Impact of hydrological and land use processes on the quality of water in the Gucha catchment, southwestern Kenya

Abstract

The paper examines the hydrological and land use processes that are affecting the quality of water in the Gucha catchment situated within the lake basin region in southwestern Kenya. The significance of hydrological processes on the quality of water resources in the catchment is examined. Major land use categories such as cultivation, settlement, and transport infrastructure are examined paying special attention to their role on water resources quality degradation within the catchment. The implications of these processes and activities on water resources management and development are critically evaluated and suggestions made on various strategies that could be applied to counteract or minimize the adverse effects of these processes. Information generated in this study is vital in water resources development planning and management within the catchment and could be of great significance in other catchments in the Lake Victoria drainage area that experiences similar climatic, hydrological, land use and catchment characteristics as the Gucha catchment.