Promotion of Tree-based Alternative Livelihoods while Conserving the Environment and Rehabilitating Degraded ASAL Ecosystems in Kenya

Abstract

KEFRI and NALEP initiated research and development partnership in 2008 which was operationalized by signing an MoU in June 2009. Following this development, a work plan and budget was jointly developed and approved by NALEP. Whereas KEFRI and NALEP appreciated the existing wide scope for collaboration, both parties agreed to initially focus attention in the promotion of tree and allied natural resources-based technologies and innovations with significant potential for the promotion of alternative livelihoods and environmental conservation in the drylands of Kenya. This is being realized by demonstrating, adapting and up-scaling some of the successful technologies and innovations developed by KEFRI and partners. As part of this effort, KEFRI with the support of NALEP established pilot demonstration and technology validation plots in Kibwezi, Garbatula, Isiolo, Kajiado and Baringo Districts which are currently in progress. Significant progress has been realized in the last one year in which 15 demonstration plots in 5 districts, totaling about 98.6 ha, have been identified, ploughed and about 86 ha planted with high value trees, pasture and food crops. Out of this 40 ha were established between January- June 2010. Monitoring and assessment of the plots is on-going. Despite the harsh weather conditions and interference from domestic animals in some of the pilot sites good results have been achieved in a number of sites. A mean grain yield of 1937.5 Kgha-1 for plants within the micro-catchments and 1187.5 Kgha-1 for plants in between micro-catchments was realized in Kibwezi. The grain yields were observed to be higher in pilot plots ploughed than other parts of the farm. To enhance the capacities of collaborating partners/stakeholders in this process, a series of technology & innovation-based training sessions were conducted including 4 field days. The training activities of the project have subsequently been mainstreamed in the project by developing tailor made curriculum which has been used to train 58 TOTS from 30 ASAL Districts on tree-based production, processing and marketing of wood and non wood products. A number of emerging issues which are critical for the success of the training activities have been identified and Documented in the training report which has been circulated. The overwhelming success of the TOT training programme activities has provided the impetus to develop project proposals on community trainings for consideration for future funding by NALEP and other potential supporters. Some of these TOTs have been used in conducting trainings and the field days for the local communities and stakeholders. A total of 915 people (114 at Garbatula, 275 in Isiolo and 526 in Kibwezi) attended these field days where technologies and innovations for production and processing of key ASAL products were demonstrated. A total of 45 participants, consisting mainly of group leaders from local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and community-Based Organizations (CBOs) were also trained on the management and utilization of Prosopis in Garbatula District. In order to enhance networking and linking of Aloe producers to markets one workshop was held in Baringo attended by 23 producers and 3 representatives from 3 industries (Desert Edge Company- Laikipia, Bemah Industries-Nairobi, Husein & Sons Ltd-Maralal). Similarly, Jatropha producers in Kibwezi District were also networked and linked to KENSOL during a field day at Kibwezi. To enhance marketing of ASAL products, an evaluation of the role of incentives /motivational factors for rural entrepreneurs was carried out in Marigat (Baringo), Narok and Makueni districts with a focus on three commodities: Aloe, charcoal and honey. It was observed that provision of incentives for local communities to initiate entrepreneurship of NTFPs is influenced by level of abundance of raw materials, transaction costs and prices for the products. The market demand for NTFPs, on the other hand, is influenced by distance to the major market centres and prices for products. Thus, it is imperative that strategies to enhance accessibility of viii local communities to sources of raw materials for NTFPs and outlets with better product prices offered for products are instituted to motivate them into commercial exploitation of these resources for food security and enhanced rural welfare In response to provide solutions to sustainable management of Prosopis, a study was initiated in Garbatula District to assess the status and distribution of Prosopis juliflora in the District and a technical report produced. Prosopis was found to occur in pockets of tree densities ranging from 10 trees/ha to 300 trees/ ha. Small or isolated Prosopis trees were also found at local centers - although the Prosopis populations were generally low at these centers implying early stages of invasion hence management interventions should be introduced before the situation gets out of hand. The project also examined the implications of effective dissemination of relevant information. To this end, a review and analysis of KEFRI’s dryland information products and the production of a documentary on the various tree based ASAL technologies was undertaken during the study in which useful information have been generated to share with various stakeholders. The review also highlighted the information and knowledge gaps in ASALs. Finally, the project has documented relevant information by publishing and distributing technical reports, brochures, leaflets, guidelines and documentaries which draw the following conclusions: • Melia volkensii, Jatropha curcas, Aloes, Prosopis products, grafted mangoes and gums and resins are some of the avenues for increasing household incomes in ASALs. Increased accessibility to NTFP raw materials and better prices offered for products would motivate local community into entrepreneurship. • TOTs are useful resource persons in training of local communities. • It is demonstrated that de\graded sites can rehabilitated by agricultural crops or pasture crops intercropped with high value trees using mechanized water harvesting system. • Demonstrations during field days are effective information pathways and may lead to positive attitude change and perception as exemplified in the case Prosopis in Garbatula District. • The project has documented relevant information by publishing and distributing technical reports, brochures, leaflets, guidelines and documentaries than can provide useful knowledge and skills to improve livelihoods of the local communities. Based on lessons learnt from the project, it is recommended that the following should be addressed and supported in subsequent implementation of activities: • Technology demonstration and validation while developing strategies for commercialization and up-scaling of validated technologies in collaboration with other partners. • Monitoring and maintenance of promising established pilot sites • Studies on marketing information, intelligence and surveillance on products, sources, prices, markets, supply, demand, and quality. • Capacity building of local communities and key actors through relevant training programmes, provision of basic facilities for value addition and exchange visits locally and across the borders. • Increase access to information by the service providers and beneficiaries through wider dissemination of existing information and production of additional relevant information products.