Borrow pits rehabilitation, a gem for the promotion of livestock and wildlife potentials in asals

Abstract

This study explored the potential of surface runoff water collection into borrow pits with an aim to promote livestock and wildlife potentials in Laikipia County, where the Rumuruti –Maralal bitumen road passes. Survey data on livestock and wildlife water demands; Cooks method for determination of surface runoff water collection potential, borrow pits locations, and their capacities were determined while area meteorological data and literature review enriched them. The results from the above were computed, which helped to determine the would-be benefits of water collection in the borrow pits. The study has demonstrated the greater potential that borrows pits rehabilitation. Water collected in them can highly support livestock and wildlife production. This study recommends the replication of this practice in other ASALs areas to help exploit their full potential.