Using 87Sr/86Sr, δ18O and δ2H isotopes along with major chemical composition to assess groundwater salinization in lower Shire valley,Malawi

Groundwater resources in some parts of the lower section of Shire River valley, Malawi, are not useable for rural domestic water supply due to high salinity. In this study, a combined assessment of isotopic (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr, δ¹⁸O and δ²H) and major ion composition was conducted in order to identify the hydro-geochemical evolution of the groundwater and thereby the causes of salinity. Three major end-members (representing fresh- and saline groundwater, and evaporated recharge) were identified based on major ion and isotopic composition. The saline groundwater is inferred to result from dissolution of evaporitic salts (halite) and the fresh groundwater shows influence of silicate weathering. Conservative mixing models show that brackish groundwater samples result from a three component mixture comprising the identified end-members. Hence their salinity is interpreted to result from mixing of fresh groundwater with evaporated recharge and saline groundwater. On the other hand, the groundwater with low TDS, found at some distance from areas of high salinity, is influenced by mixing of evaporated recharge and fresh groundwater only. Close to the Shire marshes, where there is shallow groundwater, composition of stable isotopes of water indicates that evaporation may also be an important factor.     

“There is No Program Without Farmers”: Interactive Radio for Forest Landscape Restoration in Mount Elgon Region,Uganda

Increase in ownership and use of radios and mobile phones in Uganda may present opportunities for interactive and efficient agricultural extension services. Yet the impact of interactive radio on rural development has rarely been evaluated. In a participatory project, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature together with Farm Radio International and stakeholders from local government, radio, and community-based organizations promoted the increased use of forest landscape restoration activities though interactive rural radio programs, including innovative methods to reach populations not covered by radio. An evaluation found that 98% of people who listened to most or all of the broadcasts carried out one of the practices, whereas 84% of those who had listened to only one episode had used one of the practices. Inclusion of a wide range of community stakeholders from project inception was vital for presenting the project and embedding it within local institutional contexts.