Land degradation in east Africa.

Abstract

This paper reviews the history and present crisis state of land degradation in the highlands of east Africa, which contain the most productive agricultural areas of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. The main focus is on soil conservation. Various responses to the crisis by governments, research institutes, donors and NGOs are examined, with a focus on Kenya, where achievements have been most conspicuous. The paper concludes with a summary of the prospects for solving the crisis in the future.