History of ‘nature-based’ solutions to land degradation in the savannahs of Kenya: An analysis of literature and archival records

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a promising tool for combatting land degradation in the dry-lands of East Africa. These types of solutions are not new, however, and have a long history dating back to the colonial period. An understanding of the successes and failures of past efforts can provide valuable insights for current NbS projects. This study examines two specific dry-land areas of Kenya - Baringo and Kitui - which were the focus of much colonial effort at restoring degraded land. The study uses primary and secondary literature to examine these efforts through the lens of Nature-based Solutions. It then compares these projects with two modern restoration efforts in the same areas - namely sand dams and grazing enclosures. While both of the historical schemes had elements of NbS, they fell short in critical areas with respect to the implementation of the projects. The schemes failed to incorporate local communities into decision making processes to ensure long-term sustainability. Modern efforts overall do a better job at sustainable management - they deliberately seek stakeholder involvement - but they too fall short, often giving these stakeholders very little say in decision making processes. History can provide valuable lessons for implementers of NbS, as many of the solutions enacted today have antecedents in the past. The failure to involve stakeholders at all stages of a project is a lesson from history that continues to be learned.