INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL VARIATIONS BETWEEN FLOODING AND DROUGHT EPISODES ON THE INCIDENCES OF GASTROINTESTINAL INFECTIONS ALONG THE LOWER RIVER SIO WATERSHED, WESTERN KENYA

Joseph Sikolia Wapukha, Dr. Peter Simotwo, Dr. Amos A. Ngira, (PhD)

Abstract


Global climate change and variability is expected to cause warming temperatures, sea-level rise, and a change in frequency of extremes of the hydrologic cycle (more floods and droughts). This study focuses on the implications of heavy precipitation on with an in-depth look at related health risks along river Sio watershed. Such heavy precipitation events often result in substantial societal impacts, including an increased risk of disease outbreaks. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations between flooding and drought episodes on the incidences of gastrointestinal infections along the lower river sio watershed, western Kenya. Anthropogenic Global Warming Theories guided this study. The study adopted cross-sectional research design with a target population of 5959 persons. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique and sample size of 357 determined using Krejcie & Morgan table (1970). The study used structured questionnaires and interview guides as the main tools of data collection. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables, while qualitative data was analyzed according to the themes based on research questions and the objectives and thereafter, inferences and conclusions drawn. The study concluded that seasonal variations between flooding and drought episodes influence incidences of gastrointestinal infections along the lower river Sio Watershed.  It was recommended that the policy makers, planners, local authorities and community should consider climate variability such as seasonal variations between flooding and drought episodes when working towards improving incidences of gastrointestinal infections along the lower river Sio Watershed.

Keywords: Seasonal Variations, Flooding and Drought Episodes, Gastrointestinal Infections, River Sio Watershed


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