Soil Erosion Monitoring Indicators: An Approach towards Natural Resource Management in Kuresoi South, Kenya
Chepkirui Gloria Baliach
Department of Agroforestry, Environmental Studies and Integraded Natural Resources, University of Kabianga, Kenya.
Andrew Kiplagat
Department of Environmental Monitoring, Planning and Management, University of Eldoret, Kenya.
Anne Sitienei *
Department of Agroforestry, Environmental Studies and Integraded Natural Resources, University of Kabianga, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soil erosion is still one of the most important land problems and it is linked to land use and land cover changes. These have negative effects on land resource which ultimately affects agricultural productivity and water quality. Local monitoring systems constitute an almost compulsory component of any program or project dealing with sustainable management of natural resources. The purpose of this study was to identify soil erosion monitoring indicators in Kuresoi South, Kenya. The study was comprised of a total representative sample population of 68 respondents from Kuresoi south catchment which was achieved using Nassiuma coefficient of variation formulae. Our findings reveal a positive significant relationship between soil erosion monitoring indicators and natural resource management. Taken together, soil erosion monitoring indicators can be used in detecting change over time in soil resource.
Keywords: Soil erosion, environment, food security.