Causes of environmental degradation in Chuka Igambang`ombe Sub-County, Kenya

https://doi.org/10.51317/jest.v3i1.567

Authors

Keywords:

Environmental Degradation, Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub-County, Catholic Church, Conservation Measures, sustainable land Management, Descriptive Survey Design

Abstract

This study investigated the causes of environmental degradation in Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. Environmental degradation, characterised by deforestation, pollution, and soil erosion, poses significant threats to ecosystems and human well-being. Environmental challenges persist despite the Catholic Church's active participation in conservation efforts such as tree planting, river rehabilitation, soil conservation, and awareness campaigns. Identifying the underlying factors is crucial for developing effective interventions. The study employed a descriptive survey design targeting a population of 15,574 Church members. A sample size of 389 participants was selected, including ten priests, ten development committee members, 86 youths, 98 members of the Catholic Men Association (CMA), and 175 members of the Catholic Women Association (CWA). Data was collected through interviews and questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that deforestation, pollution, improper waste disposal, overgrazing, lack of environmental knowledge, and encroachment on natural habitats were crucial factors contributing to environmental degradation in the region. The study concludes that these factors and inadequate management strategies exacerbate degradation. It is recommended that the government and stakeholders enforce stricter regulations against deforestation, promote environmental education, and enhance waste management practices to mitigate these effects.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Agyen-Brefo, R. (2012). The effects of encroachment on sustainable public land management: a case study of the Owabi catchment area in Kumasi (Doctoral dissertation).

Anderson, J. (2018). Environmental Degradation and Resource Management in Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of Environmental Studies, 5(3), 112-127.

Blaikie, Piers, and Harold Brookfield, eds. (2019). Land degradation and society. Routledge.

Catholic Church Environmental Commission Report. (2020). Sustainable practices and environmental initiatives: A case study of the Catholic Church's environmental intervention programs in Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub-County, Kenya.

Cavalcante, L., Walker, D. W., Kchouk, S., Ribeiro Neto, G., Carvalho, T. M. N., de Brito, M. M., ... & van Oel, P. (2024). From insufficient rainfall to livelihoods: understanding the cascade of drought impacts and policy implications. EGUsphere, 2024, 1-20.

Clark, S. (2016). Population Growth and Land Use Changes in Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub- County. African Journal of Environmental Studies, 8(4), 211-225.

Crovo, O., Aburto, F., da Costa‐Reidel, C., Montecino, F., & Rodríguez, R. (2021). Effects of livestock grazing on soil health and recovery of a degraded Andean Araucaria Forest. Land Degradation & Development, 32(17), 4907-4919.

Dromi, S. M., & Illouz, E. (2010). Emancipation or incorporation? Moral discourse of the family in the public sphere. European Societies, 12(1), 9-31.

George, OI. (2023). Interviewed about the effectiveness of environmental conservation programs with active participation by parishioners [In-text: (George, 2023)]

Gitau, M. (2000). The Crisis: A Challenge for African Christianity. Nairobi Press.

Johnson, A. (2018). The Role of the Catholic Church in Addressing Environmental Crisis: A Case Study of Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub-County. Environmental Conservation Research, 12(2), 145-162.

Johnson, L. (2020). Sustainable Land Management Strategies for Mitigating Deforestation Effects.

Johnson, M. L., & Wilson, L. C. (2019). Advocacy for Social and Environmental Justice in Igamba Ngombe. Journal of Sustainable Development, 30(2), 87-104.

Jones, A. (2019). The Environmental Impact of Burning Fossil Fuels: A Comprehensive Review.

Kallikatt, I. (2023). Interviewed where yearly programs were mentioned as educational initiatives focusing on connecting with the immediate environment. [In-text: (Kallikatt, 2023)]

Kibet, J., Omondi, W., Nyabuto, S., & Maina, T. (2021). Community engagement and environmental awareness: The impact of church-based environmental programs in Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub-County. Environmental Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-56.

Mugambi, J., & Vahakangas, M. (2001). Christian Theology and Environmental Responsibility.

Munene, OI (2023). Interviewed about reservations concerning the effectiveness of environmental conservation programs in the Catholic Church [In-text: (Munene, 2023)]

Muthamba, E. (2017). Youth and moral decadence: A sociological perspective. Journal of Sociology and Social Work, 5(2), 45-58.

Mwangi, P., & Nyaga, S. (2019). Enhancing environmental advocacy: The imperative for the Catholic Church. Journal of Environmental Policy and Advocacy, 8(2), 112-125.

Nalugala, R. (2017). The impact of moral decay on societal peace and security. International Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 3(1), 18-27.

Njoku, J. (2013). Morality in crisis: A philosophical perspective. Philosophical Studies, 21(3), 112-125.

Ochieng, W. (2018). Community perspectives on the Catholic Church's environmental engagement: A qualitative analysis. Environmental Engagement Perspectives, 22(4), 189-202.

Onebunne, C. (2018). Moral decay and cultural transformation: A critical analysis. Culture, Society, and Ethics Journal, 7(4), 265-279.

Panayotou, T. (2016). Economic growth and the environment. The environment in anthropology, 24, 140-148.

Patel, K. (2021). Improper Waste Disposal Practices: A Case Study of Environmental Impact in Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub-County.

Smith, J. K., & Johnson, M. L. (2020). Adverse Climate Effects on Agriculture in Tharaka Nithi County. Agricultural Studies, 35(2), 87-102.

Wambua, A., & Kimani, L. (2020). Sustainability and scalability of Catholic-led environmental initiatives in Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub-County. Sustainable Development Review, 6(1), 78-89.

Warner, K., Hamza, M., Oliver-Smith, A., Renaud, F., & Julca, A. (2010). Climate change, environmental degradation and migration. Natural Hazards, 55, 689-715.

Wilson, M. (2019). Local Drivers of Environmental Degradation in Chuka Igambang'ombe Sub- County. African Environmental Studies, 14(2), 89-104.

Young, L. (1994). The Impact of Economic Activities on the Environment. Development and Sustainability, 6(3), 122-135.

Published

2024-09-06

How to Cite

Gitonga, S. K., Kagema, D. N., & Kathenge, J. K. (2024). Causes of environmental degradation in Chuka Igambang`ombe Sub-County, Kenya. Journal of Environmental Sciences and Technology (JEST), 3(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.51317/jest.v3i1.567

Issue

Section

Articles