Course comprises FIVE Sections:

1. Soils, Climate & Agriculture – Prof S.O. Keya 2. Agricultural Economics – Prof Ackello-Ogutu 3. Crops – Prof Kimani Waithaka 4. Animal Production – Prof B. N. Mitaru 5. Agricultural Engineering – Dr Gichuki Muchiri

See LARMAT Website

What is LARMAT?

Land Resources management and Agricultural Technologies (Office Next upper Large Lecture Theatre

One of the Departments within the Faculty of Agriculture

1. Land Resources – Soils, Land and Water

2. Sustainable Resources Management

3. Impact of land degradation on food security

4. Climate and Agriculture

5. Kenya’s shrinking land base vs Vision 2030

6. Issues of climate change – Ecological effects

Learners to comprehend that: Food security depends on good soils Kenya has to grow more food on less land Climate change threatens food production Management of land affects our livelihoods You have an important role in managing land

NapierCoffee Horticulture Maize Based

Fallow Natural forestLivestock, Range & Water

A broad term embodying the total natural environment of the areas of the earth not covered by water. In addition to soil, its attributes include other physical conditions such as mineral deposits and water supply; location in relation to centers commerce, population, and other land; the size of individual tracts or holdings; and existing plant cover, works of improvement and the like.

Department of LARMAT = Land Resources Management and Agricultural Technologies

Land Resources = Land + Water This Department comprises of Soil Science and Range

Management Water Resources is a component of both soils and range. Land and water are critical component of agricultural

production Next Year a new degree program on Water resources will

be offered

Soil as a major component of LandSoil as a major component of Land Land is important for use in crop production to sustain Land is important for use in crop production to sustain

current world population now at 7 billion people.current world population now at 7 billion people.

Sub-Saharan Africa: 0.9 billion and Kenya – 38 millionSub-Saharan Africa: 0.9 billion and Kenya – 38 million

Land is used for crop and livestock production including Land is used for crop and livestock production including structures (roads, farm houses, urban) dwellings.structures (roads, farm houses, urban) dwellings.

Cultivated land is referred to as arable land. This definition Cultivated land is referred to as arable land. This definition also include land under permanent pastures. also include land under permanent pastures.

Land under forest-important for watershed and livelihoods.Land under forest-important for watershed and livelihoods.

1. A dynamic natural body composed of minerals and organic materials including living forms in which plants grow.

2. The collection of natural bodies occupying parts of the earth’s surface that support plants and that have properties arising from the integrated effect of climate and living matter acting upon parent material, as conditioned by relief, over a period of time.

The primary function of soil is to provide plants with air,water, nutrients and a rooting medium for growth and physical support

Provide a medium for plant growth and biological Provide a medium for plant growth and biological activity activity

Regulate and partition water flow and storage in the Regulate and partition water flow and storage in the environmentenvironment

Serve as an environmental filter and buffer in the Serve as an environmental filter and buffer in the immobilization and degradation of environmentally immobilization and degradation of environmentally hazardous materials hazardous materials

((Larson and Pierce, 1991)Larson and Pierce, 1991)

Production of biomass in natural and man made systems require water

Agriculture takes place in open landscape where the forces of nature are both a blessing and a curse – difficult to regulate water needs

Water used in urban context can be re-used since only a small proportion is consumed

Negative environmental impacts such as eutrophication and pollution are felt downstream

Exploitation of blue water resources has been instrumental in allowing substantial food production increase esp, Asia LAC, WANA

Green water remains the most important water source for most forms of agriculture

A growing world population means that more food is required

More food can only be provided if water is available at the right time in the right place, in the necessary quantity and of the appropriate quality

Renewable fresh water per capita stands at 647m3 and is expected to fall to 235 m3 by 2025 if supply does not keep with the population increase

Discovery of huge water resources in Turkana will improve Kenya’s water per capita

Investment in these water resources anxiously awaited

Until 2013, Kenya was classified as one of the water deficient countries in the world

Water resources are unevenly distributed in space and time

About 56% of the country's fresh water resources are in the lake Victoria basin

A large proportion of the country, accounting for more than 80% is semi arid and arid with annual rainfall average of 400mm

Irrigation is practiced in areas where there is lack of green water

It is estimated that about 4,000 to 5,000 km3 are annually withdrawn from blue water sources

The capacity of the human society to withdraw water has increased in recent years

Expansion of irrigation is significant factor contributing to lowering of groundwater table witnessed in NAfrica, WAsia, Middle East, Western NAmerica, Plains of North China

Galana Irrigation Project launched 2014 – 1 million ha

Global land surface is 13.4 billion haGlobal land surface is 13.4 billion ha Agricultural land is 1.5 million ha (11% arable)Agricultural land is 1.5 million ha (11% arable) Cultivated area represent about 1/3 (36%) land Cultivated area represent about 1/3 (36%) land

suitable for cultivationsuitable for cultivation Land with crop production potential - 2.7 billion haLand with crop production potential - 2.7 billion ha Hence there is prospects for agricultural expansion Hence there is prospects for agricultural expansion However, there is perception that there is no more However, there is perception that there is no more

land for agriculture. land for agriculture. Yet others argue that there is a shortage of land for Yet others argue that there is a shortage of land for

cultivation. cultivation.

Will there be an increasing scarcity of land by 2030?Will there be an increasing scarcity of land by 2030?

To answer this question, examine past trends: To answer this question, examine past trends: 1961-63 to 1997-99- expansion of arable land in 1961-63 to 1997-99- expansion of arable land in

developing countries was 172 million ha (25%)developing countries was 172 million ha (25%) By 2030, an increase of only 120 million ha or 13% By 2030, an increase of only 120 million ha or 13%

will be possible.will be possible. This means adding 3.75 million ha per year compared This means adding 3.75 million ha per year compared

to 4.8 million ha per year in 1961-63 to 1997-99.to 4.8 million ha per year in 1961-63 to 1997-99. We observe a slowdown of expansion in land.We observe a slowdown of expansion in land. Some of the land we consider available (2.8 million Some of the land we consider available (2.8 million

ha) is not available. ha) is not available. Unavailable land is locked up in other uses such as Unavailable land is locked up in other uses such as

45% in forests, 12% in protected areas, 3% in human 45% in forests, 12% in protected areas, 3% in human settlement and infrastructure.settlement and infrastructure.

In addition, much of the land reserve may have In addition, much of the land reserve may have qualities that make agriculture difficult such as:qualities that make agriculture difficult such as:

Low soil fertilityLow soil fertility High soil toxicityHigh soil toxicity High incidence of human and animal diseasesHigh incidence of human and animal diseases Poor infrastructurePoor infrastructure Hilly or difficult terrainHilly or difficult terrain More than 80% of the projected expansion in arable More than 80% of the projected expansion in arable

area is expected to take place is Sub-Saharan Africa area is expected to take place is Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.and Latin America.

In S. Asia and near East and North Africa, almost all In S. Asia and near East and North Africa, almost all suitable land is already in use.suitable land is already in use.

In South and East Asia, > 8% of the increase in production will South and East Asia, > 8% of the increase in production will have to come from yield increase, hence cropping intensities must have to come from yield increase, hence cropping intensities must rise in all regionsrise in all regions

Also shortening of fallows periods increased multiple croppingAlso shortening of fallows periods increased multiple cropping

Is land becoming scarce?Is land becoming scarce?1. There is widespread concern that the world may be running out of 1. There is widespread concern that the world may be running out of

agricultural landagricultural land

2. The land scarcity is exacerbated by population growth2. The land scarcity is exacerbated by population growth

3. Conservation of farmland to urban uses3. Conservation of farmland to urban uses

4.4. Land degradation and other factorsLand degradation and other factors

Non-agricultural uses vary from country to country and the local level.Non-agricultural uses vary from country to country and the local level.

Land scarcity is a reality with serious consequences for poverty Land scarcity is a reality with serious consequences for poverty reduction and food security.reduction and food security.

Land scarcity is likely to worsen unless remedial action is taken.Land scarcity is likely to worsen unless remedial action is taken.

Land degradation is the process by which the soils Land degradation is the process by which the soils current or future capacity to produce is lowered by current or future capacity to produce is lowered by chemical, physical or biological changes.chemical, physical or biological changes.

The area of degraded land is not known with much The area of degraded land is not known with much precision. The assessment is often based on expert precision. The assessment is often based on expert judgement rather than objective measurement.judgement rather than objective measurement.

Estimates by Global Assessment of Land Estimates by Global Assessment of Land Degradation (GLASOD) puts the total degraded Degradation (GLASOD) puts the total degraded lands at lands at 1964 million ha, of which 910 million are 1964 million ha, of which 910 million are moderately degraded.moderately degraded.

Water erosion is the most common problem, Water erosion is the most common problem, affecting 1100 million ha, followed by wind erosion, affecting 1100 million ha, followed by wind erosion, which affected almost 600 million ha.which affected almost 600 million ha.

Impact of land degradation on productivity Impact of land degradation on productivity Seriousness varies widely from site to site Seriousness varies widely from site to site Degradation is a slow process Degradation is a slow process Can be masked by application of fertilization and by Can be masked by application of fertilization and by

changing the crops grown.changing the crops grown.

Off-site effects of land degradation Off-site effects of land degradation Siltation of streambeds and damsSiltation of streambeds and dams Flood damageFlood damage Loss of fisheries and the eutrophication of lakes and coastal Loss of fisheries and the eutrophication of lakes and coastal

waters. e.g.waters. e.g. Lake Victoria,Lake Victoria, Nyanza gulf – water hyacinth Nyanza gulf – water hyacinth Lake Naivasha – SiltationLake Naivasha – Siltation Indian Ocean – sedimentation from Tana RiverIndian Ocean – sedimentation from Tana River Siltation of Dams – Masinga, KindarumaSiltation of Dams – Masinga, Kindaruma

The off-site costs of degradation were often greater than The off-site costs of degradation were often greater than the ones on-site. the ones on-site.

The off-site effects of degradation are not all negative:The off-site effects of degradation are not all negative: Losses in one place may result in gains elsewhereLosses in one place may result in gains elsewhere When soil is eroded from uplands boosts productivity in When soil is eroded from uplands boosts productivity in

lowlands (alluvial plains) where it is depositedlowlands (alluvial plains) where it is deposited Strategies to reduce land degradation [likely to reduce its Strategies to reduce land degradation [likely to reduce its

extent or impact]extent or impact] Shifts in livestock production to more intensive systems Shifts in livestock production to more intensive systems

will take pressure from the land (dry land pastures)will take pressure from the land (dry land pastures) As people leave rural areas for urban centers and As people leave rural areas for urban centers and

farming for non-farming occupations,farming for non-farming occupations, Marginal lands, Drylands steep slopes tend to be Marginal lands, Drylands steep slopes tend to be

abandonedabandoned

Trends to reduce land degradation:-Trends to reduce land degradation:-

No-till/conservation agriculture – maintaining year No-till/conservation agriculture – maintaining year round soil cover and increasing organic matter is soils.round soil cover and increasing organic matter is soils.

Increased fertilizer consumption and more efficient Increased fertilizer consumption and more efficient fertilizer usefertilizer use

The use of irrigation, water harvesting, drought tolerant The use of irrigation, water harvesting, drought tolerant crops and grazing-tolerant grasses, which improve crop crops and grazing-tolerant grasses, which improve crop and vegetation cover and reduce erosion in dry landsand vegetation cover and reduce erosion in dry lands

The cultivation of legumes, which can add nitrogen to The cultivation of legumes, which can add nitrogen to soils and improve their stability and texture in mixed soils and improve their stability and texture in mixed crop-livestock farming system.crop-livestock farming system.

Diversification into higher value crops in protecting Diversification into higher value crops in protecting soils. Dry land range rehabilitation. Farmer incentives soils. Dry land range rehabilitation. Farmer incentives for land investments.for land investments.

Sloping land is particularly prone to water erosion, Sloping land is particularly prone to water erosion, especially in wet areas where slopes exceed 10 – 30%especially in wet areas where slopes exceed 10 – 30%

Desertification, a term referring to land degradation Desertification, a term referring to land degradation in arid and semi-arid areas. In Kenya, 80% of the in arid and semi-arid areas. In Kenya, 80% of the country is Arid and Semi-arid land (ASAL)country is Arid and Semi-arid land (ASAL)

Salinization occurs in irrigated areas, usually when Salinization occurs in irrigated areas, usually when inadequate drainage causes salts to concentrate in inadequate drainage causes salts to concentrate in the upper soil layers where plant root. the upper soil layers where plant root.

It is a problem in arid and semi-arid zones, where 10 It is a problem in arid and semi-arid zones, where 10 – 50% of the irrigated area may be affected. – 50% of the irrigated area may be affected. Salinization can cause yield decreases of 10 – 25% Salinization can cause yield decreases of 10 – 25% for many crops and may prevent cropping altogetherfor many crops and may prevent cropping altogether

Nutrient mining is also a serious Nutrient mining is also a serious problem. Farmers often use insufficient problem. Farmers often use insufficient fertilizer to replace the nitrogen, fertilizer to replace the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) phosphorus and potassium (NPK) harvested with their crops and lost harvested with their crops and lost through leaching. Micro-nutrients may through leaching. Micro-nutrients may also be deficient, e.g.also be deficient, e.g.

FeFe BoronBoron MoMo

StressStress Principal processesPrincipal processes

1. Heavy load due to traffic

2. High intensity rains & winds, overland flow

3. High evaporative demand, high salt []

4. Poor internal drainage

5. Intensive cropping

6. Intensive use of agrochemicals

Physical degradation e.g. compaction, structural decline, crusting,

Accelerated erosion by water and wind

Drought, desertification, salinization or sodication

Soil wetness and anaerobiosis

Chemical degradation, nutrient imbalance, SOM depletion

Biological degradation, acidification, reduced biodiversity

Increase research and technology development for Increase research and technology development for land management, and improve the flow of land management, and improve the flow of information by user friendly farmer networks.information by user friendly farmer networks.

Promote land-improving investments through Promote land-improving investments through technical assistance and financing arrangements technical assistance and financing arrangements suitable for low income farmers. E.g. Building soil suitable for low income farmers. E.g. Building soil organic matter, planting trees, installing small scale organic matter, planting trees, installing small scale irrigationirrigation

Encourage long-term land improvements by securing Encourage long-term land improvements by securing property rights and rights of access to natural property rights and rights of access to natural resources, particularly for the poor.resources, particularly for the poor.

Develop planning systems for sustainable land use that Develop planning systems for sustainable land use that involve key resource use groupsinvolve key resource use groups

Improve the economic environment for Improve the economic environment for farmers by developing market infrastructure, farmers by developing market infrastructure, correcting distorted price incentives, and correcting distorted price incentives, and encouraging rural income growth and encouraging rural income growth and diversification.diversification.

In the case of marginal lands/ drylands In the case of marginal lands/ drylands regions/counties:regions/counties:

Encourage more public investment in Encourage more public investment in infrastructure, soil services and agricultural infrastructure, soil services and agricultural support services.support services.

The problem of food production lies in the soil

The solution of food production lies in the soil

1. Eradicate poverty and hunger 2. Universal primary education 3. Gender equality 4. Reduce child mortality 5. Improve maternal health 6. Combat diseases 7. Ensure environmental sustainability

Food Security - Components

1. Enactment of consolidated agricultural reform bill

2. Fertiliser cost reduction – produce 200,000 metric tons of various fertilizer types and ensure accessibility and affordability

3. ASALs irrigation development – put 0.6 to 1.2 million hectares under irrigation

April 19, 2023Opportunities and Challenges 37

Increase economic growth rate from 7% achieved in 2007 to 10% by 2012 and sustain an average 10% economic growth rate to 2030

Six sectors have been identified:

1. Agriculture

2. Tourism

3. Wholesale, retail and tradeApril 19, 2023Opportunities and Challenges 38

6. Water and sanitation

7. Human resources development

8. Security, peace building and conflict management

April 19, 2023Opportunities and Challenges 39

Three pillars are anchored on:

1. Infrastructure

2. ICT

3. Science, Technology and Innovation

4. Land reforms

5. Public sector reformsApril 19, 2023Opportunities and Challenges 40

April 19, 2023Opportunities and Challenges 41April 19, 2023Overview of Vision 2030

41

National Values (Moral Foundation)

Economic Pillar

SocialPillar

PoliticalPillar

Vision 2030

Enablers and Macro

Bende, Nigeria, rice and manyothers

Bende, Nigeria, rice andCassava& Yam

Makeni, After rice

Mopti, Mali

Gao, Mali, Oryza Glaberrima

Inland Valley, Sierra Leone

No ecotechnology measures

Weeds are stronger: upland rice, Bida Nupe’s traditional partial water control system

Once Sawah systems are developed by farmers’ self-support efforts and water is controlled,

majority of HYV can produce higher than 5 t/ha

Nupe’s indigenous partial water control system

Issues on land are crucial for realizing Kenya’s Vision 2030 and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Better use of land will help in meeting the MDGs Among the Flagship projects in Vision 2030 is

Fertilizer Manufacture, Irrigation projects etc. The recently enacted Land Bill will require scientists

and policy makers like you Good Policy is informed by Science and Technology