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Explain threats and Challenges to Wetlands in Kenya

Explain threats and Challenges to Wetlands in Kenya

Answers

Paul
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems due to their functions and attributes. They are essential to the well being of Kenyans as they contribute significant economic and social benefits to the country. Despite their high productivity and provision of many benefits, wetland ecosystems in Kenya are still facing serious threats including:
1. Unsustainable use of wetland resources through; overgrazing, over cultivation, over abstraction of water for domestic use, agriculture and industrialization as well as illegal and improper fishing practices.
2. Eutrophication which may be caused through pollution by domestic sewage, industrial effluent which choke water ways and agro-chemicals that increase nutrient levels thus causing algae blooms and fish kills.
3. Establishment of new human and livestock settlements in wetland areas.
4. Cutting and burning of aquatic and other vegetation for fuel, housing and commercial activities.
5. Unplanned development activities including dam construction, coastal development, mining and quarrying.
6. Introduction, illegally or otherwise, of non-traditional or alien species into wetlands such as water hyacinth, Nile perch, Red cray fish.
7. Hunting and killing of wildlife within wetlands, which in turn undermines the integrity of these fragile ecosystems as food chains are destructed.
8. Degradation of water catchment areas such as the Mau Complex, Mount Kenya, Cherengani hills, Aberdares ranges and Mount Elgon where many rivers and streams rise from that flow into the major types of wetlands in our country. The destruction of these catchment areas results into siltation and increased suspended solids and reduced water levels in rivers and lakes downstream.
9. Lack of an operational National Wetlands Policy and cross-cutting sectoral policies in Kenya, where by government Ministries do not liaise in developing management plans on water use (Water and Irrigation, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Planning and Development, Environment and Natural Resources).
10. Lack of management plans has exuberated wetland destruction and degradation e.g.. Lake Naivasha
11. Limited funds, where by Wetland management institutions lack adequate and continuous funds and personnel for monitoring, management, research and community awareness
12. Lack of community participation in management of the various wetland resources in the country.
Frederick paul answered the question on February 11, 2019 at 13:53

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