representing conventional grey infrastructure and a nature-based solution. Using the rainfall-runoff model WEAP the effect of reservoir construction and widespread implementation of silvopasture on streamflow in the catchment was simulated using climate change projections for the RCP 2.6 and 8.5 emission scenarios. The results propose higher precipitation and lower temperature for the 2.6 scenario. Yet, for the 8.5 scenario droughts are expected to be more severe, still the modeled reservoir volume was sufficient to maintain the 90 percentile flow (Q90) during most of the modeled droughts. Instead, the implementation of silvopasture only increased streamflow leaving the catchment with a maximum of 4%, but also decreased streamflow peaks during the high streamflow flooding season.
Public-private partnership as a responsive culture for green management in Bangladesh
The study essentially aims to assess the public-private partnership (PPP) as a thriving strategy in natural resources maintenance that largely is dependent on stakeholders’ participation forest bio-diversity and green management. In an age of climate change and global warming, as a threat due to unavoidable consequences of human activities, natural resource management is now one of the prime concern around the developed and developing countries in terms of creating responsible attitude towards green maintenance. Governments have, by and large, agreed on sustainable employ and conservation of forests in several international forums during the last three decades. In fact, public sector has already proved its inefficiency and ineffective mode to protect natural resources due to lack of skills, human and material resources, and rampant corruption which have encouraged the government to introduce the strategy of PPP. The study was conducted at Lawachhara national park through a sample survey by employing stratified sampling as well as some other tools of data collection incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It is evident in the study that most of the respondents commonly believe PPP may change the existing ineffective and inefficient mode of natural resources management. Another important finding included that challenges are not possible to overcome unless the active participation of the stakeholders are possible to ensure.
Copyright (c) 2021 Journal of Natural Resources and Development https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode.de
New focus of environmental education programs
Simulation of upward flux from shallow water-table using UPFLOW model
The upward movement of water by capillary rise from shallow water-table to the root zone is an important incoming flux. For determining exact amount of irrigation requirement, estimation of capillary flux or upward flux is essential. Simulation model can provide a reliable estimate of upward flux under variable soil and climatic conditions. In this study, the performance of model UPFLOW to estimate upward flux was evaluated. Evaluation of model performance was performed with both graphical display and statistical criteria. In distribution of simulated capillary rise values against observed field data, maximum data points lie around the 1:1 line, which means that the model output is reliable and reasonable. The coefficient of determination between observed and simulated values was 0.806 (r = 0.93), which indicates a good inter-relation between observed and simulated values. The relative error, model efficiency, and index of agreement were found as 27.91%, 85.93% and 0.96, respectively. Considering the graphical display of observed and simulated upward flux and statistical indicators, it can be concluded that the overall performance of the UPFLOW model in simulating actual upward flux from a crop field under variable water-table condition is satisfactory. Thus, the model can be used to estimate capillary rise from shallow water-table for proper estimation of irrigation requirement, which would save valuable water from over-irrigation.
Irrigation management strategies for winter wheat using AquaCrop model
Many regions of the world face the challenge to ensure high yield with limited water supply. This calls for utilization of available water in an efficient and sustainable manner. Quantitative models can assist in management decision and planning purposes. The FAO’s newly developed crop-water model, AquaCrop, which simulates yield in response to water, has been calibrated for winter wheat and subsequently used to simulate yield under different sowing dates, irrigation frequencies, and irrigation sequences using 10 years daily weather data. The simulation results suggest that “2 irrigation frequency” is the most water-efficient schedule for wheat under the prevailing climatic and soil conditions. The results also indicate decreasing yield trend under late sowing. The normal/recommended sequence of irrigation performed better than the seven-days shifting from the normal. The results will help to formulate irrigation management plan based on the resource availability (water, and land availability from previous crop).
Trust and Rural Enterprise in the Trade Activities of Small-Scale Fisheries: Lessons Learned From Pangandaran, Indonesia
This paper explores the approach used by fisheries-related stakeholders to break the complex relationship between fishermen and middlemen in the fishing village of Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia. This location was selected because the fisheries trade there has been institutionalized by the presence of rural enterprise. This is unusual, especially in traditional small-scale fisheries where trade is governed by middlemen. The information was obtained by interviewing key stakeholders from various parties and combining this with relevant secondary data. The main argument is that formalizing the fisheries market is not as simple as implementing technical regulations. There are non-technical factors that affect the entire process. The findings indicate that trust is the important variable that catalyzes the process and binds stakeholders in certain trading mechanisms. Furthermore, this situation is very helpful to divert the fishermen from patron-client relationships that are often unfavorable in the long term.
Analyzing the biophysical inputs and outputs embodied in global commodity chains – the case of Israeli meat consumption
The prevailing global livestock industry relies heavily on natural capital and is responsible for high emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). In recent years, nations have begun to take more of an active role in measuring their resource inputs and GHG outputs for various products. However, up until now, most nations have been recording data for production, focusing on processes within their geographical boundaries. Some recent studies have suggested the need to also embrace a consumption-based approach. It follows that in an increasingly globalized interconnected world, to be able to generate a sustainable food policy, a full systems approach should be embraced. The case of Israeli meat consumption presents an interesting opportunity for analysis, as the country does not have sufficient resources or the climatic conditions needed to produce enough food to support its population. Therefore, Israel, like a growing number of other countries that are dependent on external resources, relies on imports to meet demand, displacing the environmental impact of meat consumption to other countries. This research utilizes a multi-regional consumption perspective, aiming to measure the carbon and land footprints demanded by Israeli cattle and chicken meat consumption, following both domestic production and imports of inputs and products. The results of this research show that the “virtual land” required for producing meat for consumption in Israel is equivalent to 62% of the geographical area of the country. Moreover, almost 80% of meat consumption is provided by locally produced chicken products but the ecological impact of this source is inconsequential compared to the beef supply chain; beef imports comprise only 13% of meat consumption in Israel but are responsible for 71% of the carbon footprint and 83% of the land footprint. The sources of Israel’s meat supply are currently excluded from environmental impact assessments of Israeli processes. However, they constitute a significant fraction of the system’s natural capital usage, so they must be included in a comprehensive assessment of Israel’s consumption habits. Only then can policy be created for a sustainable food system, and inter-regional sustainability be achieved.
A proposal for tsunami mitigation by using coastal vegetations
This research was conducted at the southern coastal area of central Java Island, Indonesia. It is aimed to identify several coastal vegetation characteristics for development of guideline for planning and design of tsunami mitigation. Survey method was applied to observe common coastal vegetation in the research area. Data collected from the survey consisted of vegetation parameters and coastal morphology. All selected vegetations were analyzed for their allometry relation of each species, maximum density, correlation between breaking moment and trunk diameter of each tree species, and correlation between trunk diameter and spacing between trees for each species. For coastal morphology, it was focused on topography and elevation from sea level. The results show that trees with the hard wood will be stronger to hold the pull moment on the main trunk. Younger trees with smaller diameter tend to be more flexible, thus they will unbreakable during the test. The other trees which have flexible trunk such as Terminalia catappa and Anacardium occidentale were often pulled out their roots than broken on their trunks. To obtain more extensive characteristic, it is necessary to carry out advanced measurements, especially on the older trees which have more than 10 cm diameter. Coastal areas consist of mud and sand materials tend to have a high tsunami risk, although mitigation treatments were different for both types. At the muddy area, the recommended vegetation are Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata, meanwhile Casuarina equisetifolia and Anacardium occidentale, due to their high flexibility, will be more suitable on the sandy coast. Both types should be planted parallel to the shoreline. Casuarina is planted in the frontline followed by Anacardium behind it.
Enzymatic Inhibition Constant of Acetylcholinesterase for the Electrochemical Detection and Sensing of Chlorpyrifos
Infiltration into soils of pesticides used during agricultural production has led to the contamination of aquatic ecosystems due to their long persistence in the environment. Some pesticides (e.g. Chlorpyrifos) are inhibitors of cholinesterase enzyme activity and their presence in water samples can be indirectly detected by a decrease in enzymatic activity. Biosensors based on cholinesterase enzymes are an alternative for the sensitive detection of important contaminants in the environmental sector. Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylthiocholine (ATCh) to produce thiocholine (TCh). This feature can be employed to measure the decrease in AChE activity. The inhibitory characteristics of the AChE-Chlorpyrifos system have been studied through cyclic voltammetry, by evaluation of the oxidation of the thiol group, which corresponds to TCh production on platinum electrodes in the presence of an inhibitor. In the present study, enzymatic curves were obtained at different concentrations of substrate and inhibitor, which were then used to determine the enzymatic kinetics corresponding to a mixed inhibition type, with an inhibition constant (Ki) of (18.26 ± 0.01) μM. TCh electrochemical detection appears to be a promising option for the development of biosensors to identify and quantify pesticides present in the ecosystem.
Human Needs as an Approach to Designed Landscapes
The traditional approach of landscape architecture has always focused on the aesthetic and visual aspects of landscapes while giving less attention to other aspects. This view has limited the benefits that can be derived from designed landscapes, despite the wide-ranging potential they carry for humans; socially, environmentally and economically. As a result, many researchers and practitioners are currently challenging this view to develop a more holistic and multidimensional approach. The present research therefore aims at proposing a new perspective for public designed landscapes based on fundamental human needs. The study methodology was comprised of critical content analysis for three main domains: sustainable development, human needs in specific relation to public landscapes, and significant approaches to fundamental human needs. Reconciliation among these domains was achieved based on a modified version of Max-Neef’s matrix of fundamental human needs. Human needs in public landscapes were merged into the matrix to reach a comprehensive yet specific perspective. The study concluded with a conceptual framework that can provide a wider perspective to human needs in designed landscapes. It proposes a new tool for the analysis of the benefits of public landscapes and their value for humans, which can be further used in various applications.
Indigenous perceptions of soil erosion, adaptations and livelihood implications: the case of maize farmers in the Zampe community of Bole in the Northern region of Ghana
Soil is an important natural resource which when effectively managed, could increase the livelihoods of households in sedentary agricultural communities. Soil erosion is however an emerging challenge as a cause of environmental degradation and this paper sought to ascertain the nature of soil erosion on maize farms, the effects of soil erosion on maize crop farmers and the effectiveness of local control measures on output levels and the livelihoods of the farmers. A cross-section of the community was taken and participants were selected non-probabilistically by snow-balling for questionnaire administration and focus group discussions. The study revealed that the local farmers perceived soil erosion as the wearing away of the top soil and nutrients, under the influence of running water during rainy periods and the slope of the land. The major effects of soil erosion were found to be the loss of fertile soils, reduction in the cultivable land area, the reduction in the crop yield and a fall in the living standards of farmers’ households. The findings also indicated that some of the adaptive strategies to reduce the effects of soil erosion include shifting cultivation, ridging across slopes, planting on raised mounds and avoidance of deep ploughing. It was further revealed that farmers who successfully applied the traditional methods improved upon their output levels per land area and the standards of living of their families It was recommended that modern agricultural extension services were needed, not to replace, but to complement the local knowledge systems in order to ensure sustainability.
Clean Cookstove Technology Use for Energy Efficiency in the School System
Globally, clean cookstoves represent the best substitute for open fire biomass stoves in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood. Prospects to transfer this technology to Botswana are being explored. Our research objectives were to transfer the clean Institutional Cookstove (IC) technology to Okavango Research Institute (ORI), quantify the amount of mopane (Colophospermum mopane) fuelwood it consumes in comparison to the traditional biomass energy system, and analyze its potential to be used as a substitute for the open fire cooking method. The clean IC technology transfer to ORI was successfully completed before testing its energy efficiency and financial viability. It consumed approximately two-thirds less fuelwood than the traditional three stone stove. This presents an opportunity for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood consumption in Botswana. This is a critical consideration in an environment where there is limited readily available fuelwood. The use of clean cookstoves allows enhanced carbon sequestration by live mopane woodland resources. A financial viability analysis of implementing the clean IC in primary schools showed that it has the potential to save money spent on fuelwood. Our case study provides essential pertinent results on the energy efficiency of the developed prototype, which forms a basis for further research on the use of clean cookstoves for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from fuelwood consumption in Botswana and the entire Cubango-Okavango River Basin. A comprehensive analysis of cultural barriers to adoption of the technology will be carried out through piloting the construction of the clean cookstove.
Carbon Storage of Wooden Houses, Trees, and Grazing Land in Rural Areas of Enemorina Ener District, Southern Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, wood was the main construction material for rural houses. In 2013, about 79% of the rural houses of Ethiopia were fully made of wood. Although carbon storage of wood is well known for climate change mitigation, there is lack of information on carbon stock of wooden houses in Ethiopia. Thus, a study was conducted to analyze the carbon stock of dominant land uses that surround rural wooden houses in three agro-ecologies and representative three peasant associations (PA) or Kebeles in Southern Ethiopia. Field measurement and household survey were made by selecting sixty-four houses made of wood, grass or corrugated iron sheet. Transects were laid starting from the wooden houses to lay out plots to collect samples of wood, grass, soot inside houses, soil and trees for carbon determination. The service age of wooden houses was estimated in triangulated interview as 5-150 years. The total carbon stock of newly constructed rural grass covered wooden house was 28.35- 49.26 kg C m-2, which was greater than the other surrounding land uses. The grazing land total carbon stock was 50.5-86.8% and the scattered trees carbon was 9.5-59.7% of the total carbon stock of the respective PA grass covered wooden house. Since soil is the common below ground carbon stock, the total carbon of a land use is mostly affected by the above ground carbon stock. Grass covered houses contained greater above ground carbon stock but grazinglands contained greater below ground carbon stock. Soot accumulation of 0.4-1.3 g m-2 inside the houses’ roof indicated the presence of indoor pollution. The total carbon stock increased with increasing altitude and geoclimatic variables were significantly correlated with carbon stock of the land uses (p<0.05; r = ±0.999). Therefore, wooden houses need to be considered in climate change mitigations. The shift of carbon stock from natural environment to wooden houses in human dominated landscapes was indicator of a lack of forests, and then efforts should be strengthened to increase forest cover.
Modeling of Photovoltaic Module Using the MATLAB
This paper presents the modeling and simulation of the characteristics and electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. Genetic coding is applied to obtain the optimized values of parameters within the constraint limit using the software MATLAB. A single diode model is proposed, considering the series and shunt resistances, to study the impact of solar irradiance and temperature on the power-voltage (P-V) and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and predict the output of solar PV modules. The validation of the model under the standard test conditions (STC) and different values of temperature and insolation is performed, as well as an evaluation using experimentally obtained data from outdoor operating PV modules. The obtained results are also subjected to comply with the manufacturer’s data to ensure that the proposed model does not violate the prescribed tolerance range. The range of variation in current and voltage lies in the domain of 8.21 – 8.5 A and 22 – 23 V, respectively; while the predicted solutions for current and voltage vary from 8.28 – 8.68 A and 23.79 – 24.44 V, respectively. The measured experimental power of the PV module estimated to be 148 – 152 W is predicted from the mathematical model and the obtained values of simulated solution are in the domain of 149 – 157 W. The proposed scheme was found to be very effective at determining the influence of input factors on the modules, which is difficult to determine through experimental means.
Potential for leaching of heavy metals and metalloids from crystalline silicon photovoltaic systems
Photovoltaics (PV) are a rapidly growing technology as global energy sectors shift towards “greener” solutions. Despite the clean energy benefits of solar power, photovoltaic panels and their structural support systems (e.g., cement) often contain several potentially toxic elements used in their construction. Determining whether these elements have the potential to leach into surrounding environments should be a research priority, as panels are already being implemented on a large scale. In this study, we analyzed soil taken from beneath photovoltaic modules to determine if they are being enriched by metals (lead, cadmium, lithium, strontium, nickel, barium, zinc, and copper) and metalloids (selenium) present in panel systems. The soil samples were collected from directly beneath c-Si photovoltaic modules and adjacent fields. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Selenium, strontium, lithium, nickel, and barium levels measured in soil samples increased significantly in samples closer to PV systems. There were no significant differences in lead or cadmium levels near vs. far from the PV systems. Despite concentration differences for some elements near vs. far from the panel systems, no elements were, on average, present in concentrations that would pose a risk to nearby ecosystems. PV systems thus remain a cleaner alternative to traditional energy sources, such as coal, especially during the operation of these energy production systems.
Analysis of the soil and microclimate relationship in two dolines of Carso Huasteco, Mexico
Dolines are karst depressions whose environmental and climatic characteristics in tropical regions are not well known. By measuring and analyzing different components of the microclimate in two dolines located in Tamasopo, Mexico, we aim to contribute to the understanding of the climatic conditions in these formations. The variables analyzed include temperature, solar radiation, soil and air humidity, as well as their relationship to physical and chemical characteristics of the soil such as pH, conductivity, texture, and the content of organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Measurements and soil samples were taken in three strata: bottom, slope and exterior. The results show a gradient in the climatic variables along the three strata, as well as higher concentrations of all elements, except phosphorus, in soil from the dolines, with respect to the exterior. Furthermore, statistical analysis shows a high correlation between the environmental conditions and edaphic properties. The micro climatic factors of the dolines generate a different environment, rich in humidity and with temperatures commonly lower than those present in tropical regions. These conditions cause abrupt changes in the physical and chemical composition of the soil, which present high concentrations of nutrients.
Subsoil Amendment With Poultry Manure as Topsoil Substitute for Promoting Successful Reclamation of Degraded Mine Sites in Ghana
Background: Despite the key role topsoil plays in reclamation, there are situations where topsoil is in deficit or unavailable, especially at degraded and abandoned mine sites in Ghana. The sites pose serious ecological and safety risks, underscoring the urgent need to finding alternative substrate for restoration. This study investigated the feasibility of using amended-subsoil as topsoil substitute for reclamation. The hypothesis was that amendment of stockpiled-subsoil with poultry manure positively influences tree growth and ground vegetation cover (GVC), which promote better soil stabilization at degraded mine sites. A graded waste-rock dump was covered with a 70 cm layer of the stockpiled subsoil at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. Two experimental plots (24 × 15 m) were established with the treatments poultry manure (PLM 23 t ha-1) and control (no PLM), followed by seeding of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and planting of potted-seedlings of five forest tree species. The Laser-point-quadrat method was used to estimate GVC, whereas erosion was visually observed. Diameter and height data of planted trees and surviving numbers were collected. Results: There was significant increase in tree growth and in GVC for the poultry manure treatment compared to the control. The manure provided sufficient nitrogen to overcome nitrogen deficiency and facilitated quicker and stronger vegetation growth that yielded superior soil stabilization. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the potential of manure application in promoting successful restoration of the many degraded and abandoned mine sites in Ghana to productive uses.
Indoor Fine Particle (PM2.5) Pollution and Occupant Perception of the Indoor Environment During Summer of the First Passivhaus Certified Dwelling in Latin America
This study compares the only residential Passivhaus in Mexico (located in Mexico City) to a conventional building-practice home in terms of indoor environmental quality during summer, specifically indoor air quality (IAQ) and the occupants’ perceptions towards it. Temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and PM2.5 were monitored during May, June and July 2016 in the living room, bedroom and kitchen of each home. Simultaneous outdoor air measurements were collected from the local pollution monitoring network. Online surveys were used to obtain data on building-related illnesses; while occupant perception of IAQ and thermal comfort and occupant diaries helped to provide insights into occupant behavior. Results from this case study suggest that Passivhaus design strategies could help to protect building occupants from outdoor air pollution, based on the lower concentrations of PM2.5 that were found in the Passivhaus apartment compared to the external environment. This contrasted with the results of the control home where PM2.5 levels were higher than ambient levels. Whilst the results cannot be generalized, they do provide much needed evidence on the indoor environmental performance of a Passivhaus-certified dwelling in Latin America, highlighting areas for improvement and providing recommendations to help inform future developments adopting these principles in a subtropical highland climate.
Household Drought Risk Index (HDRI): Social-Ecological Assessment of Drought Risk in the Cuvelai-Basin
Droughts threaten many regions worldwide, in particular semi-arid environments of sub-Saharan Africa such as the Cuvelai-Basin in Angola and Namibia, as the population depends on critical water-related ecosystem services. Since droughts are multi-layered phenomena, risk assessment tools that capture the societal relations to nature and identify those individuals that are most threatened are required. This study presents the integrated Household Drought Risk Index (HDRI) that builds upon empirical data from the study area to provide insights into drought hazard and vulnerability conditions of households in different socio-economic and environmental settings. The composite indicator integrates environmental measures of drought (frequency, severity, duration) from multiple remote sensing products (precipitation, soil moisture, vegetation) and the vulnerability of households (sensitivity, coping capacity) obtained from a structured survey that comprised 461 households. The results reveal that the Angolan population shows higher levels of risk, particularly caused by less developed infrastructural systems, weaker institutional capabilities and less coping capacities. Overall, urban dwellers follow less drought-sensitive livelihood strategies, but are still connected to drought conditions in rural areas due to family relations with obligations and benefits. The study results provide knowledge for decision-makers to respond to drought in the short and long-term. The latter may build upon the extension of centralized and decentralized water and food supply/production systems as well as the support of households via targeted educational and community-building measures. Specific HDRI components may be included in census surveys to receive continuous drought risk data.
Factors Influencing Farmer’s Choice of Crop Production Response Strategies to Climate Change and Variability in Narok East Sub-county, Kenya
Climate change is considered one of the most serious threats to sustainable development in the world. As a sector, agriculture is very dependent on climatic conditions, which makes it extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. The semi-arid areas of the world are especially more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and variability. The purpose of this study was to determine how farmers adapt to changing climate in Narok East, and determine the factors that influence their choice of response strategies. Data was collected from 223 household heads using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics to determine how farmers adapt to climate change and variability while Principal Component Analysis and a multivariate probit model were used to assess the factors that influence the choice of response strategies. The results showed that early planting, increased use of manure, use of terraces, increased use of inorganic fertilisers, and planting short season crops were the most widely used strategies while the least used were planting agroforestry trees, crop diversification and irrigation. Results of the multivariate probit model showed that the age of the household head, total household size, level of education of the household head, noticing changes in mean annual rainfall and onset of rains, receiving weather information, and the land tenure system were all significant factors that influence the choice of the response strategy. This study, therefore, recommends boosting more education and climate change awareness for the farmers of Narok East Sub-county.
Socio-Economic Factors of Small Hydropower and Biogas Plants and their Implications for Rural Energy Poverty Alleviation in Kirinyaga, Kenya
Energy is essential for sustainable development and for improving the socio-economic welfare of a community. Sub-Saharan Africa suffers from severe rural energy poverty and minimal access to modern energy services. Adoption of renewable energy technologies is often viewed as a way to alleviate rural energy poverty, but uptake is slow. Socio-economic factors, mainly household income, electricity access, fuels used for cooking, and land tenure, influence adoption of renewable energy technologies. This paper assesses the contribution of small hydropower and biogas technologies in alleviating rural energy poverty in Kirinyaga County, Kenya, where the majority of the population relies on traditional sources of energy. A case study research design was used, with a sample size of 178. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, the review of project documents, and interviews. Five indicators were used to assess energy poverty. The results indicate medium to low energy poverty and energy stacking; with reliance on traditional sources of energy. Socio-economic factors influence adoption of SHP and biogas. Therefore, adoption of renewable energy technologies does not alleviate rural energy poverty because SHP and biogas are used to supplement rather than replace the use of traditional fuels.
Assessing How Collaborative Resource Management Impacts Victims’ Perspectives on Wildlife Crop Raids
Collaborative resource management has been touted as one of the ways conservation of wildlife resources can be improved, especially in off-protected areas. Three indicators were used to test whether collaboration between the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana and local communities has any impact on farmers’ perspectives on crop raiding. The indicators were: (1) methods used by farmers to reduce raiding, (2) institutions to which farmers report raids, and (3) the kind of assistance needed to reduce raiding. The findings suggest there were no differences between the collaborative indicators and the two chosen study locations. However, on the question of institutions where raiding incidences were reported and location, the difference was significant (X2=14.523; DoF= 5; P=0.01261). In addition, there was a statistically significant relation between location and participants’ responses to species that raided their crops (X2=16.988; DoF=4; p= 1.943e-3). Participants from the two locations did not show differences in their responses to preventive methods. Male respondents mentioned the use of traps as their major preventive method, although this is against wildlife hunting regulations in Ghana. Educating and supporting farmers with appropriate preventive methods that reduce their losses to wildlife crop raiding is recommended to improve conservation.
Analysis of Aquifer Pumping Test Data to Determine Deep Groundwater Security in Southeastern Bangladesh
In southeastern Bangladesh, where water quality in the upper aquifers is a serious constraint, future development will likely be confined to deep fresh groundwater. Owing to the importance and pervasive use of deep groundwater, the sustainability of water use has received extensive attention. However, excessive extraction from deep aquifers may pose a threat to the storage as well as the quality of water due to the high susceptibility to salinization and arsenic contamination from upper aquifers. Hence, determining the extension of aquifer units and the characterizing aquifer sediments are very important to ensure sustainable development and management of limited fresh groundwater resources. The study area extends over six districts of the southeastern coastal region of Bangladesh. In order to assess and monitor deep fresh groundwater potential in the study area, aquifer pumping tests were performed at six locations with up to 72 h of constant-discharge prior to recovery. Different methods were used to analyze the drawdown and recovery data considering aquifers as confined or leaky-confined. Based on transmissivity values it was found that the studied deep aquifers have moderate to high potential for potable water supply. However, this deep fresh groundwater may not be safe for a longer period where upper aquifer units contain saline groundwater and where there is no significant aquitard encountered above or below the deep aquifer. Irrigation extraction of the deep groundwater is not recommended.
Characterization and Mapping of the Causes, Intensity and Effects of Natural Resource Use Conflicts in Kilosa and Mvomero, Tanzania
Tanzania has experienced many natural resource use conflicts in many parts of the country, including the Kilosa and Mvomero districts, ranging from family disputes through to all-out social unrest. Despite some efforts to curb rampant natural resource use conflicts, there is overwhelming evidence of the existence and upsurge of such conflicts, leading to various consequences, including death of people involved, destruction of property and the creation of a sense of insecurity. This study aims to characterize and map the causes, intensity and effects of natural resource use conflicts in the districts of Kilosa and Mvomero, Tanzania. Key Informant Interviews were used to gather valuable evidence to characterize the natural resource use conflicts in Kilosa and Mvomero, which also aided in constructing natural resource-use conflict typology. Quantum GIS software was used for spatial mapping of the conflicts. The study confirmed that land, water, crops, pasture and minerals are the main natural resources behind the conflicts, and therefore these resources have to be treated as crucial dimensions of conflict prevention in Kilosa and Mvomero. Generally, there is complexity in the conflict situations and overlapping of causes and conflict types on the one hand, and overlapping of conflict types and resources which are contested for on the other.
Identification of Surface Water Storing Sites Using Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)
Ethiopia is endowed with water and has a high runoff generation area compared to many countries, but the total stored water only goes up to approximately 36BCM. The problem of water shortage in Ethiopia emanates from the seasonality of rainfall and the lack of infrastructure for storage to capture excess runoff during flood seasons. Based on this premise, a method for a syndicate use of topography, land use and vegetation was applied to locate potential surface water storing sites. The steady-state Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) was used to represent the spatial distribution of water flow and water stagnating across the study area and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to detect surface water through multispectral analysis. With this approach, a number of water storing sites were identified in three categories: primary sources (water bodies based), secondary sources (Swampy/wetland based) and tertiary sources (the land based). A sample volume analysis for the 120354 water storing sites in category two, gives a 44.92BCM potential storing capacity with average depth of 4 m that improves the annual storage capacity of the country to 81BCM (8.6 % of annual renewable water sources). Finally, the research confirmed the TWI and NDVI based approach for water storing sites works without huge and complicated earth work; it is cost effective and has the potential of solving complex water resource challenges through spatial representation of water resource systems. Furthermore, the application of remote sensing captures temporal diversity and includes repetitive archives of data, enabling the monitoring of areas, even those that are inaccessible, at regular intervals.
Assessment of Spatial Soil Erosion Susceptibility Based on the CORINE Model in the Gumara-Maksegnit Watershed, Ethiopia
Soil erosion is one of the major environmental threats in the northwestern Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The objective of this study is to assess the spatial heterogeneity of soil erosion risk within the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed (57.3 km2) using the Coordination of Information on the Environment (CORINE) soil erosion assessment method to determine the most endangered areas. The model is simple and robust and consists of six steps overlaying combinations of soil texture, depth, stoniness, climatic and land-use/land-cover information with GIS support. The CORINE model was used to produce potential and actual soil erosion maps. The potential soil erosion map consists of the erosion risk of the land without considering current vegetation, but can be expanded to consider current land cover. The potential soil erosion risk map showed that a small part of the watershed (6.63 %) had low risk, 17.92 % had moderate risk and a large part of the study area (75.45 %) had high potential erosion risk. Meanwhile, the actual soil erosion risk map showed that a small part of the watershed (11.92 %) had low risk, 20.85 % of the area had moderate risk, and a large part of the study area (67.23 %) had high actual soil erosion risk. Low soil erosion risk areas were located in the southern part of the watershed, high erosion risk areas were found in the northern, northwestern and eastern part of the watershed, while moderately risky areas were randomly distributed throughout the watershed. Overall, the CORINE model can play a role in soil and water conservation by identifying highly endangered areas.
Using Open-Access Data to Determine Potential Rainwater Harvesting Sites in the Blue Nile Basin, Sudan and Ethiopia
Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) is the systematic collection, storage, and utilization of rainwater, and it can contribute in satisfying current and future water demand in water-scarce regions. The main challenge to successfully implementing RWH applications is selecting the most suitable RWH sites and correctly assessing which methods to apply. Another challenge is the lack of reliable data in locations where RWH measures could improve the livelihood of the local population. A promising solution is the increasing number of online open-access data sources, such as remote sensing (RS) datasets that can substitute for in-situ observations and effectively identify potential RWH zones. This paper aims to identify potential RWH zones in the Blue Nile Basin (BNB) using such open-access data, which can help identify zones across the entire BNB. We used multi-criteria analysis (MCA), RS, and geographic information system (GIS). To achieve this aim, seven biophysical and socio-economic RWH criteria were selected. The results showed that using open-access data and the MCA approach to define potential RWH zones in the BNB is useful. High and moderate-suitability zones dominant in the BNB, with an area of 51% and 45%, respectively; the high-suitability zone is predominantly in Sudan and the moderate-suitability zone is mainly in Ethiopia. These results suggest that similar regions can apply our approach to efficiently identify potential RWH zones.