Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Land and Water Management Research and Development in Arid and Semi-arid Lands of Kenya

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Innovations as Key to the Green Revolution in Africa

Abstract

Increasing demographic pressure in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya has resulted in the use of non-sustainable farming practices and subsequent environmental degradation, characterized by declining soil fertility, widespread land degradation and loss of biomass and biodiversity. Crop production is low and insufficient to meet the food demands of the increasing population. Thus, food insecurity is a major threat to the livelihoods of the resource-poor smallholder subsistence farmers in these areas. Due to the limited possibilities of increasing the area under cultivation, the solution to meeting the demand for food and surplus for sale by the rapidly increasing population lies in increasing productivity through development of simple, effective and sustainable integrated soil fertility and water management technologies. Consequently, a lot of research work aimed at developing appropriate soil and water management technologies for these areas has been undertaken by research and development organizations in Kenya. This chapter reviews, summarizes and highlights the major findings of research on options for improving soil fertility and for conserving soil and water in the ASALs. Socioeconomic factors are considered as well as their interaction with intervention measures such as tillage, water harvesting, soil conservation, integrated nutrient management, soil and water and crop management. The knowledge gaps in the various technological options tested are identified, and future research needs are suggested.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 309.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 399.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 499.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Biamah EK, Nhlabathi N (2003) Conservation tillage practices for dry land crop production in semi-arid Kenya: promotion of conservation tillage techniques for improving household food security in Iiyuni, Machakos, Kenya. In: Beukes D, Mkhize S, Sally H, Rensburg van L (eds) Proceedings of the symposium and workshop on water conservation technologies for sustainable dryland agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa (WCT), held at Bloem Spa Lodge and conference center, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 8–11 Apr 2003

    Google Scholar 

  • Critchley WRS (1989) Runoff harvesting for crop production: experience in Kitui District, 1984–1986. In: Thomas DB, Biamah EK, Kilewe AM, Lundgren L, Mochoge BO (eds) Soil and water conservation in Kenya. Proceedings of the 3rd national workshop held at Kabete, Nairobi, Kenya, 16–19 Sep 1986, pp 396–405

    Google Scholar 

  • Dagg M (1969) Report on the work of the physics division EAAFRO, on the water use efficiency of crops. Paper presented to the 11th specialist meeting on soil fertility and crop nutrition, Kampala, 25–27 Mar 1969

    Google Scholar 

  • Diop JM, Onduru DD, Werf van der E, Kariuki J (1997) On-farm agro-economic study of organic and conventional techniques in medium and high potential areas of Kenya. KIOF/ETC, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Gachene CKK, Mureithi JG, Anyika F, Makau M (2000) Incorporation of green manure cover crops in maize-based cropping systems in semi-arid and sub-humid environments of Kenya. In: Mureithi J, Gachene CKK, Muyekho FN, Onyango M, Mose L, Magenya O (eds) Participatory technology development for soil management by smallholders in Kenya. Proceedings of the 2nd scientific conference of the soil management and legume research network projects, Mombasa, Kenya, June 2000

    Google Scholar 

  • Gachimbi LN, Keulen van H, Thuranira EG, Karuku AM, Jager de A, Nguluu S, Ikombo BM, Kinama JM, Itabari JK, Nandwa SM (2005) Nutrient balances at farm level in Machakos (Kenya), using a participatory nutrient monitoring (NUTMON) approach. Land Use Policy 22:13–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibberd V (1995) Final report EMI Dry land farming and dry land applied research projects, 1988–1993

    Google Scholar 

  • Gichangi EM, Njiru EN, Itabari JK, Wambua JM, Maina JN (2003) Promotion of improved soil fertility and water harvesting technologies through community-based on-farm trials in the ASALS of Kenya. Paper presented at the 1st adaptive research conference held at KARI Headquarters, Nairobi, 16–19 Jun 2003

    Google Scholar 

  • Gicheru PT (1990) The effects of tillage and residue mulching on soil moisture conservation in Laikipia, Kenya. MSc. thesis, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Gicheru P, Gachene C, Mbuvi J, Mare E (2004) Effects of soil management practices and tillage systems on surface soil water conservation and crust formation on a sandy loam in semi-arid Kenya. Soil Tillage Res 75:173–184

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton P (1997) Goodbye to hunger: the adoption and diffusion and impacts of conservation farming practices in rural Kenya. Association for Better Land Husbandry (ABLH), Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Ikombo BM (1984) Effects of farmyard manure and fertilizers on maize in semi-arid areas of Eastern Kenya. E Afr Agric For J 44:266–274

    Google Scholar 

  • Imbira J (1989) Runoff harvesting for crop production in semi-arid areas of Baringo. In: Thomas DB, Biamah EK, Kilewe AM, Lundgren L, Mochoge BO (eds) Soil and water conservation in Kenya. Proceedings of the 3rd national workshop held at Kabete, Nairobi, 16–19 Sept 1986, pp 407–431

    Google Scholar 

  • Itabari JK, Nguluu SN, Gichangi EM, Karuku AM, Njiru EN, Wambua JM, Maina JN, Gachimbi LN (2004) Managing land and water resources for sustainable crop production in dry areas: a case study of small-scale farms in semi-arid areas of Eastern, Central and Rift Valley Provinces of Kenya. In: Crissman L (ed) Agricultural research and development for sustainable resource management and food security in Kenya. Proceedings of end of programme conference, KARI, 11–12 Nov 2003, pp 31–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Itabari JK, Wambua JM, Kitheka SK, Maina JN, Gichangi EM (1998) Effects of water harvesting and fertilizer on yield and water use efficiency of sorghum in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Paper presented at the soil science society of East Africa conference held in Tanga, Tanzania, 14–18 Dec 1998

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaetzold R, Schmidt H (1983) Farm management handbook of Kenya. Vol. II/C: Natural conditions and farm management information. Ministry of agriculture/GAT, Nairobi, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Karanja NK (1985) Effect of sulphur addition and inoculation on nodulation, dry matter yield and nitrogen content in groundnuts. E Afr Agric For J 50(3):61–68

    Google Scholar 

  • Kibunja CN, Lijoh BO, Kitonyo EM, Muturi H, Salema MP (1999) Transfer of bio-fertilizer technologies to small-scale farming communities: opportunities and challenges for Kenya. A report submitted to FAO and IAEA

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilewe AM (1987) Prediction of erosion rates and the effects of topsoil thickness on soil productivity. PhD. thesis, Department of Soil Science, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilewe AM, Mbuvi JP (1988) The effects of crop cover and residue management on runoff and soil loss. E Afr Agric For J 53:193–203

    Google Scholar 

  • Kilewe AM, Ulsaker LG (1984) Topographic modification of land to concentrate and redistribute runoff for crop production. E Afr Agric For J 44:254–265

    Google Scholar 

  • Kinama JM, Ong C, Ng’ang’ JK, Stigter CJ, Gichuki F (1999) Erosion and runoff control in a maize/Senna agroforestry system in the semi-arid areas of Eastern Kenya. Proceedings of the 17th conference of soil science society of East Africa held in Kampala, Uganda, 6–10 Sept 1999

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiome RM (1992) Soil and water conservation for improved moisture and crop production: an empirical and modelling study in semi-arid Kenya. PhD. thesis, University of East Anglia

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiome RM, Stocking M (1995) Rationality of farmer perception of soil erosion: the effectiveness of soil conservation in semi-arid Kenya. Global Environ Change 5:281–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kitheka SK, Wambua JRM, Nixon DJ, Itabari JK, Watiki JM, Simiyu SC, Kihumba JN (1995) The use of pitting for the rehabilitation of denuded grazing lands in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Proceedings of the 4th Biennial KARI scientific conference, Kenya, pp 231–245

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee B (1993) Escaping from hunger: research to help farmers in semi-arid Kenya to grow enough food. ACIAR monograph no. 23. ACIAR, Canberra, Australia, p 52

    Google Scholar 

  • Liniger H (1989) Water conservation in the semi-arid highlands of Laikipia. Paper presented at the workshop on soil and water conservation programme development in low potential areas (SIDA), Embu, 17–22 Sept 1989

    Google Scholar 

  • Makatiani JBS (1970a) The effect of weeds on maize yields. Annual report. Ministry of agriculture, Kitale, Kenya, pp 58–60

    Google Scholar 

  • Makatiani JBS (1970b) The reduction of maize yields due to late planting at Katumani research station. Annual report. Ministry of agriculture, Kitale, Kenya, pp 63–65

    Google Scholar 

  • M’Arimi AM (1978) The effects of tillage methods and cropping systems on rainfall conservation in a semi-arid area of eastern Kenya. In: Soil and water conservation in Kenya. IDS Occasional paper No. 27, Nairobi, Kenya, pp 74–86

    Google Scholar 

  • McCown RL, Jonnes RK (1992) Agriculture of semi-arid Kenya: problems and possibilities. In: Probert ME (ed) A search for strategies for sustainable dryland cropping in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–11 Dec 1990. ACIAR proceedings No. 41. Canberra, ACT, pp 8–14

    Google Scholar 

  • Mellis D, Matsaert H, Micheni A (1997) Rainwater harvesting for crops in semi-arid areas. In: Kang’ara JN, Sutherland AJ, Gethi M (eds) Participatory dry land agricultural research east of Mount Kenya. Proceedings of a conference held at Izaak Walton Inn, Embu, Kenya, 21–24 Jan 1997

    Google Scholar 

  • Miriti JM, Esilaba AO, Bationo A, Cheruiyot H, Kihumba J, Thuranira EG (2007) Tied ridging and integrated nutrient management options for sustainable crop production in semi-arid eastern Kenya. In: Bationo A, Waswa BS, Kihara J, Kimetu J (eds) Advances in integrated soil fertility management in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 435–441

    Google Scholar 

  • Muchiri G, Gichuki FN (1983) Conservation tillage in semi-arid areas of Kenya. In: Thomas DB, Senga WM (eds) Soil and water conservation in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Proceedings of the 2nd workshop. University of Nairobi, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Mutua J (2005) Conservation agriculture pilot trials in Kenya – impacts and options for scaling up. In: Omanya G, Pasternak D (eds) Sustainable agriculture for the dry lands. Proceedings of the international symposium for sustainable dry land agriculture systems held in Niamey, Niger, 2–5 Dec 2003

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadar HM (1984) Intercropping and intercrop component interaction under varying rainfall conditions in eastern Kenya. E Afr Agric For J 44(Special Issue):166–188

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadar HM, Chui JN (1984) Evaluation of the effects of Rhizobium phaseoli strains on nodulation, dry-matter and grain yield of two bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties. E Afr Agric For J 44(Special Issue):109–112

    Google Scholar 

  • Nadar HM, Faught WA (1984) Maize yield response to different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer application: a seven-season study. E Afr Agric For J 44(Special Issue): 147–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Nandwa SM, Onduru DD, Gachimbi LN (2000) Soil fertility regeneration in Kenya. In: Hilhorst T, Muchena FM (eds) Nutrients on the move. Soil fertility dynamics in African farming systems. IIED, London, pp 119–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngoroi EH, Gitari J, Njiru EN, Njakuthi N, Mwangi I, Muriithi C (1994) Effect of moisture conservation methods and fertilizer/FYM combinations on grain yield of maize in low rainfall areas. Annual report, KARI Regional Research Centre, Embu

    Google Scholar 

  • Ngugi MN, Michieka RW (1986) Current findings on conservation tillage in a medium potential area of Kenya. In: Thomas DB, Biamah EK, Kilewe AM, Lundgren L, Mochoge BO (eds) Soil and water conservation in Kenya. Proceedings of the 3rd national workshop, Kabete, Nairobi, 16–19 Sept 1986, pp 155–162

    Google Scholar 

  • Njihia CM (1979) The effect of tied ridges, stover mulch and farmyard manure on water conservation in a medium potential area, Katumani, Kenya. In: Lal R (ed) Soil tillage and crop production. IITA, Ibadan, pp 295–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Okalebo JR, Gathua KW (1987) Nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers under marginal rainfall farming. NARC/KARI annual report 1987, KARI Muguga, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Okalebo JR, Mwaura TDN, Michobo WG (1980) Fertilizers and manures under marginal rainfall farming. ARD/KARI record of research annual report 1977–1980 (1980) KARI Muguga Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Okalebo JR, Simpson JR (1990) The contribution of fertilizers and manure to crop production in semi-arid lands of Kenya. Transactions of the XIV congress of the international soil science society, Kyoto, Japan, 12–18 Aug 1990, pp 369–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Okalebo JR, Simpson JR, Probert ME (1992) Phosphorus status in cropland soils in the semiarid areas of Machakos and Kitui Districts, Kenya. In: Probert ME (ed) A search for strategies for sustainable dry land cropping in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–11 Dec 1990. ACIAR proceedings No.41, Canberra, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Okwach GE, Simiyu CS (1999) Effects of land management on runoff, erosion and crop production in a semi-arid area of Kenya. E Afr Agric For J 65:125–142

    Google Scholar 

  • Omiti JM, Freeman HA, Kaguongo W, Bett C (1999) Soil fertility maintenance in eastern Kenya: current practices, constraints, and opportunities. CARMASAK working paper number 1. KARI-Katumani Research Centre, Kenya

    Google Scholar 

  • Onduru DD, Gachini GN, de Jager A, Diop JM (1999) Participatory assessment of compost and liquid manure technologies in low potential areas of Kenya. Managing Africa’s soils. Drylands programme IIED, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Probert ME, Okalebo JR, Simpson JR, Jones RK (1992) The role of boma manure for improving soil fertility. In: Probert ME (ed) A search for strategies for sustainable dry land cropping in semi-arid eastern Kenya. Proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–11 Dec 1990. ACIAR proceedings No. 41, Canberra, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson JR, Karanja DR, Ikombo BM, Keating BA (1992) Effects of legumes in a cropping rotation on an infertile soil in Machakos District, Kenya. In: Probert ME (ed) A search for strategies for sustainable dryland cropping in semi-arid Eastern Kenya. Proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–11 Dec 1990. ACIAR proceedings No.41, Canberra, Australia, pp 44–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Simpson JR, Okalebo JR, Lubulwa G (1996) The problem of maintaining soil fertility in eastern Kenya: a review of relevant research. ACIAR Monograph No. 41, 60p

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith PD, Critchley WRS (1983) The potential of runoff harvesting for crop production and range rehabilitation in semi-arid Baringo. In: Thomas DB, Senga WM (eds) Soil and water conservation in Kenya. Proceedings of the 2nd national workshop held in Nairobi, 10–13 Mar 1982. IDS Occasional Paper No. 42, pp 305–323

    Google Scholar 

  • Sombroek WG, Braun HMH, van der Pouw BJA (1982) The exploratory soil map and agro-climatic zone map of Kenya (1980), scale 1: 1,000,000. Kenya Soil Survey E 1, Nairobi

    Google Scholar 

  • Wafula BM, McCown RL, Keating BA (1992) Prospects for improving maize productivity through response farming. In: Probert ME (ed) A search for strategies for sustainable dry land cropping in semi-arid eastern Kenya. Proceedings of a symposium held in Nairobi, Kenya, 10–11 Dec 1990. ACIAR proceedings No. 41, Canberra, Australia, pp 101–107

    Google Scholar 

  • Watiki JM, Gichangi EM, Itabari JK, Karuku AM, Nguluu SN (1999) The effects of rate and placement of boma manure on maize yield in semi-arid eastern Kenya. In: Proceedings of the 6th Biennial KARI scientific conference, Nairobi, Kenya, 9–13 Nov 1998

    Google Scholar 

  • Whiteman P (1984) The importance of residual moisture reserves for increasing the reliability of cereal yields in East Africa. E Afr Agric For J 44:57

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This review would not have been possible without financial support from the Desert Margins Programme (DMP) to whom the authors are immensely grateful. We are also grateful to the centre director, KARI Katumani Research Centre, for logistical support and the director, KARI, for permission to publish this chapter.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Katumani Research Centre, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Machakos, Kenya

    J. K. Itabari, K. Kwena, L. Muhammad, N. Mangale & P. Kathuli

  2. Desert Margins Programme, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Nairobi, Kenya

    A.O. Esilaba

  3. Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

    A.N. Kathuku

  4. Desert Margins Programme, Nairobi, Kenya

    A.N. Kathuku

Authors
  1. J. K. Itabari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. K. Kwena
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. A.O. Esilaba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. A.N. Kathuku
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. L. Muhammad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. N. Mangale
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. P. Kathuli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. K. Itabari .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Soil Health Program, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Afric, Agostino Neto Road, Airport Res. Area 6, Accra, Ghana

    Andre Bationo

  2. , African Network for Soil Biology and Fer, Tropical Soil Biology & Fertility Inst., c/o ICRAF, Off UN Avenue, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

    Boaz Waswa

  3. , African network for Soil Biology and Fer, Tropical Soil Biology & Fertility Inst., c/o ICRAF, Off UN Avenue, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

    Jeremiah M. Okeyo

  4. , Socio-economics and Biometrics, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Nairobi, 00800, Kenya

    Fredah Maina

  5. , African Network for Soil Biology and Fer, Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Inst, c/o ICRAF, Off UN Avenue, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya

    Job Maguta Kihara

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this paper

Cite this paper

Itabari, J.K. et al. (2011). Land and Water Management Research and Development in Arid and Semi-arid Lands of Kenya. In: Bationo, A., Waswa, B., Okeyo, J., Maina, F., Kihara, J. (eds) Innovations as Key to the Green Revolution in Africa. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2543-2_44

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation