Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS)

Land Use Dynamics and Sustainability of Economic Activities in the Voi River Riparian Ecosystem

Nyambeche, Geoffrey Sawe, Kinyanjui, Monica Wanjiru, Lala, Fredrick

30 April 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 4, pp. 492-502

DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-24

Abstract

This study examined land use dynamics and the sustainability of economic activities within the Voi River Riparian Ecosystem in the Tsavo landscape of Kenya. The study aimed to map major land use activities, analyze spatial and temporal changes in land use patterns, determine the effects of land use dynamics on the sustainability of key economic activities, and assess the influence of government land use policies on environmental and economic sustainability. The research was guided by Land Use Change Theory, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Political Ecology Theory, and Institutional Theory. A positivist research philosophy and descriptive research design were adopted. The target population consisted of 2,000 households and 20 key informants from relevant stakeholder institutions. A sample of 80 households was selected using Yamane’s (1967) formula, alongside 20 key informants. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides, while a pilot study involving 8 households and 2 key informants was conducted to improve validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression analysis and diagnostic tests. The findings revealed that major land use activities, changing land use patterns, and supportive government policies significantly influenced the sustainability of economic activities in the ecosystem. The study emphasized the importance of balanced land use, stronger policy enforcement, sustainable practices, community participation, and alternative livelihoods in promoting long-term ecological conservation and household income stability within the Voi River riparian ecosystem.

Keywords: Land Use Dynamics, Riparian Ecosystem, Economic Sustainability, Government Land Use Policies, Livelihood Activities

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Nyambeche, Geoffrey Sawe, Kinyanjui, Monica Wanjiru, Lala, & Fredrick (2026). Land Use Dynamics and Sustainability of Economic Activities in the Voi River Riparian Ecosystem. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(4), 492-502. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-24

@article{Nyambeche2026,
  title   = {Land Use Dynamics and Sustainability of Economic Activities in the Voi River Riparian Ecosystem},
  author  = {Nyambeche and Geoffrey Sawe and Kinyanjui and Monica Wanjiru and Lala and Fredrick},
  journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {4},
  pages   = {492-502},
  doi     = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-24},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E4/2026-24}
}

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