They are a living lesson in the need for sound management of the environment. These ASAL lands have undergone long-term degradation that has reduced both their actual and potential productivity, thus increasing unemployment in such areas. Desertification can be attributed in part to drought and highly variable precipitation but its effect and extent have been greatly aggravated by unsustainable increases in human and livestock populations. The Kenya approach to this problem will be to find the best way of combating desertification through scientific means and through community participation. Otherwise it will destroy the resource base for agriculture, livestock protection and wildlife management at an alarming rate.
Public participation is essential for the proper management of natural resources.
Everv one uses natural resources all the time. In particular in the rural areas the women and children of the village communities manage their own local resources on a daily basis. If development plans are going to work at this level, they must be consistent with the interests and needs of the farmers and herders, of the forest dwelling communities and the fishing villages. They have to reflect their active participation and ideas. Shortage of food creates insecurity and threats to the environment.