An Exploration of the Strategies Put in Place by Islam to Conserve the Environment in Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the strategies established by Islam to promote environmental conservation in Marsabit County, Kenya. It was informed by persistent environmental degradation associated with climate change, deforestation and unsustainable land use practices, despite Islamic teachings that emphasise environmental stewardship, trust (Amānah) and balance (Mīzān). The study employed a descriptive survey research design guided by Liberative Social Solidarity Theory. It covered four sub-counties: Moyale, North Horr, Saku and Laisamis. From a target population of 217,079 Muslims, a sample of 384 respondents was proposed using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. Simple random sampling was used to select men, youth and Madrasa children, while purposive sampling targeted religious leaders and other key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28.0 and presented through descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions were analysed thematically. The study received 334 of 339 distributed questionnaires (98.53%), interviewed 10 of 13 informants and involved 24 of 32 participants in focus group discussions, yielding 368 participants across the three data collection approaches. The findings revealed that Islamic environmental conservation strategies included religious teachings during sermons (khutbahs), Madrasa instruction, community sensitisation, counselling by religious leaders and Zakat-related support mechanisms. These approaches promoted responsible resource utilisation based on Islamic ethical principles. However, their implementation was constrained by socio-economic pressures, particularly poverty, which encouraged unsustainable environmental practices. The study recommends strengthening institutional support and integrating Islamic environmental conservation strategies with livelihood enhancement interventions to improve their effectiveness in Marsabit County.