The management of erodible soils in East Africa - a conservation planning model for support practices.

Abstract

Soil conservation requires the integration of structural measures such as terraces and cultural measures such as crop selection and management. Problems in the design, construction and maintenance of terraces, especially on steep land, have led to greater emphasis on cultural measures. However, the small farmer has limited flexibility in the selection and management of crops due to land shortage, the need for subsistence and uncertainty of markets. In areas of low and unreliable rainfall, plant cover is often poor and cannot be relied on to provide adequate erosion control on cropland. In such areas, structural measures can play a major role in conserving water as well as soil.