Development of a Decision Support Tool for Sustainable Land Management Technologies in the Upper Tana Catchment: A Case Study of Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

Several Sustainable Land Management (SLM) technologies have been identified as most promising land management options and if adopted by farmers, they would contribute to increased land productivity, increased ecosystem services and improved adaptation to climate change. Since the Upper Tana catchment consists of varying agro-ecological and socio-economic conditions, different technologies would be suitable under different conditions. In order to derive maximum benefits, there is a need to up-scale these already identified SLM technologies. One important step towards up-scaling of these technologies is development of a decision support mechanism in order to assist the farmers and catchment managers identify the most suitable SLM technologies. This study aimed to develop such a decision support tool by identifying and documenting successful SLM technologies and evaluating the factors contributing to their success. Data on SLM technologies was collected using both primary and secondary sources. Non-probability sampling strategy was employed during the study to determine the sample size. A questionnaire survey administered to purposefully selected households was used to identify the most common practiced SLM technologies. The results were then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) software. The World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) methodology was used to document the identified SLM technologies. The framework uses three detailed questionnaires for the analysis of technologies. For the purpose of this study, questionnaire on SLM technology (QT) was used and twenty five SLM technologies were documented. The identified technologies were categorized as agronomic, vegetative, structural and management technologies. Among the structural technologies that were identified, bench terraces (33%) and fanya juu terraces (30%) were the most common while grass strips (57%) were the most practiced vegetative technologies followed by boundary trees (26%). Agronomic technologies comprised of manuring (45%), zero tillage (2%), composting (16%), mixed cropping (8%) and contour cultivation (13%). Land use change, rotational grazing, change of management intensity, change of timing of activities and cut-and-carry were the most practiced management technologies but in varied percentages. The main factors influencing the choice of SLM technologies were; extent of land degradation, slope and climate. The study revealed that government extension services play a major role in information dissemination on SLM Technologies. The WOCAT framework was used in documenting the identified SLM technologies. In order for farmers and other catchment managers to know and assess the suitability of different SLMs for adoption and up-scaling within the catchment, a computer based Decision Support (MATSIM) Tool was developed by the use of Microsoft Access. Apart from the basic user interface, a built-in database of SLM technologies that was documented and presented using a standardized WOCAT template was developed. The tool was developed to assist the land users and watershed managers within the catchment in decision making on SLMs suitable for enhancing eco-system services and climate change adaptation. The tool offers a practical approach that if adopted will facilitate processes in which farmers and other catchment managers may share, select and decide on the most appropriate SLM solutions for their land. The tool has a built-in technical manual that further assists the user on how to operate the tool. The tool is scalable and can be adopted for any other catchment by simple manipulation of the catchment’s biophysical parameters.