An Assessment of the Effect of Irrigation Projects on Wetlands: Yala Swamp, Siaya County, Kenya

Abstract

The relationship that exists between irrigated agriculture and its effect on the wetland ecosystem has been depicted as one of the trade-offs between increased human demand for food verses the natural environment. This study aimed at examining the effects of irrigation projects on the status and functioning of wetlands particularly in Yala Swamp, Siaya County and the effect of the irrigation project on the local people’s livelihoods. The specific objectives of this study included; examining the socioeconomic benefits of Yala Swamp; assessing how the Dominion Irrigation Project has affected Yala Swamp; and assessing how the Dominion Irrigation Project has affected the livelihood of the people of South Central Alego Location. The study adopted a cross-sectional and a descriptive research design. The communities of Kadenge Sub-location were the target population as they directly and indirectly relied on Yala Swamp for their household livelihoods. A non-probability sampling technique was adopted particularly the purposive sampling technique because the local administration (elders) approached individuals who were believed to have better information on the state of Yala Swamp, the activities carried out at Yala Swamp and how Dominion Farms has affected their livelihoods. The study identified Kadenge sub-location to be the most efficient in generating information concerning the irrigation project and Yala Swamp. 111 respondents filled the questionnaires willingly. The primary data collection instruments used included the use of questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion and observations. The qualitative data from interviews was analysed using content analysis. The study found out the local residents relied on the socio-economic benefits obtained from Yala Swamp to maintain their livelihoods. Majority of the respondents (57.7 %) acknowledged that Yala swamp played an important role in providing fertile land for agriculture. Another 60% of the farmers reported that they practiced mixed farming and they acknowledged that the swamp was important as it provided foliage and pasture to their livestock. Further, it was found that the human activities carried out along Yala Swamp had adverse impacts on the Swamp thus its degradation. 73.9% of the respondents reported that draining and reclaiming the swamp for agricultural purposes was a major contribution to the degradation of the swamp, while 42.3% reported that flow alteration, diversion and construction of dykes had adverse impact on the swamp leading to reduced water in rivers downstream. It was evident that there were unresolved issues with regards to the sharing of the natural capital between the local residents and Dominion Irrigation. The conflict was because the local residents had difficulty in accessing the wetlands natural resources due to change in the ownership and management of the part of Yala Swamp that was leased to the investor. The study recommended continuous community participation in the decision making process to avoid conflicts. There is also need for education and creating awareness among the stakeholders to promote sustainable utilization of the natural resources and sustainable development.