THE STATUS OF THE TERRESTRIAL PLANT SPECIES AVAILABLE IN HAMISI SUB-COUNTY, VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA

Most of the earth’s ecosystems have been dramatically transformed through anthropogenic actions. Unfortunately, some of these transformations represent a loss of diversity rather than enriching it. Habitat loss due to large-scale conversion of land to agriculture and settlement, infrastructure establishment, the introduction of invasive species and overexploitation of biological resources are among the global key drivers of terrestrial plant species diversity loss all of which have their origin in human demands placed on the terrestrial ecosystems. In Vihiga County, Hamisi sub-county, the rate of terrestrial plant diversity decline has increased in the recent past due to human actions; however, little is known about the effects of anthropogenic activities on terrestrial plant species diversity. The purpose of this study was to examine the status of the terrestrial plant species available in Hamisi Sub County of Vihiga County. The study was based on the ecological period between 1985 and 2015. The mixed research method design was adopted and a sample size of 201 household heads was selected from a study population of 17095. The sub-county was stratified into two divisions purposively selected for the administration of questionnaires, then the target household heads population was selected through simple random sampling. Key informants such as KWS officers, local administrators, agricultural officers, environmental officers and CBO leaders were selected through purposive sampling. Primary data was obtained through direct field observation, photography, satellite images, questionnaire administration, interview of key informants and focus group discussion. Secondary data was obtained from documented material; textbooks, journals, magazines, published and unpublished government reports and websites. Data from questionnaires were analyzed descriptively (frequencies with their percentages, means and standard deviation) using SPSS and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs and discussion essays. The other quantitative data analysis was performed using ArcGIS Desktop tools and presented as satellite images, GIS plates and photographs. Qualitative data was analyzed from emerging themes. The study findings revealed that: The terrestrial plant species had declined to a large extent while others disappeared completely. This information was expected to be used by decision-makers to ensure a high percentage of terrestrial plant species diversity is restored for human well-being. Article visualizations