In the Maungu area of Kasigau, Taita Taveta County, farmers are decrying the formation of natural gullies caused by the impacts of climate change. Climate change is real – people are feeling it, seeing it, and living with it every day. This challenge is not unique to Taita Taveta County but is being experienced across Kenya.
The Kenyan government is making efforts to mitigate these effects. President William Ruto recently appointed environmental activist Truphena Muthoni as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a national initiative aimed at increasing Kenya’s forest cover. This initiative reflects Kenya’s commitment to protecting the environment across the country, including the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
“In recognition of her courage, fortitude, and laudable leadership, I have appointed her as an Ambassador of the 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign, a signature national initiative dedicated to securing Kenya’s environmental future,” said William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya
Problem of overgrazing
Loss of pasture quality: When too many animals graze on the same land, vegetation fails to regenerate. The soil becomes compacted and exposed, reducing the availability of pasture. As a result, herders are forced to move their livestock into nearby forests in search of fresh forage.
Deforestation and forest degradation: Grazing within forested areas damages young trees and understory vegetation. In some cases, trees are cut to create grazing space or provide fodder. This leads to reduced forest cover, which is vital for absorbing carbon dioxide – a major greenhouse gas.
Increased greenhouse gas emissions: The loss of forests releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Additionally, livestock emit methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas, further contributing to climate change.
Soil erosion and reduced carbon storage: Livestock trampling degrades soil structure in forest areas, increasing erosion. Healthy soils act as carbon sinks, but soil degradation reduces the land’s capacity to store carbon and regulate the climate.
“The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is among the key partners supporting conservation efforts in the country. Overgrazing remains a major challenge in our forests. In response, we have introduced a program that supports farmers to access high-yield livestock breeds – such as Holstein Friesians, Galla goats, and improved breeds from KALRO—which produce more milk even when reared at home. This approach increases milk production while reducing the number of animals required, thereby easing pressure on forest ecosystems,” said Jackson Kiplagat, Head of Conservation Programs, WWF Kenya.
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project works in partnership with the government through local administration, including chiefs, ward administrators, and Members of County Assembly (MCAs), who are integrated into what are known as local carbon committees.
“We also collaborate closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Kenya Forest Service, and the Kenya Wildlife Service, whose mandate is to protect the forests. Our approach focuses on forest conservation by empowering communities with knowledge and skills to increase food production, thereby reducing pressure on forest resources,” said George Maina, Wildlife Works Agribusiness and Agroforestry Manager
Gully Problem
The largest gully in Maungu demonstrates an advanced stage of soil erosion. The area is characterised by rocky terrain and steep slopes, combined with poorly distributed rainfall, averaging between 400 and 500 millimetres annually. This has greatly affected the communities living in the surrounding area.
“I am a victim of the severe gullies surrounding my community. At one point, I tragically lost my child as a result of this problem, an experience that has left my family and the community deeply traumatized. We urgently need assistance, as the house I live in is at risk of collapse due to the large gully nearby,” said Fidelia Mkamburi, a resident of Itini Central, Maungu.
“I have already engaged officers from Wildlife Works, but the situation requires immediate intervention. We are appealing for support from the government willing to help address this serious and life-threatening challenge in Itini Central, Maungu in the Taita Taveta County,” she added.
In some instances, up to 120 millimetres of rain can fall in a single day. Such intense rainfall washes away the topsoil, especially as farmers struggle to produce food on this fragile land.
“The largest gully in the area measures approximately 9 metres wide, 2 metres deep, and extends between 800 metres and 1 kilometre. When its volume is calculated, the amount of soil lost is substantial, underscoring the severity of land degradation in the area,” said George Maina, Wildlife Works Agribusiness and Agroforestry Manager.
The community owns land individually, and as a result, soil erosion has intensified, carrying away both fertile soil and vegetation. There are numerous small gullies in the Maungu area of Kasigau, leading to the loss of productive soil that would otherwise support food production.
Food security in the area is poor, as the degraded soil can no longer sustain agriculture effectively. Many farmers have yet to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. Wildlife Works has raised alarm about the growing danger posed by land degradation.
The Wildlife Works Kasigau REDD+ Project has invested significant energy and resources to address this challenge.
“We have been conducting trainings to sensitize community members on climate change – what it is, how it contributes to land degradation, and how certain farming practices by small-scale farmers, such as deforestation, excessive ploughing, and poor agricultural methods, have accelerated the problem. We are training farmers on climate-smart agriculture techniques, particularly soil and water conservation,” said George Maina, Wildlife Works Agribusiness and Agroforestry Manager.
Solutions to gully problems
The most effective way to control gullies is by holding water upstream and preventing rainwater from running unchecked over the soil. The rocky hills upstream have large exposed stone surfaces that can be converted into rock catchments for harvesting rainwater. With proper investment, this water can be directed through pipes or constructed channels downslope and used for farming, household needs, and livestock, rather than washing away fertile soil.
How do we hold water upstream?
Most rainfall falls directly on farms and homesteads. Roof catchments should be utilized so that buildings can collect and harvest rainwater. In areas that receive low and irregular rainfall, this practice is essential. When rainwater is ignored, it accumulates into runoff that eventually forms small and large gullies.
“The adoption of climate-smart agriculture is the way forward. The Wildlife Works Kasigau REDD+ Project serves a community of approximately 120,000 people, with an estimated 35,000 adults engaged in farming. Over the past two and a half years, we have engaged about 4,000 farmers, and roughly 15 percent have begun adopting these practices,” said George Maina the Wildlife Works Agribusiness and Agroforestry Manager.
Another effective way of preventing rainwater from reaching gullies, or reducing the energy that enlarges them is through the adoption of soil and water conservation structures. Farmers can construct terraces, contour trenches, and zai pits, and plant vegetation and trees. These measures slow down runoff, reduce soil loss, and allow water to infiltrate the soil. Over time, this leads to increased underground water storage and improved soil moisture.
By holding water upstream, we strengthen underground water reserves and support the growth of trees and sustainable crops. This also enables sustainable use of timber resources and improves soil health through increased water infiltration. Such interventions positively impact livelihoods both in the short and long term. Planting vegetation that conserves soil and water on upper slopes is a key solution to gully erosion.
“We are working closely with the community to excavate contour trenches and zai pits, plant trees correctly, and implement soil conservation measures. Encouragingly, we are seeing increased enthusiasm among farmers, a positive shift in mindset, and improved soil productivity – benefits that will be realized both now and in the future,” added George Maina.
Adopting climate-smart agriculture
The Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project is located in Taita Taveta County, an area with semi-arid conditions that is gradually becoming fully arid. The local communities are predominantly farmers. To support them, Wildlife Works has introduced Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques.
“Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) involves incorporating sound agricultural practices that farmers can adopt to cope with the challenges posed by current climatic conditions. The area is now very dry, temperatures are extremely high, the environment is degraded, soils are depleted, and annual rainfall is below 400mm,” said George Maina.
A. Free Training Sessions
The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project is equipping community farmers with knowledge and skills to adopt Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) in response to the effects of climate change. Trainings cover topics such as water conservation techniques, understanding climate change and its causes, how certain farming practices accelerate climate change, new and improved farming methods, the importance of tree planting, saving carbon credits from trees, and raising awareness in the community about avoiding deforestation to reduce carbon emissions.
B. Soil Erosion and Water Conservation Techniques
The project also trains farmers on soil erosion control, as unmanaged erosion can lead to the formation of large gullies. The trainings emphasize water harvesting and groundwater storage, preparing the land to produce higher crop yields. These practices form the foundation of climate-smart agriculture.
“A group of 26 farmers who have undergone CSA training are now ready to combat the effects of climate change. They can construct structures to harvest rainwater, preventing runoff and allowing water to soak into the soil rather than washing away topsoil. At the Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project’s Kale demonstration plot, the land is already planted, combining soil and water conservation to ensure every drop of rain benefits the crops,” said George Maina.
Early planting is also an important CSA technique. At the demonstration plot, trees have been planted alongside crops to provide shade and reduce high daytime temperatures. Water harvesting methods slow down stormwater, reduce its volume, and allow it to infiltrate the soil, replenishing groundwater reservoirs.
C. Trenches and Zai Pits
In this technique, staff from the Agribusiness and Forestry Department work with farmers in the project area to map out contour trenches and Zai pits, which break slopes into horizontal bands. These structures are designed to reduce both the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff, ensuring that most of the rainwater falling on individual farms is retained within the farm boundaries.
“We have trained Oliver Tinga, one of our farmers, to construct contour trenches to conserve rainfall and soil, and to harvest and store water underground. The contours are spaced 15 to 20 meters apart, breaking the flow of water according to its speed. The stored underground water supports crops and trees after the rain, completing their growing cycle. This increases food security and improves the landscape.”
“I have built eight long contour trenches this year, and last year I made five. The crops I planted were successful because of the underground water stored on the farm, which supported the crops through their full growing cycle. The contours are also useful for planting grass, which can be used as fodder for livestock or sold,” said Oliver Tinga, Farmer.
“I worked with staff from the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project to measure, construct, and develop contour trenches on my farm. I have seen their importance, even from what my neighbors are doing. This technique conserves soil and rainwater, making the land more productive for crops until harvest,” said Gertrude Mwangoma, Farmer.
The next step is to create Zai pits between the contour trenches. These pits help lock the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by rainwater.
Additional benefits: Grass cuttings can be planted in the trenches. When it rains, the grass stabilizes the soil and provides fodder for livestock.
By adopting these Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques, farmers can develop a resilient and diversified economy. They gain greater self-sufficiency, reduce poverty, and benefit from multiple income sources, including crops, honey from beehives, livestock fodder, milk, and meat.
D. Recommended Seeds for Plantation
The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project partners with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) to conduct scientific research and provide new seed varieties suitable for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
“I received training from the Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project, and today I have been given seeds of cowpeas, green grams, and maize to sustain agriculture here in Kajire, Sagala Ward of Taita Taveta County,” said Monica Mwagafwa, Farmer
E. Stop Overgrazing
Community members are trained to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Farmers are encouraged to rear fewer livestock to prevent overgrazing and protect the environment. Reducing herd sizes also ensures that available grass is sufficient, despite high sunlight and dry conditions.
“Keeping minimal livestock is better, as the farmer will have enough fodder to sustain the animals and still get milk and meat. For example, one goat can produce up to four litres of milk per day and generate income. This is smart agriculture because the farmer earns revenue with fewer animals.” — Amina Tunda, Agroforestry Worker, Wildlife Works
F. Agroforestry, Tree Planting, and Beekeeping
Farmers are trained in agroforestry, which complements seasonal crop production. Besides planting crops like maize, beans, and green grams, farmers are encouraged to plant trees, both for long-term benefits such as timber, fruits, and sustainable charcoal, and for improving soil fertility through leaf litter. This approach balances short-term crop yields with long-term environmental sustainability.
“I am a beehive farmer with twelve beehives. They act as a natural fence to prevent elephants from entering farmland. Bees also help with pollination and provide a source of income through honey sales,” said Oliver Tinga, Farmer, Mwambiti, Sagala Ward.
In conclusion, Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) can play a significant role in preventing the expansion of gullies, which pose serious risks to security, homes, and infrastructure. Gullies can destroy houses, damage roads, and endanger people and livestock. During heavy rains, the bases of gullies collapse, causing injuries, including broken limbs among the elderly, and in some cases, deaths. Families often have to travel long distances to reach their neighbours, as houses are separated by large gullies. The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project is working closely with communities to address these challenges.
At the same time, farmers are gaining knowledge and skills in climate-smart agriculture. With even small plots of land, they can maximize productivity by practicing sustainable farming in both the short and long term. This includes using limited rainfall efficiently, planting crops such as maize, beans, cowpeas, and green grams, planting trees like Melia volkensii (“Mpenda Bure”), maintaining a manageable number of livestock to avoid overgrazing, producing milk and meat, and keeping beehives for honey. These practices are not only applicable in Taita Taveta County but can also benefit other Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) across Kenya.
The Wildlife Works Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project remains focused on partnering with communities and stakeholders to combat gully formation.
“One of our plans involves sourcing funding through the community’s share of proceeds from the Wildlife Works carbon credit program. A third of the total amount can be allocated to sustainable livelihood projects such as climate-smart agriculture. Through this approach, we can do significant work to protect the land. Let’s not forget the soil – it is the foundation of everything we do,” concludes George Maina.
