Abstract
Riparian forests ecosystems play significant role in biodiversity conservation and provision of ecosystem goods and services which support local livelihoods. However, riparian ecosystems are threatened by degradation attributed to anthropogenic activities. Understanding the interaction between anthropogenic activities and socio-economic factors, and their associated impact on riparian degradation is essential for designing appropriate management strategies for these ecosystems. This study assessed the socio-economic factors that drive degradation and their implication on conservation of River Lumi riparian ecosystem. Semi-structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) and key informant interviews were used to collect the data. The findings indicate that crop farming and livestock production were the main sources of livelihood practiced by 84% and 70% of the households respectively. Consequently, agricultural intensification resulting from increased demand for agricultural commodities (33%), over-grazing coupled with influx of livestock from private ranches and neighbouring pastoralist Maasai community (20%), and deforestation fuelled by population increase (17%) were the main drivers of degradation in River Lumi riparian ecosystem. The findings indicate that about 91% of the adjacent communities are dependent on River Lumi for their sustenance and their livelihoods will be affected by continued degradation of the riparian ecosystem; thus there is need for development of appropriate management strategies including sustainable livelihood systems to conserve River Lumi riparian ecosystem.
Highlights
Riparian forest ecosystems contribute significantly to food security, livelihoods and national economies through direct exploitation of fisheries, water for irrigation, provision of wood materials and hydropower generation (Kafumbata et al, 2014; IPBES, 2018)
The findings indicate that about 91% of the adjacent communities are dependent on River Lumi for their sustenance and their livelihoods will be affected by continued degradation of the riparian ecosystem; there is need for development of appropriate management strategies including sustainable livelihood systems to conserve River Lumi riparian ecosystem
Analysis of the ethnic composition of the three locations revealed that they are inhabited by different ethnic groups with varying socio-economic activities; Njukini location is mainly inhabited by the Maasai community who are pastoralists, Chala by the Kamba community who are both crop farmers and livestock keepers, and Mboghoni by the Taveta community who are mainly crop farmers
Summary
Riparian forest ecosystems contribute significantly to food security, livelihoods and national economies through direct exploitation of fisheries, water for irrigation, provision of wood materials and hydropower generation (Kafumbata et al, 2014; IPBES, 2018). These forests are important areas of global biodiversity and are regarded as biodiversity hotspots. They provide ecosystem services including regulation of water and soil quality, and minimize the impacts of landscape disturbance on stream ecosystems (Rodriguez et al, 2011). The protection and management of riparian forest ecosystems has emerged as both a local and national policy imperative throughout the developing countries (Faye, 2016)
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