Presenter
Ms. Burnice Karimi Ireri, Egerton University
Co-author(s)
Prof. Paul M. Makenzi, Egerton University
Prof. Stanley M. Makindi, Machakos University
Dr. Peter A. Minang, World Agroforestry
Prof. John M. Mironga, Egerton University
Sub-theme
1. Water-Human-Economy(Agriculture, Industry, City...)-Ecology Nexus under a Changing Environment
Topic
1-4. Water security challenges in key regions
Body
Ecosystems provide valuable ecosystem services which are the foundation of man's sustainable development such as water, food, carbon sequestration services provision. However, when humans exploit ecosystems in providing for their own sustenance, they also affect ecosystem services intensively and consequently degrade the environment, endangering man's survival and development. Kapingazi catchment is home to various ecosystem services mainly water provision to downstream users. Kapingazi River flowing from this catchment contributes to Tana River with several national hydroelectric power stations that contribute to 52.1% of hydro-electric power of Kenya's electricity. Destruction of the catchment area through anthropogenic activities, have threatened Kapingazi River with its water flows and quality fluctuating significantly. The aim of this research was therefore to assess the anthropogenic activities impacting on water services provision in Kapingazi catchment in Embu County, Kenya. The study adopted cross sectional research design. Primary and secondary data were collected from Kapingazi catchment. Various anthropogenic activities were analyzed based on catchment users who caused them including; cultivation at the riparian area, availability of eucalyptus trees at the riparian area, chemical control of pests and diseases, water abstraction, washing in the river, deforestation, quarrying, soil erosion, poor waste disposal and management. Logistic regression analysis showed that farmers’ activities (p = 0.002) had significant impact on changes in water quality while farmers’ activities (p = 0.036) and industrial activities by tea factories (p = 0.014) and coffee factories (p = 0.013) had significant impact on changes in water quantity at 95% confidence level. Negative impacts weaken water provision ecosystem service through changing ecosystem structure hence the need to reverse them in Kapingazi catchment. This can be achieved through proper catchment management, waste management, soil and water conservation measures and enforcement of water regulations in order to provide improved water services in Kapingazi catchment. Therefore, it is important to coordinate multiple aspects of the water sector, as well as the relationships of water with social-economic development and ecological sustainability.