Analysis of effects of human encroachment on Kiborgoch Wetland and its ecosystem services

Abstract

Kiborgoch Wetland is an ecologically and socio-economically important ecosystem in Kenya, but faces increasing pressures from human-induced activities. Dominant macrophyte species include Cyperus papyrus, Vachellia reficiens, Indigofera spinosa, and Cyperus alopecuroides. In Marigat region, the most members of the local communities obtain their livelihoods from Kiborgoch Wetland resulting in overuse. The wetland degradation drivers such as uncontrolled grazing in dry and wet seasons, unclear land tenure, rapid population growth capitalizes by climate change and poor implementation of policies that protect wetlands have intensified unsustainable activities, including water abstraction, excessive harvesting of wetland vegetation, and agricultural expansion. The objective of this research study was to assessed the extent, drivers, and impacts of wetland encroachment from 1994 to 2024. The study utilized a mixed-methods research design combining macrophytes assessments, Geographic Information System analyses together with social surveys to evaluate spatial-temporal changes, ecological conditions, and socio-economic implicationsThe Southern section of the wetland showed the highest form of diversity for both Shannon Diversity Index and Simpson’s Diversity Index, with an overall index of 0.81 for the entire wetland. This showed that the wetland is relatively diverse. Fabaceae and Cyperaceae were the most dominant macrophyte families in the wetland, with 36 plants species identified from 18 families. Drivers of degradation were also analyzed with overgrazing being the largest contributor together with encroachment as a result of agricultural expansion. Population growth, reduced river discharge and climate variability were also identified as drivers of Kiborgoch Wetland degradation. This work is important as it gives a spot light to conservation strategies that combine indigenous knowledge with scientific methods. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable land policies that would encourage the protection of ASAL wetland and enhancement of community involvement that would improve the resilience of Kiborgoch Wetland.