Preliminary Assessment of Irrigation Development in the Marsabit Area. Kenya Soil Survey (Special Task Force)

Abstract

In accordance with the priority programme for development of Minor Irrigation, a site evaluation was carried out (13th - 18th May 1974) to look into the possibilities to start irrigation schemes in the Marsabit area. Basic information on the Marsabit area was extracted from the report of the UNDP/FAO rangeland survey in the Marsabit district (1971). This applies also to the accompanying photo interpretation map on scale I: 500,000. The delineation of the land and soil units follows the ecological land system of the FAO's vegetation map far the Marsabit district. The area given special attention are located around Mt. Marsabit and on the old lava flow plain near Lasa Walde. Aerial photographs for the central part of the area at scale 1:80,000 were used to facilitate the indication of sites to be investigated on the ground. A total of 16 augerhole observations were made besides 5 infiltration rate measurements. The analytical data of the soil samples are compiled in appendix. The results of the field investigation have been reported immediately after returning from the field tour on 22nd May, 1974 as a first draft to provide advance information to the agricultural planners. During the field work, valuable assistance was received from the District Agricultural Officer, Mr. Muthengi, the District Water Officer, Mr. Kamonde, as well as from the Catholic Mission at Marsabit.