The Atumatak Research Project

Abstract

Large areas of potentially productive range land in East Africa (Ecological Zone IV, Pratt, Green way and Gwynne, 1966) have deteriorated as a result of overgrazing into bush land and dry thicket (Langdale-Brown, Somerton and Wilson. 1964; Hornby, 1936; Staples, 1942; Pratt, 1963; McCulloch, 1965). Increases in human and animal populations, reduction in the extent of traditional grazing lands and advances in veterinary medicine, have all contributed to greater pressure on grasslands which are particularly sensitive to Overgrazing. As a result, there is a replacement of the perennial grass species by sparse annuals, biennials and herbs with a concomitant Spread of woody species. The grasslands degrade into bush land and, with sheet erosion accelerating the process, the bush lands into dry thicket.