Impacts of Quarrying on Land Use and Possible Rehabilitation Measures: a Case of Zowerani Sub Location, Kilifi County, Kenya

Abstract

Quarrying has been practised since pre-historic times and has been/is vital for the development of any society. Quarrying should be compatible with the neighbouring land uses and should be in harmony with their functionality. However, this has not been the case world over as large-scale mineral resource extractions continue to disrupt the existing neighbouring land uses and adjacent livelihoods. Contravention of the existing frameworks guiding mining has given rise to conflicts in the utilization of space and resources. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain the impacts of quarrying on land use in Zowerani sub-location in order to propose for possible rehabilitation measures. Specific objectives were: examining spatial changes overtime due to quarrying, social-economic & environmental impacts, roles & perception of stakeholders on quarrying and rehabilitation measures. Uncontrolled large-scale quarrying is practised in Zowerani which informed conducting the study in the area. The Functional Theory of Resources and Hoteling’s Extraction Cost Rule theory informed this study. The study employed descriptive survey design including observation method. Data collected was in form of both primary and secondary data. Primary Data collection included interviewing, photography and observation. Questionnaires were administered as follows: 30 quarry workers and 6 quarry owners as respondents within the quarries, 6 key informants representing relevant authorities and 126 households abutting the quarries. Secondary data collection consisted of use of maps and study of literature relevant to the study area. Purposive sampling was used for the key informants while systematic sampling was used for selecting land uses abutting the quarry area. Convenience sampling was used to select the quarry owners while simple random sampling was used to select quarry workers. Spatial data analysis entailed the use of ArcGIS 10.5 and AutoCAD; descriptive analysis entailed literature review while statistical analysis entailed use of SPSS. Google earth images of the period between 2006 and 2019 revealed a great change in landscape due to quarrying in this area. Findings indicate prevalence of Ear Nose & Throat, malaria and bilharzia due to dust, noise and water filled up pits as confirmed by the Zowerani clinical officer compared to other areas with no quarrying activities. Most (76%) of respondents were unaware of the existing laws on quarrying and 53% suggested backfilling and tree planting for post quarried lands. The study recommends developing and enforcing proper rehabilitation measures to improve the livelihoods of residents, proper zoning guidelines to inform future development of...............................................................................