Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Spatio-Temporal Land Use Change in the Tungu–Nithi Sub-Catchment, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

Sarah Wanja Kibaara; Moses Njeru Kathuri; Dickson Kinoti Kibetu; James Muthomi Riungu

doi:10.69606/geography.v3i4.349

Authors

Sarah Wanja Kibaara Department of Social Sciences, Chuka University, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3054-6956
Moses Njeru Kathuri Department of Environmental Sciences, Chuka University, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1817-3180
Dickson Kinoti Kibetu Department of Social Sciences, Chuka University, Kenya
James Muthomi Riungu Department of Social Sciences, Chuka University, Kenya https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7686-8649

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69606/geography.v3i4.349

Keywords:

anthropogenic activities, spatial temporal, land use change, Tungu-Nithi

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities significantly modify the River Tungu and Nithi sub-catchment, influencing biodiversity and ecological balance. This prompts a need for a thorough understanding of their effects for effective conservation efforts. This study aims to map the influence of anthropogenic activities on land use change by integrating remote sensing with non-parametric statistical tests within the Tungu-Nithi sub-watershed. This research employs the meta-ecosystem perspective theory as its conceptual basis and utilizes mixed-methods research design. The results showed that vegetation cover and settlements increased by 19.1% and 6.7%, respectively. Conversely, there was a decrease in bare land, road networks, river area, and other land uses by 6.0%, 12.5%, 2.2%, and 5.8%, respectively. The chi-square test revealed a significant influence of anthropogenic factors on land use change, with a p-value of 0.001. The government needs to develop an integrated land use plan and strengthen collaboration to raise public awareness and encourage sustainable land use practices through environmental education.

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