Abstract:
Southern Vihiga hills present a case of an intriguing history of land degradation in Kenya
that has over the years
defied all efforts to address. In 1957, as a measure to curb environmental degradation in southern Vihiga, the colonial
government through the legal notice number 266 of the Kenya gazette supplement number 28 established Maragoli
H
ills Forest without the acceptance by the local communities. The forest was over time degraded, and completely
destroyed in 1990s. Efforts to rehabilitate the forest have continually been frustrated by the local community. The
study set out to determine th
e extent of environmental degradation; and establish water quality in streams originating
southern Vihiga hills. Data for the study was collected using GPS surveys; photography; high temporal resolution
satellite imagery; and interviews. Data on environmen
tal degradation was ana
lyz
ed
through ArcGIS 10.3.1. Analysis
of biological and physiochemical parameters of water was undertaken at the government chemist in Kisumu. The
study found total loss of forest cover on Edibwongo Hill (Maragoli forest), with extensive areas of bare surfaces,
and
gulleys. The study also found very high population of Coliform and E.Coli in water in all the three streams sampled
in both dry and wet seasons; and very high turbidity; water
color
; and iron (Fe) concentrations in water from the
sampled streams. The
study recommended adoption of incentive based strategy, use of environmental co
-
operatives
in rehabilitation of Maragoli forest, and prioritization of water treatment and supply in southern Vihiga to reduce
direct consumption of water form streams, which c
ould pos
e a threat to life and health.
