Challenges And Prospects Of Civil Society Organizations In Enhancement Of Sustainable Livelihoods And Environmental Conservation In Homa Bay County, Kenya

ABSTRACT

Attainment of sustainable development among communities affected by persistent environmental degradation, poverty and food insecurity remain a global, regional and national challenge. Suba sub-County is endowed with diverse natural resources. The resources are under progressive degradation. Poor socio-economic situation manifested in high poverty level of 52% and 78% food deficiency persists despite the presence of several CSOs working with GoK and IDAs. In the light of this, the study examined challenges and prospects of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in enhancing sustainable livelihoods and environmental conservation in Suba sub-County. Specifically, the study investigated main causes of socio-economic and environmental problems in Suba subCounty; examined the main activities of CSOs, Government of Kenya (GoK) and International Development Agencies (IDAs) in environmental conservation and enhancement of sustainable livelihoods; determined the main challenges of CSOs in environmental conservation in collaboration with other development agencies; explored main prospects of CSOs in environmental conservation in collaboration with other development agencies; and designed integrated environmental management system that fosters collaboration among development agencies for enhancement of sustainable livelihoods. Mixed methods design was employed to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs) and individual interviews were used to collect data from CSOs, GoK, IDAs and community members. Secondary data was collected through literature review. Questionnaire data was analyzed using SPSS and presented using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was analyzed qualitatively and presented in narrative form. The study revealed that persistent poverty (90.1%), Poor health (78.4%), Cultural practices (62.0%) and Food insecurity (54.3%) were leading socio-economic problems. Environmental degradation (88%), traditional lifestyle (77.9%), HIV/AIDS, overdependence on fishing and sex for fish were causes to socioeconomic problems. Environmental problems included pollution (88.0%), deforestation (70.7%), soil erosion (66.8%) and water hyacinth. Massive clearing of forests (93.8%) and economic/domestic activities (89.4%) were major causes. Environmental and socioeconomic problems and their causes were intricately linked. CSOs were widespread, with skills and networks for implementing environmental (98.1%), afforestation (96.2%) and livelihood (90.4%) interventions. GoK supported environmental conservation (87.02%) and promoted policies and plans. CSOs depended on IDAs and GoK on resources, which were unpredictable (78.4%). Intra and inter agency collaboration provided chances for CSOs to access resources (79.3%) and implement sustainable projects 70.2%). Respondents (99%) preferred central planning and coordination in harmonizing operations of the three agencies. The study recommended and provided principles for establishment of coordinated environmental and sustainable livelihoods framework for all stakeholders from County, sub-County to community levels. The framework embraced a multifaceted approach of stakeholder engagement through consultations, discussions and consensus in realizing its intended goals, which are; harmonized CSO, GoK and IDA activities resulting to sustainable environmental management and enhanced livelihoods.