Volume 2 - Issue 1, January - February 2026

Globally, irrigation schemes offer numerous benefits, which includes improvement of livelihoods of rural farmers, enhancing food security and promoting agricultural productivity. However, irrigation schemes can also have negative environmental and social effects that need careful consideration and management regarding the use of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). EIA is a process used to identify, predict, evaluate, and mitigate the potential negative environmental and social effects of proposed developments including irrigation schemes. This study sought to assess to evaluate the efficacy of EIA process in managing selected irrigation schemes funded by Baringo County government, Kenya. A descriptive survey research design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Purposive random sampling was used to select all the 10 irrigation schemes and stratified sampling technique was used to select 192 respondents who were beneficiaries in all irrigation schemes. 10 irrigation scheme managers, 4 County irrigation engineers, and 4 environmental experts were selected purposively. Questionnaires were administered to all 192 respondents and, 18 key informant interviews were conducted with the 10 irrigation managers and 4 County irrigation engineers. The study established that there exists a positive significant correlation between stakeholder awareness and management of irrigation schemes (r = 0.423, p < 0.05). The study further established that there exists a positive significant relationship between efficacy of EIA and management of irrigation schemes (r = 0.598, p < 0.05). Taken together, the study shows that stakeholder awareness and understanding of EIA contribute positively to the effective management of irrigation schemes. Similarly, the EIA process has a direct and positive effect on the management of irrigation schemes. Therefore, it is recommended that the County Government ensures the EIA process is not only regulatory-compliant but also participatory, inclusive, and evidence-based. Furthermore, stakeholder and public involvement must be made more meaningful by incorporating community feedback into project planning and implementation.

Dorothy Jerop Chepkwony, Ann Sitienei,"Assessing How Environmental Impact Assessment Shapes the Management of Selected Irrigation Schemes in Baringo County" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V2(1): Page(188-202) Jan-Feb 2026. ISSN: 3107-6513. www.ijamred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.