LAND RECLAMATION AND REHABILITATION Name of Area (ha) Source of Water County Crops Grown

Scheme
Definition of terms Mwea 10, 000 R. Thiba & R. Kirinyaga Rice
Land reclamation is the process of converting less productive land into a more productive Tebere Murubara,
state for agricultural/settlement purposes. Reclamation of land in Kenya has been done R. Nyamindi
through the following methods, Perkerra 3, 340 R. Perkerra Baringo Water Melons,
Irrigating dry lands. Chilies Onions
Bura 900 R. Tana Tana River Cotton
Draining swamps
Through controlling of pests
Introducing drought resistant crops While Small Scale Irrigation scheme in Kenya are:
Flood control/construction of canals
By a fforestation/planting of trees Name of Source of Water County Crops Grown
Controlling of soil erosion Scheme
Bunyala R. Nzoia Busia Rice
Improving of soil through addition of fertilizers and manure. Daua R. Daua Mandera Maize
Ishiara R. Thuci Embu Tobacco
Characteristics of land reclamation in Kenya Katilu R. Turkwell Turkana Maize
Simple methods such as digging canals and ditches to drain water are used in reclaiming Kibirigwi R. Sagana Kirinyaga Vegetable
land. Kibwezi R. Kiboko Makueni Fruits and Vegetables
Land is reclaimed mainly from swamps and other marginal lands Kitobo R. Njoro Springs Taita Taveta Onions and Fruits
Irrigation is used where there is low rainfall/in arid area. Mitunguu R. Kathita Tharaka – French Beans
Nithi
Drought resistant crops are planted. West Kano R. Nyando Kisumu Sugarcane and Rice
There is high evaporation of irrigation water due to high temperatures. Ahero R. Nyando Kisumu Rice
Trees are planted
Significance/Importance of land reclamation
Intensify food production to feed the ever increasing population
To overcome land shortage and pressure/provide land for settlement.

Factors considered when selecting a wasteland to be reclaimed for agricultural use.

The size of the area, that is, the land should be large enough to justify reclamation.
Soils should be fertile to minimize the cost of improving them.
Minimal incidence of pests and diseases/controllable.
The climate should be suitable / favorable for the intended agricultural use.
Availability of capital to initiate the project i.e. cost effectiveness.
Availability of skilled manpower relevant for land reclamation.
The land should be undulating for mechanization or irrigation.
Accessibility of the area.

Land rehabilitation is the process of restoring degraded land back to its former productive
state
Land is rehabilitation in Kenya has been done through the following methods, namely:
Re-afforestation and agro-forestry
Bush fallowing
Planting of Grass strip and cover crops.
Construction of gabions Map Showing Distribution of Irrigation Schemes in Kenya
Application of manure
Constructing cut off drains
Controlling grazing
Constructing drainage trenches
Filling up quarries.
Mulching.
A STUDY OF SELECTED IRRIGATION SCHEMES IN KENYA
Irrigation schemes in Kenya are either large scale or small scale
Large scale irrigation schemes in Kenya are :

improve farming.
Government policy to develop irrigation schemes to produce food crops to improve food
security.
Efficient transport network of roads to ease movement of produce from farms to the
market.
High demand in the market stimulates production necessitating irrigation.
CASE STUDIES OF IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN KENYA.
1. MWEA TEBERE IRRIGATION SCHEME
Mwea is the largest and the most successful irrigation schemes in Kenya where rice is the
major crop grown.
It is located in Mwea Plains in Kirinyaga at the foot of Mt. Kenya covering about 10 000
hectares .Water for irrigation is drawn from rivers Thiba and Nyamindi – tributaries of R.
Tana
The project was started in 1954 a government policy:
Government policy that influenced the establishment of Mwea-Tebere Irrigation scheme.
There was the need to keep detainees busy.
For people to provide free labour.
There was need to settle landless people.
There was need to control floods caused by rivers that pass through the area.
The need to increase food production.
The need for maximum utilization of land.
To utilize the black cotton soil in the area for the growth of rice.
Factors that influenced the location of the Mwea Tebere Irrigation Scheme
a) Physical factors that influenced the location of the Mwea Tebere Irrigation Scheme
Presence of rivers such as river Thiba, Nyamindi and Murubara which provide water for
irrigation throughout the year
Irrigation The area around Mwea receives low and unreliable rainfall making irrigation the only
alternative for crop production.
- This is the artificial method of supplying water to a region that receives unreliable rainfall to The area experience hot climatic conditions/high temperatures suitable for growth of rice.
support the growth of crops. It is practiced in the arid and semi-arid lands The area is gently sloping which allows for mechanization and flow of water by gravity thus
reducing the cost of pumping it to the fields.
- Amount of water needed for irrigating a given land depends on crop type, Presence of black cotton soil/clay soil which has high water retention capacity and suitable
evapotranspiration level, nature of soil and elevation of land. for rice cultivation.
Availability of extensive land which allows for expansion of irrigation projects and growth of
Factors/Conditions that favour irrigation farming in Kenya. rice.
Presence of black cotton soil/clay soil which retains water for a longer time for use by b) Human Factors that influenced the location of the Mwea Tebere Irrigation Scheme
crops and suitable for rice cultivation The area is located near major urban centres such as Nyeri, Karatina, Nairobi, Embu and
Gently sloping land which allows flow of water by gravity hence reducing the cost of Kerugoya that provide immediate market for the rice produced
pumping water to the fields Due to the semi-arid conditions, the area has attracted few settlements hence there was a
sparse population hence minimal displacement from the area
Presence of permanent reservoirs/lakes which provides regular water supply making it Labour was readily available due to presence of former detainees/high population in the
possible to irrigate land throughout the year surrounding regions.
Desire by the colonial government to start a project that could occupy detainees during the
Sparsely populated land reduces the cost of resettlement and provides land for large scale colonial period.
irrigation farming.
Irrigation method practiced in Kenya / Cultivation Method Used
Availability of extensive tracts of land for expansion of irrigation activities/allow for
mechanization. The methods of irrigation practiced in Kenya include;
High temperatures throughout the year which allows multiple cropping and continuous Furrow/canal irrigation
farming activities throughout the year.
Flood/basin irrigation
Low rainfall and arid conditions makes it necessary to establish irrigation schemes to
 Trickle irrigation BENEFITS OF MWEA TEBERE IRIGATION SCHEME
Offers employment opportunities to many people in the farms/mills hence improving their
Overhead/sprinkler irrigation living standards
a) Basin irrigation/ flood irrigation. The scheme contributes to the bulk of Kenya’s rice thus saving foreign exchange that
- The ground is leveled. would have otherwise been used to import rice
- Embankments are constructed. It provided land for settling the landless who lacked farms before
- Water to the enclosed sections. Successful control of floods that were a menace before through construction of
- The paddy fields are flooded to a depth of 10 cm i.e. water is diverted from a flooded dams/reservoirs
area/river to a main canal and subsiding canals leading to the plots Led to effective use of land that was initially barren hence enhancing food security and
eradicating poverty
b) Furrow irrigation. Creation of social amenities such as schools, churches, hospitals have been provided thus
- Water flows from irrigation canals to furrow which are in between rows of crops wetting them improving the living standards
- Basin/ Flow of water controlled by sluice gates
Infrastructural improvement as roads have been built linking the farms to the markets
Crops grown Provided land to thousands of landless.
1. Wet paddy (rice). Providing income to farmers, traders etc. which alleviates poverty and raises the living
Basmati/Pishori which is more valuable. standards.
Sindano which is resistant to diseases.
2. Subsistence crops e.g. maize, peas and beans in small scale.
3. Horticultural crops e.g. tomatoes, French beans, melons, etc PROBLEMS FACING MWEA TEBERE IRRIGATION SCHEME AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
%4. Stagnant water has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and snails which
MARKETING transmit malaria and Bilharzias respectively.
- Done by National Cereals and Produce Board(NCPB)/National Irrigation Board
- Farmers sell rice to local consumers in the urban centres especially Thika and Nairobi. Insecticides should be sprayed on stagnant water to reduce the breeding rate of
the vectors hence reducing rate of infection.
ORGANIZATION OF THE SCHEME
%4. Low prices of produce in the scheme
- The scheme is divided into Mwea, Thiba, Wamumu and Tebere sections.
- 6000 hectares are under rice cultivation. Diversifying of crops produced in the scheme
- Tenants live in 36 small villages.
- There are 17 primary schools and more than 5secondary schools one of which is for disabled Improving the quality of the rice produced through research
and one mission hospital (Karira).
- The area under rice cultivation is divided into one acre which is surrounded by a bank of earth The government should restrict importation of rice to reduce competition.
(bund) for keeping water within the field.
- Each tenant is given 4 acres of land and expected to maintain a nursery covering 1/8 of an Improve the marketing strategies to enable farmers to source for market outside
acre. Kenya
%4. Fluctuation of water levels in the irrigation canals
Continuous dredging of canals/deepening of canals
Construction of more water reservoirs/dams to store water for use during dry seasons
Government to enforce laws on proper land use in catchment areas of the rivers that
supply water to the scheme
%4. Pests and diseases such as Blast disease and pests such as case worm and leaf
miner which attack crops lowering the yields and Quelea birds which feed on rice
leading to a major loss of the crop.
Using clean planting seeds, burning residues after harvesting and use of
explosives to scare birds.
%4. Inadequate capital to buy farm inputs among the farmers as most co-operatives
collapse has forced them to lease out all or part of their farms.
The solution is to take politics out of co-operatives so that they can be empowered
to supply inputs and credit to farmers.
%4. Shortage of labour during the planting and harvesting season which forces the
farmers to hire labour from outside at a high cost.

Improved marketing by NCPB to resume so that farmers can earn higher income That from female lines goes for processing.
to meet their expenses.
%4. Siltation and growth of weeds in the canals which interferes with the flow of water. Organization of the Perkerra irrigation scheme
Control weeds using chemicals and farmers to avoid cultivating on the river banks. Management is under National Irrigation Board which provides infrastructural facilities,
%4. Inadequate health centres which necessitates travelling for long distances losing accounting and extension services.
many working hours. Each house hold is allocated 3-4 acres and an additional ½ acre for the homestead.
Farmers are tenants but plans are underway to issue them with title deeds.
Construction of more health centres. Marketing of produce
%4. Poor access roads which make transport expensive. (a) Seed maize is graded, dried and delivered for shelling.
(b) Shelled maize is delivered to Kitale for further processing.
Government to improve the existing roads and construct new ones. (c) The seed is delivered to Kenya Seed Company which pays on delivery.
(d) Scheme management pays farmers after deducting the fees for services given.
[Link] IRRIGATION SCHEME
The scheme was established in 1954. ACHIEVEMENTS OF PERKERRA IRRIGATION SCHEME
Located in Marigat division in Baringo county in the Rift Valley province Has turned arid land into a productive land for crop farming.
Draws waters from river Perkerra
Size 3 340 hectares Tenants/farmers earn income through direct sale of produce thus improving their living
Main crops grown are water melons, onions, and chillies. standards.
Others crops include maize, beans, tomatoes, kales, cotton and pawpaws
The farms are irrigated using ridges and furrows Trade in dry maize raises revenue for the government through taxation used in providing
Water is directed into the furrows where it is allowed to soak slowly government.
Crops then absorb water from the furrows.
Aims of setting up the Perkerra irrigation scheme The project provided land to settle the landless people/former detainees.

(a) To utilize detainee labour. Has improved provision of social amenities such as schools, shops and electricity to
(b) To develop land for agricultural production. improve the living standard of the people.
(c) To settle the pastoralists as farmers.
(d) To control the seasonal floods of R. Perkerra this used to affect the area. The project created employment opportunities for local people thus improving the standard
(e) To utilise the excess water of R. Perkerra this used to go to waste of living.

PROBLEMS FACING PERKERRA IRRIGATION SCHEME AND THEIR POSSIBLE

Human and political factors that influenced the location of Perkerra irrigation scheme
SOLUTIONS
Sparse population around the scheme provided land for establishment and expansion.
(%3) Fluctuation of water in R. Perkerra due to droughts and obstruction causing crop
Desire of colonial government to start a project to occupy political detainees. stress and reducing the acreage that can be cultivated.
Dam construction on the upstream side.
Physical factors that influenced the location of Perkerra irrigation scheme (%3) Livestock human conflict when farmers go to graze in the region due to attractive
The dry conditions/semi-arid conditions of the area necessitated irrigation farming for crop vegetation.
production Solving the conflict through elders.
(%3) Intense ethnic conflict between Tugen and Njemps tribes because the scheme lies on
Presence of fertile loamy soils deposited by the floods suitable for growing crops and the Njemps’ land while Tugen are the majority.
reducing use of fertilizers Government to issue farmers with title deeds.
Extensive area of land for large scale cultivation of crops and expansion of irrigation (%3) Financial problems causing the farmers to be unable to prepare the land.
project. Start co-operatives to offer affordable credit facilities.
(%3) Poor transport and communication which hinders production of perishable crops.
Presence of River Perkerra which ensures a constant supply of water for irrigation. Government to improve the existing roads and construct new ones.
(%3) Limited market for products because the surrounding areas are sparsely populated.
Presence of flat and gently sloping land that enabled easy flow of water by gravity Transporting produce to distant markets with dense population.
Irrigation and cultivation method used at Perkerra irrigation scheme
SIGNIFICANCE OF IRRIGATION FARMING IN KENYA
Ridges and furrows are made. The growing of cash crops e.g. rice in the schemes earns some farmer’s income thus
Crops are planted on the ridges. improve their living standards
Water is directed to the furrows and allowed to soak slowly. Provision of employment opportunities which has alleviated poverty and improved the
Seed maize is planted in male and female maize lines. standard of living.
From male lines it’s taken for consumption. Creation of settlement schemes to settle the landless e.g. as in Mwea irrigation scheme
 The schemes have encouraged the growing of food crops e.g. maize, fruits, vegetable, Irrigating dry lands
rice, beans hence enhancing food security in the country Draining swamps
The schemes have led to growth of urban centres such as Marigat (Perkerra) and Mwea Through controlling of pests
(Mwea – Tebere) which stimulates demand for both agricultural and finished goods Introducing drought resistant crops
Export of chilies, flowers, peas, fruits, earns the country foreign exchange used to Flood control/construction of canals
develop other sectors of economy
By afforestation/reafforestation/planting of trees
Rice irrigation schemes have provided rice thus saving the foreign exchange that would
have been otherwise used to import rice to meet the local demand Controlling of soil erosion
The irrigation schemes have assisted in the control of floods in the affected areas/ Has Improving of soil through addition of fertilizers and manure
assisted in the control of environmental hazards such as droughts and floods. %4. IRRIGATION
The schemes have made use/turned into productive lands that were otherwise left - Artificial method of supplying water to a region which receive adequate rainfall or to ensure
unused making them available for farming, settlement, construction of roads, schools, continuous crop production.
playgrounds, etc. - Done in dry areas with low rainfall and regions experiencing dry periods to sustain growth of
Has led to development of road network which ease the movement of people and goods. crops.
It has promoted industrial development through providing raw materials such as rice - Dams are used to store water.
milling machines enhancing economic growth Advantages of irrigation

Problems facing irrigation schemes in Kenya Dams used to store water for irrigation can be used for:
Dams used to store water for the generation of hydro-electric power.
Physical Problems facing irrigation schemes in Kenya (a) fish farming
(b) Supply water for domestic use
Stagnant waters in the plots and canals encourage the breeding of snails and mosquitoes (c) Control floods.
which spread bilharzias and malaria respectively weakening the farmers hence causing low
output Negative effects of irrigation
Some irrigation schemes are flooded during the rainy season encouraging sheet erosion a) Can be a cause of deaths by drowning
causing leaching of nutrients from the top soil when water is seeping through, leading to low b) Breeding ground for mosquitoes which transmit Malaria.
yields. c) breakage can cause destruction of life and property
The constant moist conditions promote the breeding of pests which attacked and destroy the
crops in the fields thus lowering their quality.
Siltation of the canals is quite frequent reducing the capacities of the dams prompting constant Factors determining the amount of water required for irrigation
dredging which is expensive
a) Climate: Areas receiving low rainfall require more water.
Inadequate rainfall in the river catchment leads to fluctuating river volumes which reduces the b) Soils: Sandy soils require more water than clays due to low water retention ability.
water available for irrigation c) Crop: Paddy rice requires water logged soils while vegetables require wet and well drained
Increased moisture in the soil after irrigation encourages the growth of weeds on furrows and soils.
canals causing reduced water flow to the farms. d) Size of fields: Small plots require small amounts of water while large plots require large
Exhaustion of soil nutrients as a result of continuous cultivation and monoculture has lead to amount of water.
poor yields.
METHODS OF IRRIGATION
Human/Economic problems facing irrigation farming in Kenya
(%2) Water lifting method
Mismanagement of irrigation projects has led to the collapse of some irrigation schemes such - Lifting water from a source by using a bucket or watering can and pouring it on the crops.
as Hola, Bura, Ahero and West Kano - Used widely in market gardens and on farms adjacent to the water.
Payment of low prices for produce kills the farmer’s morale and sometimes causing them to (%2) Flood/basin irrigation
lease out part or whole of the field. - Diverting river water into a canal then to plots where it’s flooded.
Fluctuation of prices of farm produce in the world market due to competition lowers farmer’s - Commonly used in irrigation schemes.
morale causing decline in production. (%2) Sprinkler or overhead irrigation
Inadequate extension and technical services among farmers has led to decline in agricultural - Taking water to the fields by pipes and applying it on crops by rotating sprinklers mounted on
production making the project uneconomical. vertical pipes.
- Used on golf courses and market gardening.
The prices of fertilizers, insecticides among other farm inputs are quite high reducing farmers (%2) Trickle irrigation
profit margins - Plastic pipes with holes laid in the fields through which water trickles to the base of plant.
Shortage of labour during planting, weeding and harvesting giving the farmers the burden of - Popular where fruits and flowers are grown.
hiring labour at high cost. (%2) Canal irrigation
- Directing water through canal to farms.
Methods of land reclamation in Kenya - Commonly used in areas experiencing low rainfall e.g. Yatta in Machakos
Several ways have been used to reclaim land in many parts of the country. They include (%2) Drip irrigation
- Inverting bottles filled with water into the roots of a plant.

- Used in low rainfall areas to grow trees, fruits and flowers. Tsetse flies

1. DRAINING SWAMPS - They thrive in damp areas with high temperatures and prefer bushy vegetation as
breeding grounds.
- This is the method of reclaiming marshy or waterlogged land by draining excess water from - Examples of tsetse fly infested areas are Lambwe valley in Kenya and Miombo
the land. woodland in Tanzania.
- Problems associated with excess water on land are: - The control was done by The International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology
a) The waterlogged areas are breeding ground for disease causing vectors. (ICIPE).
b) The land is water logged hence unsuitable for agriculture. - The control of tsetse fly at Miombo woodland was aimed at:
c) The area is prone to flooding which destroys property and loss of life by drowning. a) Eliminating the pest to obtain land for agriculture.
b) To treat the sick people and animals to check the spread of resultant diseases.
Processes involved in draining of swamps/methods of draining swamps
Measures taken to control tsetse flies in Olambwe Valley.
(a) Digging open ditches for water to ooze into and flow away by gravity.
(b) Pumping out water out of a swamp. Bush Clearing
(c) Construction of drainage pipes to direct the flow of water by gravity.
(d) Planting eucalyptus which takes up a lot of water such as that being done at Kakuzi in - Selective clearing of bushes was applied to prevent soil degradation.
Makuyu. - Caused tsetse fly to lack a place to breed and killed adult flies and pupae due to low humidity.

Areas in Kenya with have been reclaimed by draining are: Bush Spraying using chemicals
(a) Yala on lower courses of R. Yala
(b) Bunyala on lower courses of R. Nzoia. - Spraying from the ground or from a low flying aircraft.
The project was conceived in 1970. - Does not affect other soil organisms.

Objectives of the Project of Draining Them Disadvantages of spraying

(a) Free the area of pests. a) Some insecticides such as DDT have serious environmental effects.
(b) Prepare land for settlement and agriculture. b) The fly develops resistance and a high dose of chemicals has to be used.
(c) Ease population on Kano plains. c) Kills other useful organisms.
(d) Reduce flooding and associated hazards.
(e) Develop the otherwise remote area. Sterilisation of male Tse tse fly
- Making the insect unable to reproduce by obstructing its reproductive organs.
Achievement of Yala swamp irrigation scheme o Luring the male flies to some chemical substance which sterilizes them.
(Benefits that resulted from the reclamation of Yala swamp in Kenya.) o When they mate with the females fertilization doesn’t occur which reduces insect population.
Through draining the swampy areas, better farming methods were introduced. Use of Traps
It has helped in the control of floods in the area.
Over 800 hectares of land have been reclaimed hence increasing the amount of land (a) Square of black cloth coated with glue on which the insects stick.
available for agriculture. (b) Traps impregnated with insecticides which kills the insects.
Has contributed to the improvement of transport systems. Creation of Buffer Zones
Reclamation and related activities has created employment opportunities.
Control of vector borne diseases such as bilharzias in the area. -Belt of 5 km wide with dense cultivated vegetation to create barrier which the fly couldn’t cross.
2. CONTROL OF PESTS Killing of the Hosts
Examples of pests include: mosquitoes, Tsetse flies, Rodents, birds, squirrels and porcupines Wild animals which the fly fed were selectively hunted and killed.
Mosquitoes: are controlled through:
(%2) Fumigation
(%2) Draining of stagnant water
(%2) Spraying
(%2) Clearing of bushes near settlements.
Rodents, birds, squirrels and porcupines: are controlled through:
METHODS OF LAND REHABILITATION
(a) Use of traps/trapping
(b) Using chemical to poison the rodents 1. AFFORESTATION AND REAFFORESTATION
(c) By hunting This involved the planting of trees, afforestation and reafforestation improve the productivity
(d) Scaring them away of land in the following ways:
Controls soil erosion by acting as wind breakers
 Plant leaves reduce impact of raindrops on the soil 7. CONTROLLED GRAZING
Plant roots hold/bind the soil particles together. Overgrazing leads to soil degradation due to erosion as the top cover of the soil is
loosened by being trampled on by animals
Vegetation reduces surface runoff and increases the rate of infiltration of rain water
ensuring there is a complete water cycle. The number of livestock kept in a piece of land should match the carrying capacity of that
land.
Decayed vegetation provides humus which restores soil fertility.
Ways in which the government of Kenya is trying to rehabilitate overgrazed lands in
Plant roots help increase rate of percolation and infiltration of water deeply into the Kenya
ground. The government is advising the farmers through extension officers on the importance of
matching the number of livestock with the carrying capacity of land.
Modifies the climate of an area by moisture being released to the atmosphere
causing higher rainfall and lowering the temperature. Introducing exotic breeds and cross breeds of cattle to emphasize on quality and not
quantity.
The government has encouraged the establishment of ranches in livestock farming
2. BUSH FALLOWING regions to improve the quality of animals.
It involve cultivating a field for a period of two to three years after which it is left fallow while It has encouraged farmers to grow fodder/introduced nourishing grass which is drought
the farmer moves to another piece of land resistant.
During the fallow period the soil is able to naturally recover its fertility because the wild
vegetation is adding humus content into the soil. Has encouraged farmers to practice paddocking so that different sections have time to
regain pasture at different intervals.
3. BUILDING BUNDS AND GABIONS
Bunds are soil piles across the slope constructed to control soil erosion.
Bunds are also build to increase water infiltration thus reducing surface runoff which may
cause soil erosion 8. FILLING QUARRIES
Gabions are wire mesh filled with soils, stones and other materials used to check gulley
erosion. - Filling the pits with rocks and topping with fertile soils e.g. Bamburi Nature Trail where
Gabions are constructed across gullies on the slope to trap soil being carried by running trees have been planted and animals introduced.
water down slope.
Gabions are effective in controlling gully erosion and stabilizing slopes. 9. DRAINAGE TRENCHES
Flooded areas can be rehabilitated by:
4. GRASS STRIPS AND COVER CROPS
- Grass and cover crops e.g. sweet potato vines, beans and peas reduce the speed of running - Digging trenches to drain off excess water to rehabilitate flooded areas.
water thus helping to check soil erosion. - Another method is to construct dams across rivers.
5. MULCHING 10. INTRODUCTION OF DROUGHT RESISTANT CROPS
Mulching is the use of crop residue such as vegetable remains, plant litter and grass or Drought resistant crops are planted in arid and semi arid lands. These are areas which
polythene sheets that are use to cover the soil or crop. experience unreliable rainfall despite their high potential in agriculture
Mulching helps the soil to retain moisture by reducing evaporation The crops are drought resistant and quick maturing crops which take advantage of the
Mulching help to check the speed of running water. short wet season.
It reduces soil erosion by reducing the splashing effect of rainwater on the soil. The crops include sisal, castor, mangoes, dates Pigeon peas, cassava, millet, sorghum,
Mulching increases infiltration of water and ensuring more moisture is available for plants Katumani maize among others.
growth.
When the crop residues decompose it releases organic matter into the soil thus improving A SUMMARY OF METHODS OF LAND RECLAMATION AND REHABILITATION IN KENYA
soil fertility. Draining of swamps to reclaim marshy or waterlogged areas – involves removing of
excess water/lowering the water table
Afforestation and re-afforestation programmes – rehabilitates an areas under soil
erosion/improves climatic conditions in an area
6. APPLICATION OF MANURE AND FERTILIZER Irrigating dry land – artificial method of supplying water in a region that receives
inadequate rainfall to support crop growth/ASALs
Constant cultivation of land removes much of the nutrients and organic matter from the Control of pests through bush clearing, trapping and spraying such areas with pesticides
soil leading to reduction in soil fertility. Planting drought resistant crops
In such cases it is important to apply manure or fertilizers that can restore and maintain Filling in quarries/abandoned mines
soil fertility. Rehabilitating eroded landscape through building gabions, construction of terraces, strip
cropping, planting cover crops
Agro forestry – planting trees and keeping animals and growing crops on same land to

improve soil fertility

Control of floods through construction of dykes, dams, diversion channels, building
embankments, dredging, channel widening, etc. Areas which make up Zuider Zee project
LAND RECLAMATION IN THE NETHERLANDS/HOLLAND The areas/polders which make up the Zuider Zee include;
East Flevoland
-
Most of the coastal land in the Netherlands has been reclaimed from the sea South Flevoland
-
Land reclaimed from the sea is called a polder and the process of reclaiming land from North Eastern Polder
sea polderization Markerwaard
- Reclamation was also done from marshlands and lakes Wieringer Meer polder
Three methods have been used to reclaim land in the Netherlands. Stages involved in the Reclamation of Land from the Sea in Netherlands
Methods that have been successively used to reclaim land in Holland Protective dykes are constructed to enclose the part of the sea which is to be reclaimed.
Land reclamation from the sea, marshes and lakes using dykes. Ring canals are constructed on the interior side of the dyke to carry water excess water
Land reclamation by draining rivers and marshlands. from the area to be reclaimed.
Upgrading sandy and barren areas through use of fertile soil or application of fertilizers. Pumping stations are installed to pump out water from the area enclosed area.
Water is pumped out of the area enclosed by the dyke
POLDERIZATION Reeds are sown to drain excess water and use up the excess salt.
- Each polder is surrounded by a ring canal and a high dyke with two outer walls are Drainage ditches and more pumping stations are made on the land being reclaimed.
constructed out of the dyke Drainage pipes are then laid below the soil.
Inner dykes and ring canals are used to divide the area into rectangular portions
- Sand is then filled in between the walls of the dyke The soil is treated with chemicals to lower salinity.
- Water from the polder is then pumped out /drained through ditches and canals into the ring The drained land is flushed with fresh water to remove salt from the soil.
canals until the former lake/sea bed is exposed Water is pumped from the polders regularly to avoid its accumulation in the reclaimed land.
- Drainage pipes are then laid and ditches dug to dry up the polder
- Experimental crops are grown and buildings put up How salinity is reduced in the polders.
Chemicals are applied to reduce the salts in the soils.
CASE STUDIES Fresh water is flashed on the soils to remove/dilute the excess soils.
- Land reclamation in the Netherlands involved the following projects; Zuyder Zee and Delta Reeds are planted to use the excess salts
Plan projects. Continuous pumping of water from the polders

1. ZUIDER/ZUYDER ZEE PROJECT(Ijssel Meer Reclamation Scheme) Benefits of Zuider Zee Project

- Zuider/Zuyder Zee Means “Southern Sea” The project has ensured better drainage system by reducing flooding through dykes,
canals, ditches and pumping stations.
- By 1880 research shown that the floor of the southern sea was covered with fertile silt The Great Dyke upon which a road has been constructed has shortened the distance by
- The Netherlands government decided to reclaim this part of the sea to utilize the fertile soils road between North Holland and Friesland.
- Project of Zuider Zee area extends to the north of Holland. Fresh water from Lake Ijssel has lowered the degree of salinity in the polders thus
- Assignment was given to a Dutch called Cornelius Lely in 1927-1932. promoting cultivation of crops and rearing of livestock
- Aim was to increase land for cultivation and control further flooding. The project has created lake Yssel/Ijssel which provide fresh water to the provinces of
North Holland used for irrigation, domestic and industrial purposes
The project has increased arable land by 10% for crop cultivation of crops such as rye, oats
,barley, wheat, potatoes and a variety of fruits
Reclaimed land is fertile and suitable for growing of crops such as fruits, vegetable, oats,
beet root, potatoes, barley, wheat hence improving agricultural output and industrial raw
materials.
The construction of the protective dykes has reduced tidal flooding along the coastline.
The success story of the polder has attracted tourist thus earning the Netherlands foreign
exchange

2. DELTA PLAN PROJECT

- Involved closure of estuaries namely Haringvliet, Brouwersha, Venschegat, Scheldt and
Veersche by means of dams with deep sea inlets to prevent flooding.
- Involved land reclamation in the south west of Holland

Benefits of the Delta Plan

Construction of the dams completely checked the frequency of flooding and tidal
destruction in the south western region
The pollution and salination of the inland waters was controlled by damming the sea inlets
 from seeping far inland. This led to improvement of the soil hence increasing the amount
of cultivated land in the south western Holland
Has attracted many industries and a major tourist destination
More recreational lakes created by the newly formed lakes.
Fresh water reservoirs created provides S.W region with water for irrigation, domestic and
industrial use.

Benefits of land reclamation in Netherlands

Land reclamation has created more land for agriculture and settlement
Land reclamation has improved agricultural output hence more food and raw material for
industries
Construction of dykes and canals has improved transport network
The reclaimed land is supplied with fresh water reducing the salinity of the soil.
Has created sceneries that have become tourist attractions
Improved social amenities
Has stimulated industrial development due to the agricultural raw materials produced
Improved fresh water supply for domestic and industrial/irrigation
The reclaimed land is better drained than before REVISION QUESTIONS ON LAND RECLAMATION AND REHABILITATION
Reclamation and related activities have created more employment opportunities Q. Differentiate between land reclamation and land rehabilitation.
Crops grown in the polders Land reclamation refers to the process by which unproductive land (desert, swamp) is converted
into land fit for cultivation. Land rehabilitation is the restoration or bringing back of a spoilt land
Rye Wheat Onions Barley that has been ruined through man's negligence, to its former good condition.
Potatoes Oats Beetroots Sugar beets Q. Name five methods which are used in reclaiming land in Kenya.
Flowers Fruits - Irrigation
- Draining of swamps
COMPARISON OF LAND RECLAMATION IN KENYA AND THE NETHERLANDS - Control of floods
- Introduction of drought resistant crops.
Similarities between land reclamation in Kenya and the Netherlands - Control of pests (Tsetse fly)
- Control of soil erosion.
- In both countries flooding was a common problem. - Afforestation (Agroforestry / Re-afforestation)
- In both countries, drainage ditches are used in reclaiming land. - Improvement of soil through the use of manures/ fertilizers.
- In both countries, drainage canals are used in reclaiming land.
- The objective of reclamation in both countries is to increase land for settlement and Q. Explain five factors which should be considered when selecting a wasteland to be
agriculture and control flooding. reclaimed for agricultural use.
- The size of the area- i.e. big enough to justify reclamation.
- Soils should be fertile to minimize the cost in improving them. (Fertilizers)
Differences in land reclamation between Kenya and Netherlands - Minimal incidence of pests and diseases/controllable.
- The climate should be suitable / favorable for the intended agricultural use.
In Kenya, the area that is reclaimed is relatively small while the areas reclaimed in the - Availability of capital to initiate the project i.e. cost effectiveness.
Netherlands are large. - Availability of skilled manpower.
In Kenya, land is mainly reclaimed from swamps and marginal areas while in Netherlands - The land should be undulating for mechanization or irrigation.
reclamation is from sea. - Accessibility of the area.
In Kenya the methods used for draining water form marshy areas is digging of
canals/ditches while in the Netherlands /use of wind pumps to drain sea water from the Q. State four benefits that have resulted from the reclamation of Yala swamp.
polders.) A. - Has led to control of floods in the area.
In Kenya irrigation is used in reclaiming dry areas while irrigation in the Netherlands is - Has created employment opportunities and raised living standards.
used to lower the salinity of the soil in the reclaimed lands. - Has stimulated development of infrastructure.
In Kenya, the methods of land reclamation are simple like digging canals/ditches to drain - Has increased the amount of agricultural land.
water from land while in the Netherlands the method used are highly advanced like - Mosquitoes were controlled.
reclaiming land from the sea/creation of polders. - Better farming methods were introduced.
Furrow/ridges in Kenya are used to control river floods while in Netherlands dykes protect - Increased agricultural output due to introduction of new crops.
the reclaimed land from invasion by the sea.
Q. Name two rivers which cause large scale flooding in Kenya.
A. Nyando, Nzoia, Tana, Kuja, Yala, Ewaso Nyiro

Q. Explain four ways in which floods affect people.

A. - People are displaced.

- Disrupts transport and communication system. Q List down three aims of the Lambwe valley project.
- Causes soil water logging which lowers crop production. To develop 13,000 ha of land for both livestock and agricultural production,
- Leads to loss of property and lives.
- Creates stagnant water in which disease causing micro-organisms breed e.g. Mosquitoes, To suppress the tsetse fly population through the use of insecticides and bush clearing.
Bilharzia snails.
- Floods disrupt farmers calendar/wash away crops/leads to food shortages. To treat domestic animals so as to reduce the risk of infection.

Q. Explain three methods through which floods can be controlled. To treat human cases of sleeping sickness.
Construction of dams to check the velocity and volume of rivers downstream.
Construction of dykes which restrict the outflow of rivers / raised river embankments. To treat wild animals e.g. Bush buck, warthog, buffalo, impala which act as tsetse fly hosts.
Construct diversion channels to realign meanders and restrict flow of river / drain flooded
areas. Q. State three ways in which tsetse fly was controlled in Lambwe valley.
Planting of vegetation / forests in the river catchment areas to reduce the surface run-off A. - Clearing the bushes.
and increase seepage. - Sterilizing the male tsetse fly.
Clearing of drainage systems / dredging / deepening and widening to facilitate easy flow of - Spraying the bushes with insecticides.
water.
Q. Identify four problems faced in the control of tsetse fly in Kenya.
A. - Clearing bushes leads to total destruction of bushes therefore exposing the soil to agents of
erosion.
- The tsetse fly became resistant to insecticides.
- Some insecticides sprayed are harmful to man, animals and the environment, cause pollution.
- The method of sterilizing the male tsetse fly is quite sophisticated.
- The areas infested are extensive therefore costly to spray.

Q. List down four types of irrigation.

A. - Overhead / sprinkler
- Drip irrigation.
- Basin irrigation.
- Canal/Surface irrigation
Q. State four advantages of irrigation over natural water supplies.
A. - Ensures steady and reliable water supply.
- Cultivation can be done all year.
- River water brings in silt (fertile)
- Enables cultivation of marginal areas.
- Controls floods.
- The dam can be used to generate H.E.P., improve navigation on rivers, lead to development of
fishing industry and modify local weather.

Q. Explain four conditions necessary for irrigation scheme.

A. - The land should be gently sloping to allow water to flow by gravity.
- The area should be drained by permanent rivers to supply enough water all year.
- The area should be sparsely populated to reduce cost of relocation.
- The area should have clay soil which allows only limited water seepage.
- The area should be dry and receiving inadequate rainfall to support crops.

Q. Name three irrigation schemes in Kenya.

A. - Mwea Tabere - Rice - Perkerra - Water melons, onions, chilies
- Bura - Cotton - Bunyale - Rice
- West Kano - Sugar cane -Kibwezi - Fruits / vegetables
- Katilu (Turkwell) - Maize (Turkana)- Ishiara - Tobacco
- Kibirigwi - Vegetables

Q. Explain five factors that influenced the location of Mwea Irrigation Scheme.
A. - Presence of perennial rivers Thiba and Nyarnindi provided adequate water all year.
- The Mwea plains have black cotton soil suitable for rice farming as it retains water.
- The area receives inadequate (poorly distributed) rainfall, hence unsuitable for rain-fed
agriculture.
- The land is gently sloping hence gravity flow of water in the channels.
- The area has high temperatures hence low pest and disease incidence.
- The undulating relief is suitable for mechanization.
- Need to engage political detainees 1950's. Q. Significance of irrigation farming
- To create land to settle those whose lands were taken by white settlers. - Settlement of people (landless)
- The plains were sparsely populated. - Infrastructure
- Social amenities
Q. Explain four ways through which tenants in Mwea have benefited from the scheme. - Industrialization
A. - Has created job opportunities/source of income/improved living standards. - Food security
- Has provided land to many people who did not have farms before. - Foreign exchange
- The reservoirs created for irrigation have controlled flooding in plains. - Source of income
- Has led to economical use of otherwise idle/barren land. - Employment creation
- Has enhanced food security, through rice production.
- The scheme has stimulated development of infrastructure to transport rice to market. Q. Give two factors which favored land reclamation in the Netherlands.
- Horticultural and food crops have been introduced e.g. maize and beans. A. - Availability of capital
- Provision of social amenities - schools, hospitals. - Incentives by the Dutch government to get ways of ending the flood disasters
- Advanced technology especially the invention of the rotating turret for windmills
Q. Explain three problems experienced by farmers in the Mwea scheme.
A. - The stagnant water encourages breeding of snails, mosquitoes which spread diseases. Q. Describe the process of polderization in the Netherlands.
- Disease and pests lower yields e.g. birds. A. - Construction of ring dykes separating the polders from the rest of water body/sea.
- Siltation of canals and weeds interfere with the flow of water and dredging is expensive. - - Construction of ring canals used for draining water pumped out of the polders.
Shortage or high costs of labour, especially during planting and harvesting. - Erection of a water pump/windmill for pumping water out of the polder
- Delayed payments discourage farmers forcing them to sell rice individually at low prices. - - Water is pumped out into the canals
Shortage of extension officers makes it difficult for farmers to get technical advice. - Land is allowed to dry
- Overpopulation has created pressure on the existing facilities such as water. - Soil is desalinized by flushing with fresh water or planting hardy plants
- Unplanned irrigation developments have overstretched the water supply. - Deep ploughing to mix the soil with leached nutrients, addition of fertilizers
- High prices lead to marginal returns. - Dividing the land into economic units
- Infrastructure (roads, electricity, and piped water) is laid out
7,Q. Explain four factors which influenced the establishment of Perkerra Irrigation - Establishment of social amenities
Scheme. (1954) - People are settled
A. - Presence of R. Perkerra to supply abundant water all year. - Introduction of crops starting with the hardy crops (barey, oat)
- Gently sloping land allows water to flow by gravity, easy mechanization.
- Availability of fertile soils in the Njemps plains. Q. State four factors that favor farming activities in polder land.
- Availability of extensive land. - Relatively high rainfall
- Semi-arid conditions of the area. - Fertile, well-drained clay soil
- Area was sparsely populated due to the pastoral lifestyle of the inhabitants. - Cool temperatures/low rate of evaporation
- The large population of ex-detainees needed to be occupied in a productive way. - Flat land easy to mechanize
Crops grown - Onions, water melons, pawpaw, chilies, and cotton. - Good infrastructural facilities
Others - seed maize, beans, kale, tomatoes. - Large market for agricultural produce
- Scientific farming hence high yields
Q. Outline four problems faced by farmers in Perkerra scheme.
A. - Obstruction upstream and drought leads to fluctuation in water supply, thus affects the Q. Name main crops grown in polders.
acreage under cultivation and crop failure. The solution is the construction of a dam upstream. A. - potatoes, sugar beet, flowers, barley, oat, fruits, wheat, fodder crops, rye.
- Land tenure issue - farmers are yet to be issued with title deeds.
- National Irrigation Board policy that farmers prepare their land is constrained by financial Q. Explain four benefits of land reclamation in the Netherlands.
inadequacy. - Creates more land for agriculture and settlement
- Inter-ethnic Conflict - between Tugen and Njemps. - Has improved agricultural output hence more food and raw material for industries
- Diversification - especially growing of maize has led to abandonment of other crops such as - Construction of dykes and canals has improved transport network
onions, cotton, pawpaw etc. - The reclaimed land is supplied with fresh water reducing the salinity of the soil.
- Livestock - human conflict. - Has created sceneries that have become tourist attractions
- Improved social amenities
Q. List down four problems facing irrigation farming in Kenya. - Has stimulated industrial development due to the agricultural raw materials produced
- Silting and occasional flooding - Improved fresh water supply for domestic and industrial/irrigation
- Unreliable rainfall - The reclaimed land is better drained than before
- Pests and diseases - Reclamation and related activities have created more employment opportunities
- Soil erosion
- Soil exhaustion - Mismanagement of irrigation boards 8