Riverbank protection and food security.
Date
2000Author
Gichuki, F. N
Mungai, D. N
Gachene, C. K. K
Thomas, D. B.
Type
Book chapterLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This paper reflects on the role of root crops (cocoyam, Colocasia esculenta or C. antiquorum) as a case study in riverbank protection and food security in Kenya. Field performance, water erosion control, ecologically friendly production and food value were studied. It is concluded that the national relevance of cocoyam cultivation lies in its role in its conservation through erosion control and soil fertility maintenance; its low energy input; its potential to supplement per capita calories through high yield per unit area; its perpetuity; its multiple nutritive value, ease of preparation and digestibility; and its industrial potential and competitive market opportunity for various end-products.
Citation
MUHIA, C. D. K., et al. Riverbank protection and food security. In: Land and water management in Kenya: towards sustainable land use. Proceedings of the Fourth National Workshop, Kikuyu, Kenya, 15-19 February, 1993. Soil and Water Conservation Branch, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2000. S. 171-173.Publisher
University of Nairobi, Department of soil science,