ASSESSMENT OF SAND HARVESTING AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS IN MWALA DISTRICT.

Abstract

Rapidly growing populations in urban areas have contributed to an unprecedented demand for sand to meet the ever-rising needs of the building and construction industry. To meet this demand, sand harvesting business has been established in both seasonal and permanent rivers in Kenya, particularly those neighboring the big cities. The result has been unsustainable harvesting of sand beyond replenishment levels. The main objective of this study was to investigate effects of excessive sand harvesting on environment and livelihoods of communities living in Mwala district. The research design of study was a case study carried out within two locations of Mwala Division. One characterized by unsustainable sand mining and the other sustainable sand mining whose findings and analysis facilitated in answering following questions: What are the effects of excessive river sand harvesting on socioeconomics and environment in Mwala district? What are the underlying forces promoting unsustainable river sand mining in Mwala district? Which sand mining institutions are in place within Mwala district? How effective are they? What are the alternative sand harvesting practices that can bring forth sustainable sand mining in Mwala district? Various methods were used in this study to elicit primary data which included structured in-depth interviews, controlled participant observation with the targeted respondents and photo taking. Review of documentary was used to obtain the secondary data source. Targeted sample size was 132 respondents and turn out was 137. The study revealed that negative externalities of excessive sand harvesting outweighs the positive externalizes. The communities are aware of the underlying factors promoting the excessive sand mining. The study revealed that institutions and organization responsible for management of river and its resource utilization exists but not effective in achieving their mission. A deduction from the study revealed that the long term and persistent scenario of unsustainable sand harvesting can be addressed basing intervention on underlying forces promoting the adverse practice. Community that has embraced on informal institutions has enjoyed their environment and their livelihoods have scaled up compared to those who have opted for formal institutions. Development is only sustainable when environmental and socioeconomic situations are favorable. The study therefore, recommends alternative practice that needs to be embraced in promoting sustainable sand harvesting and reduce the social cost imposed on the community. First, the research recommends full community ownership of rivers and management of the resource within. The research also advocates for empowerment process that promotes indigenous practice of the local people that brings fourth sustainable development. Finally, although it is obvious that sand harvesting can not be completely stopped, the community in partnership with government should develop new laws and policies which should aim at promoting sustainable harvesting by striking a balance between environmental conservation and business proceeds.