Adoption of water resource conservation under fluctuating rainfall regimes in Ngaciuma/Kinyaritha Watershed, Meru County, Kenya

Abstract

A study was carried out to understand the adoption levels of water conservation practices in Meru County. The influence of water resource accessibility on adoption of water conservation (WC) practices and constraints were assessed. Tree planting, roof catchment and bench terraces were the major WC practices in use. Multiple regression analysis revealed that lack of technical know how could explain 83.5 % variations of adoption level of WC practices. One sample t-test comparing the means of WC practices among respondents’ was significant at P < 0.01. Spearman’s rank test revealed a decreasing trend during the long rains (March–May) for the period 1986–2008 at P < 0.05. The disparity between the levels of adoption among water users coupled with the decreasing seasonal rainfall calls for urgent and better management of water resources in the study area.