A Survey of the Land Use Activities/Anthropogenic Activities and the Resulting Impacts on the Integrity of Marura Wetland
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Keywords
Wetland, land uses, economic value, ecosystem, integrity
Abstract
The study sought to identify the impacts of land use activities on the integrity of Marura Wetland. The study employed a cross sectional research design. Stratified random sampling was used to selected 198 respondents and purposive sampling was used to select key informants. Primary data was obtained by using questionnaires which were administered to households. Observation was also used to collect data. Sampling was done using purposive sampling method and the data collected was analyzed descriptively using SPSS and Excel. The results were then presented in tables, charts and graphs. The study identified several lands uses in and around Marura wetland including; farming, beekeeping etc. the main land degradation is from farming and urbanization. The residents are open to conservation measures to be undertaken to maintain its value to the residents. The opinion of the residents on the effects of these land use activities is that the government should be more stringent on the laws and regulation governing land use around the wetland. The study recommends the gazette of the wetland to protect it from further exploitation and curb encroachment. Certain policies should also be put in place to ensure that the activities taking place in these areas are not detrimental to the wetland.
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Naomy Aaron Chepchumba , School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of Eldoret, P. O. Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of Eldoret, Kenya
Ivy Chepkoech Ronoh, School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of Eldoret, P. O. Box 1125-30100 Eldoret, Kenya
School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of Eldoret, Kenya