AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NATURAL RESOURSE AND POVERTY IN MARAKWET DISTRICT

Abstract

Degradation of natural resources is a serious problem worldwide. In developing countries, this has been associated with low capacity building. The study investigated the Relationship between Natural resource use and Poverty in Marakwet District. The main objectives of the study were; first, to examine the effects of capacity building in resource utilization in Marakwet District, secondly, to do an investigation on environmental consequences of poor resource utilization on the environment in Marakwet District, third to explore socioeconomic (poverty) consequences of poor resource utilization in Marakwet District and lastly, to determine both government and community measures put in place to address environmental degradation in Marakwet District. Several methods were used in this study including questionnaires, observation and remote sensing, aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Though, the study targeted a sample size of 384 respondents, there was only a turnout of 293, about 76.3%. The rest 13.7% got spoiled, this spoilt questionnaires were either not filled or half filled or not returned completely. The study findings revealed that there is a close link between low capacity building and degradation of natural resources. Marakwet District, in Rift Valley province exemplifies most of the problems associated with the low capacity building and poor resource utilization. These problems have been in the form of environmental and socioeconomic effects. People in the district are generally aware of these effects but they still persist in over exploiting the existing natural resources. The study therefore recommends a thorough study in the root causes for this while also advising for urgent measures to be taken particularly in improving capacity building as well as integrating indigenous knowledge of natural resource use and conservation to the modern ways.