Restoring Degraded Rangelands in Northern Kenya Using Buffel Grass

Abstract— This review paper seeks to explore the potential of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) in the fight against land degradation within arid and semiarid areas of the world, especially Kenya. Soil degradation impacts 1. 5 billion people globally and more than 60% of the Earth’s land surface experience poverty, hunger, and environmental pollution. The current drought cases in ASAL countries, including Kenya, exhibit the need to develop effective land restoration approaches. Several studies have reported that Buffel grass has improved germination and initial growth rates, improved disease control, improved water use efficiency, and increased resistance to weeds, which makes it a tool that could significantly alleviate problems related to soil erosion, low soil fertility, and land degradation. This review integrates the literature and case study evidence and presents practical recommendations for policy makers, land owners and managers and all interested in land restoration. This study highlights how buffel grass can be incorporated into sustainable land management practices while considering risks to the environment.