Influence of Holistic Grazing Management on Herbaceous Species Diversity, Range Use Pattern and Livestock Productivity in Laikipia County, Kenya

Abstract

Rangelands are essential for maintaining biodiversity and are sources of livelihood for many rural communities. However, in the recent past they have been threatened by unsustainable use of their resources resulting in degradation. Whereas overgrazing is considered one of the causes of degradation in the rangelands, where it occurs it reflects the breakdown of the local natural resource governance institutions, land use and tenure changes that work in concert to undermine the otherwise flexible and sustainable pastoral grazing management systems. The result is decline in range and animal productivity that translates to reduced food and returns from livestock production. Pastoralists have evolved strategies to sustainably manage their grazing resources, notably by manipulating the grazing animals to ensure that the available forage resources are utilized efficiently throughout the year. Holistic grazing management (HGM) is designed to mimic the traditional pastoral grazing system and the wild herbivore grazing behavior that involves congregation of the grazing animals in an area for a short period of time on a rotational basis. This system is akin to high intensity, short duration grazing that ensures that the grazed areas get enough rest time to recover before the next use. Although HGM is currently being promoted in the pastoral areas of northern Kenya, there is little empirical evidence to guide its up-scaling under pastoral systems. This study was therefore carried out to assess influence of holistic grazing management practices on herbaceous species diversity, range use pattern and animal performance in Laikipia County of northern Kenya. Eight study plots were set in Holistic Grazing Areas (HGA) where rotational high intensity-short duration grazing has been practiced for the last two years, and Traditional Grazing Areas (TGA) which were grazed on continuous basis. Camera traps were placed in the plots to determine animal visits to the two grazing areas. Step point sampling procedure was used to determine vegetation cover and species diversity in the plots. Four experimental goats and sheep of same age and sex were chosen from pre-selected six herds to determine xii the effects of HGM on average daily animal weight gains and milk yield. Herbaceous cover was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in HGA (34.1±9.5%) than in the TGA (20±9.5%). The number of livestock grazing in the in HGA (74±12%) was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the TGA (57±12%). Wildlife visits were significantly (p<0.05) higher in HGA (307±60) than in TGA (162±60) but this was low during wet season. Animals that grazed in HGA had significantly higher (p<0.05, 106±20.1) milk yield than those that grazed in TGA (101±20). Weight gain of animals in HGA was significantly (p<0.05, 13±1%) higher as compared to those in TGA (5±1%).) Results indicate that holistic grazing enhances herbaceous cover and species diversity, an indicator of better range productivity. It also improves milk yield and weight gains in range animals and this is expected to translate to better returns in rangeland livestock production. However, longer studies would be necessary to further confirm the reported results. Key words: Holistic grazing areas, Traditional grazing areas, milk yield, wildlife visits, weight gain, plant species abundance &frequency