SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES

Topic: Resources and Economic Activities — Subject: Social Studies — Class level: 12 years (Kenya)

Learning Objectives

• Explain what sustainable use of resources means.
• Give examples of natural resources in Kenya and how to use them sustainably.
• Describe ways schools, families and communities can protect resources.

Key Terms

• Resource: Anything from nature people use — e.g., water, trees, fish, soil, minerals.
• Sustainable use: Using a resource in a way that meets our needs now without harming future use.
• Conservation: Careful protection and use of resources so they are not wasted or destroyed.

Why Sustainable Use Matters (Kenya examples)

• Forests like the Mau and Mt. Kenya catchments protect rivers and keep water for homes and farms. If cut down, towns and farms can suffer water shortages.
• Lake Victoria and Indian Ocean fisheries support many fishermen. Overfishing lowers fish numbers and harms incomes.
• Soil conservation matters for tea and maize farms. Soil erosion lowers yields and can cause siltation of dams (less water for hydro-power).
• Kenya uses geothermal (Olkaria), wind (Lake Turkana) and solar to reduce pollution and save forests from charcoal demand.

Ways to Use Resources Sustainably

1. Water

• Harvest rainwater (use roof gutters and tanks) to water gardens in dry months.
• Fix leaking taps and avoid wasting water when washing or brushing teeth.
• Use drip irrigation or watering cans instead of flooding fields.
• Protect water catchments like Mau and Mt. Kenya by planting trees.

2. Forests and Trees

• Plant trees at school and at home (tree nurseries, agroforestry).
• Use wood sparingly: cook with efficient stoves or charcoal from sustainable sources.
• Support community forest management — local people protect and benefit from trees.

3. Soil and Farming

• Practice terracing on slopes, especially in places like the highlands, to stop erosion.
• Use crop rotation, compost, and mulching to keep soil healthy.
• Avoid overgrazing; manage grazing areas to allow grass to recover.

4. Fisheries

• Follow fishing rules: size limits, closed seasons, and gear restrictions in Lake Victoria and the coast.
• Support fish farming (aquaculture) to reduce pressure on wild fish.

5. Energy and Minerals

• Use renewable energy: solar panels, geothermal (Olkaria), wind (Lake Turkana) where possible.
• Recycle metal, paper and plastics to reduce mining and waste.

Community Action and the Law

Communities, schools and the government all work to protect resources. Kenya has rules and groups that help:

• Community groups may manage local forests and water sources.
• Laws like environmental regulations (for example, the Environmental Management laws) help control pollution and protect catchments.
• National projects support planting trees and building dams, and encourage renewable energy.

Practical School Activities (Simple Projects)

• Build a small rainwater harvesting tank from drums and use the water for a school garden.
• Start a tree nursery and plant seedlings around the school compound.
• Set up compost pits for kitchen waste and use compost on the school garden.
• Hold a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" week — collect plastic and paper for recycling.
• Invite a local forest officer or a farmer to talk about conserving resources.

Summary

Sustainable use means using resources carefully so they last. In Kenya, protecting forests, water catchments, soil and fisheries helps farmers, fishermen and the whole nation. Schools and young people can lead by doing simple, useful projects.

Short Quiz (Try these)

1. What does "sustainable use" mean?
2. Name two renewable energy sources used in Kenya.
3. Give one way to save water at home.
4. Why is planting trees near rivers important?
5. Mention one activity a school can do to protect soil.

Show Answers

1. Using resources now in a way that does not stop future generations from using them.
2. Geothermal, wind, solar (also hydro where managed sustainably).
3. Fix leaks, use buckets when washing, or collect rainwater.
4. Trees hold soil, reduce erosion and keep water clean and flowing.
5. Make terraces, plant cover crops or use compost to improve soil.