Mr.Stephen Tirop

Influence of soil type, vegetation, landuse and environmental problems on infiltration rate into the two soils on the semi-arid Sibilo/Loruk watersheds (water catchment) in Baringo District was investigated. Infiltration was assessed during the dry and wet seasons by a double cylinder, infil¬trometer. Infiltration rates significantly dif¬fered among soils and site conditions (treatment) in both areas after 10 minutes and 180 minutes. Among site conditions in both seasons, intake rates were highest under Tree/Bush (TB), followed by culti¬ vated soils, intermediate on Open Grass (OG) and lowest on Bare Ground (BG). Cultivation temporarily increased infiltra¬tion rates. Bulk density (Pb), saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and organic carbon (Oe) sign.ificantly influenced infil¬tration in both areas during the dry and wet seasons in 1991/92. It was observed that water soil-erosion rates was higher in Loruk than Sibilo and this could be the rea¬son for high siltation of Lake Baringo and significant drop in the recorded fish output in the lake. This has not only resulted in less nutritional food for the people of the district but has meant loss of re~enue to the local fishermen. The siltation creates envi¬ronmental problems in the lake for produc¬tion of fish for child survival and develop-. ment in future. Fish is another cheap source of protein which could be more fully exploited. In Baringo area, water and sanitation are a big problem. The Baringo community in particular, has identified the need for water as its top priority. Water and sanitation is an important component for child survival and development in both areas

This article is about the programmes aimed at improving food production for greater self sufficiency at the household level based on clear identification of existing qualities of soil and water resources. Baringo district has varied soil types, ranging from high potential soils to low potential soils (60-70% land area) which require a bit of reinforcement, irrigation and improvement before any crops can be grown. Lack of rainfall in a good part of the district confines rain-fed agriculture to only a few parts. For most parts of the district only irrigation can facilitate production of any food and cash crops.