ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

out process. Apart from being proactive in the development of strategies for improved uptake/up-scaling of research
results, DMP also developed inventories of major agricultural extension and dissemination strategies that are
operational within the benchmark sites. Thus the DMP-Kenya initiative includes up-scaling of four best-bet
technologies: various rangeland/livestock management options, restoration of degraded lands, improved land,
nutrient and water management and tree-crop/livestock interactions.
2. Description of the technology/strategy
Two strategies were used in up-scaling these technologies: (i) strategies for the promotion of readily available
technologies and (ii) approaches for participatory learning and innovation on knowledge-based issues including
NRM. The methodologies and approaches used in up-scaling included establishment of small-scale demonstration
plots, on-farm trials, training and stakeholder workshops, information dissemination and exchange, and raising
awareness to foster adoption of sustainable land use practices. Specific technologies being up-scaled include
improvement of rangeland productivity, community based range resources monitoring and assessment, fodder
conservation for home based livestock hers, rehabilitation of degraded lands, and bee keeping and honey production.
2.1. Improvement of rangeland productivity
Pastoralist and agro-pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya occupy marginal lands where crop
production under rainfed system is unreliable. This is due to the high evapotranspiration rate leading to crop failure
and food insecurity. These areas have also been degraded and also mismanaged to such an extent that it will take
decades to rehabilitate. This coupled with the ever increasing human population means that there is inadequate time
available for recovery.
Range and livestock technologies can be used intensively to improve productivity of the marginal areas in the
rangelands. Low levels of production in these areas are not only attributed to scarce and erratic rainfall, but also to
low levels of technical skills by farmers. Proper exploitation of the range resources’ potential through improved
management can easily change the living standards of these farmers. The potential rangeland management practices
that can be used to increase production in the semi-arid rangelands include range, plant and livestock related
technologies.
2.1.1 The basis of the technology’s success
Results from participatory evaluation of trials on pasture reseeding and related trials indicated farmers were
encouraged by the increased forage for their livestock. The farmers have therefore expanded the areas under pastures
and forages. A community based seed multiplication approach has been adopted to meet the high demand for seed.
This group approach to on-farm trials and demonstrations has resulted in more rapid scaling up of technologies.
2.1.2 How is it implemented?
Improved livestock (cattle, camel and shoat dairy farming) technologies are targeted for up-scaling and
demonstration in selected clusters. Currently DMP is working in five farmer clusters in the southern rangelands. In
each cluster, five farmers were selected as contact demonstration farmers representing each village composed of
about 50 to 60 active farmers. The demonstrations are carried out at the village level where all the farmers
participate in adaptive research and development approaches.
2.1.3 Up-scaling the technology
This will be up-scaled in the DMP sites within the southern rangelands through promotion and support of farmer
groups and CBOs that were registered during the Agrarian Reform Support Project (EU/ARSP), and Agroforestry
for Integrated Development in Semi-arid Areas of Kenya (ARIDSAK) projects.
2.1.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
The project will contribute to the project goal of biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in
the desert margins (Outputs 2 and 6).
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