Policy Issues Affecting Integrated Natural Resource Management and Utilization in Arid and Semi-arid Lands of Kenya

This chapter analyses policy issues affecting utilization and management of natural resources in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) that constitute 84% of the total landmass and support 25% of human population, 54% of livestock and almost all wildlife. The ASALs have fragile natural resources, which require appropriate management strategies. Focus group discussions and single subject interviews were conducted involving various policy institutions and lobby groups to identify policy flaws in management and utilization of natural resources and recommend to policy makers for review. Privatization policy on land ownership was found to be unsustainable for resource development and utilization. It denies communities access to communally utilizable resources and nomadic grazing systems. Conventional farming systems have failed to address soil and water conservation practices contributing to land degradation. The policy is unclear on appropriate areas for farming and livestock keeping. Wildlife conservation policies have impacted negatively on communities living in wildlife dispersal areas due to few direct benefits from wildlife. Yet, the communities bear all the costs of living with wildlife. Existing marketing policies are unfavourable in guaranteeing markets for ASAL products. Water management and utilization policies favour large-scale farmers at the expense of pastoralists. Policies on energy conservation are unclear leading to excessive charcoal burning, which degrades the environment. The government needs to review its national policies and invest more in development of human capital in rural areas to release pressure from the environment. There is also a need to involve many stakeholders in policy formulation.