Assessing Vegetation Decline and Soil Conservation Strategies in Kitui County, Kenya: Implications for Sustainable Land Management

Aims: This study examines the impact of climate change on vegetation resilience in Kitui County, Kenya, with a focus on the decline of Melia volkensii. It also evaluates the effectiveness of traditional soil conservation techniques in mitigating land degradation and sustaining agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Study Design: A multi-temporal analysis of vegetation cover changes was conducted using remote sensing data, supplemented by field surveys and qualitative assessments of traditional conservation practices. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kitui County, Kenya, between June 2019 and May 2020. Methodology: Landsat images from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were analyzed using ERDAS Imagine 2015 and ArcGIS Pro 2.5. Ground truthing validated classifications, while structured interviews identified common soil conservation methods, including terracing, contour farming, mulching, and agroforestry. Results: Forest cover declined from 27% (18,649 ha) in 1990 to 10% (7,073 ha) in 2020, while farmland expanded from 8% (5,564 ha) to 51% (35,760 ha). Despite soil conservation benefits, adoption was hindered by resource constraints. Conclusion: Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern conservation strategies is essential. Policy interventions, financial support, and community involvement are critical for enhancing vegetation resilience and ensuring sustainable land management in ASALs.