Evaluating the impact of direct anthropogenic activities on land degradation in arid and semi - arid regions in Kenya

Abstract

Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in Kenya are at the brink of total destruction due to numerous human activities. The extensive land degradation has exposed huge tracks of land to continued water and soil erosion hence threatening livelihood of millions of inhabitants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of human activities on land in Kasikeu Division of Makueni County in Kenya. Survey research design was used was adopted in collection of cross-sectional data in Kiou, Mumela and Kasikeu locations in the division. Sample selection from the target population relied on multistage and simple random sampling methods to identify representative households. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses and regression analyses were used in analysis of the collected survey data. The results showed that there is wide spread environmental degradation as a result of human activities which has in turn affected the livelihood of the population in the study area. The study recommended a significant investment be made by the government through promotion of land use systems that provide permanent vegetative cover in order to protect the soil and prevent land degradation. The study also recommended a need for enforcement of policies to control and prevent further degradation