Natural resource use, constraints and possible interventions: the case for Ombaka wetlands focal area in Nyando district

Abstract

Enormous erosion, severe drought and floods characterize the Lake Victoria basin in Kenya. Land degradation in the basin is therefore of major concern, not only for the health of the lake, but also for the food and livelihood security of its rapidly expanding human population. In addition, limited economic activities whose profitability is worsened by poor infrastructure and weak local institutions retard the capacity of the affected communities to optimally explore and utilize the available development opportunities. A Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was conducted with 15 residents of Ombaka village to identify environmental, economic, infrastructural, and institutional constraints to optimal utilization of natural resources in the village. It was also intended to suggest possible interventions leading to improved land management practices for higher farm productivity and reduction of pollution into Lake Victoria. Sectoral and overall community constraints and possible interventions were identified in landuse related sectors