Journal of Engineering in Agriculture and the Environment

The Economic and Social Implications of Post-Harvest Losses of Some Selected Crops in Kano State, Nigeria

Taofiq Olanrewaju — 2026-04-01

This study examines the economic and social implications of post-harvest losses of selected crops in Kano State, Nigeria. A region with vast agricultural potential where a significant portion of the population is engaged in farming. It focused on selected crops (some grains and vegetables) to investigate post-harvest losses among value chain actors. Covering 40 out of 44 Local Government Areas, the research utilized primary data collected through household surveys, structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions. A total of 1627 respondents participated in the study, representing various actors across different value chains of post-harvest loss. A combination of descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), while thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. The study examined socio-economic characteristics such as age, farming experience, household income, and post-harvest losses, providing valuable insights into the challenges farmers face and informing strategies to reduce losses and improve productivity. The survey revealed key demographic characteristics, including a significant gender disparity with females at 7.5% and males at 92.5%. The respondents had a reasonably skilled labor force, with 38.48% having secondary education and 27.72% having tertiary education. The majority (89.06%) were married, and farmers constituted the largest income group at 35.22%, highlighting agriculture's significance in the local economy. The results show that post-harvest losses significantly reduce farmers' income and exacerbate poverty in rural communities. The study highlights the need for effective post-harvest management strategies to enhance food security and improve farmers' welfare. The findings suggest that investing in post-harvest infrastructure, training farmers on best practices, and promoting agricultural innovation can help mitigate post-harvest losses and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Kano State.

Assessing The Impact of Government Approved Dumpsites on Agricultural Soils in Ibadan, Nigeria and The Effect of Its Contaminant on The Production of Crop Growth

Oluwafemi Ogundahunsi — 2026-04-01

The rapid expansion of urbanization and industrial activities in Ibadan, Nigeria, has led to the proliferation of dump sites, posing significant challenges to the environment and agricultural practices. A significant amount of elements and organic materials in leachates from solid waste can exceed the needs for crop production and environmental sustainability, potentially enhancing soil properties like moisture and alkalinity. In Ibadan, Nigeria, farmers utilize solid waste as compost to enrich soils, but there are concerns regarding contaminant transfer to crops, which may affect productivity and human health. This study aims at assessing the impact of dump sites on agricultural soils in Ibadan by examining soil contamination implications on crop (okra) productivity. Through soil sampling and analysis, the study evaluates key physio-chemical properties, including pH, organic matter content, nutrient availability, and heavy metal concentrations. The findings reveal that soils from the Lapite dumpsite provide the best conditions for plant growth compared with samples obtained from other dumpsites, showing lower pH of 6.23 and higher organic matter levels of 3.82%. In contrast, soils from Abaeku and Ajakanga exhibited poor fertility and higher contamination, resulting in 12% reduction in the crop yields. The results indicated that high levels of contaminants in these soils negatively impact nutrient absorption and hinder agricultural productivity, posing potential health risks for consumers. Okra plants cultivated in contaminated soils exhibited 2% fewer leaves, and 2% thinner stems, which further demonstrates the detrimental effects on agricultural output. Farmers in affected areas are prone to experience significant financial strain due to decreased productivity, while the accumulation of toxic substances in crops raises concerns about food safety and public health. The study underscores the need for sustainable waste management practices, stricter regulatory enforcement, and appropriate location to mitigate the negative effects of dump sites on agricultural lands. This research contributes valuable insights into the development of policies aimed at improving environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience in urbanizing regions like Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Effects of Point Source Pollution on Water Quality: Case of Athi River, Kenya

Sharon Kimatui — 2026-04-01

Water is the most important natural resource for human, plant and animal survival. Surface water quality has deteriorated resulting from anthropogenic activities. Research determined effects of wastewater effluent from a meat processing plant on Athi river water quality. Physical parameters including Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), pH and Turbidity were analysed for dry and wet seasons. Analysis showed a level of increase in pollution of Athi River water downstream during dry season. In both seasons, COD, BOD₅, pH and Turbidity increased from sampling point SP₁ to SP₃. There was noticeable reduction for BOD₅ and COD at SP₄ indicating ability of the river to self-purify. DO showed reduced amounts from point SP₁ to SP₄. The results showed untreated wastewater released to Athi River influenced its quality. Therefore, there is need to treat wastewater to the required standard before it is released to reduce the negative impacts.

Examining the Design and Processes at Matisi Municipal Water Treatment Works in Nzoia Towards Mitigation of Residual Turbidity

Evans Mutai — 2026-04-13

Turbidity is an important physical characteristic of water that is often due to high sediment flow, making it a critical factor in municipal water treatment. If not adequately reduced, turbidity causes treated water to have an unattractive cloudy appearance. The aim of the study was to assess the design and processes of Nzoia Water Services Company Limited (NZOWASCO) in Bungoma County, Kenya, to identify system weaknesses and recommend optimal methods for mitigating the adverse effects of high turbidity in the river. The study examined the flow characteristics of River Kuywa, the water source for Matisi Municipal Water Treatment Works, and the sediment load present during extreme conditions. It assessed water quality during these periods and evaluated the efficiency of the infrastructure of the Plant. Plant visits, data collection through sampling, laboratory testing, and a plant design assessment were conducted to identify significant weaknesses that need to be addressed to optimize turbidity removal processes. It was found that during extreme rainfall periods, the abstraction weir, which helps in sediment settling, is ineffective, as depicted by elevated raw water turbidity of 6961.67 NTU compared to 179 NTU measured during normal river flows. It was also deduced that flooding in River Kuywa causes increased turbulence, leading to a sediment-water mixture that flows into the sump where pumps are located. Finally, it was concluded that the absence of a pretreatment facility, essential for reducing sediment load in the water, is a significant issue.

Environmental Science Training in Eastern Africa Universities: Constraints and Opportunities for Sustaining Knowledge Systems

Adan Ali — 2026-04-13

Eastern Africa stands at a critical crossroad where environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and pollution are intensifying climate vulnerability and deepening interconnected challenges such as food and nutrition insecurity, poverty, conflict, and public health risks. In this context, environmental science education is not merely an academic pursuit, but rather, it’s a strategic foundation for sustainable development across the region. This study presents a regional landscape analysis of environmental science training using a mixed-method evaluation of 42 academic programmes across 30 universities in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, complemented by insights from interviews with 30 faculty leaders. The findings reveal a sector struggling for relevance and impact, yet constrained by structural and resource limitations. Teaching capacity remains stretched with 57% of institutions operating as student: staff ratios between 20:1 and 40:1 which is well above global benchmarks – hence limiting meaningful mentorship, experiential learning, and research productivity. Infrastructure gaps are equally significant where fewer than 40% of programmes report adequate laboratory facilities, less than one-third have sufficient field equipment or reliable transport, and the post-pandemic transition to digital learning continues to be undermined by weak technological systems. Curriculum relevance also emerges as a pressing concern. While environmental challenges are increasingly localized, 70% of programmes rely on outdated learning materials. Indigenous and community knowledge systems are incorporated in only 35% of the curricula, and formal industry-linked internships exists in just 28% of programmes essentially leaving many graduated insufficiently prepared for practices oriented environmental problem solving. Although 62% of the programmes benefits from PhD qualified faculty, persistent brain drain threatens institutional continuity and leadership. Encouragingly, nearly 40% of institutions are currently undertaking curriculum reforms and strengthening inter-university collaboration. The study underscores that advancing sustainable development in Eastern Africa will require more than incremental improvements. It calls for systematic transformation through pedagogical innovations, strategic investment in learning infrastructure, and stronger partnership between universities, industry, and policy actors to align environmental science education with the regions urgent socio-ecological realities.