ABSTRACT
This study is focused on the assessment of the effects of deforestation on springs found in Nuu
and Mutaitho hills in Kitui County. Deforestation is manifested by clearing of dry land forests on
a massive scale. Springs in Nuu and Mutaitho hills originate from groundwater aquifers and are
essentially formed on hillsides and valley bottoms that intersect groundwater flow at or below
the local water table. The main objective of the study was to determine the main causes of
decline in spring discharges in Nuu and Mutaitho Hills catchment. This was achieved through
establishment of the relationship between spring discharges, rate of deforestation, and rainfall
variability. The study also involved determination of the impacts of decreasing spring discharges
and examination of the perceptions of the local communities on the causes of decline in spring
discharges. The study methodology involved collection of data in the field using questionnaires
and field based observations. Field data was supplemented with data that was obtained from
archival sources e.g spring discharges and rainfall data. The data was analyzed using the
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Geographical Information system (GIS) and
various statistical tools in Microsoft Excel package. The result of the study shows that annual
rainfall is showing significant variation while the spring discharges over the years has been
decreasing drastically. Springs discharge is decreasing at a rate of 30%. Rainfall variability in
the study area has changed within the study time from 800mm/year to around 700mm/year. The
LANDSAT data showed that the forest /vegetation cover has decreased by almost 40% as the
forest in 1963 was at 10% and the current forest cover is about 6% within the study area. The
main cause of the decrease of the forest cover from the study is mainly anthropogenic activities.
The study recommends more awareness campaign focusing on conservation of the Nuu hills
forests and enforcement of regulations focused on the protecting forest resources.
Mwia, R (2021). Assessment Of Effects Of Deforestation On Spring’s Water Production: A Case Study Of Nuu/Mutaitho Hills Springs In Kitui County. Afribary. Retrieved from https://track.afribary.com/works/assessment-of-effects-of-deforestation-on-spring-s-water-production-a-case-study-of-nuu-mutaitho-hills-springs-in-kitui-county
Mwia, Rose "Assessment Of Effects Of Deforestation On Spring’s Water Production: A Case Study Of Nuu/Mutaitho Hills Springs In Kitui County" Afribary. Afribary, 07 May. 2021, https://track.afribary.com/works/assessment-of-effects-of-deforestation-on-spring-s-water-production-a-case-study-of-nuu-mutaitho-hills-springs-in-kitui-county. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.
Mwia, Rose . "Assessment Of Effects Of Deforestation On Spring’s Water Production: A Case Study Of Nuu/Mutaitho Hills Springs In Kitui County". Afribary, Afribary, 07 May. 2021. Web. 11 Nov. 2024. < https://track.afribary.com/works/assessment-of-effects-of-deforestation-on-spring-s-water-production-a-case-study-of-nuu-mutaitho-hills-springs-in-kitui-county >.
Mwia, Rose . "Assessment Of Effects Of Deforestation On Spring’s Water Production: A Case Study Of Nuu/Mutaitho Hills Springs In Kitui County" Afribary (2021). Accessed November 11, 2024. https://track.afribary.com/works/assessment-of-effects-of-deforestation-on-spring-s-water-production-a-case-study-of-nuu-mutaitho-hills-springs-in-kitui-county