Building Climate Adaptation Pathways: Community Tools and Planning in Yala Wetlands, Kenya | Chapter 1 | Geography, Earth Science and Environment: Research Highlights Vol. 3

Yala Wetlands is a critical ecosystem that filters water from the Nzoia and Yala Rivers into Lake Victoria and supports local communities which rely on artisanal fishing and small-scale agriculture. However, the wetland is increasingly threatened by human activities and climate change. This study applied the Community Climate Change Adaptation Assessment (C3A2) approach, using eight participatory tools including climate risk mapping, vulnerability assessments, and stakeholder analysis, to identify resilient community-level adaptation strategies for climate adaptation planning. Two tools were applied at the Siaya County level, while all eight were utilized at the community level. Data were collected from eighty respondents through interviews and focus group discussions, with analysis conducted at multiple stages. The study revealed that drought and floods were the most significant climate risks, disproportionately affecting vulnerable households. Agroforestry was identified as an effective strategy for mitigating drought and flood impacts, while ecotourism emerged as a viable solution for addressing human-wildlife conflict. The development of three Community-Based Adaptation Action Plans (CBAPs) led to the initiation of community-led projects, such as water harvesting and an agroforestry demonstration farm. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the C3A2 approach in creating locally accepted, resilient adaptation plans although site-specific adjustments are necessary for its broader application. The outcomes of the study have important implications for policy and practice, particularly in integrating community-driven strategies into broader climate adaptation frameworks. They also provide a foundation for future research in enhancing community resilience to climate change.

 

Author (s) Details

Leonard Akwany
Ecofinder Kenya, P.O. Box 179-40100, Kisumu, Kenya.

 

Roniance Adhiambo
Ecofinder Kenya, P.O. Box 179-40100, Kisumu, Kenya.

 

Maurice O. Ogoma

Ecofinder Kenya, P.O. Box 179-40100, Kisumu, Kenya and Department of Natural Resources, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536, Egerton, Kenya.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/geserh/v3/2389

Land Cover Dynamics in Tanzania Part of Kagera River Basin: A Strategy for Sustainability of Lake Victoria | Chapter 6 | International Research in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 1

This study is reporting on an investigation done to assess land cover dynamics in Tanzania part of Kagera River Basin (KRB) over a period of 21 years i.e.1990-2011 using Remote Sensing, Hydrology and GIS as a basis for initiating policy interventions for sustainability of Lake Victoria ecosystem. Hitherto, the extent of land cover changes in the KRB have not been quantified with the view of assessing the extent of exploitation of the natural resources in the area and its subsequent impact on the trans-boundary Lake Victoria water resource. The assessment is important firstly, for identification of causative factors and secondly, as a mechanism for formulating necessary interventions to that effect. Specifically, Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and ETM+ (2000) satellite images were used. Eight Land Cover classes were identified namely, Forests, Woodland, Bush land, Cultivated Land, Swamps, Grassland, Bare land and Urban areas. Hydrographical data were used to assess changes in quantity of water flowing from the KRB into Lake Victoria and relating it with land cover dynamics in KRB at in the period of study. Spatial data processing, analysis and interpretation were carried out in ERDAS Imagine and ArcGIS software environments; while water quantity data and other non-spatial data were processed and analyzed in Microsoft Excel application 2007.  The study revealed a significant decline of vegetation cover and water quantity discharged from Kagera River to Lake Victoria over the study period. This contravenes the Global efforts of ecological sustainability, urging avoidance of depletion of natural resources for maintenance for ecological balance. These results are early warning to the Management of Lake Victoria of its potential failure towards achievement the Millennium Development Goal on responsible consumption and protection of natural resources in proximity of Lake Victoria. The Management of Lake Victoria in collaboration with other relevant authorities should thus, initiate remedial measures to control none strategic use of vegetation cover in KRB for sustainability of Lake Victoria and its ecosystem.

Author (s) Details

Martine Hagai
Department of Geospatial Sciences and Technology, School of Earth Sciences, Real Estate, Business and Informatics, Ardhi University, P.O. Box 35176, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

View Book :- http://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/169