Rain Water Harvesting For Improved Livestock Production Under Climatic Variability And Change In Kajiado, Kenya
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Date
2011Author
Munyao, J. N.
Kinama, J.M.
Kimenju, J.W.
Ndutu., J. M.
Mutiga, E.R.
Mburu, M.W.K.
Type
PresentationLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
One way of improving livestock health and productivity under the challenges of climatic
variability and change is addressed through water harvesting technologies. A study was
conducted to determine the water harvesting technologies for pasture improvement and pasture
conservation practices in Kajiado District. An evaluation of water harvesting technologies for
pasture improvement was conducted on-farm in Kajiado and on-station in the University of
Nairobi Farm at Kabete. The experiment had two fertility levels. Randomized complete block
design layout as split-split plot was adopted with cow manure (0 and 8t/ha) as the main plot,
water harvesting technology (semi-circular bands, furrows, and control) as sub-plot and grass
species (Enteropogon macrostachyus, Eragrostis superba, Cenchrus cilliaris and cowpeas
(K80)) as sub-subplots. Addition of manure resulted in a significant (P<0.05) increase in biomass
production of thet grass species together with cowpea at both sites. Total biomass produced was
higher in furrows and semicircular bands than the control. The results further indicated that E.
macrostachyus on furrows and semi circular bands produced the most biomass and had highest
ground cover, followed by C. cilliaris, while E. superba had the least at both sites. The
combination of appropriate water harvesting technologies and cow manure, which is locally
available in the cowsheds, can be adopted to improve pasture productivity in Kajiado district.
This would in turn improve the livestock productivity with the ultimate result of improved food
security and livelihoods of the pastoralists.