Factors influencing the effectiveness of the Nairobi river basin project campaigns on environment degradation: a study of Kianda village, Kibera
Abstract
This study sought to assess the factors that influence the effectiveness of the Nairobi River Basin project campaigns against environmental degradation within Kianda village, Kibera. It
endeavored to establish the social and economic factors that may influence the community in
implementing proper environmental management and conservation practices. The study also
aimed at establishing if there were any political factors that hindered the residence from
practicing proper environmental practices. Possible solutions to these challenges were also
looked in to.
The design of the study was the ex -post Jacto. Data was collected using questionnaires for
teachers and students, Key Informant Interviews for community leaders and mechanics, and
focus group discussions for Environmental groups, youth groups and women groups. The
research instruments were validated by use of a pilot study. Reliability was determined using the
split half technique.
The target population were members of Kianda village, Kibera in Nairobi province both male
and females. Random sampling was used to sample 20 students, 10 teachers, 5 community
leaders, 5 mechanics, 10 youths, 10 women and 10 persons from environmental groups
Data obtained was analyzed by use of statistical p-ackage for social sciences (SPSS) to determine
the factors influencing the effectiveness of NRBP in Kianda. Findings were presented through
descriptive statistics by use of frequencies and percentages.
Among the findings were; most of the community member had not be trained on environmental
issues. members of Kianda village belonged to various social groupings which were mainly used
to generate finances. the residents had a strong sense of belonging to Kianda and that the
residents of Kianda face many economic challenges which in turn affects their ability to conserve
their environment. Residents were also not involved in suggesting solution to the environment
problem and that there was no garbage collection services offered by the city council of Nairobi.
Sanitation facilities were not adequate and this therefore enhanced the environmental
degradation in Kianda:
Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made; all members of Kianda
should be trained on environmental issues, social groupings should also be used for income
generation using waste materials that can be recycled, the strong sense of belonging should be
used to evoke behavior change, provision of adequate sanitation facilities and resources.
Involvement of all stakeholders in the implementation of environmental initiatives should be
enhanced.
The recommendations for further study include: Study on the social, economic and political
factors affecting the effective implementation of environmental conservation initiatives in other
villages in Kibera apart from Kianda; the role of students in environmental education and
communication in their community; the role of teachers in environmental education and
communication and what constraints they face; the attitude of women in environmental
education and communication and the attitude of non- residents of Kibera towards the
environmental initiative in Kibera.
Citation
Degree of Masters in Arts in Communication StudiesPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Arts in Communication Studies
Description
A research project presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Master of Arts in Communication Studies of the University of Nairobi