| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to find out the role of communication in environmental
management and conservation at Nyanturago Water Catchment in Kisii County. This
was because, out of 22 water springs at the wetland, four had dried up forcing the
residents to travel long distances in search of the precious commodity. Eucalyptus trees
have been criticized for consuming a lot of water draining the wetland and reducing water
volume at Nyanturago River prompting its rehabilitation.
The study engaged 40 farmers in FGDs from four sub-locations of Nyamecheo, Kabos,
Kiemenyinga and Kirwa and examined their knowledge on environmental conservation
especially about eucalyptus trees. Six key informants from NEMA, KEFRI, WRMA,
KFS, Agriculture and the Chairman of the rehabilitation program were interviewed to
ascertain their knowledge on environmental conservation and how they passed the
information to the affected area. They were selected through purposive sampling because
they had the required information for the study.
The study found out that NEMA implemented the rehabilitation project without fully
engaging other actors such as KFS and Agriculture departments. There was therefore,
lack of coordination among relevant actors towards the rehabilitation project to restore
the wetland.
Top- bottom approach was used by the implementers of the rehabilitation project which
the study found unacceptable to the beneficiaries. Implementers employed casuals to cut
down the eucalyptus trees and purchased recommended tree seedlings for them. The
study revealed that the tree seedlings were planted on the affected farms by casuals who
did not do it well. Farmer.s were not given time to internalise the idea before acting on it.
The study was guided by two theories namely the two step- flow theory and the diffusion
of innovation theory as knowledge on environmental conservation and management was
crucial in effecting the desired change in the community. | en_US |
