The Impact of Fire On Grasslands Ecosystem; A Case of Mashuru Rangelands in Maasai Land, Mashuru Division, Narok County, Kenya

Overview
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ii

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v

List of Tables ix

List of Plates X

List of Maps

List of Figures X~

List of Acronyms Xiii

ABSTRACT Xiv

CHAPTER ONE 1

INTRODUCTION 1

1.0 Introduction 1

1.2 Statement of the problem 2

1.3 Research objectives 3

1.4 Research questions 3

1.5 Significance of the study 4

1.6 Scope of the study 4

CHAPTER TWO 5

LITERATURE REVIEW 5

2.0 Introduction 5

2.1 Activities of nomadic pastoralists 5

2.2 Impact of burning Grassland zones on environment 5

2.3 Minimizing fire effects on vegetation’s 13

CHAPTER THREE .17

METHODOLOGY 17

3.1 Geographical background of study area 17

3.1.1 Location 17

3.1.2 Climate 18

3.1.3 Demographic and Populations profile 18

3.1.4 Relief and Topography 19

3.1.5 Vegetations 19

3.1.6Soils 19

3.1.7 Social Economic Activities 19

3.2 Sample size 20

3.3 Sampling design 20

3.3.1 Sampling technique 20

3.4 Data collection instruments 21

3.4.1 Questionnaires 21

3.4.2 Direct Observation 21

3.4.3 Photography 22

3.4.4 Data analysis and presentation 22

CHAPTER FOUR 23

PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSION 23

4.1 Characteristics of respondents 23

4.2 Common activities practiced in Mashuru division 25

4.2.1 Burning of rangeland 26

4.2.2 Grazing of animals 26

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4.2.3 Cultivation .27

4.2.4 Clearing of land for cultivation 27

4.2.5 Cultivation of crops 28

4.4 Reasons for burning rangelands in Mashuru division 29

4.4.1 Control Pests and Diseases 30

4.4.2 Control common weeds 30

4.4.3 Scare wild animals 31

4.4.4 Clearing land for crop Cultivation 31

4.5 Effect of burning grasslands ecosystem on the environment 32

4.5.1 Natural Ecological Successioir 32

4.5.2 Change in Soil structure 32

4.5.3 Change in Plant Species Composition 33

4.5.4 Micro climate 34

4.5.5 Vegetation! pasture level 34

4.5.6 Loss of income 35

4.5.7 Social factors 36

4.6 Measures that control the burning of grass land 37

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39

5.1 Conclusions 39

5.2 Recommendations 39

REFERENCE 41

APPENDICES 43

Appendix 1: Questionnaire 43

ABSTRACT A study on effects of burning in rangeland on the environment was carried out in Mashuru Division, Narok county. Chapter one defines what is rangeland ecosystem, importance of rangeland ecosystem, need for protecting rangelands, laws and policies on range management and conservation in Kenya. Research questions and objectives were also realized. A general research design was used in carrying out the study, method of data collection included questionnaires, interviews, photography and direct observations from different parts in Mashuru division. The research sampled a total of 100 individual to participate in the research. Various techniques frequently employed in the uptake of new technologies to overcome certain obstacles within the study, these included Purposeful sampling, frequencies, percentages and qualitative analysis. This was preferred because it gave out a representative data that covered a large area. Research findings revealed that, main activities practiced in Mashuru were Nomadic Pastoralism, cultivation of crops and marketing of animals and there products were among the major activities practiced. Accompanying practices included; burning of vegetation (grass), grazing were practices carried out by pastoralist in Mashuru division. While cultivators were involved in practices such as; cultivation of crops and clearing of land for cultivation. Reasons prompting people to burn grass in Mashuru was to; encourage fresh re-growth, among other reasons. The research provided clear guidelines to communities living in Mashuru on importance of abundance species found in grasslands and the need to protect such biodiversity. As public participation in this study was highly encouraged this will ease implementation process. Communities gained information regarding grasslands and the need to protect and manage such areas. This made them understand why it’s necessary to keep few animals and avoid overstocking. This is one method of way maintain the region’s productive potential and acts as form of maintaining regular supply of grass throughout the seasons.

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The Impact of Fire On Grasslands Ecosystem; A Case of Mashuru Rangelands in Maasai Land, Mashuru Division, Narok County, Kenya

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