Socio-cultural and economic aspects of soil conservation in Kenya; an overview

Abstract

This paper discusses socio-cultural and economic factors influencing the adoption of soil conservation measures in Kenya. These include farm size, land tenure systems, farm capital, and soil conservation benefits. A consolidated land policy discouraging wanton land sub-division and fragmentation; abolishment of communal land ownership; improved farm capital through better farm management; a good marketing system; extension of credit facilities to the many poverty-stricken subsistence farmers; and the quantification of the relationship between soil loss and crop production are identified as important factors that could lead to an increased adoption and improvement in the maintenance of conservation measures and consequently, less erosion in the country