Land Use Land Cover Changes and Encroachment Issues in Kapkatet Wetland, Kenya

Abstract

Kapkatet Wetland is a vital ecosystem in Kenya that supports rural livelihoods through the provision of various ecological goods and services. However, this ecosystem has been undergoing rapid degradation arising from competing land uses. It’s important to document these changes to obtain insights that can aid decision-making for effective restoration and conservation. This study, therefore, sought to assess the extent and patterns of land use and land cover changes in Kapkatet Wetland between 1986 and 2019, and their driving forces. The study followed a mixed-method research approach involving a combination of remote sensing and descriptive surveys. To quantify the wetland changes, remotely sensed imageries for 1986, 2000, and 2019 were utilized in classifying land use and land cover maps through the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Household questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain information about peoples’ perceptions of the driving forces of landscape change within the wetland. Results generally showed that Kapkatet wetland declined by 24.77% over the past years (1986-2019). Wetland vegetation declined drastically as open grounds increased while tree cover and disturbed reeds showed a fluctuating trend. These changes were majorly driven by land conversion activities within the wetland. The study recommends a community-based enforcement approach to existing laws and policies by both National and Local governments to curb the continuous loss of this wetland.