Impact of Agricultural Practices on Freshwater Quality Rivers in Kenya

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of agricultural practices on freshwater quality rivers in Kenya. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study investigated the impact of agricultural practices on freshwater quality in rivers, revealing significant findings. These practices, including fertilizer and pesticide use, irrigation, and land management techniques, can contribute to elevated nutrient levels and sedimentation in river systems. Excessive nutrient runoff, particularly from fertilizers, leads to eutrophication, causing algal blooms and oxygen depletion, detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. Pesticide residues can also contaminate water, affecting aquatic life and potentially posing risks to human health. Additionally, soil erosion from improper land management practices introduces sediment into rivers, impairing water clarity and habitat quality. The cumulative effects of these agricultural activities underscore the necessity for sustainable farming practices and effective watershed management strategies to safeguard freshwater quality and ecosystem health. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ecosystem services theory, land-water interaction theory and socio-ecological resilience theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the impact of agricultural practices on freshwater quality rivers in Kenya. In terms of practical recommendations, stakeholders should prioritize the implementation of ecosystem-based approaches to freshwater management that emphasize the restoration and conservation of riparian habitats, wetlands, and buffer zones. Policy recommendations should focus on fostering integrated watershed management approaches that prioritize the conservation of freshwater resources and the protection of ecosystem health.