The impact of resource exploitation on the environment and landuse, the case of stone quarrying in kangundo division

Abstract

This study examines the impact of stone quarrying on the environment. and land use in Kangundo division Machakos district. stone quarrying as a mining activities has an effect on t.he environment where it is carried out. It is against. such background that the study was prompted to look at the environmental .impact of stone quarrying. The study examines the benefits accruing from the activity. Various environmental components were identified and matched against impact sources. It. was observed that stone quarrying produce both positive and negative impacts. The activity has adverse impact on various environmental components The activity affects land and o t.her resource s used by the local community for . stone quarrying reduces the potential for agriculture and grazing land, affects vegetation and existing land use . Various actors were identified as taking place in stone quarrying activity. 'These include the local community lorry operators and t.he Masaku county council. These actors were observed to earn income from stone sales. The study observed that lorry operators earn significant incomes s from stone sales. The study concludes by recommending the active .involvement of the Local community in decision' making process. The community overall perception of the activity was positive. However they stood t.o suffer most. if the degradation of land. continued and thus gain less from the activity. The existing frame work governing mining operations should be observed by both decision makers and the actors