Influnce of environmental impact assessment on the the implementation of Agricultural development projects in Limuru sub county, Kiambu county Kenya

Abstract

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a process which attempts to identify, predict and mitigate the ecological and social impacts of development proposals and activities. It also helps to assist decision-making and to attain sustainable development. The objectives of this study were to establish how air quality and climate influence the implementation of agricultural development projects; determine how visual and landscape influences the implementation of agricultural development projects; assess how socio economic factors influence the implementation of agricultural development projects; and determine how geology, geomorphology influence the implementation of agricultural development projects. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. The target population was 100 agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County from which a sample of 90 was obtained. The researcher used purposive sampling to select 90 participants. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was coded, entered and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that air quality and climate change are important components of Environmental Impact Assessment which influenced implementation of agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County. Visual and landscape were found to have a significant influence on implementation of agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County. The findings have shown that social economic factors influenced implementation of agricultural development projects. The findings of this study have shown that geology and geomorphology are important elements of Environmental Impact Assessment that influenced implementation of agricultural development projects in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County. Importance of EIA was seen in that potential emissions which pollute air were considered in implementation of agricultural development projects in this area. The framework in place to manage visual resources so as to maintain scenic value of tracts of land for the future in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County was considered in agricultural development projects implementation as well as the measures to determine scenic quality based on land use were taken into consideration in agricultural development projects implementation. This study concluded that project managers and stakeholders were conscious of potential visual impacts and contrasts that could result from the agricultural development projects. The study also concluded that socio-economic factors are important and should be considered in any project as illustrated in this case are project managers considered agricultural development projects’ potential effects on livelihoods, environment and customs of the people in Limuru Sub-County, Kiambu County. The study concluded that project managers emphasized participation by locals in agricultural development projects as well as prioritizing other social policies that support locals in implementation of agricultural projects to ensure ownership of the project and positive impact on the locals’ livelihoods. A holistic approach in Environmental Impact Assessment that could influence implementation of agricultural development projects is critical. This study recommends that agricultural development project managers should ensure that the EIA process takes into account environmental issues raised when a project or plan is first discussed and that all concerns are addressed as a project gains momentum through implementation. The study also recommends that there should be a follow up to ensure that EIA reports recommendations are implemented. Future scholars should look into how to strengthen the implementation of EIA on agricultural development projects. Future scholars should also seek to establish challenges of the implementation of EIA in agricultural development projects. Scholars also need to focus their attention on the determinants of EIA in agricultural development projects.