AcknowledgementWe wish to express our sincere appreciation to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Higher Education for Development (HED) initiative for the generous financial support accorded to the University of Nairobi (UoN)-Colorado State University (CSU) partnership project (Center for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies). Our special thanks goes to USAID Mission in Kenya for the very supportive role played in advising and overseeing the implementation of the project and for finding time to attend the first ever UoN-CSU student-led conference.

We also take this time to express a deep sense of gratitude to the UoNManagement for partially funding the conference. The support received through the office of the DVC, student affairs contributed immensely to the success of the conference. We thank the office of the Principal, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) for the continued support to the project activities and especially for accepting to host the two day conference within CAVS.

The conference would not have been possible without the mentorship and accompaniment of the faculty members at UoN, CSDES Secretariat and most importantly the students. We commend the great teamwork and zeal exemplified by the conference planning committee which was entirely composed of UoN undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Above all, we thank all those who turned up for the conference from various organizations. We acknowledge the students from CSU, UoN, Nazarene University, Moi University and any other University that was represented at the conference. We applaud the key note speakers and presenters for choosing the 1st student- led conference as a platform to showcase their research findings and share their field experiences. God bless you all.

PREFACE Over 40 percent of the world is drylands, where about 2.3 billon people live in nearly 100 countries. It accounts for up to 44% of all the world’s cultivated systems. In Kenya drylands support 35% of the human population and more than 60% of livestock meat production. These regions are also home to the largest number of wildlife that supports vibrant nature-based tourism. In spite of the enormous ecological and economic contributions, ASALs face many challenges, among others, unclear land rights and poor resource governance, conflicts over resources, ecosystem degradation and declining land productivity. The consequent food insecurity and poverty, in addition to climate change, further serve to undermine resilience of dryland ecosystems. Sustainable development of these areas has been constrained by inadequate human capacity, limited action research and lack of participation by the dryland communities as end users.

In a bid to address these challenges, the Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies (CSDES); a partnership between University of Nairobi and Colorado State University was established. The goal of the Centre is to bring together the agencies and institutions working in the drylands and ensure participation of dryland communities in the policy formulation and development process.

The Centre recognizes the role of higher education for the under-represented groups, particularly women and girls in unlocking the potential of drylands ecosystems. Through mentorship of students from the drylands to be leaders in the development of appropriate innovations for dryland systems, CSDES aims to ensure that education has impact on sustainability of drylands ecosystems.

For the past two years, CSDES supported a number of research and student mentorship activities. As a culmination of various research and student mentorship activities in the last two years, CSDES organized a one and half day Student-led Conference under the theme; “Transformative education, research and engagement for dryland resilience and sustainability”. The conference aimed at: sharing CSDES-supported and other ongoing research findings with the dryland communities and other stake holders; enhancing network between young professionals, research institutions, stakeholders, policy makers working in drylands; strengthening the partnership among dryland communities, institutions of higher learning and other stakeholders; catalyzing interest among CSDES interns to pursue higher education, research and outreach opportunities and; promote awareness among various stakeholders about the unique needs of drylands and the need for innovative approaches for enhancing dryland livelihoods.

TABLES OF CONTENTS

Introduction and Background 1Official Opening of the Conference 2Key Note Address 1 -2 Community Interns Mentorship Experiences 3Stories of Experiences from CSDES field experiential courses 5Field study: Finding alternative and sustainable sources of water in arid and semi-arid areas 5The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Michigan (UoM) Joint Field Course 6

Brief personal stories 7Summary Responses by Conference Participants on CSDES Internship 7

ABSTRACTS OF RESEARCH PRESENTED IN THE PARALLEL SESSIONS 7

THEME 2: Livestock Production, Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods 13

Theme 3 Resilience, Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation 18

THEME 4: DRYLANDS GOVERNANCE, RIGHTS AND LOCAL INSTITUTIONS 20

THEME 5: SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN DRYLANDS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 25

OFFICIAL CLOSING SESSION AND WAY FORWARD 26

RECOMMENDATIONS 26

CSDES STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS 27

1ST STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PROGRAMME 31

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Center for Sustainable Dryland Ecosytems and Societies (CSDES) is a USAID-Higher Education for Development-supported partnership project between the University of Nairobi and Colorado State University whose goal is to transform higher education and create relevant action research focused on sustaining and improving ecosytems and livelihoods in Kenya. The Center’s strategy includes promoting greater participation of pastoralists in higher education, particularly women, and building greater capacity among students to address dryland problems through development of appropriate innovations for drylands. For the last two years, the Center has supported mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students through internships, field courses and research for development grants.

As a culmination of various research and student mentorship activities in the last two years, CSDES organized a one and half day Student-Led Conference under the theme; “Transformative education, research and engagement for dryland resilience and sustainability “ with the following specific objectives:

• Share completed and ongoing research findings with key dryland stakeholders; • Promote awareness among various stakeholders about the unique needs of drylands and the need for innovative approaches for enhancing dryland livelihoods; • Enhance networking between young professionals, research institutions and policy makers; • Strengthen partnership among dryland communities, institutions of higher learning and other stakeholders; • Catalyze interest among CSDES interns to pursue higher education, research and outreach opportunities; • Motivate young professional to contribute to dryland development.

The conference brought together more than 100 participants who included members from the dryland communities, student interns, faculty members from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and Colorado State University (CSU), UoN and CSU undergraduate and post graduate students, students from other Universities in Kenya, African Diaspora and local and international Non-Governmental Organizations.The USAID Kenya Mission was also represented in the conference opening session, and remarkably also, the County Governor of Kajiado, which is one of the dryland counties, also attended the conference.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE The conference was officially opened by Prof. Isaac Mbeche, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, University of Nairobi. The don recognized the role of drylands to food

security in the country. He further stated that the needs for resilience, risk reduction and climate change mitigation was of global concern and hence the need for access to higher education to address these challenges.

Key Note Address 1 : Empowering under-represented groups for sustainability of dryland ecosystems and societies by Dr. David Nkendianye , Governor Kajiado County

Dr. David Nkedianye, Governor, Kajiado County, gave an address on empowering under-represented groups for sustainability of drylands in the IGAD Sub- region. The Governor highlighted the need for access to higher education as critical for the development of the country. He stated that access to quality training is critical to meet the need for cutting edge expertise in the dryland counties. In addition, he noted that universities have a great role to play in the Kajiado county development and that the drive for each county to have a university is a big challenge. The need for university constituent colleges in all the counties is critical to reduce the cost of accessing higher education especially with the current devolution process. Finally, the governor assured the participants that his government would earmark funds to support higher education and research in Kajiado County. He welcomed partnerships between the universities and the county governments to enhance development.

Key Note Address 2: The Global Drylands Agenda: UN System wide Response by Dr. Jonathan Davis

Dr. Jonathan Davis put it clear that the drylands of Africa cannot be ignored by international community because of the roles they play in combating climate change. He noted that the UN system wide response to drylands is well recognized. He highlighted that drylands have been misunderstood by attaching negative images of the environment and people despite having a lot of positive images like beautiful landscape, trees, biodiversity, culture, inspiration, genes and economic benefits. The existence of many investment opportunities in drylands was also recognized and there was need to connect drylands to the rest of the world.Dr. Davis listed the international issues on drylands as: poverty, desertification, policy, health, education, and poor investments. This was also further constrained by poor understanding of dryland ecology, biodiversity loss and climate change. The bad connotation of drylands as open free area where land is cheap has contributed to grabbing problems,and therefore the need to recognize the true value of drylands. The role of drylands to National GDP should also be borne in mind before any land use changes are effected.

Community Interns Mentorship ExperiencesThis was a session dedicated to the CSDES supported community interns to give their field experiences, drawn from 3 months internship program. Of the fourteen interns supported by the Centre, six were selected. They were:

Mr. Galgalo Boru – a research intern at WASDA (Wajir South Development Association)

I was attached to WASDA, an NGO established in 1995 to address issues of sustainable management of the environment, water resources, livelihoods, education and public health services in the Horn of Africa. My main activities during internship involved assessing hazards and risk using well established procedures that included collection and analysis of geographical and environment data. This assessment required active participation by the communities at risk. From the experience of this internship, I was able to develop networks with institutions and individuals. Over time, I have developed a positive culture towards disaster prevention.

Sylvester Ole Mashati - a research intern in the Loita Community, Narok County.

I did my internship under Ms Peris Kariuki, a PhD student in LARMAT department, whose study focused on the analysis of status and trade of wild medicinal food plants in Loita Division, Narok County Kenya. My responsibilities included: linking the PhD student to the community and also advising on cultural issues, organization of community meetings, translation, data collection and dissemination. The internship exposed me and I am able to prepare field work plans and budget and collect scientific data. The program gave me an opportunity to meet community members and institutions as well as develop public speaking and research skills. The skills acquired enabled me to secure employment as a clerk for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya and a research assistant at Transparency International.

Siyat Onle Tankal experiences as a research Intern in Garissa County

I worked for three months under Dr. Patrick Mwanyumba, a PhD student in LARMAT department. We studied the livelihoods coping strategies used by the pastoral communities in Garissa. My responsibilities included linking the PhD student researcher to the local community while advising on cultural issues and practices, assisting in organizing community meetings, translating or helping to interpret local issues, and disseminating the knowledge generated by the PhD research to the community. From the internship experience, I have gained skills in data collection and report writing. I am using these skills to train farmers and new entrants in livestock business on market herd management, market structure, behaviour and performance.

Priscilla Lalampaa - attached at Mainyoito Pastoralist Integrated Development Organization, Samburu County

I was attached to Mainyoito Pastoralist Integrated Development Organization (MPIDO), a community based organization dealing with human rights and social development working among Kenya’s pastoralists communities to address their most urgent needs and problems. My responsibilities included writing monthly articles on climate change

and environmental conservation, writing periodic reports, attending trainings and workshops, visiting schools and giving motivational talks and sensitization of community on climate change and other environmental issues. I also advised the community on how to properly manage group ranches. I gained experience in report writing, organizing for training sessions and workshop and giving motivational talks to pupils.

Peter Piranto Mosiany Dupoto-e-Maa, Kajiado County

I am an undergraduate student at the African Nazarene University. I was attached at Dupoto-e-Maa, a local NGO in Kajiado County which was established with the aim promoting education and economic development among the marginalized pastoralists. My responsibilities during internship involved assisting the supervisor in conducting field works, reporting to the supervisor on any field work conducted and assisting the supervisor in awareness creation and community mobilization. This exposure helped me to gain skills in field assessment, data analysis, proposal writing, communication and report writing.

Peter Kaimi - TaitaTaveta County

I hail from County and I was recruited as an intern to Judith Syombua, PhD student who was carrying out research on human-wildlife conflict in Taita-Taveta area. My role was to link my mentor to the local community, help in data collection and analysis and report writing, and to explain to my mentor about the cultural practices of the communities to facilitate smooth interaction.

Mentorship by Judith during the research project stimulated my desire for further studies in order to enhance my knowledge and skills in problem solving at community level. It was through this project that I was able to raise some money for registration for my degree course at Mount Kenya University. Through the support of my mentor, my parents were convinced and supported my pursuit for further education.

STORIES OF EXPERIENCES FROM CSDES FIELD EXPERIENTIAL COURSESComputational Ecology field course experience.

Peter Mwangi,CSDES staff

I was a beneficiary of Computational Ecology Field Course held at Mpala Research Center on from 5th to 25th January, 2012. This training was organized by Princeton University, University of Illinois, Chicago and University of Nairobi through the Centre for Sustainable Dryland Ecosystems and Societies (CSDES). The course aimed at teaching the participants how to solve ecology problems using computer knowledge like Algorithms (Short Computer programs), data collection, data analysis and data mapping.

As a computer scientist, this course offered me a chance to visit the field and actually see the problem on the ground and get first-hand experience in trying to solve the problem. “By going to the field, it becomes easier to solve the problem since you can be able to visualize the situation”.

While there, we were able to carry out a number of research projects encompassing both ecological and computer sciences, the outputs of which can be seen in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3MF-oW9-hw&noredirect=1. A paper was also published, titled “Infestation by a common parasite is strongly influenced by ant symbiotic identity in a plant-ant mutualism”.

Field study: Finding alternative and sustainable sources of water in arid and semi-arid areasRose Muthoni

I took part in a study involving 8 undergraduate students from University of Nairobi and 15 students from University of Michigan. A multidisciplinary approach was used to draw students from Engineering, Food Science, Political Science, Agriculture and Environmental Science. This study was held in Mpala Research Centre in August 2011. The study involved comparing three methods of water conservation: Grey water recycling in ASAL ranches and households using reed bed technology; water storage methods in ASALs e.g. weirs; and water conservation by reducing water use. Students were split into three groups and each group was required to find out how best to make each method of water conservation more efficient. Participation in this study improved my field study skills, enhanced my knowledge of drylands and improved my socialization skills.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Michigan (UoM) Joint Field Course in Maasai Mara and Mpala Research Centre.Daniella Maroma

The 2012 UoN-UoM joint field course theme ‘was promoting sustainable livelihoods and development in the drylands’. The field course involved 6 students from the UoN and 16 students from the UoM. The students were under the guidance of two tutors; Prof. Bilal and Prof. Omolade from UoM. The field trip lasted three weeks; half of the time was spent in Maasai Mara and the other half in Mpala research centre and ranch in Laikipia district.

The objectives of the course were to expose the students to field research and equip them with research skills, to enable students understand and appreciate the dryland ecosystems, to enable the students appreciate the livelihoods and the way of life of the people in the drylands, to enable the students understand the challenges (and probably do something) facing the people in drylands and to expose the students to new people, new thinking, new culture so that they could broaden their thinking. The students from University of Nairobi were involved in various roles that included, learning to do research and helping in interpretation of issues to their counterparts from Michigan University. They also guided them and taught them some basic Kiswahili.

The students hope to use the knowledge on research skills gained to undertake their research projects in final year and beyond, develop the research projects they did in the field in future, advocate for peaceful coexistence between human beings and wildlife, promote environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods by urging the concerned parties to promote education, infrastructure and to produce research papers.

Brief personal story on challenges of access to education for students from pastoral areas

Personal story by Fatuma Mohammed Amin from Wajir County

I almost dropped out of school in form two after my father passed on. Although educating a girl-child is not a priority in my community, I prevailed upon my uncle to take me through high school. He obliged due to my sheer determination and hard work.The challenges faced by pastoral children, especially girls are many. Out of my class of 9 girls enrolled in standard one, only two managed to sit for the basic primary school examination. Some girls were married off early and some dropped out of school due to too much pressure on their time for other house chores that could not give them enough time to study. The girls lacked women models that they could look up to. There are also very few high quality and affordable girls’ high schools in pastoral areas.

Summary Responses by Conference Participants on CSDES Internship ProgramThe presentations by interns were followed by an open session for conference participants to give comments and make observations based on the internship experiences. Following

are the major highlightOn the role of mentees, it was noted that mentees/interns are important resource that enabled the students to integrate well with the local community, know their cultural values and respect their way of life. It was noted that there are opportunities in the drylands but always misrepresented and that the Centre needs to entrench economic valuation of drylands in the curriculum. On community fatigue and or lack of participation, it was felt that the fatigue is caused by lack of feedback to the community by researchers. It is therefore imperative that a feedback mechanism is put in place. It was also suggested that the interns be supported to take up further studies or to continue with the program/ project when the mentor/ researcher is through with his/her studies. This would strengthen and sustain the relationship between the different dryland communities and the Centre.

ABSTRACTS OF RESEARCH PRESENTED IN THE PARALLEL SESSIONS

Linking Local Communities to land use and land cover changes and their implications to human-wildlife conflicts: The role of Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PGIS)

Judith S. Mbau,National Museums of KenyaCorrespondence email: jsyombua04@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTLand use and land cover changes are important processes that influence the dynamics of human-wildlife conflicts in human dominated landscapes surrounding wildlife protected areas. Effective management of human-wildlife conflicts requires the participation of local communities. However, local communities need to identify and understand resource use changes and how they influence the process. Approaches aimed at changing local community behavior towards natural resource use require appropriate technologies that bridge the technology and knowledge gaps between researchers, policy makers and the communities. PGIS was used to assess and educate local communities on land use and land cover changes as well as visualize the problems associated with resource changes in Taveta district. Through PGIS; linkages between land use and land cover changes and conflicts were clearly established. Agricultural expansion was found to shape the nature and extend of human-wildlife conflicts while increase in human population was a driving factor for land use change. Both the conventional and participatory GIS approaches showed that, significant (p < 0.05) changes occurred in woodlands, rainfed and irrigated agricultural areas. Shrublands and forests showed no significant changes. Local communities were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) knowledgeable about the changes in most of the resources and their causes. PGIS compared well to conventional GIS analysis and is therefore, recommended as an appropriate technology for analysing, and monitoring resource changes. The technology was found to be useful in educating

local communities on the implications of resource changes and convincing them to participate in human-wildlife conflicts management in a multi-stakeholder participant process.

Implications of land use change on agricultural production and gender roles. A case of Kajiado County

Mary Morara,University of NairobiCorresponding email: maturwe@yahoo.com

INTRODUCTIONThere have been significant land use changes in the peri-urban Kajiado County that have had effect on agricultural (crops and livestock) production and gender roles. The objective of the study was to contribute towards development of land use policy of the pastoral areas, enhance food security and gender affirmative action in reference to constitution of Kenya 2010, Vision 2030, food security and nutrition policy among others. The study was carried out in Kajiado County. The region is peri-urban, arid and semi-arid with a poverty index of 40% and literacy level 71.8% (CBS, 2009). The communities in the study area comprise indigenous (Maasai-pastoralists; approximately 60%) and immigrants from other parts of the country. Data collection involved the creation and implementation of key informant interviews and in-depth interviews. This information was used to develop categories and questions for household questionnaires survey and focus group discussions. The data collection involved; household survey, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, in-depth interviews (using pretested instruments), participant observation and Global position system (GPS) coordinates acquisition. Acquisition of Land Sat imageries, ground truthing and organising the data collected for analysis using a GIS. Triangulation of qualitative, quantitative and GIS data collected will be used in final data analysis and validation.

Analysis of Status and Trade of Wild Medicinal Food Plants in Loita Division, Narok County Kenya

Peris Kariuki,National Museums of KenyaEmail: pmweru@yahoo.com

Man has overtime relied on indigenous knowledge of wild plants to meet his needs. Medicinal and food plants in dryland ecosystems supply food/fodder and health needs for man and livestock. Analysis of these plants has shown useful nutrients and efficacy, promoting use of herbal and nutraceutical products. Uncontrolled trade in wild plant products exerts pressure on wild stocks. This research was carried out in Loita Division Narok County. Overall objective is; analysis of status and trade of wild medicinal and food

plants to enhance conservation of indigenous plants of economic value for sustainable human livelihoods. Specific objectives: to document use of wild medicinal food plants; to assess density, population structure and abundance of wild selected medicinal and food plants; to characterize trade in wild medicinal and food plants; to develop sustainability scenarios for wild medicinal and food plant species. Research combined descriptive and cross-sectional designs. Data collection techniques include participatory rural appraisal, household and market surveys, observations and measurements.

Loita is a sub-tribe of Maasai community living in Loita Division Narok South District. Their livelihoods are gradually moving from pure pastoralism to mixed agriculture. Population of about 25000 people in area covering 15000square kilometres. The area is semiarid with rainfall ranging from 500-1200mm per year. This research is expected to promote sustainable dryland ecosystems and societies through: Contribution to baseline information useful in policy formulation. Linking Loita CBOs in to new networks and capacity building of locals by intern mentorship; and documentation of indigenous knowledge of species with potential for domestication. To increase impact of expected outcomes of this research I would recommend; more internship opportunities and more support to return research results back to the community and develop a follow-up project. Education should focus e on mentoring young girls at primary and secondary level and opportunities for continuing education and bridging courses.

Impact of community conservation management on a Kenyan semi-arid savannah

Stephen M. Mureithia,b*, Ann Verdoodtc, Jesse T. Njokab, CKK Gacheneb, Fiesta Warinwad and Eric Van Ransta

aGhent University, Department of Geology and Soil Science (WE13), Laboratory of Soil Science, Krijgslaan 281/S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium

bUniversity of Nairobi, Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, P.O Box 29053, 00625 Nairobi, Kenya

cGhent University, Department of Soil Management (BW12), Research Unit of Soil Degradation and Conservation, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Gent, Belgium

dAfrican Wildlife Foundation, Ngong Road, Karen P.O. Box 310, 00502 Nairobi, Kenya

*Corresponding email: stemureithi@uonbi.ac.ke

ABSTRACTThe effect of community conservation management (CCM) on herbaceous vegetation structure, herbage, basal and bare ground cover, and soil nutrient status was studied in the conservation and grazing zones of Tiamamut and Kijabe group ranches in Laikipia County. The community zoned the land in 1999 by demarcating conservation areas excluded from livestock grazing, buffer areas for grazing, and high intensity use zones for both grazing and settlements. Collected data included ground cover, grass species composition, standing grass biomass and topsoil soil chemical characteristics using line

transect and quadrant methods. The conservation zones excluded from livestock grazing had significantly higher herbaceous diversity, species richness, and relative abundance of both annual and perennial grasses, basal cover and herbage, and a lower percentage of bare ground compared to the continuously grazed zones. The conservation zones had also higher total organic carbon, organic nitrogen and exchangeable basic cations content, indicating improved soil nutrient status, mainly attributed to the higher basal cover and standing biomass, and minimal export of nutrients through grazing. The grazing zones exhibited loss of vegetation cover and reduction of forage production, with a decline in rangeland condition, whereas the conservation zones excluded from livestock grazing showed recovery and improvement of the rangeland condition. Long-term monitoring using a combination of remote sensing and field techniques is needed to understand the effects of the CCM on the ecosystem structure and functioning, and timely inform the conservancies’ management and stakeholders on the ground.

Further deterioration of rangeland condition in the grazing zones in the group ranches causes great concern. The conservancy, the respective group ranch management, thematic (grazing, conservation) committees and the conservation partners need to address this issue before the current rangeland condition deteriorates further. Current measures for controlling stocking rates include livestock quotas, rotational grazing areas and grazing by-laws, in addition to livestock marketing. In addition, we recommend the following: a) range rehabilitation at every opportunity through reseeding of denuded patches with desirable grass species, and random grass seed broadcast in the grazing zones; b) keeping the soil covered to prevent local aridification by spreading cut-thorn bush on bare patches and spreading grass seed during the rains. This can naturally restore vegetation as the rotting bush traps sediments and water, creating sites for seed germination; c) de-bushing and uprooting of the potentially invasive species like Acacia mellifera and Sanseveria intamida; d) re-zoning the land with the intention of further concentrating settlement to free up more land for grazing, and e) radically destock livestock, by cutting the numbers of cattle, sheep and goats on the land by about two thirds and simultaneously, engage in livestock improvement e.g. bringing into the herd Boran breeding bulls for improved cattle breeds.

Characterization of Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Livestock Feeds and Feeding Systems in Baringo County, Kenya

Syomiti M, Maranga E, Obwoyere G1,2Margaret Syomiti, 1Dana H, 3Maranga E, 3Obwoyere G.

1Colorado State University, 2 Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 3 Egerton University*Correspondent E-mail: syomitimargaret@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTLivestock is an important source of wealth, acting as a “living saving account” for the pastoral communities inhabiting Kenya’s drylands, which are characterized by high rainfall variability and unpredictability, as well as recurrent droughts. These precarious

conditions, in addition to the low adaptive capacity of pastoral communities, make them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. An in-depth of understanding of the constraints to pastoralism and existing coping strategies is therefore crucial to developing appropriate, effective and sustainable climate change adaptation mechanisms. This study was conducted to characterize the local climate change adaptation strategies among the pastoral communities in Marigat District of Baringo County. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 170 households on livelihood constraints and the existing coping strategies. Lack of forage and water were the major constraints to pastoralism in the study area. Among the main strategies for coping with these constraints, migration to seek for greener pastures and water was the most important (43%). Emerging adaptation strategies such as feed and water conservation were poorly adopted (7 and 8%, respectively) due to lack of awareness, technological know-how and capital. Prosopis juliflora, an invasive and alien species was reported to have adverse effects on livestock health owing to the poisonous thorns and high sugar levels in pods which cause lesions in the mouth of goats and corrosion/decay of their teeth. The study concludes that efficiency with which available feeds are utilized, such as Prosopis juliflora is compromised by poor perception as a noxious plant. Some coping strategies, such as herd migration adopted to overcome the main identified constraints, such feed and water scarcity were inappropriate. This was reflected by lack of technical know-how on how best to use the available drought-resilient feed resources such as feed formulation, conservation and water harvesting technologies.

Efficacy, safety and conservation status of antimalarial and mosquito repellant plants used in Embu County, Kenya.

Bibianne Wanja WaiganjoUniversity of Nairobi

Contact email: bibiannen2010@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT Malaria is the most common parasitic infection among the Embu and Mbeere communities of the Eastern Province of Kenya. Embu County is categorized as semi arid and it is located Eastern province of Kenya. Herbalists play a vital role in treatment and prevention of malaria in this region. However the ethnodiagnostic methods of the disease are not documented. Information on the biodiversity status as well as efficacy and safety of the mosquito repellent and anti-malarial herbal remedies used in Embu County is also not documented.The aims of this study are to: a. Take an inventory of plants assumed to possess antimalarial and mosquito repellents properties by Embu and Mbeere communities of Kenya and their indigenous knowledge relevant in diagnosis and prevention of malaria. b. Validate the activity and efficacy of the ten most commonly used

documented plants through in vitro and in vivo assays. c. Determine the toxicity of the plant with the highest anti-malarial activity among the most commonly used medicinal plants to treat and prevent malaria in Embu County. d. Determine the species diversity and conservation approaches for the medicinal plants used to treat and prevent malaria in Embu County.

The research is aimed at contributions to sustainable management of medicinal plants through validating the claims on the efficacy and safety. The study will also establish the status of the medicinal plants used to treat and prevent mosquito bites with an aim of promoting sustainable harvesting. These will be done by giving feed back to the herbalists in the region on the efficacy and safety of the documented medicinal plants as well as encouraging them to set up botanical gardens where there will grow the validated plants.

THEME 2: LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE

LIVELIHOODSKey Note Address:

Contribution of pastoral production system to Food and Nutritional Security and sustainable Livelihoods by Prof. Ephraim Mtengeti, Sokoine University

Crop farming is not suitable in ASALs due to low productivity and it has been observed that crop farming is destructive in ASALS due to low CO2 retention. The ASALs account for between 50-80% of GDP in developing world (World Bank,2007) and support 200M (1/4 of the globe).In valuation of drylands, some benefits have been overlooked e.g. products, transport, ploughing, employment etc and this leads to ASALs being undervalued.

Some of the challenges facing ASALs include; increased human population- decreased access to H2O and grazing land, grazing land conflict , climate change and political marginalization. Water scarcity, bush encroachment, high dependency on livestock (risky if no market) are some of the constarints that need to be addressed. Opportunities lie in areas of indigenous knowledge on herd management, feed conservation, training on feed growth, and research on dry resistant plants.

An analysis of the coping strategies used by the pastoral communities in northeastern Kenya

Mwanyumba P. M.a, Kanyari P.b, MacOpiyo L.c and Wahome R.G.d

a Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Development, Private Bag-00625, Nairobi, Kenya. Email: pm.mwanyumba@yahoo.com,

Tel: +254 722 797987 (Corresponding author)b,c,d University of Nairobi

ABSTRACTPastoralists in the arid and semi-arid areas of Northeastern Kenya are facing increasing risks due to several factors including human population and land-use pressures, livestock diseases, unsupportive policies and climate variability. The prevailing constraints in the area coupled with market and subsistence demands influence households’ characteristics and how they interact with resources at their disposal to meet livelihood objectives. This study was done to analyze current pastoralist socio-demographics, production objectives and livelihoods status and strategies. It is part of a larger study that looks at trade, herd dynamics, utilization and value addition of indigenous livestock of Northeastern Kenya to analyze the effect of commercialization on pastoralist objectives and herd dynamics and the different uses and value addition end points of marketed livestock. The research was undertaken in Garissa County using a cross-sectional survey of 146 households selected through multi-stage cluster sampling. The preliminary results show that households’ main occupational source of income and subsistence production objective was livestock at an overwhelming 93.2% and 95.9% respectively. Other mentioned sources of income and future plans represent opportunities for diversification to reduce livelihood risks. There is low level of education among both the household heads and dependants with 78.1 and 52.8% respectively having no education at all and most of the rest having reached only primary and secondary levels. Grazing work is done by all family members and hired labour in the order of boys, hired labour, men, girls then women. This denies a lot of children education but confers upon them traditional knowledge, skills, gender empowerment and rights to products. There is low level of market interaction shown by the long mean number of days since last animal sale (71days) and goats are the main pillar of subsistence as seen from the live animal and milk sales. Households are using a mixture of traditional strategies, relief aid and new innovative ways to cope with the increasing constraints and diminishing resources. However, the scope of traditional strategies is increasingly getting limited thereby causing households to suffer from inadequacies. It is thus recommended that livelihoods based and participatory interventions should be undertaken to support diversification, commercialization and marketing. At the same time households need to balance between livestock labour and education of their children/dependants to ensure current outcomes and future viability in livelihoods.

Comparative growth and interspecific competition responses of range grasses to varying watering schedules in the rangelands of Kenya

Koech Oscar K.University of Nairobi, Department of LARMAT

Correspondence: okkoech@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTPastoral livestock production in the Kenyan rangelands is faced with feed supply deficits especially during dry seasons, leading to massive losses of livestock. Climate change

further exacerbates this problem by increased frequency of droughts and floods. To achieve vision 2030, pastoral production system has to be improved by increasing feed supply. Therefore, production of pasture under irrigation as a strategic feed resource becomes an option.The objectives of the study were: i. To determine the growth responses (aboveground biomass yield, tiller density, leaf-stem ratio, seed quantity/quality) of six range grasses growing singly, to different watering schedules. ii. To determine the interspecific competition growth responses of five range grasses growing in mixtures, to different watering schedules. iii. To determine the effect of different watering schedules on forage quality, curability and storability of forage from the six grass species. iv. To estimate water use efficiency and water stress tolerance of the six grass species. Field experiments were set up in 6x4 factorial experiments in Completely Randomized Design. There are two treatments: One; watering schedules at 80%, 50% and 30% Field Capacity), and two; six range grass species. Data collection on primary productivity, forage quality and seed yield and quality was carried out.

The communities in the study area are pastoralists, agro-pastoralists and farmers. There has been increased conflict between the farming communities and the pastoralists over grazing resources particularly during dry seasons.

Based on the research findings, there is potential for pasture production under irrigation with some species producing up 10,000kg/ha at low soil moisture levels. Their promotion will increase forage supply and contribute to reduced livestock losses during dry seasons. It is therefore recommended that awareness and training on pasture cultivation in the study area are enhanced.

A comparative Study of the Productivity of Brachiaria Hybrid Cv. Mulato II and Native Pasture Species in Semi-Arid Rangelands of Kenya

Machogu, C . R.K. Ngugi1, L. MacOpiyo1 W.N. Mnene2

1Department of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 29053-0625, Nairobi

2Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Kiboko center P.O. Box 2 MakinduCorresponding Author: Tel.: +254 725 074 900; Email: claramachogu@gmail.com

Natural pastures constitute the highest source of feed for ruminant livestock in the Kenya’s rangelands. The quantity and quality of the natural pastures are therefore critical determinants of livestock productivity in the rangelands. Therefore, scarcity, low quality and seasonal fluctuation of pastures typical of the rangelands of Kenya have a direct bearing on livestock performance and pastoral livelihoods. An understanding of pasture

productivity, nutritional status, as well as trial and adoption of productive and adapted forage species is crucial for sustainable livestock production in the rangelands. This study was conducted to evaluate the productivity and nutritional quality of Brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato II grass species, Cenchrus ciliaris, Enteropon macrostachyus, Chloris roxburghiana and Eragrostis superba in semi-arid rangelands in southern Kenya. Experimental trials were set at KARI Kiboko research station in Makueni County. Comparisons of the grass species were done with reference to plant growth parameters that included plant height, tillers, plot cover and plant density; aboveground biomass production, seed yield, seed quality and; nutritional quality of the grasses. Individual interviews with on farmers growing grass was used to complement the data on the species performance.

Out of the five grass species in this study, Brachiaria hybrid, although a late seeder, emerged as a superior species in dry matter (DM) yield. The species also had the highest nutritional quality, exhibiting the lowest fibriosity (c. 29%) and the highest proportion of digestible dry matter (DDM) of upto 65%. Of the local species, Cenchrus ciliaris emerged as the best in DM yield (c. 10t/ha), while Enteropogon macrostachyus had the highest seed viability (100% germination) within 48 hours. Eragrostis superba had the highest seed production ( 803.2Kg/ha) as C. roxburghiana emerged the overall inferior species in terms of productivity. These results mirrored the farmers preference for the grass species with C. ciliaris being the most preffered followed by E. superba, and C. roxburghiana being the least preferred species. The findings show that C. ciliaris and E. superba have high demand and fetch good prices.

These results show that Brachiaria hybrid has a potential as reliable and nutritious source of forage in the semiarid southern rangelands of Kenya. However, further research on its performance on varied soils and moisture conditions is crucial to inform its adoption. On-farm trials beyond the field experiment undertaken in this study are also necessary to determine its adaptability in real field conditions across multiple temporal and spatial scales.

The potential of camel milk production as an adaptation to climatic variability in the drylands of Kenya

Yazan Elhadi, Dickson Nyariki And Oliver WasongaDepartment of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology

University of NairobiCorresponding author: yazanelahdi@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTPastoral production system in the Horn of Africa is facing many challenges chief of them being climate variability and change. This has rendered most of the traditional coping strategies ineffective leading to vulnerable and insecure dryland environments and pastoral livelihood systems. One of the main pastoral adaptations to the increasingly

unpredictable rainfall, recurrent droughts and diminishing grazing resources has been adoption of drought tolerant livestock species such as the Camel. Despite having the potential to alleviate vulnerability of pastoral communities to climate variability and change, camel production is yet to receive the attention it deserves in the region. Assessing the potential of camel milk production as an adaptation strategy is therefore crucial in providing information to guide pathways for enhancing pastoral household food security and livelihood resilience. This study was conducted in Isiolo County of northern Kenya to 1) Assess the role of camel milk in supporting pastoral household livelihoods in Isiolo County. 2) Determine Factors affecting camel milk production in the study area. 3) Characterise actors and determine profit margins, market information strategies and product transformation along the camel milk value chain, and 4) Assess the effect of climate variability on camel milk production in the study area. The study area is predominantly inhabited by pastoral communities that include the Borana, Somali and Turkana, which practice nomadic pastoral production system as their major economic activity. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from households. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to complement the information from household survey. Preliminary results show that camel milk constitutes a significant proportion of pastoral household food basket. The contribution of camel milk to households’ food basket was more significant during dry season as compared to wet season (p ≤ 0.05). Further the study revealed that camel contributes significantly to household income throughout the year. Policies aimed at improving pastoral production system should largely promote camel production as strategy to strengthen households’ resilience to climatic variability and change. This study is expected to provide information that will guide development and policy interventions in Camel production as an adaptation trajectory for sustainable dryland livelihoods, and therefore contribute to sustainable ecosystem and pastoral societies.

Inter-cropping anti-tick grasses with Bambara groundnuts in drylands: a resilient strategy for management of tick population and food security

Elizabeth Ouna, University of Nairobi, Department of LARMAT

Email: awuor.ngiya@gmail.com

AbstractSustainable food production in semi arid regions will increasingly rely on land management systems which inter-crop drought tolerant cultivars with anti-tick forages that possess strong acaricidal and or tick repellent properties and reduce tick reproductive potential (Kaaya et al., 2006, Dipeulo et al 1991, Surthest et al 1986, Chandara 2009). Drought tolerant permissive bambara will be tested for genetic compatibility to select the most promiscuous strains of Bradyrhizobia for symbiosis in a cross infection experiment. Anti-tick grasses will be evaluated in smallholder farms and compared with farmer’s method of animal maintenance/crop production methods. The land will have been continuously used as forage pasture for the last 5 years and have similar soil type and climate experiences. Seasonal dynamics of ticks in forages will be established

using climatic data derived from meteorological satellites to initiate appropriate planting time and tick activity followed by introduction on to the pastures (Sarah, 2008). Analysis of the technology carried out during the study. In conclusion a cost-effective integrated soil fertility and tick control strategy that intercrops anti-tick grasses with legumes and is easy to adopt will be developed to increase crop yield, improve forage germplasm and reduce problems associated with high cost of conventional acaricides and tick resistance increase (De Castro, 1997).

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of zoonotic organisms in camel ecosystem and consequences on pastoralists’ public health and livelihoods

Peter Obimbo Lamuka*, Richard Bowen** and Dawit Abebe****University of Nairobi, ** Colorado State University, *** Tufts University

Correspondence: lamukapeter@yahoo.com

ABSTRACTIn Kenya, Camels are inadequately exploited in the improvement of the pastoral communities’ livelihoods. Poor camel health management practices are major hindrances to realization of potential of camel milk value chain in arid and semi arid lands (ASALs). The problem is compounded by inadequate provision of veterinary services and improper use of veterinary drugs resulting in presence of unacceptable levels of drug residues, zoonotic organisms and drug resistance zoonotic strains in milk. The milk does not meet both local and emerging international market safety requirements, thus affecting consumer acceptance and income to camel keepers. The study aims at improving camel milk productivity and competitiveness in ASALs through improved access to animal health surveillance data. This study wills asses how camel health management practices impacts on public health and livelihood of camel keepers. This one year study to be carried out among pastoral communities in Isiolo counties, Kenya, will look at the camel disease management practices, incidences of therapeutic drug residues, prevalence of bovine Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Brucella species and mastitic organisms, and their antimicrobial resistant strains in milk, blood and feces samples from camels. The types and quantity of therapeutic drug residues will be determined by Charm Blue Yellow Test and High Pressure liquid Chromatography techniques. Prevalence of bovine Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Brucella species and mastitic organisms (Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus) will be determined by rapid screening tests followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay of milk, blood and feces samples from positive camels. The drug resistance among isolated strains will be determined by either PCR assay or Agar diffusion technique. The data generated will be used to design interventions that will improve camel herd health. It is anticipated that this will lead to increased access of safe camel milk to markets, income generation, job creation and livelihoods improvement.

THEME 3 RESILIENCE, RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Key Note Address: Enhancing Resilience to Dryland ecosystems and Societies by Prof. Kathleen Galvin

Some basic household socio-economic characteristics of pastoral communities of Mandera and Turkana, Kenya.

Patrick Wekondi WateteUniversity of Nairobi, Department of LARMAT

Email: pwatete@gmail.com

ABSTRACTPastoral livelihoods within the Horn of Africa are becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of recurring droughts, famines, conflicts and changing demographics. The most recent drought has sharpened divisions between those who see pastoralism as no longer sustainable and those who seek to protect it. There are those who believe that the recurring shocks concomitant with demographic pressures will lead to the demise of nomadic pastoralism. On the other hand, some scholars see pastoralism as the only production system that is better adapted to cope with the current challenges facing drylands, especially those posed by climate change and variability. Stakeholders working among pastoral communities have identified livelihood diversification as one of the opportunities that holds the key to improved resilience among pastoral people. However, there is little understanding of the pastoral diversification process, its drivers and implications for peoples’ welfare. Relevant and robust indicators that could be used to quantify resilience among pastoral livelihoods are lacking, making it difficult to agree on yardsticks that could be used to asses effective interventions for pastoral communities. As part of a wider study that seeks to gain an understanding of the diversification process and the interaction between household assets and livelihood strategies, a baseline study was carried out in Mandera and Turkana Counties in February 2013. Data on household socio economic indicators, periods of food scarcity and coping strategies in event of food insecurity were obtained from 317 households in Mandera and 298 households in Turkana. It was found that the average number of persons in a household was 6.37 and 6.41 for Turkana and Mandera respectively, a difference that was not statistically significant. On livestock holding, Mandera had an average of 6.61 Tropical Livestock Units per household compared to 0.59 for Turkana (p<0.001). The proportion of households engaged in pastoralism was 37% and 24% for Mandera and Turkana respectively (p<0.001).Twenty two percent and seventeen percent of households in Turkana and Mandera respectively made a livelihood from firewood and charcoal trade. On periods of food scarcity, 51% and 49% of households in Turkana and Mandera respectively had food stocks lasting less than three months. In both Counties, borrowing food from relatives and reducing frequency of meals were common copping strategies used during food scarcity. However, there was a significant difference on use of livestock trade as a food security strategy. Whereas 74% of households in Mandera indicated that they sold livestock in order to purchase food, only 7% of households in Turkana did so.

REDD+: State of Play and the Elephant in the Room

Samuel MwangiUniversity of Nairobi, Department of LARMAT

REDD+ (Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation) is a form of payment for environmental services (PES). REDD+ is a set of steps designed to use market and financial incentives to reward good stewardship of forest management. Five requirements that need to be met before qualifications into the scheme are: i. The transaction is voluntary ii. There is a well-defined environmental service or form of land use likely to secure that service iii. The service is bought by at least one environmental service buyer iv. From a minimum of one environmental service provider and v. The provider continues to supply that service. Forests were considered as global public goods. For example, Congo forest acts as a global carbon sequestrate for high carbon emitting countries like China. The scale of forest cover is important. Even though the current estimates of Kenya’s forest cover was at 6%, the scale of cover may not meet the REDD+ requirements. This is because bushes and shrubs in settled lands (tea and coffee) have low carbon sequestration and storage potential.

Governance structure has been likened to the “elephant in the room” and the overarching factor that could hinder REDD+ viability in Kenya. Strong government institutions would ensure land use and land tenure policies are in place and are not subject to regime changes. The strong policies and institutions would enable the development of a well organised REDD+ market.

In his concluding remarks, REDD+ schemes should be built on existing local institutions. This would strengthen capacity of local people and by incorporating existing projects that allow people to pursue multiple activities. The immediate needs of communities for food and economic security would be met. Good institutions would also allow establishment of intermediaries who would reduce transaction costs of local participants. Research studies would also be important as they would ensure decision makers understand the science behind REDD+ and the long term benefits that can be accrued. THEME 4: DRYLANDS GOVERNANCE, RIGHTS AND LOCAL INSTITUTIONS

Key Note Address: Opportunities and challenges under Devolved government systems in safeguarding the environment and livelihoods of Dryland communities byAllyce Kureiya.In a her keynote address, Allyce stated that devolution provides political, economic, legal and social frameworks for the participatory utilization and preservation of land,

environment and Natural Resources. Devolved governance has opened up space for local politicians, professionals and the business communities to play a major role in determining their own development agenda, address key challenges by harnessing local resources and synergies. The constitution provides the opportunity to safeguard local land and natural resources and to ensure that they are primarily used for the benefit of local communities. While political competition is part of governance, there is need for leaders in arid regions to be extra vigilant not to self-destruct and allow further opportunity for continued exploitation by external players.

Evolution of natural resource governance models among the Maasai pastoralist, Southern Kenya.

Dickson Ole Kaelo

The Maasai organization system is both specialized and differentiated to allow adaptive management and gradual build up and sharing of environmental knowledge .e.g. Olporror is an age set system for devolving decision making and sharing pastoral knowledge, culture and livestock herding strategies and Moranism is a time to master the landscape to develop ability to respond to where and when resources are best and create social networks.To enforce resource extraction, the Maasai adopt a combination of beliefs, norms, rules and resource use practices that promote sustainable extraction and conservation of natural resources.But this organized institution is constantly under threat by, the:perceptions that pastoralism is risk averse, less productive and not “modern”, low investment levels to support pastoralism, drive for diversification, policies that promote privatization and intensification, land subdivision, land loss and fragmentation of pasture and weakening traditional governance, diminishing herding knowledge, increase in pastoralists drop out from pastoral production and herders seeking alternative employment and Changing climate particularly frequent intense drought

The current trend is the establishment of community conservancies which are formalized as CBOs, associations and companies. Opportunities associated with such conservancies include strengthened property rights of land owners and promotion of common resources use and generation of democratic, transparent and accountable management regimes. They also offer stronger bargaining position to community member and a guaranteed rent (opportunity cost) independent of tourist numbers, is paid for access to the land.

Community conservancies can be operated using two distinct models, the “business” model and the “project” model. However, there are still some challenges, and these include: institutional weaknesses & power interplay among stakeholders, external pressure on land from competing land uses, uncertainty on land security and taxation and absence of a supportive legal environment

Governance of community conservancies: A case of Il Ngwesi Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya

Komu Henry MwakaDepartment of Land Resource Management and Agricultural Technology, University of

NairobiCorrespondence: henrymwaka@gmail.com

ABSTRACTManagement of livestock-wildlife environment interface presents a big challenge in the integration of development and environmental conservation in Sub-Sahara Africa. With many studies reporting negative perceptions of community-based conservation endeavors, Il Ngwesi has been documented as a model community-led conservancy. This study uses the case of Il Ngwesi to investigate the community has made it to successfully manage the conservancy. The research aimed at investigating the evolution of functional governance structures, community perceptions on natural resource management and conservation, and identifying best conservation practices that can enhance natural resource conservation and sustainability of pastoral livelihoods within conservancies. Data was collected by administering 121 questionnaires to households of Il Ngwesi community. In addition, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and secondary data review were conducted to gather more information.

Il Ngwesi is in Mukogodo Division, Laikipia County in Kenya, approximately 60 km north-east of Nanyuki town and 30 km west of Isiolo town. The members of Il Ngwesi are pastoralists and agro-pastoralists. On establishing the conservancy, some members opted to settle in different locations since the area set aside for settlement could not accommodate everyone.

The study will help the community to strengthen its governance structure and address any challenges experienced in communal natural resource management. The outcomes of the study will also enable researchers, development agencies and policy makers to plan and make informed decisions regarding the governance of community conservancies. The study recommends for education and capacity building of the management organs of the conservancy and the community so as to address the challenges pertaining management of the conservancy. Creating awareness on the importance of education, opportunities available and sponsoring the poor bright students to pursue further studies will have greater impact in empowering the dryland communities.

Effects of Institutional Arrangements on Value and Delivery of Pastoral Ecosystem Services in the Northern Rangelands of Kenya

Caroline Karwitha,Department of Land Resources Management and Agricultural Technology , University of

NairobiEmail: caroline.karwitha@gmail.com

ABSTRACTPastoralists are facing rapid changes in their environment and welfare as a result of socio economic and ecological challenges. The challenge is exacerbated by little effort to protect pastoralism displayed by continued implementation of policies that are unfriendly to the system. This is largely attributed to a lack of understanding of the economic potential of sustainable pastoralism and its ecosystem. The effect is weakening pastoral customary decision making structures, causing loss of livelihood resilience and consequently increasing vulnerability. Dormant and weakening traditional institutions need to adapt to new or changing environments. The decisions about change and the shape of the new system remain with the stakeholders involved. A key criterion lies in the homogeneity of resource users and managers who have built high levels of trust and social cohesion amongst themselves.

The overall objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of different institutional arrangements on economic values of pastoral ecosystem services and how these institutions have adapted to socio economic and ecological changes in the Northern Rangelands. The study will take a cross sectional survey approach where both qualitative and quantitative designs will be used to address the multidisciplinary nature of the study. In qualitative design, Focused Group Discussion’s (FGD) and key informants methods using checklist will be applied. A household survey and economic valuation methods will be used in the quantitative design. Descriptive statistics and regression models will be used to analyse data.

The study will be carried out in Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem in the Northern Rangelands of Kenya. This is a dryland ecosystem inhabited by pastoralists who collectively make decisions on management of the ecosystem. This is done through traditional and modern structures ranging from traditional elders, Group Ranches and Community Conservancies. Specific study sites will be picked in Laikipia, Samburu and Isiolo Counties.

The findings will elucidate features of a robust institutional arrangement that best contributes to an improved livelihood of pastoralist. This information will be useful in formulation of policy and processes on the governance structures required in the pastoral set up, currently not very clear. The findings should also support formation of stakeholder relationships with the new county government, to enable better governance in pastoral areas and consequently address community needs.

Pastoralism and conservation: measures of compatibility in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, Kenya.

Connor Jandreau

The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is one of the most studied systems on earth, and happens to also be one of the most productive savannah’s worldwide, supported nomadic herding communities and vast wildlife populations for millennia. Yet there is great uncertainty over the future of wildlife and pastoral peoples in the region. With wildlife populations down by as much as 75% in the last several decades due to rapid land use change- whether cultivation, high population growth and climate change among others.

The long-term effects of these changes on people and wildlife have been theorized, but locally undefined. The new conservancies are ripe territory to explore these unknowns...

In the last several decades, there has been a widespread movement towards involving local people in wildlife conservation. One such model is a payment for wildlife conservation (PWC) strategy embodied by the Mara Conservancies. Under the Mara conservancy model, landowners agree to vacate portions of their land and forego grazing rights in key conservation areas in exchange for monthly, guaranteed payments by leasing ecotourism operators

With the new model, interests from policy and research communities have grown considerably. Emerging research is addressing the impact of the new financial incentives born from the conservancies, the perceptions of communities on conservancy developmental goals, as well as the political structures of the conservancy model. Questions remain as to the viability of conservation and pastoral land use compatibility, where traditional extensive livestock production is met with new arrangements in land tenure. As the private-partnership model grows in favor throughout Kenya and the world, a significant information gap remains to be filled, which may be critical in guiding current and future management of the Mara conservancy model.

Deep concerns remain- restricting settlement and use on the conservancy for pastoral operations, questioning whether community access and user rights are protected, or lost. This also heightens land use and stocking densities on adjacent lands, adding grievances to landowners outside the conservancy, who receive no income or access to participation. Furthermore, there is growing concern of power dynamics due to the land-owner stipulation, where larger landowners (local elites) are favored financially over small landowners or those who don’t own land at all. Whether or not this is the right direction for conservation is still a question that needs more investigation.

THEME 5: SUPPORTING HIGHER EDUCATION FOR DEVELOPMENT IN DRYLANDS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Key note address: Supporting Higher Education for Development in Drylands Resource Management : RUFORUM Experiences and lessons learnt by Dr. W. Ekaya

Kenya Government Policies for access to higher education for under-represented Groups by Prof Genevieve Wanjala

In her keynote address, Prof. Wanjala reiterated the need to redefine and expand the meaning of access to education. Access to education is the ability of all people to have equal opportunity in education regardless of ethnicity, social class, background and disability. She however stated that the traditional meaning of access to education did not capture all the dimensions of access to education, it only captured the enrolment part of it and it was not enough. She encouraged stakeholders to think outside the box from this narrow view and additionally look at factors that affect this enrolment in the schools.

Some of the new expanded aspects that need to be looked at include:access to university and tertiary education and training at affordable costs, local access to safe universities and tertiary institutions with appropriate levels of staffing and appropriate levels of learning materials and facilities including clean water and sanitation ; all of which provide a positive learning environment, admission and progression through university and tertiary institutions within the nominal age-in-group, consistent attendance throughout the academic year or at least 90% of the learning time, learning outcomes that have utility and relevance and achievement that meets national norms, and learning in a safe, healthy environment fit-for-purpose with adequate learning materials. Prof Wanjala expounded on some of the policies the government was putting in place based on Sessional paper No. 12 of 2013.

These are: Policy 1: Provide TIVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)

expansion programs at national, county and constituency level to accelerate attaining and sustaining a GER of 20% in TIVET by 2013,

Policy 5: Reforming curricula in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution 2010, aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030, the East African Community Treaty , international standards and the needs of the society and

Policy 7: Establishment of state-of-the-art TIVET centers of national importance that can compete at the international level with priority focus in supporting flagship projects in the area of energy, ICT, infrastructure and automobile sectors in collaboration with the private sector.

In conclusion, she insisted that there was hope in improving the education sector countrywide and meeting the literacy goals as indicated in the Millennium Development Goals. She commended CSDES for its role in the promotion of education in the under-represented communities through Scholarships, Internships and continued research in the area. This helped equip the beneficiaries with hands on skills and knowledge that they could then re-invest in the community and promote its growth.

OFFICIAL CLOSING SESSION AND WAY FORWARD

The conference was officially closed by Prof. Agnes Mwang’ombe, Principal, College of agriculture and veterinary sciences, Nairobi University.

RECOMMENDATIONS

i. The conference is a good way of mentoring students. It was recommended this conference be held annually. ii. On the role of mentees, it was noted that mentees/interns are an important resource that enabled the students to integrate well with the local community, know their cultural values and respect their way of life. It was therefore suggested that the mentoring programme maintained and enhanced. iii. CSDES was urged to support efforts to entrench economic valuation of drylands in higher education curriculum. iv. It was felt that community fatigue during dryland research activities is caused by lack of feedback to the community by researchers. It is therefore imperative that communities involved in research activities get feedback. v. NGOs and CBOs offering internships to students should be invited to future conferences. vi. CSDES and other stakeholders should support students who have just graduated to enable them be more productive in society e.g. short-term support for research findings dissemination at the grassroots.

CSDES STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTSName Category Institution

1 Benard Gituku Student University of Nairobi2 Maunguja Ahmed Student University of Nairobi3 Carolyn Genga Student University of Nairobi4 Charity Konana Student University of Nairobi5 Daniella Maroma Student University of Nairobi6 Felix Musau Student University of Nairobi

Name Category Institution7 Frankline Awuor Lecturer Jaramogi Oginga Odinga

University of Science and Technology

8 Halima Nenkari Research Scientist Reto-O-Reto (local NGO)9 Halkano Galgalo

BoruStudent Masinde Muliro University

10 Henry Komu Student University of Nairobi11 Judith Mbau Student University of Nairobi12 Caroline Kawira Student University of Nairobi13 Lalampaa Priscilla Student University of Nairobi14 Lutta Alphayo Student University of Nairobi15 Margaret Mwaura Student University of Nairobi16 Mary Morara Student University of Nairobi17 Patrick Mwanyumba Student University of Nairobi18 MarcelinoNapao Student University of Nairobi19 Koech Oscar K. Student University of Nairobi20 Peris M. Kariuki Student University of Nairobi21 Rose Muiyuro Student University of Nairobi22 Sam Mwangi Student University of Nairobi23 Chepkemoi Sharon Student University of Nairobi24 Siyat Onle Intern Garissa County25 Staline Kibet Student University of Nairobi26 Patrick Watete Student University of Nairobi27 Winfred Mugwimi Student University of Nairobi28 Allyce Kureiya Member, CSDES

advisory BoardIndependent Consultant/Wajir County

29 Prof. E. Mtengeti Advisory Sokoine University30 Irene Ikanto Intern Kajiado County31 Parashina J. Lampat Student University of Nairobi32 Simon Lepakiyo Student University of Nairobi33 Rebecca

KatitiaSupeyoIntern Kajiado county

34 Sylvester M. Ole Mashati

Intern Narok count

35 Lydia Mageto Student University of Nairobi36 Francis K. Kipees Student Maseno University37 Jimmy sirere Student Technical university of kenya38 Rodah Kamakia Student University of Nairobi39 Caroline Kanyuuru Student University of Nairobi

Name Category Institution40 Mbogo Diana Student Africa Nazarene University41 Fatuma Amin Student University of Nairobi42 YazanElhadi Student University of Nairobi43 Lepatei Joe Pashile Student Africa Nazarene University44 Alice Ruto Student University of Nairobi45 Lydia Tupesio Student University of Nairobi46 Margaret Syomiti Student CRSP47 Ali Hussein Abdi Intern Isiolo48 Piranto Peter

MosianyStudent Africa Nazarene University

49 Joy Maina Student University of Nairobi50 Bibianne Waiganjo Student University of Nairobi51 Janet Ochele Student University of Nairobi52 Jeffrey Musya Student University of Nairobi53 Isaac Nyabuto Student University of Nairobi54 Macharia Jayne

MuthoniStudent Africa Nazarene University

55 Akoyi Peris Student Africa Nazarene University56 Alice Malit Student KCA57 TutayoSironka Student University of Nairobi58 Sururu Fredrick

ReutStudent University of Nairobi

59 JenipherShukare Student Moi University60 Dickson Kaelo Student University of Nairobi61 Prof. Agnes

Mwang’ombePrincipal, CAVS UoN University of Nairobi

62 Prof. Solomon Shibairo

Dean of students University of Nairobi

63 Prof. Jesse. T. Njoka Director CSDES University of Nairobi64 Dr. David

NkedianyeGovernor Kajiado County

65 Dr. Wellington Ekaya

Program Officer, RUFORUM

RUFORUM

66 Prof. R.K. Ngugi Chair, LARMAT University of Nairobi67 Prof. Charles

GacheneLecturer University of Nairobi

68 Prof. Wambui Makau-Kogi

Lecturer University of Nairobi

69 Prof. Wanjala Were Lecturer University of Nairobi

Name Category Institution70 Dr. Kimpei Munei Lecturer University of Nairobi71 Dr. Cecilia Onyango Lecturer University of Nairobi72 Dr. Moses Nyangito Lecturer University of Nairobi73 Dr. Oliver Wasonga Lecturer University of Nairobi74 Dr. Stephen

MureithiLecturer University of Nairobi

75 Dr. George Kironchi Lecturer University of Nairobi76 Prof. Peter

GathumbiLecturer University of Nairobi

77 Prof. Kathleen Galvin

Lecturer Colorado State Universitgy

78 Prof. O. Gakuru Lecturer University of Nairobi79 Prof. Okoth Keya Lecturer University of Nairobi80 Elizabeth Awour Lecturer University of Nairobi81 Francis

OpiyoOmondiStudent University of Nairobi

82 Fikir Alemayehu Student University of Nairobi83 Connor Jandreau Student University of Mannitoba84 Peter Mwangi CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi85 Peter Kamande CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi86 Sylvia Sumare CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi87 Daniel Kamau CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi88 Angela Mbuvi CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi89 Morton Saulo CSDES Secretariat University of Nairobi90 Elvis Ouma Student University of Nairobi91 Kennedy Kipyegon Student University of Nairobi92 Andrew Dringer Student Colorado State University93 Savannah Warwick Student Colorado State University94 Crystal Brindle Student Colorado State University95 Keenan Seto Student Colorado State University96 Chartlotte Hoover Student Colorado State University97 Meygan Mahoney Student Colorado State University98 Jarrie Ragosa Student Colorado State University99 James Linstran Student Colorado State University100 Michelle Greiner Student Colorado State University101 Brett Buyere Lecturer Colorado State University102 Julie Sutherland Student Colorado State University103 Marcus Lively Student Colorado State University

Name Category Institution104 Katie Hetsko Student Colorado State University105 Alex UM Student Colorado State University106 Dustin Cannon Student Colorado State University107 Fatuma Amin Student University of Nairobi108 Dr. George

Cheminingwa Chair, Dept. of Crop Science, Uon

University of Nairobi

109 Dr. Laban MacOpiyo

Lecturer

110 Isaac Thendiu Program Officer USAID Kenya 111 Prof. Isaac Mbeche DVC, Student Affairs,

UoN University of Nairobi

112 Dr. Jonathan Davis Coordinator, Global Drylands Initiative.

IUCN

113 Clara Machogu Student University of Nairobi114 Prof. G. Kiama Director, Wangari

Maathai InstituteUniversity of Nairobi

115 Prof. Agnes Gathumbi

Lecturer University of Nairobi

116 Shadrack Kiplagat Student University of Nairobi117 Peter Kaimi Student Mt. Kenya University118 Dr. Isaac Mulei Lecturer University of Nairobi119 Gideon Ruto African Women's

Studies Centre University of Nairobi

120 Mr. Mwangi Kennedy

African Women's Studies Centre

University of Nairobi

121 Joy Naserian Student African Nazarene University122 Dr. Paul Gitonga Student University of Nairobi

DAY 1: 29TH MAY 2013Time Activity/Title Moderator/Speaker8.00 am Registration Secretariat

SESSION 1: OPENING SESSIONSession Chair: Prof. Robinson Ngugi, Vice Chair

Rapporteur: Oscar KoechKipchirchir; Parashina Lampat8.45 am Introductions by UoN-CSU Partnership

Co-PIsProf. Jesse Njoka (UoN) and Prof. Kathleen Galvin (CSU)

Remarks from Student leaders Michael Ondir –CAVS SONU RepresentativeWelcome Address Carson Omuku – KUSCO Representative Welcome RemarksRemarks (Partnership Sponsor) Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Dean Faculty of Agriculture

9.30 am Official Opening Speech Prof. Agnes Mwang’ombe, Principal CAVS

9.45 am 1st Keynote Address: The role of the Higher Education in sustainable management of drylands in the IGAD Sub Region.

USAID Representative

10:05 2nd Keynote address: The Global Drylands Agenda: UN System wide Response

Prof Isaac Mbeche – DVC Student Affairs

10:25 am 3rd Key Note Address : Empowering under- represented groups for sustainability of dryland ecosystems and societies

Laban Ogallo-ICPAC (IGAD)

10:55 am Reaction to the Session presentations Dr. Jonathan Davis- Coordinator, Global Drylands Initiative-IUCN

11:10 am Photo session and Health Break /Networking

Dr. David Nkedianye, Governor, Kajiado County

Drs. Oliver Wasonga and Stephen MureithiOscar Koech - Chairman, Conference Organising Committee

DAY 1: 29TH MAY 2013Time Activity/Title Moderator/Speaker8.00 am Registration Secretariat

SESSION 1: OPENING SESSIONSession Chair: Prof. Robinson Ngugi, Vice Chair-

Rapporteur: Oscar KoechKipchirchir; Parashina Lampat

8.45 am Introductions by UoN-CSU Partnership Co-PIs

Prof. Jesse Njoka (UoN) and Prof. Kathleen Galvin (CSU)

Remarks from Student leaders Michael Ondir –CAVS SONU RepresentativeWelcome Address Carson Omuku – KUSCO Representative Welcome RemarksRemarks (Partnership Sponsor) Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Dean Faculty of

Agriculture

7.2 1ST STUDENT-LED CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

SESSION 2: COMMUNITY INTERNS MENTORSHIP EXPERIENCES “preparing the next generation for dryland sustainability”

Session Chair: Dr. Cecilia Onyango; Vice Chair – Rapporteur: Alice Ruto assisted by Margaret Waithera and Bakari Maunguja

11:30 Wajir County HalkanoBoru ( Intern Mentor- WASDA Local NGO)11:40 am Narok County Sylvester Mashati (Intern Mentor- PerisKariuki)11:50 am Garissa County SiyatOnleTakal (Intern Mentor- Dr. Patrick

Mwanyumba)12.00 Isiolo County Ali Abdi Hussein ( Intern Mentor - Yazan Elhadi)12:10 Samburu County Priscilla Lalampaa (Mentor – MPIDO, Local NGO)12:20 Kajiado County Jimmy Sirere - Reto-O-Reto12:30pm Student Exchange Program: Expected

learning Outcomes - from visiting CSU students

Brett Bruyere – Colorado State University

12:45pm Introduction to Parallel Sessions PerisKariuki Vice –Chair Conference Organizing Committee

1:00 pm LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING

SESSION 3 : BREAKOUT SESSIONS

THEME 1: SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT AND VALUATION OF DRYLAND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Chair Prof. Charles Gachene; Vice Chair : Dr. Geoffrey KironchiRapporteur Charity Konana assisted by Bernard Chira and Janet Ochele

2:00 Key Note Address: sustainable land management and valuation of dryland ecosystem services

Dr. Jonathan Davis -IUCN EA

2.30 Linking Local Communities to land use and land cover changes and their implications to human-wildlife conflicts: The role of Participatory Geographic Information Systems

Judith SyombuaMbau

2.45 Implications of land use change on agricultural production and gender roles. A case of Kajiado County

Mary Morara

3:00 Analysis of Conservation Status and Trade of Wild Medicinal and Food Plants in Loita Division, Narok County Kenya

PerisKariuki

3.15 Impact of community conservation management on the semi-arid savannah in Laikipia, Kenya

3.30 Emerging trends in group ranches management and their ecological impacts: A case study of Ilmotiok Group Ranch, Laikipia County

Dr. Stephen Mureithi

3:45 Efficacy, safety and conservation status of antimaralial and mosquito repellants plants used in Embu County, Kenya.

StalineKibet

4:00 Characterization of Local Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Livestock Feeds and Feeding in Baringo County, Kenya

BibianneWanja

4:15 Session Plenary Discussion Margaret Syomiti4.30 Tea Break Prof. Charles Gachene;

Dr. Geoffrey Kironchi5.00 Departure

THEME 2 : LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION, DRYLANDS AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Chair: Prof. WambuiKogi-Makau; Vice Chair Prof. Peter GathumbiRapporteur Dr. Isaac Mulei assisted by MarcelinoNapao and Felix Musau

2:00 Key Note Address: contribution of pastoral production system to Food and Nutritional Security and sustainable Livelihoods

Prof. Ephraim Mtengeti, Sokoine University

2.30 Descriptive Analysis of Pastoralist Livelihoods in North Eastern Kenya Dr. Patrick Mwanyumba2.45 Comparative growth and interspecific competition responses of range

grasses to varying watering schedules in the rangelands of KenyaOscar KoechKipchirchir

3:00 A comparative study of the productivity of brachiaria hybrid cv. Mulato ii and native pasture species in semi-arid rangelands of Kenya

Clara Machogu

3:15 The potential of camel milk production as an adaptation to climatic variability in the drylands of Kenya

YazanElhadi

3:30 Inter-cropping anti-tick grasses with Bambara groundnuts in drylands: a resilient strategy for management of tick population and food security

Elizabeth Ouna

3.45 Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of zoonotic organisms in Camel ecosystem and consequences on pastoral public health and livelihoods

Dr. Peter Lamuka

4:00 Session Plenary Discussion Prof. WambuiKogi-Makau; Prof. Peter Gathumbi

4.30 Tea Break and departure

THEME 3: RESILIENCE, RISK REDUCTION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Chair: Dr. Moses Nyangito; Vice Chair: Laban MacopiyoRapporteur: Pauline Gitonga assisted by Caroline Genga and Caroline Kawira

2:00 Key Note Address: Enhancing Resilience to Dryland ecosystems and Societies

Prof Kathleen Galvin, Colorado State University

2.30 Resilience, food security and sustainable livelihood options among pastoral community of Mandera County, Kenya

Patrick Watete

2.45 Contribution of Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction strategies to Kenyan pastoralist Livelihoods

Halima Nenkari

3:00 REDD+ in Kenya: State of play and the Elephant in the Room Sam Mwangi3:15 Assessing Longitudinal Relationship between Rainfall and

Aboveground Net Primary Productivity Variability in an Arid environment in Northern Kenya

Francis Opiyo Omondi

3:30 Finding alternative and sustainable sources of water in ASALs – UoN- UM Field course Report - 2011

Rose Muthoni

3:45 Session Plenary Discussion Dr. Moses Nyangito; Dr. Laban Macopiyo

4.30 Tea Break5.00 Departure

THEME 4: DRYLANDS GOVERNANCE, RIGHTS AND LOCAL INSTITUTIONSChair : Prof O. Gakuru , Vice Chair - Dr. MuneiKimpeiRapporteur - Caroline Karwithia and Lampat Parashina

2:00 Key Note Address: Opportunities and challenges under Devolved government systems in safeguarding the environment and livelihoods of Dryland communities

AllyceKureyia

Governance of community conservancies: A case of Il Ngwesi Conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya

Henry Mwaka

2:30 Changing Masailand; Governance, Land use and Livelihoods transformation among East African Pastoralists: A case study of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, Narok County, Kenya

Dickson Kaelo

Effects of institutional arrangements on value and delivery of pastoral ecosystem services in the northern rangelands of Kenya

CarolyneKarwitha

2:45 Water governance at community level: Case of Kisayian Water Project in Kibwezi, Makueni County, Kenya

Winfred Njoki

3:00 Governance of Wildlife conservancy - Maasai Mara - Connor Jandreau – University of Manitoba

3:15 Plenary Session Prof O. Gakuru; Dr. MuneiKimpei

4:30 Tea Break5:00 Departure

DAY TWO: 30TH MAY 2013THEME 5: ACCESS TO EDUCATION FOR UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS AND FIELD EXPERIENTIAL TRAINING

Chair: Prof G. Kiama ; Vice Chair:Prof G. WanjalaRapporteur: Patrick Watete assisted Mary Morara and Rose Muthoni

8:30 am Recap of day 1 Koech Oscar, Chair organizing committee

8:45 Kenya Government Policies for access to higher education for under-represented Groups

Prof G. Wanjala Were

9:05 am Personal story – accessing education for under-represented groups in Drylands

Fatuma Amin (Wajir County)

9:05 am Key Note Address: Supporting Higher Education for Development in Drylands resource management- RUFORUM Experience and lessons learnt

Dr. Wellington Ekaya, RUFORUM

9:25 am Building Capacity through Quality Teacher Preparation: Kenyatta University –Syracuse Partnership ( USAID-HED African Initiative)

Prof Agnes Gathumbi- Kenyatta University

9.55 am Promoting sustainable livelihoods and development in the Drylands- UoN- UM Field Course 2012

DaniellaKerubo

10:0 am Field Ecology Practicum Course- CSU- UON Kennedy Langat 10.15 am Computational Ecology Field course -Princeton- University of

Illinois ,Chicago and UoNPeter Mwangi/Henry Mwaka

10:30am Internship experience- Peter Kaimi (Mentor-Judith)10.45 am Session Plenary Discussion Prof G. Kiama; Prof Wanjala11.00 am Poster session Health Break

SESSION 5: SUMMARY AND CLOSING SESSIONChair : Prof Charles Mulei, Dean , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Rapporteur: Dr. Stephen Mureithi; assisted by Sam Mwangi and Daniella Kerubo11.30 am

Summary theme 1: Sustainable land management Charity Konana

11.40 Summary theme 2 : Livestock production, food security and livelihoods

Dr. Isaac Mulei

11.50 Summary theme 3 : Risk reduction, resilience and climate change adaptation

Caroline Genga

12.00 Summary theme 4: Governance and institutions Caroline Karwithia12.10 Summary theme 5: Access to Higher Education for Under-

Represented Groups In DrylandsPatrick Watete

12.20 Panel discussion Prof. S. O. Keya 12.40 Way Forward Jesse Njoka and Kathleen

Galvin 12:50 Official Closing 12.50 Remarks, Dean Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof Charles Mulei

Vote of Thanks –Organising Committee LampatParashinaClosing Speech Prof. Agnes

Mwang’ombe, Principal, CAVS

1.10 LUNCH AND NETWORKING2.30 Logistics/departure CSDES