Identifying and Dealing with the Causes of Water Shortage in Lagam Escarpment of Kerio Valley, Marakwet District, Kenya

Abstract

In the recent years, it has been realized that water supply is on the decline in Marakwet District, Kenya, especially in the drier areas, such as the extensive Lagam escarpment and the Kerio Valley, yet water is the livelihood of the people in arid and semi arid lands (ASALS). Therefore, the limited water is causing conflicts in the course of its usage. The study thus aimed at providing intervention strategies not only to ensure water supply in the area but also lead to environmental conservation. To achieve this, the study assessed the causes of water shortage in the Lagam escarpment and the Kerio Valley and also sought to establish the attitudes and the attributes of the people towards water shortage. But for the objectives to be attained, remote sensing was used to study both surface and ground water, though it was supplemented by the use of questionnaires, interviews, observation, sampling, experimentation and mensuration. Two satellite images of the area (1986 and 2000) were presented to give a picture of change in water cover over the years. It was observed that, in the area of study, there were areas where there are many people but less water, much water but less people, much water but not potable and much water that is not accessible or available for use. Generally, deforestation and water pollution may be the leading causes of water shortage in the area, besides water losses resulting from excessive water percolation (infiltration) into the Earth’s crust and water mismanagement. The study has a lot of benefits to future researchers especially those intending to study water resources in the area and to the area residents, more so if the research recommendations are implemented, such as those pertaining to community involvement in the quest for water provision and sufficiency, projects for water sourcing, water catchment protection and water management procedures. _______________________