Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the d... more Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the disproportionate state of lack of water-sharing agreements and non-consolidated planning and management frameworks. The catchment comprises four administrative boundaries namely: Nandi and Kakamega at the upstream, and Vihiga and Siaya at the downstream end. All these make up demand blocks that necessitated optimal water allocation for (i) Domestic-Institutional-Municipal Category, (ii) Agriculture Category and (iii) Industry Category. This study evaluated past trends of water use while simulating future water requirement (year 2016 to 2045) as allocation attribute using Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model for purposes of planning and management. Calibration and validation were performed on two 10-year streamflow datasets, drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted by WEAP for four scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). Results indicated that at Reference Scenario, Domestic-Institutional-Municipal demand category would be allocated 66.9%. Agriculture and Industry categories, on the other hand, require 30.3% and 2.8% of the supply requirements respectively – proportionately spread along the simulated period. Water allocation, however, varied across demand sites (counties) depending on priorities of demand categories, and respective scenarios. WEAP allocated greater water quantities to Siaya County for Irrigation compared to other counties because of the large irrigation requirements, which utilize basin irrigation. Kakamega County was allocated relatively more water for Domestic-Institutional-Municipal use due to its higher population demand levels while Nandi and Vihiga counties were allocated relatively more water for industry use because of their active industrial activities compared to the rest of the counties. Due to the eminent water scarcity that was witnessed from the simulated Yala River water against increasing demand, it is recommended that water use from other sources (groundwater, rainwater and floodwater), should be exploited as supplement to the Yala Catchment flows.
The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages ... more The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages of water resources because of the declining stream flows, which is occasioned by environmental changes, increasing population and changing land uses. This study applied Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to evaluate past trends and simulate current demand scenarios for the purposes of planning by authorities in regard to future use. The study used historical data (1970-2015) to assess water supply and demand in the catchment for the period 2016 to 2045 by simulation. Calibration and validation were each performed on 10-year streamflow datasets (1991-2000 and 2001-2010 respectively), drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted for the scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). The categories of water demand evaluated in WEAP included: Domestic-Institutional-Municipal, Agriculture, and Industry uses. In a 5-year time-step, WEAP demonstrated resultant increase in water demand for year 2020 by 7.46% from 2016 at Reference Scenario. WEAP further simulated a gradual increase in water demand during subsequent years. This trend would continue for the rest of the scenarios but with variations occasioned by adjustment of variables in WEAP such as population growth rates, monthly variations, annual activity levels, water use rates, water losses and reuse rates, industrial production units, agricultural acreages, and varied demand sites. In conclusion, there were demonstrated substantial increases in water demands within individual scenarios between 2016 to 2045, but these increases were significantly different scenario-by-scenario. The study recommends that supply and demand measures be employed with the aim of regulating activity levels, losses and consumptions so as to meet demands in case any of the studied scenarios would be applicable.
The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages ... more The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages of water resources because of the declining stream flows, which is occasioned by environmental changes, increasing population and changing land uses. This study applied Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to evaluate past trends and simulate current demand scenarios for the purposes of planning by authorities in regard to future use. The study used historical data (1970-2015) to assess water supply and demand in the catchment for the period 2016 to 2045 by simulation. Calibration and validation were each performed on 10-year streamflow datasets (1991-2000 and 2001-2010 respectively), drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted for the scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). The categories of water demand evaluated in WEAP included: Domestic-Institutional-Municipal, Agriculture, and Industry uses. In a 5-year time-step, WEAP demonstrated resultant increase in water demand for year 2020 by 7.46% from 2016 at Reference Scenario. WEAP further simulated a gradual increase in water demand during subsequent years. This trend would continue for the rest of the scenarios but with variations occasioned by adjustment of variables in WEAP such as population growth rates, monthly variations, annual activity levels, water use rates, water losses and reuse rates, industrial production units, agricultural acreages, and varied demand sites. In conclusion, there were demonstrated substantial increases in water demands within individual scenarios between 2016 to 2045, but these increases were significantly different scenario-by-scenario. The study recommends that supply and demand measures be employed with the aim of regulating activity levels, losses and consumptions so as to meet demands in case any of the studied scenarios would be applicable.
Water-based recreation is an ecotourism genre that attracts participation in most developed count... more Water-based recreation is an ecotourism genre that attracts participation in most developed countries, but seldom cuts a niche in developed nations. This paper presents synopsis of concepts from a study conducted in four beaches of Lake Victoria, Kisumu County in Kenya, with the aim of demonstrating challenges and opportunities of recreational ecotourism within the shore areas of the fresh water lake. To ascertain the dynamics that control recreationists' involvement in recreationable activities at the waterfronts, a triangulation methodology was used. As such, observations were employed on environmental features at the lake shores to demonstrate their aesthetic status; confirmatory tests were performed on shore waters (beaches) to determine their quality integrity; and household survey was conducted on local communities to establish their ecological risk perceptions. Results point at poor observable status of the shores environments; adverse water pollution; and high risk perceptions. These significantly demonstrated influences against the recreational dormancy at the study sites. The paper discusses Pollution on recreational waters; risk perceptions and community participation; nexus between observable status, water quality and risk perceptions on recreational waters ; policy and Management Implications of the Study; and SWOT Analysis as a conclusive presentation of study focus. The authors suggest an outline of multi-criterion approaches for optimizing ecotourism opportunities within freshwater environments. These entail: management hierarchies for enhancement of recreational ecotourism; a recreational opportunity spectrum model; levels of progressive maturity for recreational ecotourism development; a dummy checklist for water pollution control; and decision trees for recreationable site location and water quality examination.
Abstract: Ecotourism is increasingly exhibited as a component of the conventional tourism that ne... more Abstract: Ecotourism is increasingly exhibited as a component of the conventional tourism that needs augmentation with enhanced availability of water resources in sustainable modes. This sustainability is attainable through conjunctive use of surface and groundwater. This paper reviews literature and theoretical ideas from various authors and practical examples of implementations in different countries. This is with an aim of analytically setting up general spotlights that can be relied upon with a focus on surface and ground water as ecotourism resource enabler in developing countries. The paper Introduction; the nuance of conjunctive use of water resources on agri-tourism; case studies; technical and management distinctions; and planning and management for conjunctive water use. The paper also covers spontaneous and planned conjunctive water use systems; key advantages; potential benefits; summary of significant aspects of conjunctive water use planning; overcoming the main impediments to planned conjunctive use; and proposed policy and institutional issues for developing nations. It relies heavily on authored work and all such information used here has been acknowledged in the references.
Several natural water reservoirs, especially in the developing nations, have systematically exper... more Several natural water reservoirs, especially in the developing nations, have systematically experienced high ecological stresses and this has hindered the demonstration of their ecological utility but only created low attraction to the ecotourism sector. There have been little or no product and destination opportunities for ecotourism due to the exponential effect of multiple stresses on some Asian and most African lakes. The world’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Victoria, has experienced increasing stress scenarios that take away the pride that befits its stature. This study was conducted along the shores of Lake Victoria with a focus on ecotourism industry so as to exemplify the sources of pollution, its implications and sustainability options within its Kisumu County buffer areas. Four beaches were selected, clustered into rural and urban, and several water samples methodically collected and tested as confirmatory for physical, chemical and microbial status against reference standards. All results satisfactorily compared with past data but showed exponential increase in trends of contamination to the water body. They indicate suitability of temperature and pH conditions but moderately high turbidity and suspended solid loads, all suitable for recreation. DO was present at fair levels but with the significant Nitrogen and Phosphorous intensities. Eutrophication and algal bloom at the lake were evident threats to recreation but E.Coli levels were found to exist within recommended recreational normal of (206counts/100ml) for undesignated areas. This was, however, way behind developed nation’s recreation beach designations at 105.2%. The BOD5 levels were within the recommended 5 – 15 mg/L for raw water reservoirs or tertiary effluents. Urban beaches depicted higher levels of pollution compared to rural ones while rainy/wet seasons exhibited higher pollution loads. However, time of the day was not a pollution factor. The study recommends policy change through planning in the long term, and in the short term there should be shore lean ups, augmentation of existing sanitation infrastructure, public sensitization programmes; enhancement of institutional capacities; and image and destination branding of the sites.
ABSTRACT Most waterfronts supply ecotourism potential world over, and it is believed that local i... more ABSTRACT Most waterfronts supply ecotourism potential world over, and it is believed that local inhabitants at recreational-potential sites bear the first-hand opportunity for exploitation of water-based ecotourism. However, the vulnerable status of potential sites instills ecological risk perceptions in local people, and this has a bearing on participation by potential recreationists. This ultimately inhibits the benefits of ecotourism in a community. This study aimed at demonstrating the ecological risk perceptions on participation by local people in lake waterfronts recreational activities in Kisumu County. The study was conducted in 4 beaches of Lake Victoria (Asat, Usoma, Ogal and Lwangni). The study sites were grouped into rural and urban clusters. Approached by structured interviews, its outcomes were arrived at through correlation, regression and analysis of variances at 95% confidence levels. Research variables were grouped into genres such as participation in recreational activities, nature of ecological risks and psychological and cognitive influences- all which bore respective sub- attributes. Results suggest that dire ecological status of the waterfronts generate risks which significantly influence low participation by local people. Participation ratio was determined at only 9.48%. This correlated positively with perceptions concerning nature of environmental risks (perceived possibility of pollution (.522), perceived extents of impacts of pollution (.581) and perceived severity of disastrous consequences (.437).
Abstract: This paper presents discussions on observed scenarios that characterize water-based rec... more Abstract: This paper presents discussions on observed scenarios that characterize water-based recreational 2 3 activities with an aim of laying grounds for appreciating relationships that enhance or hamper ecotourism development in Lake Victoria, Kisumu County. The study was premised from an argument that lake water resources demonstrate prospects for activities like swimming, boating, sunbathing, skiing, recreational fishing and visual amenities among others. The study was conducted through observations and confirmatory follow up queries from relevant stakeholders along Lake Victoria from Asat, Ogal, Usoma and Lwangni beaches of Lake Victoria. The main objective was to examine existing trends of water-based activities in relation to ecotourism and envisage potentials of each beach water front for recreation in Kisumu County. Thus, this paper presents results of a systematic synthesis of interactions between lake (surface) water and outdoor recreation, a significant socioeconomic subsystem. The study maps out characteristics of accessible water front areas, popularly known as beaches, for their ecological sensitivity and ascertains the possibility of the sites to be planned or augmented to facilitate ecotourism development. Findings reveal the spatial potential of the sites but with gaps that intimidate possible popularity of ecotourism industry due to intentional human activities, negligence and perceptions. The existing technical and scientific knowledge on Lake Victoria Basin has been boosted by this study; hence, results and recommendations potentially enable academic institutions, development agencies and Kisumu County Government to seriously begin ecotourism development, which has remained behind most developed nations.
Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the d... more Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the disproportionate state of lack of water-sharing agreements and non-consolidated planning and management frameworks. The catchment comprises four administrative boundaries namely: Nandi and Kakamega at the upstream, and Vihiga and Siaya at the downstream end. All these make up demand blocks that necessitated optimal water allocation for (i) Domestic-Institutional-Municipal Category, (ii) Agriculture Category and (iii) Industry Category. This study evaluated past trends of water use while simulating future water requirement (year 2016 to 2045) as allocation attribute using Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model for purposes of planning and management. Calibration and validation were performed on two 10-year streamflow datasets, drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted by WEAP for four scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). Results indicated that at Reference Scenario, Domestic-Institutional-Municipal demand category would be allocated 66.9%. Agriculture and Industry categories, on the other hand, require 30.3% and 2.8% of the supply requirements respectively – proportionately spread along the simulated period. Water allocation, however, varied across demand sites (counties) depending on priorities of demand categories, and respective scenarios. WEAP allocated greater water quantities to Siaya County for Irrigation compared to other counties because of the large irrigation requirements, which utilize basin irrigation. Kakamega County was allocated relatively more water for Domestic-Institutional-Municipal use due to its higher population demand levels while Nandi and Vihiga counties were allocated relatively more water for industry use because of their active industrial activities compared to the rest of the counties. Due to the eminent water scarcity that was witnessed from the simulated Yala River water against increasing demand, it is recommended that water use from other sources (groundwater, rainwater and floodwater), should be exploited as supplement to the Yala Catchment flows.
Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the d... more Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the disproportionate state of lack of water-sharing agreements and non-consolidated planning and management frameworks. The catchment comprises four administrative boundaries namely: Nandi and Kakamega at the upstream, and Vihiga and Siaya at the downstream end. All these make up demand blocks that necessitated optimal water allocation for (i) Domestic-Institutional-Municipal Category, (ii) Agriculture Category and (iii) Industry Category. This study evaluated past trends of water use while simulating future water requirement (year 2016 to 2045) as allocation attribute using Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model for purposes of planning and management. Calibration and validation were performed on two 10-year streamflow datasets, drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted by WEAP for four scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). Results indicated that at Reference Scenario, Domestic-Institutional-Municipal demand category would be allocated 66.9%. Agriculture and Industry categories, on the other hand, require 30.3% and 2.8% of the supply requirements respectively – proportionately spread along the simulated period. Water allocation, however, varied across demand sites (counties) depending on priorities of demand categories, and respective scenarios. WEAP allocated greater water quantities to Siaya County for Irrigation compared to other counties because of the large irrigation requirements, which utilize basin irrigation. Kakamega County was allocated relatively more water for Domestic-Institutional-Municipal use due to its higher population demand levels while Nandi and Vihiga counties were allocated relatively more water for industry use because of their active industrial activities compared to the rest of the counties. Due to the eminent water scarcity that was witnessed from the simulated Yala River water against increasing demand, it is recommended that water use from other sources (groundwater, rainwater and floodwater), should be exploited as supplement to the Yala Catchment flows.
The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages ... more The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages of water resources because of the declining stream flows, which is occasioned by environmental changes, increasing population and changing land uses. This study applied Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to evaluate past trends and simulate current demand scenarios for the purposes of planning by authorities in regard to future use. The study used historical data (1970-2015) to assess water supply and demand in the catchment for the period 2016 to 2045 by simulation. Calibration and validation were each performed on 10-year streamflow datasets (1991-2000 and 2001-2010 respectively), drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted for the scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). The categories of water demand evaluated in WEAP included: Domestic-Institutional-Municipal, Agriculture, and Industry uses. In a 5-year time-step, WEAP demonstrated resultant increase in water demand for year 2020 by 7.46% from 2016 at Reference Scenario. WEAP further simulated a gradual increase in water demand during subsequent years. This trend would continue for the rest of the scenarios but with variations occasioned by adjustment of variables in WEAP such as population growth rates, monthly variations, annual activity levels, water use rates, water losses and reuse rates, industrial production units, agricultural acreages, and varied demand sites. In conclusion, there were demonstrated substantial increases in water demands within individual scenarios between 2016 to 2045, but these increases were significantly different scenario-by-scenario. The study recommends that supply and demand measures be employed with the aim of regulating activity levels, losses and consumptions so as to meet demands in case any of the studied scenarios would be applicable.
The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages ... more The counties traversed by Yala River Catchment in Kenya have been constrained by acute shortages of water resources because of the declining stream flows, which is occasioned by environmental changes, increasing population and changing land uses. This study applied Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model to evaluate past trends and simulate current demand scenarios for the purposes of planning by authorities in regard to future use. The study used historical data (1970-2015) to assess water supply and demand in the catchment for the period 2016 to 2045 by simulation. Calibration and validation were each performed on 10-year streamflow datasets (1991-2000 and 2001-2010 respectively), drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted for the scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). The categories of water demand evaluated in WEAP included: Domestic-Institutional-Municipal, Agriculture, and Industry uses. In a 5-year time-step, WEAP demonstrated resultant increase in water demand for year 2020 by 7.46% from 2016 at Reference Scenario. WEAP further simulated a gradual increase in water demand during subsequent years. This trend would continue for the rest of the scenarios but with variations occasioned by adjustment of variables in WEAP such as population growth rates, monthly variations, annual activity levels, water use rates, water losses and reuse rates, industrial production units, agricultural acreages, and varied demand sites. In conclusion, there were demonstrated substantial increases in water demands within individual scenarios between 2016 to 2045, but these increases were significantly different scenario-by-scenario. The study recommends that supply and demand measures be employed with the aim of regulating activity levels, losses and consumptions so as to meet demands in case any of the studied scenarios would be applicable.
Water-based recreation is an ecotourism genre that attracts participation in most developed count... more Water-based recreation is an ecotourism genre that attracts participation in most developed countries, but seldom cuts a niche in developed nations. This paper presents synopsis of concepts from a study conducted in four beaches of Lake Victoria, Kisumu County in Kenya, with the aim of demonstrating challenges and opportunities of recreational ecotourism within the shore areas of the fresh water lake. To ascertain the dynamics that control recreationists' involvement in recreationable activities at the waterfronts, a triangulation methodology was used. As such, observations were employed on environmental features at the lake shores to demonstrate their aesthetic status; confirmatory tests were performed on shore waters (beaches) to determine their quality integrity; and household survey was conducted on local communities to establish their ecological risk perceptions. Results point at poor observable status of the shores environments; adverse water pollution; and high risk perceptions. These significantly demonstrated influences against the recreational dormancy at the study sites. The paper discusses Pollution on recreational waters; risk perceptions and community participation; nexus between observable status, water quality and risk perceptions on recreational waters ; policy and Management Implications of the Study; and SWOT Analysis as a conclusive presentation of study focus. The authors suggest an outline of multi-criterion approaches for optimizing ecotourism opportunities within freshwater environments. These entail: management hierarchies for enhancement of recreational ecotourism; a recreational opportunity spectrum model; levels of progressive maturity for recreational ecotourism development; a dummy checklist for water pollution control; and decision trees for recreationable site location and water quality examination.
Abstract: Ecotourism is increasingly exhibited as a component of the conventional tourism that ne... more Abstract: Ecotourism is increasingly exhibited as a component of the conventional tourism that needs augmentation with enhanced availability of water resources in sustainable modes. This sustainability is attainable through conjunctive use of surface and groundwater. This paper reviews literature and theoretical ideas from various authors and practical examples of implementations in different countries. This is with an aim of analytically setting up general spotlights that can be relied upon with a focus on surface and ground water as ecotourism resource enabler in developing countries. The paper Introduction; the nuance of conjunctive use of water resources on agri-tourism; case studies; technical and management distinctions; and planning and management for conjunctive water use. The paper also covers spontaneous and planned conjunctive water use systems; key advantages; potential benefits; summary of significant aspects of conjunctive water use planning; overcoming the main impediments to planned conjunctive use; and proposed policy and institutional issues for developing nations. It relies heavily on authored work and all such information used here has been acknowledged in the references.
Several natural water reservoirs, especially in the developing nations, have systematically exper... more Several natural water reservoirs, especially in the developing nations, have systematically experienced high ecological stresses and this has hindered the demonstration of their ecological utility but only created low attraction to the ecotourism sector. There have been little or no product and destination opportunities for ecotourism due to the exponential effect of multiple stresses on some Asian and most African lakes. The world’s largest fresh water lake, Lake Victoria, has experienced increasing stress scenarios that take away the pride that befits its stature. This study was conducted along the shores of Lake Victoria with a focus on ecotourism industry so as to exemplify the sources of pollution, its implications and sustainability options within its Kisumu County buffer areas. Four beaches were selected, clustered into rural and urban, and several water samples methodically collected and tested as confirmatory for physical, chemical and microbial status against reference standards. All results satisfactorily compared with past data but showed exponential increase in trends of contamination to the water body. They indicate suitability of temperature and pH conditions but moderately high turbidity and suspended solid loads, all suitable for recreation. DO was present at fair levels but with the significant Nitrogen and Phosphorous intensities. Eutrophication and algal bloom at the lake were evident threats to recreation but E.Coli levels were found to exist within recommended recreational normal of (206counts/100ml) for undesignated areas. This was, however, way behind developed nation’s recreation beach designations at 105.2%. The BOD5 levels were within the recommended 5 – 15 mg/L for raw water reservoirs or tertiary effluents. Urban beaches depicted higher levels of pollution compared to rural ones while rainy/wet seasons exhibited higher pollution loads. However, time of the day was not a pollution factor. The study recommends policy change through planning in the long term, and in the short term there should be shore lean ups, augmentation of existing sanitation infrastructure, public sensitization programmes; enhancement of institutional capacities; and image and destination branding of the sites.
ABSTRACT Most waterfronts supply ecotourism potential world over, and it is believed that local i... more ABSTRACT Most waterfronts supply ecotourism potential world over, and it is believed that local inhabitants at recreational-potential sites bear the first-hand opportunity for exploitation of water-based ecotourism. However, the vulnerable status of potential sites instills ecological risk perceptions in local people, and this has a bearing on participation by potential recreationists. This ultimately inhibits the benefits of ecotourism in a community. This study aimed at demonstrating the ecological risk perceptions on participation by local people in lake waterfronts recreational activities in Kisumu County. The study was conducted in 4 beaches of Lake Victoria (Asat, Usoma, Ogal and Lwangni). The study sites were grouped into rural and urban clusters. Approached by structured interviews, its outcomes were arrived at through correlation, regression and analysis of variances at 95% confidence levels. Research variables were grouped into genres such as participation in recreational activities, nature of ecological risks and psychological and cognitive influences- all which bore respective sub- attributes. Results suggest that dire ecological status of the waterfronts generate risks which significantly influence low participation by local people. Participation ratio was determined at only 9.48%. This correlated positively with perceptions concerning nature of environmental risks (perceived possibility of pollution (.522), perceived extents of impacts of pollution (.581) and perceived severity of disastrous consequences (.437).
Abstract: This paper presents discussions on observed scenarios that characterize water-based rec... more Abstract: This paper presents discussions on observed scenarios that characterize water-based recreational 2 3 activities with an aim of laying grounds for appreciating relationships that enhance or hamper ecotourism development in Lake Victoria, Kisumu County. The study was premised from an argument that lake water resources demonstrate prospects for activities like swimming, boating, sunbathing, skiing, recreational fishing and visual amenities among others. The study was conducted through observations and confirmatory follow up queries from relevant stakeholders along Lake Victoria from Asat, Ogal, Usoma and Lwangni beaches of Lake Victoria. The main objective was to examine existing trends of water-based activities in relation to ecotourism and envisage potentials of each beach water front for recreation in Kisumu County. Thus, this paper presents results of a systematic synthesis of interactions between lake (surface) water and outdoor recreation, a significant socioeconomic subsystem. The study maps out characteristics of accessible water front areas, popularly known as beaches, for their ecological sensitivity and ascertains the possibility of the sites to be planned or augmented to facilitate ecotourism development. Findings reveal the spatial potential of the sites but with gaps that intimidate possible popularity of ecotourism industry due to intentional human activities, negligence and perceptions. The existing technical and scientific knowledge on Lake Victoria Basin has been boosted by this study; hence, results and recommendations potentially enable academic institutions, development agencies and Kisumu County Government to seriously begin ecotourism development, which has remained behind most developed nations.
Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the d... more Yala River in Kenya has experienced divergent water uses across its network, accompanied by the disproportionate state of lack of water-sharing agreements and non-consolidated planning and management frameworks. The catchment comprises four administrative boundaries namely: Nandi and Kakamega at the upstream, and Vihiga and Siaya at the downstream end. All these make up demand blocks that necessitated optimal water allocation for (i) Domestic-Institutional-Municipal Category, (ii) Agriculture Category and (iii) Industry Category. This study evaluated past trends of water use while simulating future water requirement (year 2016 to 2045) as allocation attribute using Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model for purposes of planning and management. Calibration and validation were performed on two 10-year streamflow datasets, drawn from 4 gauging stations. Simulations were then conducted by WEAP for four scenarios namely: Reference (at 2.8% growth rate), High Growth (3.2%), High Growth (3.5%), and Moderated Growth (2.2%). Results indicated that at Reference Scenario, Domestic-Institutional-Municipal demand category would be allocated 66.9%. Agriculture and Industry categories, on the other hand, require 30.3% and 2.8% of the supply requirements respectively – proportionately spread along the simulated period. Water allocation, however, varied across demand sites (counties) depending on priorities of demand categories, and respective scenarios. WEAP allocated greater water quantities to Siaya County for Irrigation compared to other counties because of the large irrigation requirements, which utilize basin irrigation. Kakamega County was allocated relatively more water for Domestic-Institutional-Municipal use due to its higher population demand levels while Nandi and Vihiga counties were allocated relatively more water for industry use because of their active industrial activities compared to the rest of the counties. Due to the eminent water scarcity that was witnessed from the simulated Yala River water against increasing demand, it is recommended that water use from other sources (groundwater, rainwater and floodwater), should be exploited as supplement to the Yala Catchment flows.
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