Impacts of sand harvesting on the riparian land along Nyamasaria River in Kisumu County, Kenya
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Date
2016-11
Authors
Bingo, Molven Adhiambo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Sand is an important mineral for the construction industry in the Kenyan society at
large. However, protecting the environment in areas where this practice of sand
mining takes place has become an environmental concern given that the demand for
sand increases with the growth of industry and construction. Sand mining can lead
to considerable environmental damage. Such as pit formation, soil erosion. One area
in Kenya where sand mining takes place is along Nyamasaria River. The objectives
of the study were; to find out the methods of sand harvesting along Nyamasaria
River and the effect on the environment; to identify effects of sand harvesting on
vegetation, erosion, and land cover; establishing the effect of sand harvesting on the
socio-economic environment of the people of Nyamasaria; and to find out the
conservation measures put in place and the challenges experienced. A study
population of 386 was used, composed of NOO staff and municipal council, local
area authorities, sand harvesters and the local community. The local community
was randomly sampled while purposive sampling used to gather information from
the sand harvesters, area chief, nongovemmental organization and the municipal
council. Data were collected by means of a self administered questionnaire, guided
interviews and observation by the researcher. The results indicated that there was no
significant association between effects of sand harvesting on the organisms habitat
and replenishment rate (X2=2.47, p=O.12).It also showed that the association
between land degradation and replenishment rate were not significant. (X2 = 1.13,
p=O.51) On socio-economic impacts, the study established that sand harvesting is a
source of income to the people, and recommends strong regulation of sand
harvesting activities in Nyamasaria.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Environmental Science in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University. November 2016