Humans and other living things depend on water for life and health. People living on Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) face water shortages, long periods of droughts, and sporadic intense outbursts of rainfall. In ASAL regions, soil erosion is a big challenge that is exacerbated by road construction. Hard road surfaces change the hydrology and alternate subsurface flows, and they often generate higher run-off flows with higher velocity. In this way, roads cause problems such as erosion, gully formation, waterlogging, and washing away of fertile soil. These issues greatly affect roads, the landscape, and adjacent farmland. However, the negative effects can be turned into positive impacts through planting trees and other types of vegetation, coupled with water harvesting. Safeguarding roads, the environment, and farmland is essential to ensuring resilient and thriving livelihoods.
Publication year
2020
Authors
Kilongosi C M; Kadenyi N C; Bosma L; Steenbergen F V; Kioko T M; Messo J R; Kidake B K; Kigwa B K
Language
English
Keywords
erosion, soil erosion, waterlogging, flood control
Geographic
Kenya
