An Evaluation of Silvopastoral System Performance in Arid and Semi Arid Areas of Kenya

Abstract

A study was carried out in Kibwezi and Kathonzweni Divisions of Makueni District, Kenya, to examine the intricate effects of household socioeconomic status, household use of multipurpose trees and shrubs (MPTS) and appropriateness of MPTS selection, appropriateness of livestock selection on silvopastoral system performance. One hundred and ninety eight rural households were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results show that performance of the system was significantly low with 88.4% of the household's performance falling between poor and low. Results of multiple regression analysis indicate that silvopastoral system performance is significantly affected by household socioeconomic status (B=. 361, P < 0.001), household use of MPTS (B=. 159, P < 0.05), appropriateness of livestock selection (B=. 141, P < 0.05). Appropriateness of MPTS selection (B= .096, P > 0.05) and MPTS/ Pasture management (B= -.084, P > 0.05) had no significant effect on the system performance. It is suggested that in order to improve the performance of silvopastoral systems in ASALs, household socioeconomic status should be improved. The households use of MPTS should be regulated and appropriate livestock selected.