Effects of selected tree species on socio-economic benefits and sustainable land management within agro-ecosystems in Kitui County, Kenya
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Date
2015-10
Authors
Kurauka, Joseph Kathiai
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Dryland ecosystems are increasingly becoming recipients of human populations,
which is a response to highland pressure and land scarcity in the arable zones. Despite
strong evidence linking benefits of agroforestry with community livelihoods, there is
a dearth of studies linking farmers' experiences of those benefits with sustainable land
management options. This study was therefore carried out to assess effects of selected
tree species on socio-economic and environmental status of aggregated communities
of Kitui agro-ecosystem in Kenya. Further, the study sought to: determine the relative
importance of tree species integrated into crop production systems in Kitui Central
Sub-County; assess the socio-cultural, economic and ecological value of selected tree
species in different agro-ecological zones in Kitui Central Sub-County; examine
farmers' experience in selected agroforestry tree species and their impact on soil
fertility in selected agro-ecological zones in the study area; assess the effects of these
tree species on household livelihoods; and evaluate environmental benefits and
challenges of tree species integrated in crop production systems in the study area. The
research methods used in this study included: a baseline survey, 18 focus group
discussions and in-depth farmer interviews, tree cover measurements, soil sampling
and testing, and GIS map analyses. In addition, a survey design employed formal
methods of socio-economic data collection such as use of questionnaires, interview
schedules, and direct observation. Other data sources included publications ranging
from local project reports to international journal articles, books, global databases and
digital libraries. Soil sampling of soil at the depth of 40cm deep. Soil samples
collected from various sites were analyzed for macro and micro-nutrients following
standard laboratory procedures. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and using
LSD (p < 0.05). The hypotheses tested showed that there was no significant
differences in benefits mainlyfuelwood, timber, fodder and fodder of the main tree
species on the farms except Senna siamea (%2 =32.1, df =30, p=0.03). Farmers
indicated that tree species such as Acacia spp., Adansonia digitata, Cordia africana,
Croton macrostachyus, Croton megalocarpus, Erythrina abyssinica, Melia volkensii,
Sesbania sesban and SchefJlera actinophylla are highly recommended, therefore,
being some of the most promising indigenous tree species in agroforestry systems.
Other tree species are highly recommended by farmers for agroforestry systems are
Calliandra calothyrus, Senna siamea, Grevillea robusta and Sesbania sesban.
However, farmers interviewed mentioned that a number of tree species introduced in
the area are reducing soil fertility and causing decline in crop productivity in their
farms. The respondents further confirmed that the following tree species negatively
affected soil fertility in their farms: Azadirachta indica, Casuarina equisetifolia,
Cupressus lusitanica species, Eucalyptus species, Grewia bicolor, Mangifera indica,
and Sclerocarya birrea. Therefore, this study concluded that, indigenous and some
exotic tree species are highly valued for improved household status through sale of
wood products, provision of fodder for livestock and improved soil fertility. This
study recommends the need for key stakeholders to formulate policies that enhance
establishment of appropriate and fast-growing tree species that could lead to improved
livelihoods and enhanced soil fertility. This would ensure success in tree species
choice, therefore, significantly contributing to sustainable ecological and socioeconomic
benefits for agricultural farms in arid and semi-arid lands.
Keywords: agroecosystems, agroforestry, sustainable livelihoods
Description
Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Environmental Studies of Kenyatta University. October, 2015
Keywords
Agroecosystems, Agroforestry, Sustainable livelihoods