https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/6 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:07:21 GMT 2026-04-04T15:07:21Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8327 Title: Complexities of drought adaptive behaviour: Linking theory to data on smallholder farmer adaptation decisions Authors: Wens, Marthe L.; Mwangi, Moses; van Loon, Anne F.; Aerts, Jeroen C. Abstract: Smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions continuously face drought risk, leading to recurring crop damage, income loss and food insecurity, and they are taking adaptive measures to cope with this risk. By comparing and combining empirical data and existing behavioural theories, we studied the complexity of smallholder farmers' adaptive behaviour in Kitui, Kenya. We conducted interviews with key informants, a survey of disaster managers and an extensive questionnaire and choice experiment among local smallholders, and found that mistrust in forecasting and a strong belief in God appeared to be barriers to adaptation, while farm groups and past adaptation decisions seemed to stimulate the intention to adopt new measures. Our results confirmed the importance of several components of existing bounded rational theories in that risk appraisal, social norm, self-efficacy and response cost and efficacy significantly influence adaptive behaviour under drought risk. However, none of the evaluate theories could fully explain the observed behaviour. We further demonstrated that tailored extension services, improved early warning systems, ex-ante cash aid and low interest credit schemes increase the intention to adapt. While a general aversion to the current situation was evident, there was great heterogeneity in the preferences for these policies. Findings of this the extensive data collection and analysis can be used to identify the most vulnerable groups and develop well-targeted adaptation policies, and for designing, calibrating and validating of utility functions to model heterogeneous adjustment decisions in dynamic drought risk models. Description: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102435 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8327 2021-09-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8306 Title: Unveiling the traditional wisdom of the cholistan desert plants: Desert healers of Pakistan Authors: Wariss, Hafiz M.; Alam, Khurshid; Ahmad, Saeed; Imran, Muhammad; Wambulwa, Moses C.; Arunachalam, Karuppusamy; Li, Wen-Jun Abstract: Traditional healers in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan play a crucial role in local healthcare, leveraging deep knowledge of the region’s unique flora where modern medical facilities are scarce. This chapter documents 50 plant species from 45 genera and 26 families, comprising 26 herbs, 16 shrubs, and 6 trees, with grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae) being the least common. Perennial plants dominate with 34 species, while 16 are annual. The most represented family is Fabaceae, followed by Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Solanaceae, and Zygophyllaceae. Medicinal uses range from treating digestive disorders to skin conditions. Key plants include Boerhavia diffusa for stomach ailments and kidney stones; Citrullus colocynthis, Prosopis cineraria, and Abutilon pannosum var. pannosum for digestive issues; and Cressa cretica and Cleome brachycarpa for skin diseases. Preparation methods are mainly powders, decoctions, and infusions, with whole plants (27%), leaves (16%), and roots (12%) commonly used. This study underscores the essential role of traditional healers in preserving and transmitting medicinal knowledge, contributing to sustainable healthcare solutions. By documenting this heritage, the chapter ensures that the medicinal potential of Cholistan’s plants continues to benefit local and global communities. Description: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-91945-9_8 Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8306 2026-02-14T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8258 Title: Notes on Ian Gordon's looking for a rain god and other short stories from Africa Authors: Miruka, Simon O. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8258 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8257 Title: A dictionary of oral literature Authors: Sunkuli, Leteipa O.; Miruka, Simon O. Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8257 1990-01-01T00:00:00Z