Ethical Considerations in Authorship and Postgraduate Supervision in Universities in Kenya

The emergence of knowledge economy has put premium on higher education. This has led to a rise in the number of postgraduate training and reforms in higher education.  Research, a core mandate of institutions of higher learning, should enable states to meet development needs. Research for development will require the highest standards possible in the conduct of research. This has led to calls for research ethics to protect individuals, communities and the environment. In this study, we explore ethical considerations in authorship and postgraduate supervision in universities in Kenya using a desktop survey. The study established that in Kenya, Universities Standards and Guidelines 2014 and Harmonized Criteria and Guidelines for Appointment and Promotion of Academic Staff in Universities in Kenya have apportioned the highest score on research and publication for appointment and promotion of academic staff in universities. This is likely to trigger unethical practices, increase authorship disputes and undermine collaborative research. The existing framework does not provide for a criteria on authorship listing; and the mandate of Institutional Ethics Review Committees (IERCs) is limited to approval of research proposal and treatment of human participants. Universities in Kenya have developed procedures for appointment and specified the responsibilities of supervisors of postgraduate students. However, very little has been done to train and inculcate research ethics in postgraduate students and supervisors. To mitigate these, universities should develop criterion for awarding publication credit. IERCs should expand their mandate to include ethical consideration beyond a research proposal and universities should train supervisors on supervision and research ethics before appointment.  Further research is required to determine the preparedness of supervisors of postgraduate students in Kenya in the responsible conduct of research. Keywords: research ethics, authorship, supervision, universities. Kenya DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-15-03 Publication date:May 31st 202

Perception of Seasonal Climate Forecast Information among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Southeastern Kenya: A Case of Voi Sub-County.

This paper examines the perception of seasonal climate forecast (SCF) information used in agricultural decision-making by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Voi sub-County, Kenya. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 204 respondents randomly selected from farming households in two administrative locations. Questionnaires were used to collect data on farmers’ perception of the quality of SCF. Seasonal climate forecast data for October-November-December (OND) 2015 and daily rainfall data for the same season was also collected. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis and in particular one sample Pearson’s Chi-square was used to establish how smallholder farmers perceived SCF information. Study findings established that smallholder farmers’ perception of seasonal climate forecast information was somewhat good with a significant difference in their perception (P=.000). The study concludes that although OND 2015 SCF was accurate the perception of smallholder farmers was not good enough to positively influence their agricultural decisions. This study recommends enhancement of awareness and increased dissemination of within-season climate forecast so as to improve positive perception of seasonal climate forecast in order to assist farmers make informed decisions so as to increase farm productivity. Keywords: Perception, Seasonal climate forecast, Semi-arid, Smallholder farmer, Southeastern Keny

A global perspective on soil science education at third educational level; knowledge, practice, skills and challenges

The pivotal role of soil as a resource is not fully appreciated by the general public. Improving education in soil science represents a challenge in a world where soil resources are under serious threat. Today’s high school students, the world’s future landowners, agriculturalists, and decision makers, have the potential to change society’s apathy towards soils issues. This research aimed to compare the level of soil education in high and/or secondary schools in forty-three countries worldwide, together comprising 62% of the world's population. Comparisons were made between soil science content discussed in educationally appropriate textbooks via a newly proposed soil information coefficient (SIC). Interviews with teachers were undertaken to better understand how soil science education is implemented in the classroom. Statistical analyses were investigated using clustering. Results showed that gaps in soil science education were most commonly observed in countries where soil science is a non-compulsory or optional subject. Soil science concepts are predominantly a part of geography or environmental science curricula. Consequently, considerable variability in soil science education systems among investigated countries exists. Soil information coefficient‘s outcomes demonstrated that a methodological approach combining textbooks and the use of modern digitally based strategies in the educational process significantly improved soil education performances. Overall, soil science education is under-represented in schools worldwide. Dynamic new approaches are needed to improve pivotal issues such as: i) promoting collaborations and agreements between high school and universities; ii) encouraging workshops and practical exercises such as field activities; and, iii) implementing technology tools. This, in turn, will prepare the next generation to contribute meaningfully towards solving present and future soil problems

Local and regional variations in conditions for agriculture and food security in Kenya

Agricultural production is the main livelihood to a majority of the population and a lead contributor to economy in most sub-Saharan countries. In Kenya, agriculture accounts for 65% of the national exports and 70% of informal employment in rural Kenya. The study sought to establish key crops and livestock keeping in Kenya, constraints and opportunities along the value chain are critiqued and the role of institutions is discussed. In this report, a review of literature, desktop survey, was conducted. The study established that key crops grown in Kenya are maize, wheat, beans, tea, coffee and horticulture. While the main livestock kept in Kenya are cattle, sheep, goats, chicken and camels. The distribution of crops and livestock in Kenya is influenced by geography (agro-ecological zones) distance to market, and cultural diversity of the Kenyan people. In Kenya, the agricultural value chain is influenced by financial services, value chain suppliers and supporting services. However, the type of interaction in the value chain depends on the type of value chain at play. Its established that multi-national companies and government policy shape the agricultural value chain in Kenya. Agriculture and livestock keeping in Kenya is constraint by climate variability, inadequate agricultural extension and technology adoption, deterioration of land resource, poor infrastructure, limited farm-level resources and weak institutions to implement policies. The agriculture and livestock sectors can however look to improved skills in climate forecasting, devolution of the agriculture sector to county government and the growth of information communication technology in ameliorating these constraints. The Kenyan government has in the recent past re-organized the institutional framework through a variety of legislations. Financing of these institutions and implementation of polices should offer a spring board for up-scaled agricultural productivity and improved food security

The place of a socio-cultural environment in climate change discourse

The significance of climate change is reflected in global level efforts such as Conference of Parties and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reporting. The global level platform develops consensus on evidences and pathways to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Unfortunately, these efforts often lack social-cultural dynamics to climate change. This study adopted a desktop survey to establish the place of socio-cultural dynamics in climate change discourse. In this study, it is argued that socio-economic security and attributes, cultural-orientation and inter-group dimensions are key determinants to implementation of climate change programmes. To successfully design and implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, first address socioeconomic securities of communities, bring on board sub-national considerations and package climate change impacts as a threat to nationalism

Socio Economic Factors Influencing Utilization of Seasonal Climate Forecast Among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Lower Eastern Kenya: A Case of Masinga Sub-County

This paper discusses the influence of socio economic factors influencing utilization of Seasonal Climate Forecasts (SCF) by smallholder farmers in semi-arid lower Eastern Kenya in Masinga Sub County. Questionnaires were administered randomly to a total of 274 respondents in four administrative locations namely; Masinga Central Location, Musumaa Location, Musingini Location, and Katulye Location. Data on socioeconomic factors influencing utilization of climate forecast information was collected using questionnaires. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in data analysis and in particular, Pearson correlation was used to test the relationship between socioeconomic characteristic and utilization of SCF. Results established that there exist a positive relationship   between gender, age, education level, income, land size and utilization of seasonal climate forecast (p=.007,p=.000,p=.005,p=.000 and p=.003) respectively. The study concludes that socio economic factors cannot be ignored in dissemination of climate forecast information because they significantly affect utility. If these socio economic factors are observed in the entire process of climate forecasts production, and dissemination there is likelihood of increasing utility of climate forecasts by the households hence reaping benefits of forecasts. This study recommends that, socioeconomic factors be considered in the entire process of forecasts access and dissemination in order to reap benefits of the forecasts. This is because these factors have not been sufficiently prioritized as a fundamental instrument to enhance access and utilization of climate forecasts. Keywords: Lower Eastern Kenya, Perception, Seasonal Climate Forecast, Semi-arid, Smallholder farmers.

Climate variability and causes: from the perspective of the Tharaka people of eastern Kenya

Abstract The study assessed community understanding of climate variability in semi-arid Tharaka sub-county, Kenya. The study used four focus group discussions (FGD) (N = 48) and a household survey (N = 326) to obtain information from four agro-ecological zones (AEZs). The results were synthesized and descriptively presented. People in Tharaka sub-county are familiar with the term climate change and associate it with environmental degradation. There are, however, misconceptions and gaps in understanding the causes of climate change. There was a mismatch between community and individual perception of onset and cessation of rainfall—evidence that analysis of the impact of climate change should take into account the scale of interaction. To improve climate change knowledge, there is a need for climate change education by scientific institutions—to provide information on local climatic conditions and global and regional drivers of climate change to local communities