Mapping Macro Litter Abundance and Community Perceptions on Litter Management Along Lake Turkana, Kenya

Due to mismanaged environmental pollution, anthropogenic litter is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. Macro litter abundance refers to the quantity and distribution of large pieces of persistent synthetic materials, plastics etc. Macro litter especially plastic litter suffocates both terrestrial and aquatic environment hence the need to mitigate its proliferation. This calls for the need to assess their proliferation, identify sources and quantify the extent of their disposal to the aquatic resource. Lake Turkana forms those aquatic environments that are facing the threats. This study therefore aims at assessing the extent of macro litter along the Lake, the community perception and participation on the same and make recommendations. Data collection was taken along the western shore of the Lake with quadrats being used to estimate the area for sample collection while semi structured questionnaires being administered on the community on perception and participation. Results showed that Namakat exhibited high level of macro litter followed by Todonyang while Lowarangak and Eliye had the lowest. Plastics had the highest quantity (63%) in composition amongst the macro litter identified in general. This could be attributed to the fact that plastic is the major packaging material for use on major products used by the community in the area. This is followed by metal and clothing (17%) and 12% respectively while the list was ceramic. Community perceived macro litter as nuisance and disturbing but their participation in its management was negligible. The need to establish collection points in the area including creation of awareness on the effect of macro litter pollution on both human beings’ health and the health of the surrounding water body was therefore recommended. It was also recommended that the NEMA regulations on use of plastic/macro litters be observed with enforcement to reduce plastic proliferation and use. Key words: Macro litter, plastic, community, Lake Turkana