Effects of Fresh Water Degradation on Human Activities: A Case Study in River Athi, Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract

Fresh water degradation poses a critical threat to communities reliant on water resources, aligning with the united Nations’ Agenda 21 principles of equitable and sustainable water use. This study investigates the impacts of freshwater degradation on human activities along River Athi in Machakos County, Kenya with three key objectives; assessing effects on domestic water use, agricultural practices and fishing activities. From a target population of approximately 2,000 individuals, a sample size of 160 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Purposive sampling was utilized to select relevant stretches of the river. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides administered to local residents and key informants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 21. The findings demonstrate that degradation severely undermines domestic, agricultural and fishing practices, jeopardizing socio economic stability in the region. This underscores an urgent need for sustainable river management strategies to safeguard freshwater ecosystems and community resilience