Compiled from;

Desire Flora

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If you are a nature loving person, you will definitely know the essence of having flower farms in

Kenya. However there is more to flowers than just the beauty they add to the environment. The

financial contribution to the Kenyan economy and social contribution is one we cannot afford to

ignore.

Flowers are beautiful and they also smell good. This is the reason as to why they are on high demand

all over the world. The rising number of flower farms in Kenya is due to the fact that there is a need

to cater for these high demands and also earn the country revenue while doing this.

The flower farms have their positive contribution to Kenya including creation of employment among

other things but they also have a downside. With the growing global need to conserve the

environment, it is crucial that we identify the negative environmental impact this flower farms have

on the environment and how we can eliminate them.

Major environmental repercussions

Reduction of lake water levels

Flower farms located near Lake Naivasha use water from this lake to irrigate flowers in these farms.

Studies have shown that the long term impact on the water levels in the lake is a reduction of the

water level by one meter.

Communities living near Lake Naivasha have also complained that the flower farms overuse the lake

water. This is very bad because continued reduction in water levels can eventually lead to drying out

of the lake.

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Soil and water pollution

The use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers on the flower farms has led to a lot of soil and water

pollution. The water used on the flowers washes the pesticides into the lake and drains some of it

into the soil this is what causes soil and water pollution.

Carbon emission

There has been a lot of carbon emission from the greenhouses and this is because most flowers are

grown in green houses. These greenhouses emit carbon gases that are very harmful to the

environment. The current environmental crisis is mainly caused by global warming this is brought

about by these carbon emissions.

Reduction of biodiversity

The increased environmental pollution has also led to reduced biodiversity

Decrease in fish yield

Due to the environmental pollution and pollution of the lake waters as well, there has been a

decrease in the number of fish in the lake. In 2010 a number of fish died in Lake Naivasha, although

studies have shown that the deaths were caused by an increase in algae density which raised sodium

levels making it unsuitable for fish, it is also clear that the chemicals also have an impact on fish

survival.

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Some of the flower farms have been accused of setting up their grounds over protected wetlands.

This has dire consequences on the original habitats.

How to reduce pollution caused by flower farms in Kenya

Some flower farms now recycle the old plastics from the greenhouses and use them to make fencing

posts, plastic flower support and benches for schools.

Others have created a modernised wet house to purify the runoff water and make it suitable for

return into the lake.

The use of natural sources of energy such as geothermal energy reduces the carbon emissions and

hence preventing global warming.

The use of natural predators to control pests instead of using pesticides. This reduces soil and water

pollution.

The flower industry is very important to Kenya’s economy. This is why instead of getting rid of the

flower farms in Kenya we should adapt more environmental friendly ways of maintaining them.

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For more information visit;

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