Impacts of enclosures in rehabilitation of degraded rangelands of Turkana County, Kenya

The role of enclosures in range rehabilitation was investigated through a case study at Kalatum in Turkana County where the use of enclosures and establishment of fodder species were demonstrated to the local communities in late 1980’s. However, documented information on the impact of enclosures is scanty. Rehabilitation impact was evaluated through ecological sampling in fenced and unfenced areas and comparison of vegetation variables. The technology adoption was evaluated by Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques to determine the extent of enclosure expansion using social fence by local community. Results showed a higher density of fodder species in the fenced than in the unfenced areas (p = 0.019). For example, Acacia tortilis attained a density of 204 trees ha-1in the fenced areas as compared to 74 trees ha-1 in the unfenced area and the average ground cover of Crysopogon plumulosus was 36% in the fenced as compared to 4% in the unfenced area. Technology adoption was good, as evidenced from fence expansion from the initial 5-ha established under research trials for 23-ha community enclosures. The findings show the importance of involving local communities during the project cycle and recommends up scaling of this technology among pastoral communities in Kenya.   Key words: Enclosure, rehabilitation, technology adoption, Geographical Information System (GIS) and Turkana.