Bigger boundaries for sorghum gardens
The Kakuma Pastoral Development Project in northern Kenya is trying a new method of rainwater harvesting. The method has been tried in about 40 sorghum gardens where it helps to improve water infiltration into the soil, as well as reducing boundary disputes between neighbours. Gardens are traditionally separated by uncultivated strips of land, with local grasses, woody debris, and sometimes trees growing on them. It is a modification of this boundary which is being promoted. The boundaries are made wider, from half a metre to over two metres, and the land between them is levelled off. As a result, when it rains the water run-off from the gardens is reduced, and therefore the infiltration of the water into the soil is improved. The gardeners, who are also pastoralists find that even after extended periods when they are away tending their animals, these wider boundaries can clearly be seen, reducing the chances of boundary disputes between neighbours. The project now aims to spread the knowledge to more people helping them decide on the siting and width of the strips required. A series of meetings is planned for all gardeners in the area, whether project members or not, explaining the aims and systems involved. Intermediate Technology Myson House Railway Terrace Rugby CV21 3HT - UK
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| Format: | News Item biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
1994
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| Online Access: | https://hdl.handle.net/10568/49320 http://collections.infocollections.org/ukedu/en/d/Jcta49e/ |
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