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

In Kenya, the project operates in Samburu and Marsabit districts and implements its activities in collaboration with
DMP. In Samburu district the project site is Sereolipi while in Marsabit the sites are: Merille, Laisamis, Logologo,
North Horr, Elgade and Gas. A major threat in these areas is desertification, frequent droughts and poverty.
2.5.1 The basis of the technology’s success
The potential of production of gums and resins as alternative livelihoods and diversification of the production
systems forms the basis of the technologies success.
2.5.2 How is it implemented?
The approach used aimed at creating a synergy between nature and modern technology in improving management of
natural resources. The community was involved in identification of potential sites for development of plantations for
gums and resin production, before micro-catchments are ploughed (with delphino). There has also been capacity
building on markets and income diversification as well as training in dryland food production and utilization to
realize immediate benefits from the plantations.
2.5.3 Up-scaling the technology
Since this is an initial phase of three years, the potential for up-scaling is high with the envisaged
ten-year project period since more communities are demanding this technology.
2.5.4 Contribution to the overall DMP project goal and objectives
The technology will contribute to sustainable development, food security and fight against desertification through
the promotion and integration of gums and resins in rural economies as an alternative livelihood (Output 4).
2.5.5 Projected potential impact
About 342.7 ha were planted with Acacia senegal seeds/seedlings and drought tolerant crops. The results indicate
that A. senegal can be successfully established in degraded sites. However, more trials need to be conducted before
concrete recommendations on integration of crops with A. Senegal. Challenges include cultural bias pastoral
livestock keeping as opposed to agro-silvo-pastoralism and communal land ownership. These challenges may be
overcome only in the course and framework of a long term project. However if short duration livelihood options are
supported within the project framework, it is possible that there will be more willingness on part of the communities
to participate in the project and adopt technologies that are being tested.
2.6 Bee keeping and honey production
In key zones of the high altitude and Acacia riverine areas of northern Kenya, several factors lead to encroachment
of natural resources. These include the increasing pastoral population coupled with increasing sedentarization, and
resulting in land degradation and depletion of biodiversity, which threaten the livestock-based livelihood system of
pastoral people. Several of the non-pastoral livelihood activities are not compatible with conservation and threaten
resources in these key areas. To broaden their livestock base and diversify livelihood sources and income
generation, settled pastoralists in Ndotto Mountain ranges practice traditional beekeeping as an alternative livelihood
source, which is highly compatible with biodiversity conservation. The traditional system, although well adapted to
the ecology, socioeconomic and cultural conditions of beekeepers, bee products derived from the system do not
conform to the required market standards. This has substantially reduced their incomes. In the traditional system,
poor handling of bees especially during harvesting can result in high incidences of absconding and loss of honey
crop.
2.6.1 The basis of the technology’s success
Constraints and solutions to factors limiting traditional beekeeping were identified in collaboration with the target
community. In feedback workshops, the participants identified technologies and priority areas for training. To
introduce technologies and train traditional beekeepers, a farmer-to-farmer approach involving participatory training
and demonstrations were used. Integrating women in beekeeping was necessary, since the traditional system was
mainly male dominated.
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