In March, the Kajiado County Environment Department embarked on an ambitious 50-acre rangeland reseeding project as a climate change mitigation programme.
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In addition, the reseeding initiative aligned with one of Kajiado’s core development pillars—Modulated Pastoralism—which seeks to enhance sustainable livestock farming by improving pasture availability and resilience to climate shocks.
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Mr Naftali Mopel, a herder, told Climate Action that the idea that was long overdue to eradicate Ipomea, which was declared a county disaster by Governor Joseph Ole Lenku in 2024, had flopped due to the consistent lack of rain.
"Most parts of Kajiado have been experiencing little or no rain this year, affecting pastoralism. The much-anticipated April rains were minimal. At least the ipomea weed is no more where it was uprooted, but the rangelands remain bare, "Said Mopel.
The plant has heavy seeding ability, heavy foliage, a well-spread and developed root system, aggressive natural pasture competitor, and smothers natural pasture in its proximity. The weed can grow to a height of more than two meters, and one stool can spread up to four metres in diameter.
"Restoring our range lands was in line with the county police towards modulated pastoralism. Kajiado County is currently grappling with erratic climate conditions that have affected the re-seeding projects, "said Mr Ngugi. “We have some reserve seeds to disperse in the next April seasonal rains. We have also put up climate change adverse effects mitigation measures to cushion our farmers."
According to KALRO, Maasai love grass (Eragrostis superba) seeds in the soil can remain viable and germinate readily for at least 14 months, and potentially up to three years if stored in cool, dry conditions. The seeds usually begin to germinate within five to eight days of planting under favourable conditions.
