Economic Valuation of Consumptive Water Use Service: a Case Study of Mount Marsabit Watershed Ecosystem, Kenya

Abstract

Mount Marsabit ecosystem is a significant dry-land water tower supporting vast sets of ecosystem goods and services. The study sought to document watershed ecosystem service beneficiaries and their characteristics and mapping of the water points within the ecosystem. Local communities are dependent on the benefits from the ecosystem for their well-being, there has been an increased demand for its use humans and livestock. Further, the ecosystem supports wildlife. These contributions are not adequately catered in policy and management; as a result the ecosystem is degraded. The general objective of the study was to determine the economic value of the consumptive use services provided by Mount Marsabit watershed ecosystem. The estimation of monetary value was undertaken through the market price method (MPM) using market price of water in the area. Both primary and secondary data was analysed. 158 MPM questionnaires were administered at the point of water access in central, Karare and Sagante/Jaldesa wards. The questionnaires were coded and analysed to generate summary descriptive statistics. From the study, it was established that different water sources exist in the ecosystem including water pans, shallow wells, boreholes, springs and crater lakes. Key types of consumptive watershed service beneficiaries in the ecosystem include domestic water users, livestock keepers, commercial water users, conservationists, tourism operators and small scale farmers. Water pans and boreholes provided water for livestock use while shallow wells and springs are used for domestic water supply. Water abstraction was high in springs and least in shallow wells. Daily water abstraction by humans for domestic use and livestock watering was nearly 1,784,616 litres/day. Some consumers got water for free while others bought it, the average consumer price was Ksh 5 ($0.05) per 20 litre jerry can. The estimated annual monetary value of the consumptive service was Ksh 58,285,026 or $582,035. Sagante zone of Mt. Marsabit was hydrologically productive with higher values estimated, at Ksh 30,477,943. The estimated value could be higher than the value calculated since much has not been done to tap surface run off from the rainfall intercepted by the forest ecosystem. Values of dry water points were not considered in the study. The study depicts critical role played by the ecosystem in water supply and by extension the betterment of locals’ livelihood. Findings from the study could be used to inform decision-making at County and national levels management plans for green growth, and international thinking on environment and sustainable development issues. The study recommends further economic studies of the ecosystem conducted using Total Economic Valuation framework.