Abstract
Land degradation is a global problem leading to a diminished production capacity of the rangelands. The consequence is reduced potential to provide ecosystem services and increased vulnerability to the inhabitants. Biological soil water conservation measures can reverse the trend. Different communities prefer different grass species for rehabilitation as communities vary in location, needs, priorities, preferences and the type of livestock reared. This study, therefore, sought to identify the suitable grass species for soil erosion and rehabilitation from the community in Keekonyoie ward In Narok county, Kenya. Data collection was through individual interviews, focus groups, key informant interviews and field observations. Results showed that level, indicators, causes and impacts are known to the community. Cynodon plectostachyus (76%), Chloris gayana (73%), Pennisetum clandestinum (69%), Cymbopogon citratus (46%) and Themeda triandra (42%) were most preferred for rehabilitation and soil erosion control. The primary reason for the grasses choice was a yearlong provision of livestock feed. Needs and livelihood priorities significantly influence decision-making among the Maa-speaking community in Keekonyoie ward. We recommend consideration of community needs, priorities and preferences in the selection of grass species for rehabilitation to increase the adoption measures that can reverse land degradation Key words: Indigenous knowledge, community perceptions, range grass species, rehabilitation, land degradation, Narok.
Highlights
Soil erosion is the most widespread form of land degradation in the world (Lal, 2001, 2003, 2014; Nkonya et al, 2016; Pimentel and Burgess, 2013) and in Kenya (Mganga et al, 2010; Mulinge et al, 2016)
Communities perceived prolonged dry spells that often lead to drought, low and poorly distributed rainfall were what constituted climatical causes of land degradation
The Maa speaking community inhabiting the study area is aware of their surrounding environment and possesses a great pool of knowledge about their environment, which is no different from other communities in Tanzania and Ethiopia, respectively (Kangalawe 2012; Walie, 2015)
Summary
Soil erosion is the most widespread form of land degradation in the world (Lal, 2001, 2003, 2014; Nkonya et al, 2016; Pimentel and Burgess, 2013) and in Kenya (Mganga et al, 2010; Mulinge et al, 2016). Wind and water erosion are the major forms of soil erosion resulting in degraded soils (Lal, 2014). Degraded soils are characterised by limited ability to sink atmospheric carbon, decline in plant nutrient reservoir as well as gene pool (Kimble et al, 2016). Degraded soils directly reduce vegetation cover resulting in bare land and risking a range of ecosystem services and livelihoods in the arid and semi-arid rangelands. The resultant is eroded hillsides, denuded plains, massive erosion shelves and deep sheer sided gullies (Sindiga, 1984; Odini et al, 2015)
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