An Examination of the Causes of Environmental Degradation from an Islamic Perspective in Marsabit County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the causes of environmental degradation in Marsabit County, Kenya, from an Islamic ethical perspective. Environmental degradation in the county is driven by overgrazing, deforestation, poverty and unsustainable resource use, despite Islamic teachings that emphasise environmental stewardship, ecological balance and responsible resource utilisation. Guided by Liberative Social Solidarity Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 217,079 Muslims in Moyale, Saku, North Horr and Laisamis sub-counties, with a planned sample of 384. Questionnaire respondents were selected using Simple random sampling, while purposive sampling identified key informants and focus group participants. Of 339 questionnaires distributed, 334 were completed, alongside 10 key informant interviews and 24 focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using SPSS version 28.0, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings showed that 87.4 per cent of adult and youth respondents identified overgrazing as a contributor to environmental degradation, while 75.3 per cent associated charcoal-driven deforestation with desertification. Among Madrasa learners, 89.2 per cent attributed land misuse and tree cutting to poverty and basic survival needs. The study identified interconnected drivers, including excessive grazing, deforestation, economic hardship, unsustainable livelihoods and climatic variability. It concludes that addressing environmental degradation requires translating Islamic environmental principles into practical conservation practices. The study recommends sustainable grazing arrangements, alternative livelihoods, environmental education and conservation initiatives involving religious and community leaders. It contributes evidence on the relevance of Islamic environmental ethics to natural-resource management in pastoral communities.