Environmental and public health risks of urban agriculture in Kisumu city, Kenya

Kenya's blueprint on national development (Vision 2030) is based on the principles of sustainable development and it has prioritized agriculture to drive economic development. The current Kenya’s Constitution (2010) provides for the right to a clean and healthy environment as well as to food of good quality. The aim of this study was to determine the environmental and public health risks of crops grown in the privately owned land within Kisumu City, Kenya. This study was premised on the assumption that farm produce from privately – owned land is relatively safe as they are less predisposed to municipal wastes, waste water and exhaust fumes. Therefore, the study was carried out in privately-owned land away from road reserves and storm water from rivers, roads and built up urban areas. This study assessed concentrations of Lead, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Iron, and Chromium in 5 leafy vegetables; 2 root crops; and 1 fruit crop. The study involved a sample of 24 edible tissues of crops (5 leafy vegetables - vigna sinensis, chlorophytum comosum, crotolariabrevidens, amaranthus and kales; 2 root crops (dioscorea and Manihot esculenta), and 1 fruit crop (Carica papaya) and 24 soil samples. The results of this study show that there are low traces of heavy metals in the crops and those found in the  soils, vegetables and fruits are within the WHO/FAO permissible standards. The highest concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe were found in carica  papaya (0.303ppm) crotolariabrevidens (8.167ppm), crotolariabrevidens (13.6ppm), and amarantus (6.637ppm) respectively. The concentrations of  Pb, Zn, CU, Fe, and Cr in the soils were, respectively, 0.313ppm, 0.359ppm, 0.054ppm, 123.093ppm and 0.049ppm, while the WHO/FAO standards for  Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Cr in soil are 100ppm, 300ppm, 100ppm, 50,000ppm, and 100ppm respectively. WHO/FAO limits for Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Cu in  vegetables and fruits are 0.5, 0.2, 1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 respectively. No traces of cadmium and chromium were found in the sampled crops. So, farm  produce from such parcels of land are safe for human consumption. The results of the study indicate that it is possible to undertake safe urban farming on privately – owned land in the City for the benefit of the residents. So, necessary measures should be taken by the City authority to  promote urban farming, including land use zoning and control of waste disposal into the farms. Other measures include regular monitoring of  urban farming for quality and safety concerns.&nbsp

The effect of spatial planning patterns on distribution of pedestrians in public spaces of residential neighbourhoods in the city of Nairobi

This study focuses on public spaces of residential neighbourhoods in the City of Nairobi. It establishes various spatial characteristics, hence patterns, that have a bearing on the distribution of pedestrians therein. A higher encounter rate of pedestrians is a desirable public space quality given that the higher degree of surveillance accorded to space has the attendant benefit of deterring crime. Whereas the public spaces are intended to be a physical setting for people to socialize, move from one place to another, engage in business or recreational activities, some spaces are devoid of or have sub‐optimal encounter rates of pedestrians due to weaknesses in spatial planning of the settlements. Such spaces have consequently failed to fulfill the roles ascribed to them and instead have become neglected and unsafe to operate in. Space syntax and structured observation have been used to collect data. Multiple regression analysis establishes that nine public space variables significantly predict the distribution of pedestrians in public space. The significant public space variables are grouped into the following four public space planning patterns that thus explain human distribution in public space: integration, constitutedness, land use planning and connectivity. The patterns inform generation of spatial planning policies whose utilization in layout of residential neighbourhoods results in desirable distribution of pedestrians in public space environments.Key words: Public space, pedestrian, space syntax, spatial planning, residential neighbourhoods

Improving Access to Livestock Markets for Sustainable Rangeland Management

Productivity of rangelands in Kenya is affected by increasing crop farming especially in more fertile range areas. Among the key factors driving the encroachment of crops on rangelands are the changing opportunities brought about by markets. We hypothesize that the existing market inefficiencies characterizing livestock markets, especially the price disincentives that livestock producers face, are major risks rangelands face. To analyze the effect of livestock market conditions on rangeland management, we draw on household survey and economic modeling tools. We find that traders’ rent seeking behavior and high transport costs act as disincentives to livestock producers’ participation in livestock markets and influence their decisions in seeking alternative rangeland uses to sustain livelihoods. However, improved livestock market access enhances livestock producers’ livelihoods and the stewardship of the ecosystems thus reducing pastoralists’ vulnerability to ecological climate variability associated with rangelands