ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WETLANDS UTILIZATION IN OKANA INTHE LOWER NYANDO RIVER BASIN, KISUMU COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Wetlands, like any other natural resource, have been exploited by the adjacent communities so as to
sustain their livelihoods. The ecosystems have thus supported millions of livelihoods since time
immemorial through their socio-cultural and economic values. However, due to the ever increasing
human population and economic demand over the years, there has been a corresponding exponential
increase both in the frequency and the number of people involved in the harvesting of wetland
products. The phenomenon has impacted negatively on the wetland ecosystems thereby
compromising their quality and quantity hence sustainability. The study aimed at assessing the
impacts of wetlands use that degrade the environmental quality with specific reference to Okana in
the lower Nyando River Basin. It also sought to come up with appropriate environmental planning
and management strategies which will help to ameliorate the deplorable status of wetlands. The study
adopted mixed approach design where both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used. The
study used direct observation, photography, surveys and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tool in
collecting data. Field data was analyzed using SPSS. The findings revealed that utilization of wetland
resources results into numerous environmental consequences such as biodiversity degradation and
loss, waste generation, pollution among other impacts, which need to be addressed for environmental
sustainability as well as sustained livelihoods. This can be achieved through selective harvesting of
wetland resources, rehabilitation of degraded sites and establishment of a buffer zone based on the
NEMA regulations. The study recommends an integrated planning and management of wetland
ecosystems that incorporates all stakeholders in the planning and implementation of management
strategies for sustainable utilization hence sustainable development.