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DCR/DSC 058: Social research methods
(KIBU, 2017-09-29) KIBU
DCR/DSC 058: Social research methods
Use of agricultural technologies by women small scale farmers for sustainable food production in nyamira county Kenya
(KIBU, 2018) Bundi, Dorcas N.; Udoto, Maurice
Agricultural technologies have been known to play a major role in agricultural production especially increased food production. Women play a major role in agriculture especially in the provision of labour and farm inputs. Women tend to join women groups as innovations from which they access credit for food production activities. These informal credit systems have been used by women to access agricultural technologieS for sustainable food production household level at h. The study used maize, beans and fertilizers as indicators of food production standards linked agricultural technologies for sustainable food production. The study involved women group members and non-members as well as extension workers from Nyamira county Kenya. Ex post facto research design using survey method was applied in the study. The population of the study included 200 women small scale farmers and all the field extension workers in two Sub Counties ( Borabu and Ekerenyo) of Nyamira County. A sample of 100 women group members was selected using disproportionate stratified random sampling method while 100 non members were randomly selected for the study. 28 field extension workers were purposively selected for the study. The questionnaire for women farmers (WFQ) and extension workers questionnaire (EWQ) were used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data for discussion. The use of certified maize and bean seed, and fertilizers by women group members was tested using chi-square. It was realized that there was significant difference in food production between women group members and non members at household levels in Nyamira County. The study revealed that women’s use of agricultural technologies play a vital role in household food production.
Incidence and prevalence of groundnut diseases in western Kenya
(KIBU, 2018) Arungaa, Edith Esther; Ochuodhob, Julius; Woyengoc, Vincent Were
Incidences of diseases often limits groundnut (Arachishypogaea L.) production which is an important legume crop in Kenya. The crop can thrive under low soil moisture regimes and is well adapted to the hot, semi-arid conditions. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence and incidence of groundnut diseases, in western Kenya in order to formulate future sustainable solutions to farmers. Purposeful sampling was used to sample diseased plants from Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Siaya, Kakamega, Bungoma and Busia representing different agro-ecological zones where groundnuts are grown. A total of 250 farms were surveyed in two growing seasons. Disease incidence was determined in every farm while prevalence was calculated per County. Fisher’s exact test was used to study associations between disease incidence and various seed qualities, cultivars grown and source of seed. The most prevalent disease observed was green rosette (84.6%), late leafspot (64.4%), early leafspot (49.3%) and chlorotic rosette (41.8%). Mosaic rosette, rusts, Alternaria leaf blight and web blotch were other diseases detected on groundnut. The mean incidence for early and late leafspot was 40.1% and 34.4%, respectively, while incidence for green, mosaic and chlorotic rosette was 24.4%, 28.7% and 18.8%, respectively. Diversity existed among groundnuts cultivars with the predominant seed types being large red, medium red and large brown. Improved cultivars were grown in 16.40% of sampled farms, having been introduced by ICRISAT and NGOs, while the rest comprised of local cultivars obtained informally. The Fisher’s exact test showed no association between disease incidence and the cultivars grown. Further, there was no association between the County of origin and incidences of green rosette and chlorotic rosette. However, significant associations were detected between disease incidences and the County surveyed for early leafspot, late leafspot and mosaic rosette. Because of the varied groundnut diseases in western Kenya, there is need therefore for further research towards increasing production of groundnuts through breeding and good agronomic practices.
The response of single crosses to inoculation with maize lethal necrosis
(KIBU, 2018) Cheruiyot, Susan
Small scale farmers in Kenya live largely subsistence lives in which maize is by far the most important staple food commodity. A survey was carried out in Naivasha and Bomet to identify MLN resistant single cross varieties grown under high disease pressure. Data was collected on plant stand count and yield. MLN disease severity and MLN disease incidence was based on symptoms and diagnostic tests. Data on disease frequency and intensity was recorded at 3 weeks intervals after planting until the end of the grain filling period. Disease rate showed significant differences between Naivasha and Bomet. Naivasha had the highest disease incidence averaging over 40% while Bomet had the least incidence. Disease severity was also significantly different at α=0.05 between Naivasha and Bomet. It is concluded that MLN is still a persistent problem with high incidence associated with growing susceptible varieties, recycling hybrid seed and presence of alternative hosts for insect vectors. Breeding for disease resistance hybrids should incorporate farmer desired characteristics including high yield and high maturity. Development of resistant varieties is a crucial strategy to ensure safe production of maize in the region.
Analysis of the aspect of drama in swahili play kitumbua kimeingia mchanga
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ndung’u, Jackson
UtafitihuuumeongozwananadhariayautendajiiliyoasisiwanaWallaceBaconilikubainishaikiwatamthiliayaKitumbuaKimeingiaMchangailiyoandikwana S.A. Mohamedimezingatiakigezokikuukatikamatinizakidramaambachoniuwezowakuwasilishwajukwaaniaunimajibizanoyausemitu.Katikautafitihuutumevitathminivipengelevinavyochocheanakufanikishautendajiwatamthiliakwenyejukwaa.Maelekezoyajukwaa,mandhari, maleba, miondoko, sauti, uangazaji, kimyanamihimilinivipengelevyautendajiambavyohuwawezeshawaigizajikuwasilishaujumbewamwandishikwenyejukwaa.Utafitihuuumejaribukubainishajinsivipengelehivivinavyofanikishauwasilishajiwaujumbekwenyejukwaana pia kutajakwaufupidhimazinazofungamananamatumiziyavipengelehivi. Utafitihuuulihusishakusomamakalanakutumiwakama data yautafitihuuambayobaadayeilichanganuliwanamwishowekuelezeamatokeokwakutumiambinuyakimaelezo. Utafitihuu pia ulihusishaukusanyajiwa data mojakwamojakutokamaktabani. Mahali pa utafitipalikuwanimaktabakatikavyuovikuupamojanamaktabayakitaifanchini Kenya nakundilengwalilikuwatamthiliayaKitumbuaKimeingiaMchanga. Inatarajiwakuwautafitihuuutakuwamchangomkubwakwajamiiyawasomihasawanaoshughulikiautendajinavipengelevyakidramakatikafasihiandishi
Potential of preserving diffferent fodder crops by blocking technology
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Mwombe, Rhodah
Inadequate feed during dry season is a major cause of low dairy productivity. Forage production is rain fed thus feeds are abundant during the rainy season. Napier grass, sunflower and bean husks are important feed resources in small holder livestock production systems. Production of feed blocks involves mixing of supplementary ingredients formulated to provide the nutritional deficiency of grazing hill formed pastures in winter month. It was done to develop strategies for enhancing utilization of crop residues and agro industrial by products to improve dairy production. Conservation of the surplus fodder has the potential for milk production. The findings meant to avoid wastage of farm residues which can be used to make a good animal feed. This paper seeks to document relevant techniques of making blocks and to determine whether ground cassava can be a good binder. The results showed that ground cassava can be a good binding material and its fermentative property makes animals to consume more. The study recommends that more effort needs to be directed to ensure wider adoption of this technology by farmers
Lean operations practices as a tool for healthcare and nutrition for all: a case study of public hospitals in Nairobi County
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Obwocha, Geoffrey
Healthcare and nutrition for all can be achieved by the application of lean operations practices in public hospitals to improve organizational performance. Research done has shown that private hospitals perform better than public hospitals in the delivery of their services. Lean operations practices can eliminate general inefficiencies, wastes in areas of production and provision of services and increase production. This paper sought to demonstrate how lean operations practices adopted by public hospitals in Nairobi County have led to enhanced efficiency and productivity. It also shows that lean operations practices can have an effect on performance if adopted by hospitals. Primary data was collected using semi - structured questionnaires administered through drop and pick method. A descriptive cross-sectional census survey was used on the hospitals in Nairobi County. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results found that lean operations practices have been moderately adopted by public hospitals in Nairobi County and that these practices can explain 50% of the variations in performance. This effect was found to be statistically significant given that the F-value was higher than the Critical value and the calculated p-value was below 0.05 at 95% significance level. The study also found that the variables of specifying value and value stream mapping would have a negative effect on performance if one unit of production is added, while the other variables of pull, flow, 5S and perfection would have a positive effect. This study concluded that application of lean operations practices leads to improvement in organizational performance and recommends that public Organizations need to embrace lean operations practices and undertake training especially on the element of striving for perfection as it springboard for continual improvement and development.
Microbiological quality of drinking water in both the source and point of use in Marigat urban centre Baringo County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Osiemo, M.M; Ogendi, G.M; Erimba, C
Access to safe water is a precondition for health and is a basic human right, yet still denied to hundreds of millions of people throughout the developing world. Waterborne diseases caused by insufficient safe water supplies, coupled with poor sanitation cause 3.4 million deaths a year, mostly in children. This study was conducted with the main aim of assessing the microbiological quality of drinking water in both the source and at point of use. The present study was conducted on 10 water samples from various water sources and at the point of use and analyzed to assess the microbiological quality of the water for presumptive coliform count using multiple tube test. E. coli and total coliforms counts for water sources and household water exceeded the WHO drinking water guideline value. Mean counts for E. coli were 900cfu/100ml, 775cfu/100ml, 600cfu/100ml, and 475cfu/100ml for river water, Kisima point, borehole 1 and borehole 2 respectively, total coliforms were 950cfu/100ml, 365cfu/100ml, 206.16cfu/100ml and 57.74cfu/100ml for river water, borehole 1, Kisima point and borehole 2 respectively. Mean counts for E. coli for households were 2500cfu/100ml, 2400cfu/100ml, 1600cfu/100ml, 1250cfu/100ml, 410cfu/100ml and 200cfu/100ml for household 6, 5, 4, 1, 2 and 3 respectively, total coliforms were 4575cfu/100ml, 1950cfu/100ml, 1025cfu/100ml, 75cfu/100ml, 25cfu/100ml and 25cfu/100ml for household 1, 5, 6, 2 ,3 and 4 respectively. Despite continuous efforts by the government over a billion people still don’t have access to improved water sources. Microbiological assessment of all sources of drinking water should be conducted on regular basis to prevent waterborne diseases dissemination.
Cloud computing adoption and firm performance: the mediating role of organizational mindfulness
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Otieno, John
Cloud computing as an emerging IT innovation has attracted a growing number of studies in recent years. Key amongst these studies is the adoption of cloud computing. Most studies investigating cloud computing adoption have proceeded along the contours of cloud computing adoption and its effect on firm performance. While extant studies indicate a positive effect of cloud computing adoption on firm performance, the mechanism through which the effect is accomplished is still a black box. This study aims at investigating the mediating role of organizational mindfulness (OM) in the relationship between cloud computing adoption and firm performance. The relationship between cloud computing, firm performance and OM was conceptualized through a priori research model consisting of both measurement and structural components. The research model was tested using Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM). The model constructs; Cloud computing adoption, OM and firm performance were measured through reflective indicators. A firm level cross sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 93 firms in the financial, manufacturing and the ICT sectors to validate the model. The results confirm that there is a significant positive relationship between cloud computing adoption and firm performance. There is also a significant positive relationship between cloud computing adoption and OM. Additionally, the study indicates that there is a significant positive relationship between OM and firm performance. A major implication of this study is that organizations that manifest mindfulness are positioned to manage cloud computing effectively and thus improved firm performance. Likewise, by adopting cloud computing, an organization may be influenced towards mindfulness which in turn improves firm performance. The study also shows that the theory of OM plays a role in in understanding IT innovations adoption.
Automatic vehicle barrie rcontrol and logging
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Kibet, Gideon; Shitsukane, Aggrey
Information management system has become an important part of our daily lives. Today, many vehicles are acquired and bought and this means that traffic management is becoming more and more complex. When vehicles are bought they are assigned identification numbers usually present in a plate that is fixed to both front and back of the car. Normally, vehicle logging is done manually by a gate attendant involved in noting down the vehicle’s registration number, type of vehicle, and time of entry before allowing vehicle entry to the premise. The vehicle is logged out when exiting in a similar manner. Automation of vehicle logging process at the gate as well as controlling a barrier to allow the vehicle to pass through is prototyped to supplement manual system which is usually a tiresome monotonous and quite unreliable process. To accomplish this automation task, cameras, sensors, microcontrollers and an image processing are integrated. A vehicle at the gate is detected then a series of processes are initiated to take the details of the vehicle before allowing it in or out through the gate by opening and closing a barrier. By automating the process, the various setbacks and limitations encountered with the use of the manual systems are eliminated. Such drawbacks include, erroneous and inaccurate logging of vehicle information, unreliability of the human element in a system, as well as poor time management. An automated system will ensure that control and logging of vehicles is done accurately and in time efficient manner. Use of such a system will eventually translate to social and economic development because more time and resources will be focussed on a much crucial sector in the society and less focus will be on minor elements such as getting past a manned gate or entry point.
Determination of the surface roughness parameter and wind shear exponent of Kisii region from the on-site measurement of wind profiles
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ongaki, Labani; Kerongo, Joash; Maghanga, Christopher
The research sought to investigate the surface roughness parameter (α) and wind shear exponent (z_0) of the Kisii region (elevation 1710m above sea level, 0.68oS, 34.79oE). A two month experiment was carried out at three sites of Kisii region wheretwo PRO AcuRite 01036 Wireless Weather Stations with pro+ 5-in-1 Sensors were set at different hub heights above the ground and data sent and received by a display board set at a room through remote sensing at an interval of 12 minutes. Data was collected from the display board through the pc connect software, grouped into discrete data and then calculated to represent; mean wind speed, diurnal variation, daily variation and monthly variations. The calculated averages of wind speeds at hub heights of 10m and 13m were then used to determine the wind shear exponent and roughness parameter of the sites. The wind shear exponents were found to be 0.92, 0.41 and 0.52 for Nyamecheo, Kisii University and Ikobe stations respectively. The roughness parameter was also calculated and found to be 3.75m, 0.98m and 1.68m for Nyamecheo, Kisii University and Ikobe respectively with an average of 2.153m.
The role and advances in development of herbal medicines in animal and human disease prevention and treatment
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Siamba, D. N; Nyogesa, P.K; Bwire
Medicinal plants have been used in healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. The global market value of medicinal plant products exceeds $100 billion per annum. This paper discusses the role, contributions and usefulness of medicinal plants in tackling the diseases of public health importance, with particular emphasis on the current strategic approaches to disease prevention. A comparison is drawn between the ‘whole population’ and ‘high-risk’ strategies. The usefulness of the common-factor approach as a method of engaging other health promoters in propagating the ideals of medicinal plants is highlighted. The place of medicinal plants in preventing common diseases is further examined under the five core principles of the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. Medicinal plants play vital roles in disease prevention and their promotion and use fit into all existing prevention strategies. However, conscious efforts need to be made to properly identify, recognize and position medicinal plants in the design and implementation of these strategies. These approaches present interesting and emerging perspectives in the field of medicinal plants. Recommendations are proposed for strategizing the future role and place for medicinal plants in disease prevention and treatment.
Customer engagement factors in twitter hotel brand pages
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Owoche, Patrick
Twitter has been adopted by many businesses. More and more tourism organizations are using Twitter to provide various services and interact with customers. This paper seeks to identify the factors influencing customer engagement in Twitter hotel brand pages. The main source of data used in this article is from Twitter’s insight data. The 34 selected Twitter Brand Pages were monitored regarding both the brand’s activity (posts) as well as the consumers’ interactions with the brand’s activity (likes, comments, etc.). The Fanpage Karma, a social-media monitoring tool was used to collect the data. A conceptual framework is provided that helps to understand the factors influencing the consumer engagement in Twitter brand pages. This paper proposes an empirical model based on Kenya Star rated brand pages, which can help in increasing the brand engagement in Twitter brand pages.
Hotel website performance analysis: case of kenyan star rated hotels
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Owoche, Patrick
As travel & tourism organizations increase dependence on web applications for both internal productivity and external communication with customers and partners, performance optimization emerges as an essential business driver. Studies have demonstrated that website performance has a direct correlation with revenue in both ecommerce and advertiser-supported applications. Users expect rich web experiences, but they easily become impatient if pages render too slowly. This paper analyses the performance of star rated hotel website in Kenya and the common and current approaches used to address them. Sixty-four websites of star rated hotel websites were analysed. The tests were conducted via the WebPagetest.org server in Dulles, VA, using Chrome 48on a cable connection.The study identified the areas of need which can be addressed by web performance optimization best practices,
Potential of ensiled open market grocery waste for livestock feed
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Toroitich, Jane
The costs of growing livestock feed are increasing due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs and the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions. As a result, alternative sources of feed ingredients are needed. Grocery waste may be one of such alternative source. This wasted food accounts for one-fifth of the Country solid waste entering the nation’s landfills. In addition to being costly to deal with, this food waste contributes significantly to global warming, methane gas emissions. Using food waste in livestock feeds can help farmers reduce feed costs and help food waste generators reduce disposal costs while minimizing the environmental impacts of this waste. Many different types of grocery waste are palatable and nutritionally beneficial to animals. Feeding of food waste remains is a common practice in many parts of the country but preservation of the livestock feed remains a concern. This paper seeks to promote utilization of grocery waste as livestock feed through ensiling technology.
Geo-morphometric analysis of sub-watersheds for flashflood hazard management
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Theuri, Dennis
Flash Floods are difficult to predict in terms of time and place of occurrence because they form rapidly. In addition, the rainfall depths and duration required to cause flash floods will vary with topography, channel characteristics and antecedent conditions. Knowledge of the flash flood hazards as well as vulnerabilities is a fundamental prerequisite in designing action plans for reducing flash flood disaster risks. However, many developing regions with observed flooding incidences are also regions of scarce hydrological data. The meteorological and rainfall systems within such developing regions are rarely well developed while the density of river gauging stations is also poor. However, a tentative flash flood hazard assessment may be achieved through morphometry, the analysis of terrain characteristics, for the factors that contribute to the occurrence of the Flash Floods. Through the study of basin morphometry, we can relate the basin and stream network geometries, shape and relief to the transmission of water and sediment in the basin. Morphometric parameters provide insight into the surface flow, discharge, permeability, infiltration, magnitudes of peak, mean runoff as well as runoff direction and volume. This paper describes a workflow for computing the geo-morphometric parameters from a Digital Elevation Model using QGIS, open source Geographic Information Systems software. The Geo-morphometric parameters were computed for the Breg-Brigach catchment, within the state of Baden Wuertemberg in Germany, normalized and combined to derive Flash Flood Hazard maps. In addition the paper discusses the potential of the Geo-morphometric parameters in Flash Flood Hazard Management by considering the relationship between these parameters and Flash Floods occurrences.
Competence network for e-inclusion and assistive technologies
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Guyo, Huka; Chege, Amos
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed how people communicate, transfer knowledge and perform everyday tasks. Access to internet is an important factor in African countries, where availability of computers and smartphones constantly increases. ICT-based assistive tools allow Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to learn, work in a well-paid job and participate in social activities. However, suitable assistive tools are often not available and unaffordable to people with disabilities. Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has established various resources in the sector of Assistive Technology (AT), including various Open Source designs for alternative computer input solutions under Competence Network for e-Inclusion and Assistive Technology (CNEAT) program. The objective of the program is to establish, collect, extend and share knowledge, tools and best-practice models for affordable Assistive Technology (AT) and its application. MUST has established AT centers for learners living with disabilities in Igoji Small Home, Kaaga School for the Mentally Challenged and Autistic Children, and Athi Special School in Meru County. The assistive devices were easily configurable (FlipMouse) and usable for persons without limbs; but insufficient due to the high population of users against the quantity of devices. 90% of users prefer to work using the assistive devices and 80% of users prefer to use the system frequently. 60% of the users found it easy to use and the various integrated functions of the system, while 80% felt very confident using the system. The Schools lack ICT devices that can enable them to access learning content provided by the Kenyan Government. Consequently, AT Centre at MUST is now fabricating FlipMouse and FABI for learners with disabilities. ATs would thus, raise self-efficiency of PWDs and hence reduce poverty for Sustainable Development.
The paradox of the East Africa rainfall: our wish
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Ongoma, Victor; Ngaina, Joshua; Oduke, Willy
Rainfall is the most important weather parameter in East Africa (EA) region despite exhibiting high spatiotemporal variability. The economy of the region is mainly driven by rain fed agriculture. Unfortunately, the region is very prone and vulnerable to the ongoing climate variability and climate change. These calls for understanding the past and future climate for informed policy formulation that spurs creativity and innovation for sustainable development. This work investigates the climate over EA, focussing on rainfall and temperature. It is based on reanalyzed datasets and Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). The period under study is 1951-2010 (2071–2100) for past (future) with a baseline period (1961–1990). Results show an overall decrease (increase) in rainfall (temperature) over EA. CMIP5 models perform poorly in reproducing rainfall over EA. The models project rainfall increase under the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. October-December season will record larger increase in rainfall as compared March-May season. The last half of the 21st century is likely to warm by 1.7–2.8 and 2.2–5.4 °C under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. The central parts of Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin will record the highest increases in rainfall. The observed reduction in rainfall is extending into CMIP5 model projection period that show increase in rainfall. This is the paradox that calls for caution in the uptake of the findings based on the Global Circulation Models. The actualization of the projected increase in rainfall will be a relief to the population of EA, and therefore it remains to be our wish. There is need for advanced research using Regional Circulation Models so as to come up with climate products for long term planning. Meanwhile, the best advisories are limited to adaptation measures to climate change effects in response to the observed climate, an option that is socioeconomically expensive.
Coping adaptive strategies used by households and make policy recommendations for addressing future climate change impacts on livelihoods in Kapsokwony Division, Mt. Elgon Sub-County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Sindani, Bon
Long term and short changes in climate are disproportionately affecting all parts of the world in equal measure. The most impacted by vagaries of climate change are the most vulnerable and the poor who live in the developing world. Climate change and climate variability impacts the smallholder farmers though they continue to apply traditional technologies in order to cope with climate change vulnerability. In most of the parts the world over, coping strategies are lacking especially in the African States. The purpose of this study was to build new transformation knowledge by integrating the traditional and the modern adaptive technologies in order to transform lives of the indigenous communities in the study area. This paper therefore explores and highlights the existing and modern technologies which can be employed by farmers to counteract the impacts of climate change and climate variability. Data collected through in-depth and informant interviews together with Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) and a structured questionnaire administered to 384 household heads in twelve sub-locations in the study area (Kapsokwony Division) formed the basis of these policy recommendations. The long and short term adaptive strategies and recommendations developed by all the actors including those from the academia and the traditional communities during the research are meant to build climate resilience and adaptive capacity at local and national levels. A framework that has been developed by this research will help support policy decisions in conservation agriculture and livestock rearing systems, water resource management, change in social behavior, accessing early warning information, promotion of organic farming and human health systems. If fully implemented these policy recommendations will go a long way to bring a paradigm shift that will improve livelihoods and enhance social economic development in the region. These recommendations can be replicated in any other region to bring about desired changes to a people impacted by climate change.
Factors associated with the practice of open defecation in Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya
(KIBU, 2018-06-12) Busienei, P.J.; Ogendi, G.M; Mokua, M.A.
Globally, approximately 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation that is, more than 35% of the world’s population. In Turkana County, the practice of open defecation remains a major challenge despite various efforts to combat it. This study was carried out in Lodwar town to assess the factors that are associated with the practice of open defecation. A social survey study design was used in this study. A stratified simple random sampling technique was chosen to select participants for this study. The sample was drawn from administrative units of Lodwar town covering the low-, medium-, and high-income households. Structured questionnaires containing both open and closed ended questions relating to the objectives of the study were administered to the participants representing the household heads within the study area. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted to obtain further information relating to the practice of open defecation in the region. The obtained information was analyzed using descriptive statistics, that is, frequencies and valid percentages. Pearson Chi Square Tests were also used to determine the influence of the various factors on open defecation in the study area. Thematic analysis was also used to analyze data from the KIIs and the FGDs. Significance level for all the tests were pegged at alpha ≤ 0.05. The results obtained from this study showed that the occupation of the household head was significantly associated with latrine ownership and consequently the open defecation practice (χ²=74.52; p<0.05). Similarly, education level of the household head was significantly associated with the practice of open defecation (χ²=107.32; p<0.05). 20% of the respondents stated that lack of strict laws that govern sanitation practices also influenced open defecation practices and lastly, whereas 44.4% of the study respondents stated culture as a highly influencing factor to the practice of open defecation. This study revealed that poverty as indicated by the occupation of the household heads, low levels of education and culture are the major contributing factors to the practice of open defecation in the study area. Provision of fecal disposal facilities as well as sanitation campaigns are recommended as this will reverse the sanitation situation in the study area.

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