Perceived Effects of Land Use Changes on Household Livelihoods in Peri-Urban Areas of Nakuru City, Kenya

Abstract

High rates of population growth in cities is a global phenomenon. Nakuru City is one of the fastest growing cities in Eastern Africa. The city, performs administrative, educational, tourist, industrial, commercial, medical and transport functions. These diverse functions of the city attract an influx of people that impacts on the growth of Nakuru City, causing notable changes on land use patterns in its peri-urban zones. It in turn affect households’ livelihoods. The study sought to find out the perceived effects of land use changes on households’ livelihoods in peri-urban areas of Nakuru city. A household survey research was conducted where three hundred and eighty five households were selected for study. Purposive sampling was used to select 3 study locations, Kiamaina, Lanet Umoja and Ngata out of seven locations, Barut, Lanet- Ummoja, Kiamaina, Ngata, Kiamunyi, Viwanda and Mbaruk which surround the city council of Nakuru. Random sampling was used to select three hundred and eighty five households from the study areas. Cross tabulations and calculation of percentages were used to determine the perceived effects of land use changes on households’ livelihoods. The results disclosed that the expansion of built-up area and agricultural land has a positive influence on livelihoods as perceived by the households of peri-urban areas of Nakuru city. However, it also has negative effects on natural resources such as reduced access to water and healthy living environment. This study contributes towards achievement of the Kenya’s vision 2030 which aim at providing high quality life, clean and secure environment to all through inclusive and participatory stakeholder consultative process involving all Kenyans. Appropriate measures need to be employed to reduce the rapid change in land use and to integrate environmental conservation with human livelihoods.