The choice of grass species to combat desertification in semi‐arid Kenyan rangelands is greatly influenced by their forage value for livestock |
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| Authors: | K. Z. Mganga N. K. R. Musimba D. M. Nyariki M. M. Nyangito A. W. Mwang'ombe |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Range and Wildlife Sciences, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), School of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Kitui, Kenya;2. Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya;3. Department of Plant Science and Crop Protection, University of Nairobi, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya |
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| Abstract: | Livestock production is the main source of livelihood in the arid and semi‐arid lands in Africa. However, desertification characterized by vegetation degradation and soil erosion is a major threat to the sustainability of land‐based production systems. Native rangeland forage species Cenchrus ciliaris L. (Buffel grass/African foxtail grass), Eragrostis superba Peyr. (Maasai love grass) and Enteropogon macrostachyus (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Bush rye grass) have been used to combat desertification. The objectives of the study were to identify the best‐suited native grass species to combat desertification in a semi‐arid environment in Kenya and to identify the preferred grass species among the agropastoralists in the area. Percentage basal cover, plant densities and frequencies of the three grasses in pure stands and mixtures were estimated. Grass species preferences were through household survey and focus group discussion. Results showed a significant difference (P < 0·05) in plant densities and cover estimates: E. macrostachyus was ranked first; C. ciliaris and E. superba were ranked second and third respectively. The agropastoral farmers, however, preferred E. superba followed by C. ciliaris and E. macrostachyus, a reverse trend. These results suggest that the choice of grass species to combat desertification is influenced more by its contribution as a source of forage for livestock than its contribution for rehabilitation purposes. |
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| Keywords: | land degradation Kenya
Eragrostis superba
Cenchrus ciliaris
Enteropogon macrostachyus
rehabilitation |
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