| dc.description.abstract | The probable causes of the adverse and erratic weather patterns, failed rains and resultant food shortages relates to environmental interferences by human activities for resource use (Drudie, 1993). Based on researchers experience in his rural residential farmlands. we can notice that the heavy rains we experienced in the past are no longer natural. A close observation of activities that could be cause of drought reveal deforestation, environmental degradation and interference of wetlands through deep terracing as possible causes of erratic weather patterns along rivers, wetlands and common plantations that are water consumptious as opposed to indigenous trees that preserved water tables.
The study aimed to establish facts on environment and climate that have a direct bearing on the changed rainfall patterns and the adverse environmental degradation. The gamut of the study was to develop a conceptual write up that can be a basis and argument to assist NEMA. Pre-independent Kenya laws prohibited natives and anyone from cultivating 50 metres from a riverbank: In the same breath, grazing of livestock against environmental conserved locations was regulated and prohibited. For example no livestock were allowed into gazetted forests.
The chiefs and Agricultural Officers were allowed mandated to inspect, supervise and ensure no one interested with swamps in order to maintain the water-table within accessible limits of about 25 feet deep. Only selected tree plantations were allowed to grow at water catchments. The then imported Eucalyptus tress were planted by a particular conservationists at specific locations with great care taken not to be planted close to water reservoir. Felling trees was prohibited by the Colonial government. Forest settlements were not permitted at all. There is difference today.
Wetlands have been turned to farmland, forests network depleted and cultivation for cropping extending just one foot from the rivetbeds. Simply human activity overwhelmed the natural environment to the extent that gradually affects weather patterns. The research showed the sufferers are the very community responsible for environmental degradation. Thus 10 sustain livelihood, the environment has to be conserved and well managed by use of environmental friendly activities. | en_US |
