Dryland applied Research And Extension Project KARI/KEFRI/NRI Arid Technical Report

Abstract

The dry and semi-arid areas form a significant part of RRC-Embu's mandate area, covering about 80% of the agricultural land_ Increasing population pressure in the drylands is leading to intensification of agriculture in a fragile environment, presenting many technical challenges for research. The Dryland Applied Research and Extension Project (DAREP) is using a multi-disciplinary approach to meet these challenges. DAREP is a major part of RRC Embu's regional research programme for the semi-arid area with a geographical focus on Mbeere, Tharaka-Nithi, and Central Isiolo Districts. The project involves collaboration between various research and extension institutions including Kenya AgriculturalResearch Instit ute (lead institution), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRl), National ResourcesInstitute UK (NRI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Marketing. DAREP focuses on tvvo main areas of impact. The first is the development and dissemination of relevant technologies relating to crop production, tools, soil and water management, agroforestry and livestock in order to improve the livelihoods of about 70,000 small-scale farm families living in the project area. The second focus relates to institutional capacity building and methodology development for enhancing the participation of farmers and other stakeholders in the technology development and dissemination process.