Developing A Participatory Decision Support Tool for Soil and Water Management in Kakia-Esamburmbur Catchment of Narok, Kenya

Abstract

Soil and water management are crucial for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. This study developed a decision support tool for managing soil and water in the Kakia-Esamburmbur catchment, Narok, Kenya. Using experimental data, interviews, questionnaires, field measurements, and simulations, the study assessed runoff, soil loss, and sediment yield under different land management practices. The average annual sediment yield was 21.19 t/ha, soil loss was 37.02 t/ha, and runoff was 276.52 mm. The highest values were observed in farm 1, which had a fallow section and the steepest slope. The WEPP model’s predictions were inaccurate due to limited soil loss measured data. Incorporating 15m forest/grass strips at 50-meter intervals or 30-meter forest strips at key locations was recommended for sustainable management. Although grass strips reduced soil loss slightly more, forest strips were better at reducing sediment yield. The study highlights the importance of the tool in managing resources but has limitations such as the lack of insufficient observed data for model calibration. This work supports UN SDGs 2, 6, and 15 and aligns with the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) by addressing critical environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development goals through innovative solutions. Future research should focus on improving data accuracy for model calibration

Keywords: Soil and water management; participatory decision support tool; WEPP model; land management practices; model simulations.