1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

20/04/2000

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Ja

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Pasture management and improvement through weeding comiphora

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

The comiphora trees are ring barked at 2 feet high for the whole plant to die. This gives room for desired species to grow, retain moisture and add soil fertility through its decay. The land can also be given surface treatment through contour shallow ripping and dispersed grass seeding with desired species.

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• more than 50 years ago (traditional)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• as part of a traditional system (> 50 years)

Comments (type of project, etc.):

From the land users

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• reduce, prevent, restore land degradation

• Improve soil fertility

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Comments:

Major land use problems (compiler’s opinion): Reduction of the palatable grass species due to bush encroachment

Major land use problems (land users’ perception): DISAPPEARANCE OF SOME PALATABLE GRASS SPECIES AND SOIL EROSION

Grazingland comments: used to be communally grazing system, but has changed to individual

Type of grazing system comments: used to be communally grazing system, but has changed to individual

3.3 Further information about land use

Number of growing seasons per year:

• 2

Specify:

Longest growing period in days: 70 Longest growing period from month to month: Oct - Dec Second longest growing period in days: 60 Second longest growing period from month to month: Mar May

3.4 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• improved ground/ vegetation cover
• improved plant varieties/ animal breeds

3.5 Spread of the Technology

Specify the spread of the Technology:

• evenly spread over an area

If the Technology is evenly spread over an area, indicate approximate area covered:

• < 0.1 km2 (10 ha)

Comments:

Total area covered by the SLM Technology is 0.04 m2.

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Main type of degradation addressed: Wt: loss of topsoil / surface erosion

Secondary types of degradation addressed: Cn: fertility decline and reduced organic matter content, Ha: aridification

4.2 Technical specifications/ explanations of technical drawing

Technical knowledge required for field staff / advisors: low

Technical knowledge required for land users: low

Main technical functions: improvement of ground cover

Secondary technical functions: increase in soil fertility, Emergence of palatable spp

Change of land use type: From the land users

Other type of management: pasture management - From the land users

4.3 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

other/ national currency (specify):

Kenya shillings

Indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (if relevant): 1 USD =:

70.0

4.4 Establishment activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing
1.	Barkringing of comiphora trees	Management	dry season
2.	fencing/restricting livestock	Management	dry and wet seasons
3.	shallow ripping	Management	dry
4.	reseeding	Management	rainy season

4.5 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

Comments:

Duration of establishment phase: 12 month(s)

4.6 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Type of measure	Timing/ frequency
1.	controlled grazing	Management	all seasons / annually
2.	repair of fence	Management	dry season / annually

4.7 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

Comments:

per hectare of land management

4.8 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

labour for bark ringing and fencing depending on the dencity of the comiphora

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Comments and further specifications on topography:

Slopes on average: Not more than 8%

5.3 Soils

If available, attach full soil description or specify the available information, e.g. soil type, soil PH/ acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, nitrogen, salinity etc.

Soil texture: Coarse/ light (sandy) with tiny stones

Soil fertility is medium with controlled erosion

Topsoil organic matter is low due to limited vegetation cover

Soil drainage / infiltration is good because of sandy soil

Soil water storage capacity is low

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Population density: 10-50 persons/km2

Annual population growth: 2% - 3%

100% of the land users are average wealthy and own 100% of the land.

Off-farm income specification: most of the landuser depend on the farms

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• individual, titled

Land use rights:

• leased

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Ecological impacts

Water cycle/ runoff

Soil

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• 1-10%

If available, quantify (no. of households and/ or area covered):

7 households in an area of 0.4 ha

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many have did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 90-100%

Comments:

2% of land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

7 land user families have adopted the Technology without any external material support

Comments on spontaneous adoption: estimates

There is a little trend towards spontaneous adoption of the Technology

Comments on adoption trend: men land owners ring bark comiphora as they graze animal. Usally they are 50-60 years old and those with many.

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Farm management hanbook of Kenya

Available from where? Costs?

MOA Nairobi