Planning of System Innovations in Watersheds:Spatial Mapping Of Environmental and Hydrological Determinants in the Pangani and Upper Ewaso Ng'iro North River Basins, Africa

Abstract

In-Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), about 95 of agriculture is mainly rain-fed, which means that the majority of the population depends on rain-fed agriculture for their survival. in many countries of SSA growth of the agricultural sector has been reported to be low in the past decade, despite the fact that this sector is recognized as a priority area in an effort to reduce poverty. This low growth is a result of poor farming practices as well as the effects of climate variability. Although the situation appears to be desperate, all is not lost as adoption of rainwater harvesting (RWH) technologies might serve as a remedy, since they have shown promising potential for upgrading rain-fed agriculture. However, most of the existing technologies in these areas have low performance rates, resulting in relatively low adoption rates. It is against this background that this research study was conducted with the aim to contribute to the already existing knowledge base, which is paramount in formulating sustainable water and land resource management strategies for water scarce river basins in SSA. Enhancing water productivity may lead to improved food security and contributes to the on-going global dialogue on water for food and environment with the aim to meet the already stipulated millennium development golas (MDGs).