School of Natural Resources, Tourism and Hospitality

Modeling multifunctional landscape change in southern Kenya: Spatial trade-offs and drivers in an arid and semi-arid landscape

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Modeling multifunctional landscape change in southern Kenya: Spatial trade-offs and drivers in an arid and semi-arid landscape Susan M. Kotikot a, * , Erica A.H. Smithwick a,b , Sarah E. Gergel c , Jedidah Nankaya d , Romulus Abila Arid and Semi-Arid Landscapes (ASALs) support a substantial portion of the world's population and multiple ecological and social functions. However, landcover outcomes in ASALs are determined by competing land uses, which are governed by fine gradients in biophysical conditions, legacy land use policies, and complex socio- economic drivers. Simulating these land use and land cover (LULC) interactions can promote policy that en- hances human and ecosystem well-being but capturing dynamics at scales relevant to local livelihoods remains challenging. To explore these interactions, we used the Land Change Modeler (LCM) to simulate spatial patterns of LULC change from 2010 to 2018 in a multifunctional landscape in southern Kenya. Results showed that spatial patterns of LULC transition were associated with biophysical and socio-political factors such as proximity to existing land use types, rainfall and temperature, and land tenure arrangements. Our calibrated model achieved 83% overall correctness, with remaining errors (17%) linked to spatial misallocation. These errors were spatially clustered, suggesting the possible influence of localized socioeconomic factors not included in our parameteri- zation. Notably, transitions in humid–arid ecotones were consistently underestimated, reflecting the challenges of capturing fine-scale heterogeneity in ecologically sensitive landscapes. Our findings demonstrate where conservation objectives, agricultural expansion, and pastoral livelihoods spatially converge, highlighting land- scape zones where policy interventions and development investments are most likely to generate trade-offs rather than synergies under increasing climate stress. These results underscore the value of spatially explicit modeling as a diagnostic tool for identifying priority areas where competing land-use demands and socio- ecological vulnerabilities are most tightly coupled.

Effects of forest degradation on bats at the South and North Nandi Forests, Western Kenya

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Effects of forest degradation on bats at the South and North Nandi Forests, Western Kenya Sospeter Kibiwot, Millicent J. Bungei, Johnstone Kimanzi, David B. Wechuli, Paul W. Webala Habitat loss and degradation pose significant threats to biodiversity, especially in tropical regions characterized by high biodiversity levels and elevated deforestation rates. However, there is a lack of sufficient information concerning the effects of such disturbances on bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) in tropical Africa. This research investigated the impact of habitat degradation on bat communities in two forests of varying sizes, South Nandi and North Nandi, located in western Kenya, through bat capture methods. Tree density and forest human use intensity served as predictors for relative bat abundance and species richness. A total of 6,003 bats were recorded, representing 21 species across seven families, during a comprehensive study involving 5,322 hours of mist-netting and 4,224 hours of harp trapping. A progressive decline in species richness (S) was observed from the forest interiors (S = 17) to the edges (S = 16) and the matrices (S = 12) at both forests. Fruit bats (n = 3427; 61.7%) were predominantly detected at the edges and within the matrices, with a limited presence in the forest interior. Conversely, forest-interior insectivorous bats and those foraging in confined spaces (n = 260; 58.6%) were primarily recorded within the forest interiors. Forest specialists exhibited significant correlations with tree density, whereas frugivores and edge- and open-space foraging species showed positive responses to human activity indicators, including cut stumps, charcoal kilns, and footpaths in highly degraded matrices and along forest edges. Consequently, specialized bat species are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation.

Seasonal Microbial and Physicochemical Variations in Shared Water Resources Within the Arid and Semi-Arid Southwestern Kenya Landscape

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Seasonal Microbial and Physicochemical Variations in Shared Water Resources Within the Arid and Semi-Arid Southwestern Kenya Landscape Brian Marvis Waswala-Olewe, George Paul Omondi, Romulus Abila, Paul Webala Water scarcity and poor access to potable water are growing concerns in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated seasonal variations in microbial contamination and physicochemical properties of surface waterpoints, the primary sources of water in southwestern Kenya, using a cross-sectional environmental surveillance design (May 2024-April 2025). Total coliforms and Escherichia coli isolates were quantified, to assess water safety and ecosystem health using membrane filtration and differential chromogenic agar. Results revealed high microbial contamination in all samples (100% for total coliforms; 62.5% for E. coli), with significantly higher bacterial loads during the wet season. Total coliforms and E. coli averaged 1.13×106 CFUs/mL and 1.34±1.26×105 ; and 2.84×105 CFUs/mL and 9.82±9.78×104 , respectively, for wet and dry seasons respectively. Prevalence of E. coli in sampled sites was statistically significant between seasons (χ2 (1, N=28)=20.57, P<.05). Physicochemical parameters varied seasonally, with the dry season having higher pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and dissolved oxygen, while the wet season had higher conductivity. During the dry season, E. coli and total coliforms were not correlated while in the wet season, a weak but significant correlation existed (r=0.465, P=.003). Microbial parameters showed no significant correlation with physicochemical variables in either season, emphasising distinct seasonal interaction patterns. MANOVA conducted to assess the influence of water bodies, seasons and their interactions on microbial and physiochemical parameters revealed that water quality was significantly influenced by both water body type and season (P<.001). Total coliforms were significantly influenced by season but not water sources. The presence of unsafe microbial loads and poor water quality highlights public health risks and potentially impact on livestock and livelihoods. These microscale findings, advocate for continuous ecological surveillance and public health monitoring on water quality status and community awareness. We recommend promotion of nature-based indigenous solutions for water and ecosystem management amid climate change.

Water Quality Parameters Effect on Zooplankton Distribution, Diversity, and Abundance in Water Pans in Semi-Arid Narok Socio-Ecological Landscape, Kenya

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Water Quality Parameters Effect on Zooplankton Distribution, Diversity, and Abundance in Water Pans in Semi-Arid Narok Socio-Ecological Landscape, Kenya Dorine Were, Reuben Omondi, Henry Ouma, Paul Angienda, Romulus Abila Water pans in the semi-arid Narok County are essential resources supporting domestic use, livestock production, small-scale irrigation, and aquatic biodiversity. However, these systems face increasing threats from climate variability, population growth, and land-use pressures that alter water quality and ecosystem functioning. Limited empirical data linking specific water-quality stressors such as elevated nitrogen and phosphorus, turbidity, and conductivity to zooplankton populations and ecosystem services hinders effective management in this landscape. This study examined the distribution, diversity, and abundance of zooplankton in relation to water-quality variations and contrasting land-use practices across 20 water pans in the Narok socio-ecological system. Monthly sampling was conducted in February, June, and July 2023, representing the late dry season, early wet season, and postrainy period. Physico-chemical parameters were measured in situ, while nutrients and chlorophyll-a were analyzed using APHA 2017 standard protocols. Chlorophyll-a ranged from 19.08 ± 1.05 µg/L (M118) to 176.61 ± 140.19 µg/L (M396). TN varied from 393.00 ± 30.25 µg/L (M100) to 2,609.43 ± 52.47 µg/L (M392), and TP ranged from 295.43 to 1331.14 µg/L. Zooplankton communities were dominated by Rotifera (48.9%), followed by Copepoda (25.8%), Cladocera (19.9%), and Ostracoda (5%). Taxa richness increased from the dry season (14.21 ± 0.79) to the wet season (16.43 ± 0.67; 4(1), 2026 Original Article p = 0.043), while Shannon-Wiener Index rose from 1.76 to 1.96 and Simpson’s Index reached 10.72. Diversity and richness showed a negative correlation with TN, indicating nutrient enrichment as a major stressor. The dominance of stress-tolerant Rotifers in nutrient-rich pans reflected catchment land-use influences. Conserving these semi-arid water pans through riparian buffer restoration, controlled livestock access, and improved water abstraction is important for sustaining zooplankton biodiversity and ecological integrity.