The Impacts of Agricultural Practices on River Tana Mbeere District, Kenya By, Kithu Lucy Mukami
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Date
2018-07
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Kampala International University, School of Engineering Science
Abstract
A research study on the impacts of agricultural practices on water sources was carried out on (R. Tana), Mbeere district, Eastern province, Kenya. The main focus of the study was; the major agricultural practices, their impacts on water sources and the local efforts to control the impacts on the water sources. A sample population of 50 respondents who included men and women, educated and uneducated was taken. The sample had to be of agriculturalists or people dealing with water quality monitoring. This was chosen on the basis of known probability where their ability to respond was known since the respondents had to be well equipped in the area of study. Data was collected using questionnaires, photography, observation, interviewing and literature review, Study findings revealed that the major agricultural practices are crop cultivation, livestock keeping, agro-forestry, poultry rearing and other minor activities along the river such as H.E.P and fishing. The study too revealed that the major impacts of agricultural practices on water sources were siltation due to soil erosion, decline in water volumes causing water scarcity, water turbidity and general clearing of the nearby forests, Despite the above impacts, the community had not taken thorough control measures. It was only the tree nursery that was set to re-vegetate the area. hi line with this, I advised them to construct sand stonns along the seasonal rivers to check the amount of sediments reaching the river, offer education programs to facilitate better fanning activities. It was also revealed that hindrances such as ignorance from the community members, lack of advisors, increased population have led to high fragmentation of the land making it difficult to control impacts of agriculture on water sources. From the study, it was recommended that there should be good governance and political leadership in support of soil conservation, creation of awareness, education to the local community, diversification of social-economic activities, sponsorship of poverty alleviation projects, establishment of resource centre, community participation, and further study in form of research. This shall be extended to the whole community of Mbeere district.
Description
A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfilment for The Award of a Degree in Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management of Kampala International University
Keywords
Agricultural Practices