ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS IN CHUKA IGAMBANG’OMBE SUB-COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the role of the Catholic Church in addressing the environmental crisis in Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub County. The research was carried out in Chuka Igambang’ombe Sub County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. A population of 15574 Church members comprising 20 priests, 20 Development officials, 3663 youths, 4285 CMA, and 7321 CWA was targeted by the survey. A sample of 10 priests, 10 Development committee members, 86 youths, 175 CWA, and 98 CMA members was obtained for the study, making a total of 389 members of the targeted population. Data was obtained using interviews and questionnaires. The study established that the Church contributed to environmental conservation by educating members on tree planting, promoting environmental conservation among Christians, safeguarding water catchment areas, discouraging tree cutting, organising garbage collection, raising public awareness, participating in volunteer clean-up activities, preventing tree cutting, soil erosion and advocating for preservation services. Considering the findings obtained, the study recommends collaboration between the Catholic Church, local stakeholders, government agencies and environmental groups to enhance conservation efforts, boost community involvement, strengthen advocacy within the Church on environmental conservation, adopt sustainable land management practices, enforce deforestation regulations and improve waste management to curb water pollution and ecological degradation.