Abstract:
Watersheds provides the community with valuable natural resources for sustainable livelihoods. However, they face degradation from deforestation, pollution and unplanned settlements. These problems continue unabated despite the fact that the community, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has a responsibility to ensure that watersheds are conserved, protected and managed effectively. The question remains whether the community is fully engaged in watershed conservation activities. The purpose of the study was therefore to assess the determinants of community engagement in watershed management in upper Gucha, Kisii County, Kenya. The specific objectives were: to examine the modes of community participation in watershed management, to assess the factors influencing community participation in watershed management, and to evaluate the institutional framework affecting community participation in watershed management. The target population consisted of 3,126 households, from which a sample size of 354 household heads was obtained by applying the Yaman 1967 formula. Simple random sampling with replacement was used to select the household heads. The study also targeted the Water Resource Authority, Kenya Forest Services, National Environmental Management Authority, and the County Government of Kisii. Methods of data collection included a survey and observation. Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, range, and weighted average, were used to analyse quantitative data from questionnaires. Qualitative data from observation and photograph taking were organised and discussed under themes. Study results were presented using pie charts, bar graphs and photographs. The internal reliability test yielded an acceptable Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.863. Results established that stakeholder collaboration and community engagement in the management of the Upper Gucha watershed were low. Factors such as extension services, watershed management groups, awareness, training, and derived benefits positively influenced community participation. In contrast, cultural practices, attitudes, and farm size did not have a significant impact. A weak capacity of institutions in terms of finance and human resources was noted, resulting in a low impact on community engagement. The study recommended implementing policies that encourage collaboration and community engagement among stakeholders in watershed management, incorporating economic benefits into conservation programs, and strengthening the capacity of institutional framework to manage watersheds effectively.
