Opportunities from Satellite Observation Systems in Climate Risk Mitigation: The Case of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Abstract

One of the key findings in the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) is that millions of people globally will be exposed to increased water stress due to climate change. With over three quarters of Africa falling under arid and semiarid climate, the continent is prone to the vagaries of climate change. Like other African countries, climate related disasters pose threat to the economy of Kenya, which largely depend on agriculture, tourism and hospitality sectors. Droughts and floods make regular news in the country causing devastating effects which are sometimes irreversible, at least in the short-term, causing destitution among the natives and huge losses to government agencies. In a continent where rainfall performance plays a critical role in most of economic sectors, monitoring of drought hazards is important in coping with climate vagaries and adopting the most appropriate mitigation measures. This paper focuses on the effects of climate shocks on tourism and hospitality sector in Nakuru County in Kenya. It utilizes satellite images, in addition to rainfall data, for drought assessment and monitoring. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land cover images have been used to establish and map the geographical extent and severity of droughts and the availability of pasture and browse for wildlife. Changes in water levels in Lakes Nakuru have been well documented. The study benefits the tourism destination managers, tour operators and hoteliers on the best locational sites for tourism and hospitality enterprises not only to ensure maximum revenue but also facilitate satisfying experiences to the visitors during climate related catastrophes. In addition, the findings inform government agencies which areas require rapid responses and plan contingency measures a head of time.