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Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Climate Change Perception of the Farmers in the Hiran Region of Somalia
(East African Nature and Science Organization, 2024) Odawa, Abdiwali A.; Mucheru-Muna, Monicah; Mburu, Benson K.; Mutambu, Dominic; Omari, Erick N.
The accomplishment of sustainable development goals in Somalia remains severely hampered by changes in the climate, particularly when it comes to food security. It jeopardizes national food security by threatening agricultural productivity. Designing practical strategies and policies for agricultural development and food security requires an understanding of farmers’ perceptions and the factors that influence their perception of climate change. Therefore, this study was designed to, (i) Evaluate farmers' perceptions of climate change, and (ii) identify the socioeconomic factors that influence farmers' perceptions of climate change in the Hiran region of Somalia. The study encompassed 222 respondents from six villages within two districts in the Hiran region. Gender, family size, farm size, and ownership of communication devices, significantly influenced farmers' perception of climate change. Therefore, the study recommended that the federal government of Somalia, and local/international NGOs, should design and implement intervention strategies for climate change cognizance of these factors.
Mapping Brain Lesions to Language deficits in Aphasia: Evidence from Kenyan Hospitals
(Research Square, 2025-09) Jesang, Mercyrose J.; Kodak, Benard; Odhiambo, Kenneth; Owiti, Beatrice; Njung'e, Winfridah W.; Awuor, Silas O.
Background: Aphasia, a neurological condition caused by left-hemisphere brain lesions, impairs language functions. Although lesion-linguistic deficit correlations are well documented in high-income countries, they remain understudied in resource-limited settings like Kenya where post-stroke rehabilitation is scarce. This study bridges this gap by analyzing lesion-symptom correlations in adults with aphasia, integrating clinical data with patient experiences. Methods: Using a mixed-methods correlational design, we assessed 36 aphasic adults from Tier four hospitals in Nakuru county, Kenyan healthcare system, selected via purposive and convenience sampling. Quantitative data was collected on lesion location using MRI/CT reports, and language deficits using standardized tests, and analyzed via chi-square tests and descriptive statistics to determine associations. Qualitative using semi-structured interviews with patients and clinicians, was thematically analyzed to identify recurring language impairment themes. Results: Brain lesion location strongly predicted the severity of aphasia symptoms (χ² = 18.24, *p* < 0.05). Specifically, Broca’s area lesions (38.9% of cases) correlated with expressive language impairments (agrammatism, reduced fluency), while Wernicke’s area lesions (30.6%) linked to receptive language deficits (impaired comprehension, paraphasias). Global lesions (19.4%) caused mixed deficits. Variability in speech production despite similar lesion locations highlighted the `potential influence of cognitive reserve and premorbid language ability. Thematic analysis revealed syntactic disruptions, semantic retrieval struggles, and social isolation due to communication barriers. Clinical observations suggested positive impacts of early intervention and structured rehabilitation on language outcomes. Conclusions: This study confirms Broca’s/Wernicke’s lesion-deficit patterns in aphasia, supporting global psycholinguistic theories while revealing local rehabilitation disparities and offer valuable insights for clinical diagnosis and tailored rehabilitation strategies in Kenya. Findings underscore the need early, lesion-specific individualized speech therapy and assistive communication approaches to address the heterogeneity of aphasia symptoms to optimize recovery.
Implications of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability on Small-Scale Coffee Production in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
(Sciencedomain International, 2022) Murimi, Edwin K.; Mburu, Benson K.
Coffee farming constitutes a substantial source of income to a significant fraction of ménages across the globe, Kenya being one. The impact of climate variability on coffee farming is negative. Small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward, Kirinyaga have not adequately assumed appropriate adaptation strategies to enhance resilience against this challenge. The purpose of the research was to evaluate climate variability, how it relates with coffee farming and to determine the effects of adaptation strategies for resilience against climate variability by small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward. The study area was Mukure ward within Kirinyaga County with a total population of 30,534. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, conducting interviews among selected respondents and field observations. Data on temperature and precipitation trends was accessed from the local Kenya Meteorological Department offices while data on coffee farming was provided by Kirinyaga County Government. The raw data from the field was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and spreadsheets that then generated tables, comparative graphs and frequencies. The findings from this study indicated that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure Ward experienced climate variability in the period 1987-2017. The study concluded that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward were facing climate variability, and had devised different adaptation mechanisms which were on the other hand faced by myriad of challenges. Going by the findings of the study, with the fluctuations in temperature and rainfall patterns, there is an absolute need to create awareness among small scale-coffee farmers on climate variability, weather forecast and appropriate adaptation strategies
Traditional Uses and Ex-Situ Conservation of Warburgia ugandensis around Katimok Forest Reserve, Kenya
(East African Nature & Science Organization, 2023-05-30) Dokata, Dub I.; Mburu, Benson K.
Different tree species provide a wide range of local livelihood options, including firewood, timber, and medicinal uses, among others. Specifically, traditional medicine significantly contributes to primary health care with a sizable number of people heavily depending on traditional medicine, while many others have used medicinal plants at one time or another. For instance, Warburgia ugandensis is mainly utilised for its medicinal value in many rural areas. Furthermore, people living in rural areas depend on the herbal medical system due to their firm beliefs and limited access to allopathic medicine. Traditionally, indigenous plant species are used to treat diseases that affect both humans and livestock. Consequently, the wide use of medicinal plants such as Warburgia ugandensis has increased commercial collection, unregulated trade, and habitat loss, with the imminent danger of the plant species being threatened. To further compound the problem, few or no medicinal plant species are cultivated on farms. Therefore, the study aimed to analyse traditional uses and examine ex-situ conservation measures of Warburgia ugandensis around Katimok Forest Reserve in Baringo County, Kenya. The primary data was collected using household survey questionnaires and key informant interviews. The key informant interviews and household surveys were done by randomly sampling 345 respondents. One-way ANOVA and SPSS version 28.0.1 were used to analyse the data. Tables, charts and a histogram were used to present data in frequencies and percentages. All the statistics were considered at 95% confidence levels. The results revealed a significant difference in existing ex-situ conservation measures (F (2,9) =63.55, P-Value=4.92) and traditional uses of Warburgia ugandensis in the study blocks around Katimok Forest Reserve (F (3,12) = 109.66, P-Value=5.49). Medicinal use is the most predominant among the other uses. Additionally, there are limited ex-situ conservation measures for important plant species. Therefore, there is an immediate need to promote the ex-situ conservation of invaluable medicinal plant species to enhance the sustainability of traditional uses.
Eye Healthcare Utilization, Cataract Risk, And The Access Failure Cascade Model in Rural Kenya: A Pilot Study
(Elsevier, 2026) Ouma, Sylvester N.; Njung’e, Winfridah W.
Background: Cataracts, the leading cause of preventable blindness, disproportionately burden low- and middle income countries, where access inequities exacerbate prevalence. This study examines eye healthcare utilization and contributors to cataract prevalence in rural Kenya and introduces the Access Failure Cascade Model to conceptualize systemic barriers that delay care. Methods: A cross-sectional study at Narok County Referral Hospital (April–June 2025) systematically sampled 60 patients with confirmed cataract. Validated questionnaires and medical records assessed socioeconomic, lifestyle, clinical, and environmental factors. Analyses included descriptive statistics and chi-square trend tests with odds ratios. Results: Mean age was 56.8 years (SD ± 15.2); 65% were female. Cataract prevalence was 28.3% among clinic attendees. Premature cataract onset was present among 56.7%. Notably, 43.3% never had prior eye exams, and 68.3% delayed care-seeking. Inadequate UV protection, observed in 96.7%, increased sun-induced eye irritation risk fourfold (OR: 4.0, 95%CI:1.1–14.8, p = 0.046). High-risk patients (≥3 risk factors) had lower recent eye care utilization (16.7%) than low-risk patients (46.7%; χ2 trend = 4.12, p = 0.042). Barriers included 15.2 km (±10.3) travel distance and financial constraints (68%). The novel Access Failure Cascade Model conceptualizes sequential barriers that collectively delay diagnosis and result in advanced disease requiring costly treatment: geographic isolation → infrastructure deficits → financial limitations → absent screening → disease progression → advanced treatment, identifying upstream intervention points. Conclusion: Substantial access barriers and modifiable cataract risks exist in rural Kenya. The Access Failure Cascade Model provides a practical framework for designing preventive community-level strategies and policy interventions, beyond surgical reliance, to strengthen eye health systems and reduce preventable blindness in similar underserved populations.