assessing land degradation and conservation in somalia somalia water and land information management...
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Assessing Land Degradation and
Conservation in Somalia
Somalia Water and Land Information Management Project
Njeru L., Vargas R., Omuto C.
100 – 250 mm/yr
Pastoralism, Oasis farming, wood collection, charcoal production
300 – 500 mm/yrPastoralism and agro-pastoralism
400 – 600 mm/yr
Pastoralism, Agro-pastoralism, Rainfed and irrigated farming, wood collection
Ecology & Livelihoods
Land degradation challenge
1. Heavy pressure on the land (overgrazing / charcoal / enclosures)
2. Breakdown of traditional land management systems
3. Naturally a marginal environ.
Land degradation concerns
Communities want information on > (1) State of the problem - spread and intensity, (2) Causes of the problem, (3) Impacts on People and
Environment, (4) What is being done or can be done
Use of LADA-WOCAT to map LD
1. Data preparation - LUS map developed and validated, supporting data compiled
2. Participatory assessments conducted in Somaliland, Puntland and South/Central
3. Results compiled for each Land use unit and land degradation and conservation situation mapped for the whole country
Land use systems1. Inputs > Bio-physical
characteristics and livelihoods (Livestock, farming, others)
2. Verified by field experts
Sample land degradation data
Lan
d u
se un
it
Main
Deg
. type
Oth
er Deg
. types
Exten
d o
f Deg
.
Deg
ree of D
eg.
Direct cau
ses of
Deg
.
Ind
irect causes
of d
eg.
Imp
acts on
eco
system
Rate o
f Deg
.
Land degradation classes
Loss of veg, Soil nutrient loss, Soil erosion (water)
Overgrazing, Cultivation in Marginal areas
Loss of veg, Soil erosion (water, Wind)
Charcoal production, In-migration -Insecurity
Loss of veg, Loss of biodiversity, Soil erosion (water, Wind), Salinization
Overgrazing, Cultivation in marginal areas, poor irrigation mgt
Land management practices
Few land management practices across the country
However, few success practices available
Conclusions
1. Good tool for mapping degradation & conservation
2. Good preparation needed – good base map and supporting data
3. Adequate time needed for the assessment to reach consensus
4. Land degradation dataset for Somalia now available
5. Dataset will guide land degradation and conservation interventions
6. At community level > LADA Local Assessment / WOCAT DBs and tools