Pathways and Impacts of Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration Practice on Land Use and Land Cover Changes in Semi-Arid Nyatike, Kenya

Abstract

This study analysed the spatial and temporal dynamics in the semi-arid region of Nyatike sub-County, Kenya, focusing on the influence of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) practices over a decade, 2013-2023, on land restoration. The study used remotely sensed Landsat data and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques to identify, classify and quantify seven major Land use and land cover changes (LULC) in the study area. Findings revealed LULC had undergone a significant transformation during the period. Reductions were detected in open trees and shrubs (-0.81%), grassland (-6.67%), dense tree cover/ forests (-1.46%) and wetlands (-0.81%). Land use increased in cropland (+17.42 %) and built-up areas (+0.15% and land cover under water bodies (+0.02%) also increased. The results indicate that most of the land initially under trees, shrubs, grasslands and forests was converted to cropland. Part of land was also converted to built-up areas. This reduction also affected the wetlands, which might have been converted to waterbodies and cropland, too. The adoption of FMNR practice in semi-arid region of Nyatike also revealed that North Kadem and Macalder Kanyarwanda wards adopted the practice and the practice has potential of restoring degraded lands through tree regeneration. A total of 37 tree species were identified, with Combretum collinum and Balanites aegyptiana being more dominant. These tree species may have contributed to improved soil nutrients, microclimate regulation and biodiversity enhancement. FMNR is a viable, affordable, low-cost and sustainable approach applicable in restoration of degraded landscapes in semi-arid areas and may be the ready solution for food insecurity.