Rangelands are vast natural landscapes that include grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, wetlands, and deserts, utilized for grazing livestock and wildlife. They are crucial ecosystems that provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species while offering various ecosystem services, including watershed protection, carbon sequestration, and cultural and recreational opportunities.
In Kenya, rangelands constitute a significant portion of the land surface and are primarily used for pastoral livestock production. They are essential for the livelihoods of many pastoral communities, providing grazing for cattle, sheep, goats, and camels.
Examples:
- Sustainable management practices in Kenyan rangelands might include controlled grazing, rotational grazing systems, and the protection of key water sources and riparian areas to maintain ecological balance.
- Overgrazing and unsustainable land use practices can lead to degradation of rangelands, necessitating restorative practices like reseeding, controlled burns, and the removal of invasive species to enhance their resilience and productivity.
Effective rangeland management requires a balance between livestock grazing and the conservation of ecosystem services, ensuring that these landscapes remain productive and biodiverse for future generations.
Related Terms: Pastoralism, Sustainable grazing, Land degradation, Ecosystem services, Biodiversity
