Integrated Stakeholder Participation and Watershed Assessment in the River Njoro Watershed, Kenya W. Shivoga 1, F. Lelo 1, C. Maina-Gichaba 1, M.W. Jenkins 2, and S.N. Miller 3 1. Egerton University, Faculty of Environmental Studies and Natural Resources, P.O. Box 536, Njoro, Kenya 2.University of California – Davis, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA 3.University of Wyoming, Department of Renewable Resources, P.O. Box 3354, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA Watersheds in East Africa and their associated lakes and riparian zones have unique terrestrial and aquatic life. The lakes and inflowing rivers have recently been subjected to a high degree of changes in land use. These collectively threaten the ecological integrity of the watersheds. The main challenges come from increasing human pressure, including urban expansion, pollution, uncontrolled grazing, deforestation and unregulated cultivation. This trend directly and indirectly affects the welfare of the people. The threat of desertification undermines agriculture and wildlife species. Water issues affect a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Improvements in the situation can be made through organized and collective effort of all the stakeholders. Such an effort has not been attempted in Kenya. The River Njoro Watershed provides an excellent case study whose findings could be applied in other watersheds. River Njoro is 50 km in length and its watershed covers about 200 km 2. It originates from the Eastern Mau Escarpment at an altitude of over 3,000 m above sea level. It flows through forested and agricultural lands before serving the towns of Njoro and Nakuru. It eventually empties into Lake Nakuru at 1,759 m elevation. The Lake is enclosed within the Lake Nakuru National Park. A Ramsar Site, the Park is famous for its large populations of flamingos. Abstract The River Njoro Watershed Remote Sensing GIS Definition of objectives data collection study synthesis decision components support Field Data Model Component Outputs Watershed Model Scenario development Alternative futures Re-define problem Additional data needs Alternative rankings Ecology Stakeholder Involvement Watershed Hydrology Socioeconomics Visualization Management / Decision support Problem identification Stakeholder Involvement This project aims to apply a multidisciplinary approach to develop and demonstrate improved and integrated sustainable management of watershed resources through stakeholder participation. This approach combines technical research, stakeholder participation, public sensitization, community outreach and mobilization to prioritize and implement interventions to restore the ecological and hydrological status of the watershed. Egerton University, This project is a joint venture linking education and management institutions in the US and Kenya. A multidisciplinary research team has been created with collaborators from University of Wyoming, USA Egerton University, Kenya Moi University, Kenya Department of Fisheries, Kenya Kenya Wildlife Service Utah State University, USA University of California - Davis, USA The current project entitled Problem Model Assessment and Initial Capacity Building for the Rehabilitation of River Njoro Watershed is funded jointly by the Global Livestock and Pond Dynamics Collaborative Research Support Programs (US-AID). Conceptual Model of the Research Approach Research Overview Team Approach Recent Trends in the Watershed Livestock Grazing on Newly Deforested Area Extracting Water for Sale in Njoro Town Extensive Stakeholder Involvement Through Participatory Rural Appraisal, Interview & Survey in Coordination with Biophysical Assessment. 1992: Kenyan government de-gazettes forests; settlement in uplands begins and creates accelerated population growth: Population: ,511; ,379; ,000 (est.) Direct Uses of the River Njoro: raw sewage disposal, livestock watering human use: drinking, laundry Agricultural Practices primarily corn with reliance on cattle, small livestock, agroforestry. Watershed / Ecologic Condition accelerated erosion, decreased water quality & quantity, polluted boreholes, reduced biodiversity, fragmented habitat, riparian degradation Land Use Trends deforestation of the uplands; urbanization of the central region industrial use in the lower region The research team is comprised of 4 components: stakeholder involvement, ecology, socio-economics, and watershed hydrology. Each component has 4-6 research scientists from the collaborating institutions. During the current year each of these teams will be participating in capacity building for equipment, expertise, local knowledge, or scientific groundwork. It is anticipated that future research will utilize the capacity built during the current phase of research. Research and management activities conducted during the current year are intended to develop a strong foundation for long-term research into sustainable management in East Africa. The research approach is diagrammed in the conceptual model shown to the left. Highlights of this research approach include: Capacity Building - Acquisition of material, managerial expertise, scientific knowledge, training, student support - Long-term goal: create a “regional center of excellence in spatial analysis and watershed characterization”. Multi-disciplinary Approach - International expertise in hydrology, PRA, ecology, socio-economics, agroforestry, wildlife, agriculture, and fisheries Fully Integrated Biophysical and Socio-economic Research - Merge the biophysical and human aspects of research - Coordinate all assessments and provide 2-way feedback for both sharing data and steering the direction of research efforts. - Long-term goal: “provide necessary tools and decision support material to empower local stakeholders in sustainable watershed management”. Key Points Location of the Study Area Generalized land cover & GPS Locations of Recent Site Visits