Research Publications

Protection challenges of PV Integration in the Cameroon southern interconnected power network

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Protection challenges of PV Integration in the Cameroon southern interconnected power network Nshizirungu, Albin; Talai, Stephen M; Letting, Lawrence K.; Belindah, Musavy Integrating photovoltaic energy into existing electricity grids has become a common practice in the recent decades. However, this interconnection must be carefully planned in order to avoid their adverse impacts on the network operations. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts photovoltaic (PV) integration may have on the protection of the Southern Interconnected Network (SIN) of Cameroon. In first time generalized fault study simulations were conducted for both three and single-phase faults. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) were added to each of three PV plants connected to the network, and then monitors were used to identify contribution of each component to the network fault currents. Impacts of PV on fuse, relay, and recloser operations were also assessed. Simulation results showed both decreases and increases in fault currents at different buses during generalized faults studies, but the differences were more severe with the single line to ground faults. The above findings are useful when calculating protective devices ratings in case of PV integration. Contributions of 683.694 A and 259.498 A from both the PV plant and the BESS at B15NGOUS1 bus respectively were recorded. There were also contributions of 42.274 A and 23.428 A to the fault currents from PV plants at B15BASS21 and B10ALU buses respectively while their corresponding BESSs rather take 10.289 A and 6.448 A in that order. The simulations result also showed that PV integration increases the fault critical clearing time by 0.444 seconds and 13.728 seconds for fuse and relay respectively, while there was no impact on fault clearing time in the case of recloser. From the findings it is obvious that PV integration into the SIN may affect the network protection arrangements by changing both fault currents and clearing time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consider protection upgrades especially fuses and relays when planning PV integration into existing grids in general and into the SIN particularly.

Policy brief: farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) for sustainable land restoration

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Policy brief: farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) for sustainable land restoration Munyao, Carol; Okore, Luther M.K.; Aduwa, George; Okaka, Fredrick Okoth FMNR is an innovative strategy in the restoration of degraded lands since it is anchored on nurturing and managing naturally occurring vegetation without necessarily introducing new ones. FMNR accrues benefits to both the farmer and the environment, including addressing climate change concerns. Evidence shows that FMNR can potentially restore degraded lands by reversing desertification and soil erosion, conserving biodiversity, boosting soil fertility and water retention of ecosystems. FMNR has also been proven to enhance the climate resilience of agricultural landscapes while contributing to climate change mitigation. FMNR is, therefore, a sustainable solution to restoring Kenya’s degraded landscapes since it is a low-cost, yet effective strategy that is easily scalable to farmers and natural resource management stakeholders. However, to escalate and promote its adoption requires documentation of evidence-based data and policy recommendations. This policy brief provides scientifically documented evidence on the link between FMNR and sustainable restoration of degraded lands.

Influence of parental monitoring support of academic progress on academic success of Undergraduate Students in Selected Public Universities in Kenya

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Influence of parental monitoring support of academic progress on academic success of Undergraduate Students in Selected Public Universities in Kenya Mettoh, Hellen J.; Githinji, Felicity W.; Momanyi, John M.; Langat, Gilberd Parental support is an important factor in educational success of university students. However, parenting styles of university students differ considerably, potentially resulting in varying levels and types of support. This study investigated the influence of parental monitoring of academic progress on the success of undergraduate students in selected public universities in Kenya. The study was anchored on Functionalist theory and Epstein's theory of parental involvement. Convergent parallel mixed methods research design was utilized. The target population was 6,548 fourth-year undergraduates. Sample size was determined through stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling techniques. Krejcie and Morgan formula was used to determine sample size, which consisted of 363 fourth-year undergraduates whose degree programmes last for four years. Purposive sampling was employed to select the universities for participation. Forty-one (41) key informants was selected through purposive and snow balling sampling procedure. Data was collected through students’ questionnaire, document analysis and structured interview guide to key informants. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative data was analysed using Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological approach. The study findings revealed that parental monitoring of aspects of learning environment, students safety, adherence to university academic rules, and examination success were statistically significant (F(4, 335) = 12.729, p < .001), indicating that these factors collectively predicted academic success. Multple regression model yielded an r = .353 and an R² of .132, meaning that approximately 13.2% of the variance in academic success can be explained by these four predictor variables. Examination performance had the strongest positive influence followed by adherence to university academic rules, learning environment and students’ safety. Qualitative findings reinforced the quantitative findings pattern as parental monitoring support influenced academic success. The study recommends that parents should monitor academic progress consistently. They should regularly request transcripts and discuss performance, but monitoring should be delivered with love rather than anger. Excessive surveillance such as checking portals and visiting university multiple times increases student anxiety and should be avoided.

Enhancement of vegetation cover through farmer managed natural regeneration in the Central Rift, Kenya

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Enhancement of vegetation cover through farmer managed natural regeneration in the Central Rift, Kenya Munyao, Carol Munini; Korir, Janet; Kigen, Charles; Too, Prisca Tanui; Chesire, Michael Aiyabei Purpose: This paper discusses the contribution of Kenya Central Rift Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Scale-up project (CRIFSUP) to enhanced vegetation cover through promotion of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration concept among farmers in central rift region, Kenya. The project ran between July 2017 and June 2021, when it transitioned to a further five-year phase. The goal of this paper is to assess and compare changes in vegetation cover and species composition through FMNR and other evergreen agricultural practices in CRIPSUP and outside project areas in Central Rift Kenya. Methodology: The study was undertaken in three counties that included; Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nakuru and Baringo. The Study sites were Ndabibi sub-County in Nakuru County, Marigat sub-County in Baringo County, and sub-County Ng’oswet in Elgeyo Marakwet. This study employed cross-sectional study design where there was evaluation of changes in tree density and tree species composition before and after the Intervention of CRIFSUP project in Central Rift, Kenya. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used to investigate and analyse the critical study findings. The data collection methods included surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations. Multi-stage sampling was applied in this study. In total, 402 households out of a sample size 426 participated in the household survey in the study. Findings: The total acreage of land under FMNR managed in the project area increased from 500 acres at inception in 2017 to 4,588 acres in 2019 then to 6,938 acres in project year 2021. This was attributed to farmers recognising benefits of FMNR such as increased pasture, firewood, honey, milk production and training to replicating farmers. The average number of trees per hectare in areas practising FMNR was 115.9; significantly higher compared to areas where there was no FMNR practice such as community land allocated to individual households where average number of trees per hectare was 69.89. Farm boundaries recorded the lowest number of tree populations at 12.47 trees/ha and 14.5 trees/ha before and after project intervention, respectively. There was however, no significant difference in tree densities along the boundaries and among the control farmers before and after project intervention (p = 0.08). To the contrary, tree densities for farmlands, communal land and overall, in the area of project operation were significantly higher after intervention of CRIFSUP project (p = 0.02). This was attributed to increased knowledge on FMNR practices as where 45.0 % (n =181) of farmers indicated knowledge on natural regeneration of trees, while 27.9% (n = 112) displayed knowledge on protection of naturally regenerated trees and seedlings. In conclusion, FMNR and other evergreen methods were found to enhance vegetation cover and through enhanced tree densities and tree diversity in the three regions. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends expanding FMNR training to raise awareness and adoption among farmers. Efforts should be made to overcome challenges affecting tree densities on farm boundaries. Additionally, scaling up FMNR practices to other regions and monitoring long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are suggested.