Data Management And Ethical Considerations

In this study, consent from the potential respondent and the Catholic Diocese of Kericho was obtained. Permission was obtained from the research subjects, the survey respondents in order to collect data from them. This was done in non-coercive ways worked out through the use of informed consent. Anonymity was ensured in order to protect the research subjects and the quality of data. The respondents were not compelled to reveal their identity at any time, this ensured that their protection was guaranteed, and they felt free to give truthful answers. Except with the consent of the participants, confidentiality of their identity and data throughout the research was adhered to.

Also, where it was possible, potential participants were informed in advance of any features of the research that might reasonably be expected to influence their willingness to take part in the study. Openness and honesty about the research, its purpose and application was put into consideration. An account of the purpose of the study as well as its procedures was provided by the researcher.

The researcher honoured patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property while giving proper credit for all contributions to research.

Throughout the study, clear and accurate records of the research procedures followed and the results obtained, including interim results were kept. This was necessary not only as a means of demonstrating proper research practice, but also in case questions are subsequently asked about either the conduct of the research or the results obtained. For similar reasons, the data which was generated in the course of research was kept securely in paper and electronic form, as appropriate.

Availability of data to other researchers through widely-searched repositories will be made so as to demonstrate continued use of the data and relevance of the research. The researcher will publish his work in order to advance research and scholarship.

CHAPTER TWO

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN KERICHO COUNTY

Increased pressure on natural resources and demand for natural resources like land, timber, energy, water and forests has more than doubled. Meeting human needs for food has resulted in massive alteration of natural environment leading to severe and widespread environmental degradation including the pollution of land, water, and air, soil erosion and loss of fertility, depletion of water resources and deforestation. This chapter gives a critical analysis of the root causes and forms of environmental degradation in Kericho County.

2.1 Causes of Soil Degradation

Soil depletion results from the loss of the top soil through poor farming methods, felling of trees and overgrazing. Poor cultivation methods, particularly on the slopes of mountains and highland regions, has caused severe run-off of soil minerals and micro- organisms necessary for plant growth and sustainability. Destructive farming methods have accelerated the rate and magnitude of soil depletion and erosion (Wangiri 1999:78). The research findings show that prolonged poor agricultural practices have contributed to declining soil fertility especially in the mountainous and highland regions of Londiani division. Kirui (O.I. 24-06-2013) observed that poor farming methods, for example ploughing along the contours have contributed to soil depletion. Farmers are encouraged to plough across the contours and build terraces.

Mutai (O.I. 14-11-2012) noted that the need to produce adequately for an ever rapidly increasing population in the county has resulted in the cultivation of land more

intensively. Furthermore he observed that population pressure has resulted in the cultivation of water catchment areas and preserved swamps, such as Chelilis swamp. In the process, the land has failed to get time to regenerate its soil fertility and with continuous production, the fertility diminishes, resulting into reduced productivity. The researcher noted that massive use of chemical fertilizers on crops such as maize, tea, and others has led to severe soil pollution in Kericho County, causing a quantitative decline in crop yield. The farmers who were interviewed at Kapcheptoror in Ainamoi division stated that they often use inorganic fertilizers in their farms. At least 74 percent of the informants argued that they use chemical fertilizers to improve the productivity of their farms. Although the respondents gave varied responses, they were in agreement that heavier fertilizer inputs deplete the soil by polluting it. According to Ruto (O.I 18:04-2013), the destruction of the soil and consumption of arable land makes agriculture very expensive and unrewarding. Instead farmers should be encouraged to use organic manure to avoid pollution of soil.

Scientific evidence shows that prolonged use of chemical fertilizers like Ammonium Sulphate (Urea) alters soil acidity, alkalinity and salinity. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides poison and weaken the soil posing a great disaster for the health of the earth and living things (Rayan 1994, FAO 1994 and Msafiri 2007). This destabilizes natural soil nutrients, necessary for plant life and growth. Farmers in this region rely upon an ever increasing use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility and in some cases they use pesticides .These chemicals additives contaminate the underground aquifer and they constitute a grave hazard to the health of human beings through the food chain.

Philip, a parishioner at Litein parish (O.I 18-06-2013) pointed out that individual farmers must ensure proper use and disposal of farm chemicals; for example, fertilizers, acaricides, pesticides, and herbicides to avoid polluting soil and water. Jane (O.I 22-05- 2013) underscored that farmers should not use excess and harmful chemicals to destroy pests.

In the study area, it was noted that soil erosion and degradation occurs in several parts and is caused by wind and water activity, for example, the wind blows off the rich top soils during dry seasons. Mutai (O.I. 14-11-2012) reported that water runoff carries the top soil away; this occurs during seasons of heavy rains. Furthermore displacement of top soil by wind action is more widespread during dry seasons. He further attributed this to loss of vegetative cover and cutting down of trees. The destruction of vegetative cover further culminates in soil erosion. When the forests are cleared soil erosion sets in and in many places the soil becomes useless. The loss of topsoil reduces fertility because as the soil becomes denser and thinner, it is less penetrable by growing roots (Blake 1996:240). The capacity of the soil to retain water and make it available to plants is reduced. The plant nutrients are also washed away with soil particles.