Form Submission: Participation Entry

Spatial and temporal variation in freshwater availability are major challenges for economic development and ecosystem conservation. Accurate understanding of water demand is critical for managing this scarce resource. In Laikipia County, Kenya, agricultural intensification, human population growth, and increased climate variability contribute to more frequent drying of the Ewaso Ng’iro River since the 1980s. This study uses spatial data to quantify water demand for domestic use, agriculture, livestock and wildlife across the county’s 15 wards. As the river has become increasingly dry, provisioning of water holes for wildlife and livestock has increased in importance. The placement of these water holes influences the movement and distribution of animals and can potentially foster conflict between herders and wildlife. The second part of this study uses satellite and aerial survey data to analyze the relationship between water sources and abundance and distribution of different animal species, in order to inform better decision-making regarding water management practices.