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Degradation of the Molo River ecosystem threatens the livelihoods of different communities and is poised to result in conflict between and among the communities. Responding to the current challenges will therefore not only ensure sustainable livelihoods for the communities but also cultivate peace and tranquillity among the communities that is essential to realize sustainable development.
Molo River basin is faced with environmental challenges as a result of unsustainable land use management across the basin that includes overexploitation of timber, wood fuel, charcoal and expanded settlement. These activities have catalyzed sedimentation of Lake Baringo reducing the depth and service area and destroying the habitat for aquatic animals.
In addition, over abstraction of water along the river through damming and irrigation as well as loss of biodiversity along the river riparian zone has been experienced. The socioeconomic factors of the communities living adjacent to the river also exert pressure on the river basin resources i.e. need for water and pasture especially during drought. Likewise limited public awareness on impact of human activities to the river and high poverty prevalence among residents has contributed to degradation of the river basin.
The objectives of the project are to undertake a baseline survey of Molo River to establish environmental and livelihood challenges being experienced within the river catchment, and to explore the role of governance in ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. The project is aimed at generating the relevant data that would lead to establishment of viable intervention and that will mitigate environmental threats facing Molo River and introduce sustainable management of the river ecosystem for current and future generations.