Towards the Use of Integrated Approach in the Conservation of Nairobi River Basin
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Date
2000
Authors
Kwena, Z. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
This study investigated the potential for integrated conservation in Nairobi River basin.
Emphasis was on contributions and perception of stakeholders towards collaborative
conservation of the basin's environment. Specifically, the objectives ofthe study were to:
• establish level of natural resource use and environmental degradation awareness
among residents of Nairobi River basin
• identify various groups of stakeholders in the conservation of Nairobi River basin
• establish the role and perception of stakeholders in the conservation of Nairobi River
basin
• determine the potential of integrated approach in the conservation of Nairobi River
basin
Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview schedule and observation. The
questionnaires contained both open-ended and structured questions, which targeted
primary and secondary stakeholder. Primary data was analyzed using descriptive statistics
(frequencies, totals, percentages and cross-tabulations) before being subjected to chisquare
test and factor analysis to test for independence between observations made and
patterns of association, respectively. SWOT analysis (which is analysis of strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the conservation team) was performed to identify
key critical areas to guide in strategic management of the entire river basin.
This study revealed that stakeholders in the conservation of Nairobi River basin broadly
include government agencies, non-governmental entities and individual members.
Awareness on environmental degradation among stakeholders was high (93.7%) with
85.5% being aware of river/water pollution, air pollution (54.4%), uncollected solid
wastes (80%) and soil erosion (50%). These stakeholders make use of various natural
resources such as water, vegetation and geo-rnaterials, which often result in environmental
degradation due to unsustainable use.
The study further showed that conservation efforts by stakeholders are inadequate due to
apathy caused by inadequate co-operation. Institutions involved in conservation of the
river basin were reported neither to co-operate amongst themselves nor with the public.
The study, however, revealed that there is unutilized high potential for integrated
conservation of the river basin as expressed by the willingness of both primary and
secondary stakeholders to co-operate.
Statistical tests using the chi-square technique revealed that the differences observed in
responses pertaining to 'aspects of environmental degradation known, natural resource use,
conservation activities undertaken and rating of the current level of cooperation are
significant at both 0.05 and 0.01 levels of signific~. Factor analysis showed that there is
a pattern of association in the rating of factors that hinder implementation of conservation
efforts. Supportive and enabling environment factors stand out as important determinant
factors compared to policy and institutional arrangements. In conclusion, there is high
awareness of environmental degradation among stakeholders in Nairobi River basin,
although the efforts by various stakeholders to conserve their environment are inadequate
as exemplified by state of apathy expressed by a good number of respondents. There is
high potential for integrated conservation of the river basin although this potential has not
been utilized.
This study recommends that all stakeholders should be involved in the conservation of
Nairobi River basin. This can be achieved with the formulation of an integrative, focused
and unambiguous environmental policy pillared on deterrent and properly enforced
legislative structures.
Description
Department of Geography, 150p. 2000.