| dc.description.abstract | Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process which attempts to identify, predict and
mitigate the ecological and social impacts of development proposals and activities. It also helps
to assist decision-making and to attain sustainable development. The objectives of this study
were to establish how air quality and climate influence the implementation of agricultural
development projects; determine how visual and landscape influences the implementation of
agricultural development projects; assess how socio economic factors influence the
implementation of agricultural development projects; and determine how geology,
geomorphology influence the implementation of agricultural development projects. This study
employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 100 agricultural
development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County from which a sample of 90 was
obtained. The researcher used purposive sampling to select 90 participants. Quantitative data
collected using questionnaires was coded, entered and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The
study revealed that air quality and climate change are important components of Environmental
Impact Assessment which influenced implementation of agricultural development projects in
Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County. Visual and landscape were found to have a significant
influence on implementation of agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County,
Kiambu County. The findings have shown that social economic factors influenced
implementation of agricultural development projects. The findings of this study have shown that
geology and geomorphology are important elements of Environmental Impact Assessment that
influenced implementation of agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu
County. Importance of EIA was seen in that potential emissions which pollute air were
considered in implementation of agricultural development projects in this area. The framework
in place to manage visual resources so as to maintain scenic value of tracts of land for the future
in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County was considered in agricultural development projects
implementation as well as the measures to determine scenic quality based on land use were taken
into consideration in agricultural development projects implementation. This study concluded
that project managers and stakeholders were conscious of potential visual impacts and contrasts
that could result from the agricultural development projects. The study also concluded that
socio-economic factors are important and should be considered in any project as illustrated in
this case are project managers considered agricultural development projects’ potential effects on
livelihoods, environment and customs of the people in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County.
The study concluded that project managers emphasized participation by locals in agricultural
development projects as well as prioritizing other social policies that support locals in
implementation of agricultural projects to ensure ownership of the project and positive impact on
the locals’ livelihoods. A holistic approach in Environmental Impact Assessment that could
influence implementation of agricultural development projects is critical. This study
recommends that agricultural development project managers should ensure that the EIA process
takes into account environmental issues raised when a project or plan is first discussed and that
all concerns are addressed as a project gains momentum through implementation. The study also
recommends that there should be a follow up to ensure that EIA reports recommendations are
implemented. Future scholars should look into how to strengthen the implementation of EIA on
agricultural development projects. Future scholars should also seek to establish challenges of the
implementation of EIA in agricultural development projects. Scholars also need to focus their
attention on the determinants of EIA in agricultural development projects. | en_US |
