Terracing is an agricultural practice where terraces are created on steep slopes to prevent rainfall runoff and soil erosion, essentially turning a sloped land area into a series of step-like flat surfaces or platforms.
This method is particularly relevant in hilly or mountainous regions in Kenya, where it helps in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and maximizing land use for agriculture, thereby enhancing food security and rural livelihoods.
Examples:
- Terraces can support varied agricultural activities, including crop cultivation, orchards, or vineyards, by providing levelled planting areas that conserve soil and water.
- In Kenya, terracing is often combined with other soil and water conservation practices, such as planting cover crops or constructing retention walls.
Terracing is a sustainable land management practice that helps in creating arable land in hilly areas, prevents loss of soil nutrients, and reduces the risk of landslides. It is a vital technique for improving agricultural output and adapting to challenging topographies.
Related Terms: Soil conservation, Sustainable agriculture, Water management, Agroecology, Erosion control
