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

2.2.5 Projected potential impact
The greatest impact would be improvement in biodiversity within these areas that are already under pressure due to
resource over utilization. Ecosystem services such as vegetation resources, reduction in soil erosion, improved water
infiltration, among others will improve. The total area targeted is over 10,000 ha and this will benefit over 1,200
households.
2.3 Fodder conservation for home based livestock herds
Many changes have taken place within the drylands of Kenya which have led to changes in the vegetation structure.
Several communities in the northern part of Kenya point to a good past in terms of vegetation resources endowment.
However, they indicate that there has been a downward trend in vegetation attributes over the years. Some of the
reasons given are increase in the demand for these resources due to population pressure, poverty and frequent
droughts. These have severely affected regeneration. Livestock being the major livelihood in this region gives
importance to the need for forage. However, this resource is becoming even scarcer with time, which is forcing
pastoralists to move even further with their livestock. The implication is that livestock products (milk and meat) are
unavailable to the community members that do not move with the livestock. This creates seasonal food shortages at
the household level. If this problem is not addressed, the remaining community members may resort to destructive
forms of livelihood like charcoal burning or logging like the case of Ngurunit in Marsabit district.
2.3.1. The basis of the technology’s success
Since the technology was tested within the EU/ARSP II project, success is bound to be high. The challenges of the recent
drought, which made the government provide hay as part of relief efforts, has made the community take the initiatives of
fodder conservation seriously. The only challenge will be provision of grass seeds, which imply timely harvesting of
grass seeds or sourcing of fodder germplasm.
2.3.2. How is it implemented?
Community members in Ngurunit and Kalacha involved in this initiative are spillovers from the EU/ARSP II
project. This is a community driven initiative apart from the technical support from KARI.
2.3.3. Up-scaling the technology
These initiatives are being carried out in Ngurunit and Kalacha where the oasis area offers opportunity for fodder
establishment. The community in this area has reaped incomes from the sale of hay since the surrounding areas are
harsh and the need for fodder during the dry seasons is inevitable. Opportunity for up-scaling is within areas that
have an oasis environment like North Horr and the Marsabit Mountain and other areas within KARI Marsabit
mandate area.
2.3.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
This technology contributes to the project Output on sustainable alternative livelihood options (Output 4).
2.3.5 Projected potential impact
The direct benefit of the initiative would be provision of fodder for the home based herds and secure food security at
the household level. By implication, the provision of fodder reduces the pressure on vegetation resources hence
allowing regeneration and conservation of biodiversity.
2.4 Rehabilitation of degraded rangelands
The rangelands are characterized by low and erratic rainfall, prolonged dry periods and frequent droughts. The soils
are fragile and easily degraded and also varied depending on the parent material, mode of formation and topography.
Thus, rangelands have a relatively low production potential. The most common types of degradation in the
rangelands are degradation of the soil, vegetation and animal species. There is need to develop and disseminate
appropriate technologies for proper utilization of the rangelands and rehabilitation of degraded areas. Technologies
have been developed and disseminated over the years to assist the users of the rangelands in optimizing their
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