Evaluation of the Impact of Environmental Conflict on Socio-economic Development in Kuresoi Sub County Kenya Project

Abstract

Environment issues especially on land are a fundamental aspect of structural conflicts in Kenya but they have also often degenerated into physical violence. Land has been the crux of economic, cultural and socio-economic change in Kenya. Following years of an inappropriate land tenure system, a large segment of the population continues to have difficulties not only in adapting to the modern agrarian economy but also in coping with the increasingly fragile and marginal environment, land degradation, low agricultural output and intensifying conflicts over access to and control of land. Violence over land has occurred sporadically in different parts of the country, and doubts over the worthiness of land titles almost caused major economic instability a few years ago. This research explored the impact of environmental conflicts on socio-economic development in Kuresoi Sub-county in Kenya. The key objectives were; to explore the root causes of environmental conflicts that undermine socio-economic development. Secondly, was to determine the effects of environmental conflict on the socio-economic developments and finally it sought to examine the efficacy of mechanism to resolve environmental conflicts in Kuresoi sub- county Kenya. The findings from this study is of great significance to government agencies, society at large and future scholars. The study adopted a descriptive research design with the target population of Kuresoi residents. Simple random sampling was applied to collect information. The study used both primary and secondary data to arrive at empirical conclusions. The study found that socio-economic development is significantly associated with increased environmental degradation both in the short run and the long run. The study also found that Kuresoi is highly vulnerable to climate change related impacts because of lack of vibrant institutions championing climate change adaptation and mitigation, lack of climate knowledge sensitisation mechanism, poor land use methods, poor urban-rural planning, poor government policies regarding climate change and rapid population increase resulting to stagnation of socio-economic development. The study recommends that there is the need for the government to get ready and act now if anything to do with current or future climate change mitigation and adaptation is to be achieved. The study further recommends that there is need for the government, climate sensitive institutions and learning institutions to enhance research activities tailored at advancing climate change related ideas which will be instrumental in advocating for future methods of adapting to climatic changes at the same time coming up with new mitigation methods.