Tree planting and management
techniques under limited water availability
Guideline for Farmers and Extension Agents

March 2014

© KEFRI 2014
This publication may be produced in whole or in part, in any form, for educationalor non-profit uses without permission of the copyright holder provided due
acknowledgement is madeDesign & Layout by: Josephine Musyoki and Damaris Munyao
Cover page Photo by: James K. Ndufa
Published by: Kenya Forestry Research Institute
P.O. Box 20412-00200 Nairobi,
Tel; +254-724-259781/2, +254-722-157414,+254-734-251888
E-mail: director@kefri.org
www.kefri.org

Preface
Tree planting in the drylands posses a big challenge to farmers in arid
and semi-arid areas. There is therefore need for better technicalinformation to promote tree planting in water deficient soils. This guideline
was compiled based on the results of research activities jointly conducted by
Japan International Forestry Promotion and Cooperation Center (JIFPRO)
and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). The series of research
activities, including literature review as well as field studies, wereconducted from the year 2009 to 2014 with the support from the Forestry
Agency of Japan.
This guideline demonstrates a better way of re-afforestation in arid andsemi-arid areas and the following sections items have been described in acomprehensive manner.
1) The relationship between water and forest (trees)
2) The concept of selection of suitable tree planting site3) Typical technologies necessary for re-afforestation in arid andsemiarid-areas
This publication has been prepared as guideline. We hope and trust thatthe guideline will be useful for farmers and extension agents who are
involved in promoting re-afforestation activities in arid and semi-arid
lands.
Dr. Yoshikawa Ken
Professor
Okayama University
Okayama, 2014

Dr. Ben N. Chikamai
CEO, KEFRI
Nairobi, 2014i

Acknowledgements
The policy, component and methodology for the research activities were
examined and decided by an advisory committee that was organizedspecifically for this project. I would like to offer a special word of thanks toall of the members of the committee.
Especially, Dr. Yoshikawa, Dr. Tsuboyama and Dr. Oyabu actuallyconducted field survey and have provided valuable information to thisguideline.
This research activity could not have favorable outcome without thecooperation of KEFRIs’ scientists. The Director, Dr. Ben N. Chikamai and
The Deputy Director, Dr. Bernard Kigomo, for giving us valuable advice.
Mr. Albert Luvanda, Mr. Samuel Auka, Pauline Bala and Mr. Michael
Okeyo provided valuable support during the project implementation period.
I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart. The KEFRI
editorial team of Dorothy Ochieng, Bernard Kamondo, Josphine Wanjiku
provided valuable comments to the guideline.
Moreover, we would like to express our appreciation to all of the officersof International Forestry Cooperation Office, Forestry Agency of Japan,
who led us as a supervisor and counselor.
Dr. Sasaki Satohiko
President, JIFPROTokyo 2014ii

Members of the Advisory Committee, the Contributors and the
Implementers
Member of the advisory committee- Dr. Yoshikawa Ken, Graduate School of Environmental Science,
Okayama University- Dr. Fujieda Motohisa, former Associate Research Coordinator, Forest
and Forest Products Research Institute- Mr. Mishima Seiichi, Japan Overseas Forestry Consultants Association- Dr. Ohte Nobuhito, Graduate school of Agriculture and Life Science, The
University of Tokyo- Mr. Onishi Mistunobu, Asia Air Survey Co., Ltd.
- Dr. Oyabu Takashi, Graduate School of Landscape Design andManagement, University of Hyogo- Dr. Tsuboyama Yoshio, Department of soil and water conservation,
Forest and Forest Products Research Institute
KEFRI contributers and implementers- Dr. Gabriel M. Muturi, Drylands Forestry Research Programme- Dr. James K. Ndufa, Dryland Eco-Region Research Programme- Mrs. Josephine Musyoki, Research Officer- Mr. David K. Muchiri, Research Officer- Mr. Bernard K. Kigwa, Research Officer- Ms. Damaris Munyao, Dissemination Officer

March 2014iii

Table of Contents
Preface .….……….….….….….….….….….….….……………………………..

i

Acknowledgements …….……………………………………………………….. ii
Members of the Advisory Committee, the Contributors and the Implementers .. iii
1.0 Introduction ……..…………………………………………………………..

1

2.0 Effects of Forest on Water Environment ………………………………..

1

3.0 Selection of Suitable Site and Tree Species ….….….…………………..
3.1 Selection of suitable site ……..………………………………………….
3.2 Selection of suitable tree species ……..………………………………..

2
2
3

4.0 Tree Planting and Management Techniques …….……………………..
4.1 Nurturing of seedlings …….…………………………………………….
4.2 Tree planting ……..……………………………………………………….
4.3 Management of planted trees ……..……………………………………
4.4 Harvesting …….…………………………………………………………..

4
4
5
6
6

5.0 Water Harvesting Techniques .…..……………………………………….
5.1 Micro-catchment …….…………..……………………………………….
5.2 Negarim system ……..……………………………………………………
5.3 Contour ridge ……..……………………………………………………….
5.4 Bench terracing ……..…………………………………………………….
5.5 Fanya-juu terracing ……..……………………………………………….
5.6 Circular micro-catchment …….………………………………………...
5.7 Large scale planting holes …….………………………………………..

7
7
7
7
8
9
9
9

6.0 Water Conservation Techniques ...………………………………………. 10
6.1 Tillage (Soil plowing) …….……..………………………………………. 10
6.2 Mulching ……..…………………………………………………………… 11
6.3 Cover plants …….………………………………………………………... 11
6.4 Complete weeding (Complete weed removal) …….…………………. 11
7.0 Water Saving Techniques …….…..………………………………………. 11
7.1 Direct sowing ……..………….…..………………………………………. 11
7.2 Direct-planting of cuttings …….……….………………………………. 11
8.0 Other Techniques to Improve Water Environment ..…….…………… 12
8.1 Watering (large scale) ……...…..………………………………………. 12
8.2 Watering (small scale) ……........………………………………………. 12
9.0 Acceleration of natural regeneration by land enclosure ……………… 12
10.0 Conclusion ..……...………………………………………………………… 12iv

1.0 Introduction
Arid and semi-arid land environments are generally very fragile. Theselands are associated with low and unreliable rainfall, and relatively hightemperature thus resulting in limited water resources and difficulty forestablishment of stable farming system. Though rich in natural resources,
the increased human pressure on forests and woodlands has createdconditions conducive to degradation, deforestation and desertification.
There is therefore great demand for re-afforestation technologies that canpromote restoration and management of forests. Reforestation andafforestation will not only contribute to natural environment preservation,
but also to the improvement of the livelihood of local residents. In the longterm, restoration of forest vegetation can improve soil properties, contributeto the local water balance by flood control during rainy season and mitigate
drought in dry season. Thus re-afforestation is an extremely important andeffective measure to conserve/improve local environment.
Re-afforestation techniques which include appropriate planting andmanagement methods are not always well developed thus causing greatchallenge to dryland forest rehabilitation.
The objective of guidelines is to provide information for tree planting andmanagement in the drylands under limited water availability. This
guideline outlines: Relation between forest and water environment;
Selection of appropriate tree planting site; Tree planting and management
techniques; Water harvesting techniques; Water conservation techniques.

2.0 Effects of Forests on Water Environment
Forests have high reservoir effect as green dams, but it may notnecessarily increase the amount of rainfall. Forests in arid and semi-arid
areas play important roles in livelihood of the residents. It is important topromote re-afforestation aggressively in order to reduce pressure on theremaining natural forests. Re-afforestation and management techniqueswith an emphasis on conservation and efficient use of water resources istherefore required. The design for the re-afforestation should be determinedconsidering the water consumption by the forest at maturity.
To secure a wide range of alternative selection of tree species appropriate
planting objectives under different site conditions, growth characteristics ofas many plant species as possible should be provided. A long period of1management is necessary to achieve planting objectives due to slow rate oftree growth. Furthermore various types of tree form and forest structure
are established depending on different applied management procedures.
Long-term prospect is necessary for the selection of tree species for planting
in the dry lands.
Rainfall in arid and semi-arid areas is unreliable, hence trees planted
must have some drought tolerant ability and tree properties for theirsustainability. Re-afforestation techniques must therefore focus on the
securing a robust forest vegetation under harsh environment by ensuring abalance between forest water consumption and the control of leaf biomass.
This should be based on the selection of adapted tree species that can adjust
their leaf biomass to the minimum rainfall during drought.
Re-afforestation should be done after clarifying the aim of forest
production. The desirable forest structure and its re-afforestation
management methods must take into account the needs of residents,
amount of local water resource, and physiological and ecological propertiesof planted trees. There is need for precise understanding on the relation
between water and trees as well as accurate information on propagation
techniques of the selected tree species.

3.0 Selection of Suitable Site and Tree Species
3.1 Selection of suitable site
Selection of indigenous tree species should be prioritized for sustainable
forest management and for effective use and preservation of water
resources. In case of introduction of useful exotic tree species, trees must be
managed based on water use properties of each species.
Even within a limited range, water retention capacity of soil varies
depending on slight differences of geography and parent rocks, and thereby
the tree species and the number of trees that can be planted are limited.
Generally, lands suitable for growth of trees are also suitable for growth ofcrops and in such lands agricultural production activities are generally
prioritized.
If some surplus lands with similar weather and soil conditions withproductive croplands are available, they can be suitable planting sites. It isalso expected that lands that are not suitable for agriculture due to highslope angle despite the same weather and soil conditions with crop lands,
can be used for forest tree establishment.

2For the lands with low agricultural productivity due to water shortage,
water availability can be improved by measures such as micro- catchments,
if sufficient materials and funds are available. It is important to consider
whether soil has poor water retention capacity and this can be improved bymixing them with organic matters. There is also need to consider whether
profits proportional to the investment can be obtained.
Addition to the woodlot, tree planting to demarcate the boundaries of own
land, and also to prevent break-in of livestock, can be a strong incentive for
local residents to plant trees.
The sites should be accessible making it easy for individual farmers totake care and maintain the trees planted with less effort. A low risk ofillegal cutting is also an important requirement.
If watering is necessary for plant growth, it is indispensable to acquirewater-use rights from the local community.
Local community members are also important actors in promoting
re-afforestation activities. They can participate actively in tree planting on
the mountain ridge for prevention of soil erosion in agricultural land,
protection of river bank, and generating funds for management andmaintenance of public facilities such as schools.
3.2 Selection of suitable tree species
In any area, selection of appropriate tree species suitable for the naturalenvironment of respective region is imperative in order to make tree
planting successful. The key for success in tropical semi-arid areas is toselect highly drought-tolerant tree species.
Standard of the selection is also based on the uses of the tree species.
“Multi-purpose trees" are important plantation trees. As trees are often
planted as part of agroforestry, it is necessary to grasp properties ofrespective trees and consider planting and management methods to reduce
competition with other plants over water.
Selection should also focus on tree species that are on the verge ofdepletion due to over exploitation as fuel wood and also tree species
retained intentionally by residents for traditional use.
“Potential Habitat” of eighteen drought-tolerant tree species in total thathave been planted preferentially in arid and semi-arid areas and for whichpast research papers are available were analyzed in trial base through thisproject. The methodology and result of the analysis is introduced to anotherguideline named “Guidelines for re-afforestation and water conservation in
drylands”. The species include both indigenous and exotic tree species
namely: Acacia senegal, Acacia tortilis, Acacia xanthophroea, Azadirachta

indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Combretum acleatum, Combretum collinum,
Combretum molle, Combretum shumannii, Eucalyptus camaldulensis,

3Eucalyptus globulus, Eucalyptus saligna, Faidherbia albida, Melia
volkensii, Senna siamea, Senna singuneana, Senna spectabilis andTamarindus indica. The species local names and uses are given in Table1.
Table 1: Recommended species for planting in dry areas, their local names and uses
Scientific nameLocal Name

Uses

01

Acacia senegal

King’ola1), Kikwata, Mgunga2), Enderkesi4), Mung’oora7), Ekunoit8)②③④⑤⑥⑧⑨⑩

02

Acacia tortilis

Mulaa1), Mgunga2), Oltepesi4), Mugaa5), Mugaa7), Ewoi8)①②③④⑥⑦⑧⑨⑪⑫⑬⑭⑮

03

Acacia xanthophroea

Kimweya, Musewa1), Murera3), Olerai4), Murera6)①②③④⑥⑧⑩⑨⑮

04

Azadirachta indica

Neem1), Mkilifi2)①②③④⑥⑧⑨⑬⑮

Balanites aegyptiaca

Mulului1), Mjunju2), Olng’oswa, Olokwai4), Mububua5), Muboobua7), Eroronyit8)①②③④⑤⑦⑧⑩

Combretum acleatum

Muthigoora, Mucigi7), Ekabekebeke8)②⑦⑧⑨⑫

Combretum collinum

Itithi, Mutithi1), Ekimeng’8)②③④⑧⑨⑬08

Combretum molle

Muama1), Mukura, Murema3), Olmaroroi, Emaroroi4), Murama6), 7), Ekamiro, Eguyen8)①②③④⑤⑧⑨09

Combretum shumannii

Mgongolo, Mpera mwitu, Mgurure2)①②③⑤⑧⑨

10

Eucalyptus camaldulensis

Musanduku1), Mubau, Munyua mai3)①②③④⑨⑪⑬⑮

11

Eucalyptus globulus

Mubau, Munyua mai, Muringamu3)①②③④⑧⑨12

Eucalyptus saligna

Musilikina1), Mtinbao 2), Mubau, Munyua mai, Muringamu3)①②③④⑧⑨⑬

Faidherbia albida

Olasiti, Olsati, Olerai4), Edurukoit, Ekurichenait8)①②③⑥⑦⑪⑫⑬

Melia volkensii

Mukau1), Mukau2), Mukau7)①②⑥⑧⑨⑬

Senna siamea

Ikengeta1)①②③④⑧⑨⑪⑬⑮

16

Senna singuneana

Mukengeka, Munyunga nai1), Mbaraka2)⑧⑪

17

Senna spectabilis

Mhomba2), Muchingiri3)②③④⑤⑨⑬⑮

18

Tamarindus indica
Kithumula, Kikwasu1), Mkwaju, Msisi2), Oloisijoi4), Muthithi5), 6), 7), Epeduru8)①②③⑥⑦⑧⑨⑪⑬⑮
Key for the local languages: 1) Kamba, 2) Kiswahili, 3) Kikuyu, 4) Maasai, 5) Mbeere, 6) Meru, 7) Tharaka, 8) Turkana
Key for the uses: ①timber, ②firewood, ③charcoal, ④poles, ⑤tools, ⑥fodder, ⑦food, ⑧medicine, ⑨bee forage,⑩gum/resin, ⑪tannin/dye, ⑫fiber, ⑬shade, ⑭live fence, ⑮ornamental

05
06
07

13
14
15

4.0 Tree planting and management techniques
4.1 Nurturing of seedlings
Survival of trees in the dry lands can be enhanced through nurturing ofhigh quality seedlings and hardening of the seedlings.
4.1.1 Nurturing of high quality seedlings
Following operation in appropriate way should be done for thedevelopment of high quality seedlings such as: Selection of variety suitable
for local environment; Selection of high quality seeds; Pre-emergencetreatment of seeds; Preparation of high-quality soil; Selection of plastic pot
of appropriate size and shape; Watering and weeding in appropriate timing.

44.1.2 Hardening technique
Hardening is a technique that makes seedlings drought resistant bystrengthening of the stem and leaves and promoting development of cuticle
layer of leaves (Fig. 1). Hardening up of seedling is achieved through water
rationing (reducing watering to 1/2 then to 1/3 of the normal amount) andincreasing solar radiation. This process is essential and should be started atleast 2 weeks before planting. The root system development within the pots
is also promoted and the balance between above-ground parts andunderground parts (T-R ratio) will be improved to ideal ratio, through theseprocesses.
4.1.3 Root pruning
Sunken beds are often used in arid and semi-arid areas to conserve soil
moisture (Photo 1). However, thickened roots sometimes will develop into
the soil accumulated between pots. Cutting of the thick roots must be
avoided to ensure high seedling survival rate. This can be attained throughchanging the positions of the pots on a regular basis and cutting the rootsthat extend outside of the pots before they grow thick.

Photo 1: Seedlings growing up on a Sunken bed

Fig 1: Benefit from hardening treatment

4.2 Tree planting
4.2.1 Planting density
Tree spacing and the number of trees that can be planted are limited by
the rainfall amount. In case of Melia volkensii planting in Kenya, 5 by 5m
interval is used in areas with annual rainfall below 900 mm (agro-climaticzone V-2; mean annual temperature: 21 to 23°C) while 15 to 20 m interval
is used in areas with annual rainfall of about 450 mm (agro-climatic zone
V-1; 23 to 29°C).
4.2.2 Planting hole size
Typical size of planting holes for trees is from 30 cm in diameter x 30 cm
in depth to 45 cm x 45 cm. Planting holes within this size range are5generally used in dry areas such as Kitui, Kenya. The planting holes should
be dug and partially covered before the end of the dry season to ensuresufficient water infiltration down to the bottom of the hole at the start of
the rainy season. Early preparation of the holes is necessary as it may takea long time if the number of trees to be planted is large.
4.2.3 Tree planting
To ensure that seedlings have a long growth period in order to promote
sufficient root development and obtain high survival rate, tree planting
should be carried out when standardized accumulative rainfall amount has
been obtained. The standard of the accumulative rainfall amount is about
100 mm. Fine roots suffer more or less damage when planting and thiswill be a significant factor that decreases the survival rate especially in arid
areas. To improve the survival rate, it is recommended to trim off branchesleaving the top 2 or 3 branches to ensure good balance between
transpiration and water absorption in case of broad-leaved trees.
4.3 Management of planted trees
4.3.1 Prevention of forest fire
Since most of the causes of forest fires are man-made, it is important tocreate awareness and obtain understanding and cooperation of local
communities regarding forest fire prevention, and to provide systems formonitoring fire outbreaks and firefighting.
4.3.2 Protection from browsing damage by livestock
The most reliable measure is to enclose each planting site by fence.
However, this cost high and is not practical sometimes. It is therefore
necessary to obtain understanding and cooperation of local communities
and make rules of grazing and taking measures to secure livestock feed e.g.
planting of fodder trees.
4.4 Harvesting
4.4.1 Felling cycle and timing
In order to maximize benefits, it is important to make a plan for
management of a site with good understanding on demands and commodity
standards in each region. Although the market value at a particular timeand fluctuation of demand are significant factors to determine felling
timing, it is also important to focus on water competition with crops if trees
are planted within agricultural lands.

65.0 Water Harvesting Techniques
5.1 Micro‐catchment
This technology can be applied in areas with annual rainfall of 200 to 750
mm. Various types of microcatchments including U-shape, V-shape andW-shape are used depending on rainfall amount and slope condition (Fig.
2-5). U-shape is expected to also benefit plants other than the planted trees.
V-shape is effective in concentrating water on one point, and is suitable forareas with more severe dry conditions. W-shape consist of connected
V-shape mounds to harvest all surface runoff in the area and this type of
microcatchments is used in extremely dry areas. In general, trees areplanted inside of the mound on which water is concentrated. However, tree
species such as Melia volkensii should be planted outside of the moundsince they are prone to root rot when subjected to waterlogged conditions.
The position of planting the tree should therefore be determined according
to characteristics of the tree species and the soil type.

Fig. 2: Proceeding & concept of MC

Fig. 3: Planting point

Fig. 4: An arrangement of U-shape MC

Fig. 5: An arrangement of W-shape MC

5.2 Negarim system
This consists of compartments separated by mound establishedcontinuously within a certain area. The area of 1 sq m within thecompartment is dug down to the depth of 50 cm as the water storage section
and the removed soil is used for the mound part (Photo 2 and3, Fig. 6). One

7

side of the water storage section has ramped part and trees are planted
there. This technique is applicable in areas with annual rainfall of 150 mm
or below, and can be applied in the land of slope angle between flat to 5%.

Water Water

Waterlogging
Seedling planting spot

: Negarim water catchment

Photo 2: An arrangement of Negarim MC (Upper
left)
Photo 3: Concept of Negarim MC (Left)
Fig. 6: Structure of Negarim MC (Upper right)

5.3 Contour ridge
This technique is used for planting trees within agricultural lands withthe aim of supplying water to crops as well (Fig. 1 and Photo 4). This
technique is effective for areas with annual rainfall of 350 to 700 mm andmay be applied in regions with rainfall as low as 200 mm if tree planting is
the primary purpose.

Fig. 7: Concept of contour ridge

Photo 4: An example of contour ridge

5.4 Bench terracing
This technique promotes soil infiltration of surface runoff water by
reshaping the land into the terrace shape in steep terrains (Fig. 8 and Photo85). The technique is used for areas with annual rainfall of 100 to 600 mm,
and slope angle between 20 and 50%.

Fig. 8: Concept of bench terrace

Photo 5: An example of bench terrace

5.5 Fanya‐juu terracing
This is an improved version of the “Bench terracing” (Photo 6 and 7). The
technique can be applied where annual rainfall is 700 mm or higher, andthe slope angle is 5 to 20%.

Photo 6: An example of Fanya-juu terracing

Photo 7: A variation of Fanya-juu terracing

5.6 Circular micro‐catchment
Planted trees are encircled by a circular mound and water is pooled
inside the mound. This technique is primarily used for fruits production
within flat land where watering is possible. Application of mulch within
this micro-catchment leads to more efficient results.
5.7 Large scale planting holes
By making larger planting holes, the amount of water maintained in soil
can be increased (Fig. 9). This is effective in promotion of early developmentof the root system to the groundwater level. Characteristics and applicablearea of each water-harvesting techniques are shown in Table 2

9

Fig. 9: Large-scale planting pit
Upper left: Installation of large-scale planting pit
Upper right: A proceeding to backfill
Left: Water harvesting and infiltration

Table 2: Characteristics and applicable area of each water-harvesting techniques

1.
2.
1)
2)
3)
4.

Types ofwater
catchment

Slope

Annualrainfall

Agro-forestry

Labor
requirement

Remarks

Negarimflat - gentle

Feasible even
150mm below

difficultslightly large

have high adaptability to severearid condition

gentle200-750mm

possibleslightly large

most adaptable to aridcondition among 3 types

gentle200-750mm

possiblesmall

gentle200-750mm

possiblesmall

gentle(200)
350-700mm

optimum

largemainly use to agro-forestry

100-600mm

optimumvery large

mainly use to agro-forestry
adaptable to steep terrain

optimum

largemainly use to agro-forestry

possiblesmall

possibleslightly large

Half-moonMC
W-shapeMCV-shapeMCU-shapeMC
Contour ridge

gentle – steep(20-50%)gentle(5-20%)

5.

Bench terrace

6.

Fanya-juu

7.

Circular MC

basically flat8.

Big hole

flat - gentle

700mm
or morebasically
watering
500-600mm(Myanmar)correct run-off water on one
point
improve soil moisture in(comparison with other 2)

wide

range

periodically watering is basic
requirement
effective in root development
as well as soil moisture retention

6.0 Water Conservation Techniques
6.1 Tillage (Soil plowing)
Tillage is practiced in various regions for improvement of physicalproperties of soil, repression of the reproduction of weed, and inhibiting
evaporation due to capillarity.
However, it is imperative to determine the range of applicationconsidering geographical features and application of organic fertilizers

10because it has a risk of causing shortage of organic nutrients and soil
erosion especially in sloppy lands. In general, for trees, soil under the rangeof canopies will be plowed up to 30 cm in depth.
6.2 Mulching
Mulching is a technique for suppressing evaporation of soil moisture fromsoil surface by covering soil surface with tree branches and grasses.
However, mulching with organic material may attract termites.
6.3 Cover plants
Plant bodies covering the soil surface are expected to reduce moistureevaporation from the soil surface. The plants that spread wide leaves
horizontally across the soil surface like “creeping beans” is suitable to use.
6.4 Complete weeding (Complete weed removal)
This is a technique that was developed during Social Forestry Training
Project (SFTP) implemented jointly by JICA and KEFRI in Kitui. Weeds
are completely uprooted to reduce water competition with trees and also
limit the evaporation of soil moisture due to capillarity. However, complete
weeding also poses a risk of causing soil erosion and loss of nutrients aswith soil ploughing. It should be applied just around the trees, especially insloping lands.

7.0 Water Saving Techniques
7.1 Direct sowing
This is a technique that involves sowing the seeds directly at the target
point. This technique saves not only water but also nursery materials suchas soil by applying this technique.
In West Africa, application of this technique to Acacia nilotica, A. senegal,
Senna siamea, Azadirachta indica, Balanites aegyptiaca, Moringa oleifera,
Prosopis juliflora, Ziziphus mauritaniana was reported. Appropriate seedpre- treatment to promote germination is required before sowing dependingon the species.
7.2 Direct‐planting of cuttingThis is a technique which involves direct planting of cuttings from tree
branches/ twigs into the target point or area. The technique saves waterand nursery materials especially for species such as Euphorbia turicallii
and Gliricidia sepium.

118.0 Other techniques to improve water environment
8.1 Watering (large scale)In some cases, circular micro-catchments are installed for watering for
fruits production. Because a certain amount of water is consumed bywatering, consensus building inside the community is required before theapplication of this facility.
8.2 Watering (small scale)
PVC tubes and plastic bottles are some of the materials used as
small-scale facilities for watering. This is applicable only to the range easy
to access because regular management is required,.

9.0 Acceleration of natural regeneration by exclosures
Forest vegetation from degraded land can be regenerated by avoiding thepressure from human activities and browsing by domestic animals. This
technique was demonstrated through experiment in Turkana, Kenya. The
practice must be acceptable to local communities to succeed because theexclosures are usually managed jointly. The exclosures should be protectedusing community laws, hired guards to patrol the exclosure, fencing withbarbed wire or hedges or dead branches of thorn trees. The cost of theenclosure is influenced by types and materials. Materials of low cost arerecommended for the practice on a large scale. Existence of mother trees
and/ or buried seed in the area of exclosure are mandatory requirement forregeneration.

10.0 Conclusion
Forest management based on the maintenance of local water balance isthe fundamental issue for appropriate wood production corresponding to
the initial objectives of sustainable development of forestry under
persistent water consumption. New systematized techniques for
re-afforestation in dry lands are desired to establish and to maintain the
open forest with adequate tree density control. Especially to clarify theeffects of tree density on the forest development, many kinds of forests
which have precise past management history are necessary to compare
growth properties under many kinds of site conditions. Then it is the issueof dry land forestry which should be started immediately, because a longtime is necessary to establish suitable experimental forests.

12

Photo 8: An example of tillage for a mango crop

Photo 10: Mulching using sawdust

Photo 9:An example of tillage –in an

Photo 11: Species of spreading form
suitable as a cover plants

Photo 13: Exclosure using barbed and acacia thorns

agro-forestry system

Photo 12: Circular micro-catchment

Photo 14: A regenerated exclosure fenced withacacia thorns (left) and un-regerated area (right)

13

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Contact address:
Director
Kenya Forestry Research InstituteP.O Box 20412-00200 Nairobi,
Tel; +254-724-259781/2, +254-722-157414,+254-734-251888
E-mail: director@kefri.org
OR
Regional Director
KEFRI Dryland Eco-Region Research Programme (KITUI),
P.O. Box 892, Kitui.
TEL: +254-44-22311/22626
E-mail: cdkitui@kefri.org, cdkitui@yahoo.com