AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN KENYA

AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN KENYA

 

      One of the world’s hardest problems we are facing today is the environmental pollution that we have derived from trade production and industrialization. This results in many unsatisfactory reasons that affect the agricultural, fisheries and environmental resources in our society. In Kenya the current environmental issue includes:

1.    Water hyacinth infestation in L. Victoria

2.    Water pollution from urban and industrial water-this affects major urban areas like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa etc. Decline of flamingoes in L. Nakuru has been attributed to this cause.

3.    Deforestation, desertification and soil erosion: these are intertwined and is blamed for climatic changes and depletion of water catchment areas

4.    Degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers-this affects the agricultural areas and upsets ecosystems of local water systems.

5.    Solid waste management and disposal is a major challenge for the major urban and rural areas.

    The data above clearly shows that many of the water resource in Kenya are really contaminated with chemicals coming from industrial waste.  

Water problem: This may cause a shortage in safe drinking water for the coming years. One of the worst problem they may face is the water quality in Hyacinth infestation in Lake Victoria, this contribute largely to a substantial decrease in fish output. Most likely some fish will be endangered. Hydro-electrical plants may also be the cause of water contamination.  

Forestry: Production of forestry may also decline in the years to come because of the resource degradation. Because of over exploitation of tree in the past 30 years the reduction of timber production has taken its effect by one-half. Reportedly only about 2 to 3 percent of the forest remains safe and unharmed. Estimated 50 square meters of the forest are lost each year. This results in many natural calamities including flood, water erosion and landslide. 

Wildlife: Kenya is the home of many wildlife and animals, you ca n find variety of species of animal in Kenya including Elephants, Lions, Cougar, Rhino, Cheetah, sea turtles, Leopard among others. Their wildlife has a rich habitat that includes 43 species of mammals, 24 species of birds, and 130 species of plants.  Government takes its action to protect a large majority of land. But as of today their natural habitat is endangered by pollution of man- made industrialization.

Deforestation: The growing numbers of population in Kenya has largely increase the demand for food production and logging. This will bring desertification and drought

That may include at least more than 80 percent of Kenyan’s land area. In addition to the pollution Kenya produces at least 1.1 million tons of solid wastes.

Kenyan farmers have been facing the growing problems in desertification, water pollution and soil erosion. Workforce in agricultural land has been affected in the recent drought the most severe in Kenyan History which devastated the country leaving at least 3.5 millions of people in death and starvation. Others lost their possession because of conflicting tensions among people who fight against water resources. While global warming maybe to blame in this tragic experience current farming habits is also responsible to this environmental problem because of use of harmful pesticides.

      The natural resources of Kenya are abundant yet the contribution to wealth creation and poverty reduction are undeniably low, the usage of their natural resources like Soils, Land, Forest, Wildlife and Water should be controlled and maintained. However these natural resources are degraded.

      To address the agriculture and environmental pollution that threatens Kenya, activist with the help of private sectors have created responsible rules and regulation that encourages sustainability and preservation of resources. This program has gain international recognition last 2004 when then garnered the Nobel Peace Prize. Specifically Wangarai Maathai, she is the first woman who earn PhD in East Africa and for organizing grass-roots movement. They have planted over 30 million of trees in order to protest against deforestation.

     The Agricultural and Environmental Pollution is under the jurisdiction of National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and many other government agencies that protects the environment. This may include the following, Ministry of public health, Ministry of water development, Ministry of local government, Ministry of forestry and wildlife, and ministry of agriculture they are the one who protect the environment.   

 The government is continuously creating the laws and programs that will protect the environment for the future of their children.

     

 

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