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Soil erosion is a serious issue in Arid and Semi-Arid lands and affects community livelihoods and soil conservation efforts. This study was undertaken in Suswa Catchment, Narok County. The objective of the study was to assess land use and land cover changes(1985-2011) using satellite images, to establish the drivers of gully formation and development using participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) and also to determine the effect of gully erosion on the livelihoods of the local community. Land use and land cover change detection was established using ENVI Ex software. Changes in land use and land cover changes were determined using remote sensing and participatory geographic information systems (PGIS). Chi-square was used to determine if there were significant changes in land use and land cover changes. A questionnaire was used to investigate the effect of gully erosion on livelihoods (movement, infrastructure, livestock and farming practices). Chi-square goodness of fit was used to determine if there were significant effects on livelihoods. Results using satellite images showed that there were no significant changes in built up areas, agricultural land, bareland, grassland and shrubland during the period. It was however observed that the overall change of built up area, shrubland, bareland, agricultural land increased over the 26 years (1985-2011) period, while grassland decreased during the same period. Grasslands were therefore converted to build up areas, shrubland, bareland and agricultural areas during this period. An increase in built up area, bareland and agricultural land and a decrease in grassland are therefore likely drivers of gully erosion which is affecting the area. It was observed through PGIS that there were significant changes in shrubland which decreased in Eluai village and no significant changes in built up areas, bareland, agricultural land, waterbodies, xii grassland and shrubland in the three villages (Enkiloriti, Olepolos and Olesharo). PGIS therefore agrees with satellite ... |