An assessment of socioeconomic factors influencing the Adoption of cenchrus ciliaris for environmental conservation Among agro-pastoralist communities in South Baringo, Kenya

Abstract

Land degradation is a major issue of environmental concern not only affecting food but also environmental security in many countries across the globe. Livestock production is important for communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS), but overstocking and overgrazing has over the years led to a decline in pasture production, and by extension food security. In response to soil erosion, deforestation, and Prosopis juli/‘Zora invasion in the Lake Baringo Landscape, the Global Environment Facility through the Small Grants Program supported communities in establishment of Cenchrus ciliaris (buffel grass), a grass species that has been adopted by some local communities led by local Community Based Organizations. Its establishment and adoption in relation to socioeconomic characteristics of the communities in ASALs has so far not been documented. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess its ecology, and socioeconomic factors influencing its adoption for environmental conservation three wards (llchamus, Mochongoi and Marigat) of Baringo South Sub- County. A cross- sectional survey was employed in this study and data was collected from 103 randomly selected households using a semi-structured questionnaire. Key infonnant interviews (Klls) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to collect qualitative data to get more insights into the socioeconomic factors influencing the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze this data. Key findings reveal a strong relation between socioeconomic factors, specifically gender and education; and the adoption of Cenchrus ciliaris, with male respondents being predominant (54.4O%). Higher education level was associated with improved awareness and pasture production and environmental conservation (X2 = 16.9344, p < 0.05), while there was a strong association between the type of pasture grass species planted and the stakeholders involved in providing training (X2 = 153.65; p<0.05). A section of the respondents (29%) stated that integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems provides dual benefits of enhancing environmental sustainability and boosting economic productivity. The findings of this study show that despite several challenges, there are multifaceted benefits of integrating Cenchrus ciliaris into pasture management systems which goes beyond enhancing livestock nutrition and productivity to include environmental conservation and economic stability.