Community participation in the protection of Kenya's wetlands

Abstract

Gichuki, CM. 2000. Community participation in the protection of Kenya's wetlands. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 122–125.

In Africa today, many natural ecosystems are threatened with destruction, primarily because of unsustainable exploitation and negative impacts of development activities. Wetlands are prime targets of exploitation because they contain the basic resources, such as water, land, plants and animals, which are commonly used to fuel economic development. In Kenya wetlands support rural economy and up to seven million people depend on them for their livelihood. In addition there is considerable inter-institutional competition for wetland resources, particularly water. While a wetland policy is being developed by the government, widespread damage to wetland ecosystems continues at village level. Community participation in the protection of their own environment and in the conservation of wetland resources has therefore become a crucial strategy for stemming the loss of biological diversity and minimizing damage to the environment.

This paper describes wetland conservation initiatives of several community groups in Kenya during the period 1990 to 1996. The paper outlines some of the projects which the community groups have been undertaking in order to generate income, create job opportunities for the youth and to protect their own environment. The wetland conservation activities and the author's experience while working with these community groups can serve as a suitable model for application in many African countries south of the Sahara.