KARI ICRA Participatory Approach to Soil Mapping and Management 1998

Abstract

As per the terms of reference drawn by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, a diagnostic field study was carried out in Kasikeu Sub-Location of Makueni District in the semi-arid lowlands of eastern Kenya from April to July 1998. The study's two major objectives were to develop a soil mapping methodology to make soil maps more comprehensive and relevant to fanners and extension staff for Kenya Soil Survey, and to identify priority problems in soil management as perceived by male and female farmers considering the apparent farm diversity in order to recommend a possible orientation of National Dryland Farming Research Centre's soil and water program on-farm research. An interdisciplinary team of six did the diagnostic study in a participatory manner with a systems approach. Specific attention was given to various stakeholder interests while there was deliberate attempt to look at different gender perspectives on soil management issues.