The impact of human activities on the lake ecosystem: a case study of lake Victoria shore, Nyando Division, Kisumu District-Kenya
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Date
2012-08
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Kampala International University; School of Engineering and Applied Science
Abstract
The study was to investigate how human activities along lake Victoria shores in Nyando Division, have led to resources degradation, and to come up with solutions to reduce such effects on the lake ecosystem. The main objective was to determine the effects of human activities on the people and the aquatic environment along lake Victoria shores in Nyando Division-Kisumu~ Kenya. The methods used for data collection involved both qualitative and, quantitative techniques. Questionnaires alongside face to face interviews were the tools used. Findings indicated that human activities to were largely responsible ~for aquatic! Lake degradation. Circumstances of water pollution, wetland reclamation, and waste disposal into the water, uncontrolled fishing and increased construction debris disposal into the lake were as a result of human activities. The researcher noted that what used to be the native mangrove vegetation and wetland/lake shore bogs have been severely cleared for settlement and establishment of business centers. Lake Shore ecosystem. However, the knowledge of awareness amongst the local population in Nyando Division regarding the lake degradation was low, with about 20% of the population completely unaware of any changes in the water ecosystem. The researcher’s fear was that most degradation noticed on the lake and aquatic ecosystem was anthropogenic ally induced and the population and ~demand for resources continue to increase given the increasing human ~population. Recommendations include: - the government must therefore continue to invest heavily in providing logistical support in order to provide residents of Nyando with the much needed funds and training on how to conserve lake Victoria shores/resources and other lakes in Kenya irrespective of their region of origin, income status, gender, religion and nay other disparities. Kenya Government must invest in people by expanding access to funds, the neediest and providing for working poor, those unable to work and special vulnerable and targeting marginalized groups.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Impact of human activities, Lake ecosystems