The role of enclosures in range rehabilitation was investigated through a case study at Kalatum in Turkana County where the use of enclosures and establishment of fodder species were demonstrated to the local communities in late 1980's. However, documented information on the impact of enclosures is scanty. Rehabilitation impact was evaluated through ecological sampling in fenced and unfenced areas and comparison of vegetation variables. The technology adoption was evaluated by Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques to determine the extent of enclosure expansion using social fence by local community. Results showed a higher density of fodder species in the fenced than in the unfenced areas (p = 0.019). For example, Acacia tortilis attained a density of 204 trees ha -1 in the fenced areas as compared to 74 trees ha -1 in the unfenced area and the average ground cover of Crysopogon plumulosus was 36% in the fenced as compared to 4% in the unfenced area. Technology adoption was good, as evidenced from fence expansion from the initial 5-ha established under research trials for 23ha community enclosures. The findings show the importance of involving local communities during the project cycle and recommends up scaling of this technology among pastoral communities in Kenya.

This study was designed to use LiDAR data to research tree heights in montane forest blocks of Kenya. It uses a completely randomised block design to asses if differences exist in forest heights: 1) among montane forest blocks, 2) among Agro ecological zones (AEZ) within each forest block and 3) between similar AEZ in different forest blocks. Forest height data from the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on the Ice Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICE-SAT) for the period 2003-2009 was used for 2146 circular plots, of 0.2-0.25 ha in size. Results indicate that, tree height is largely influenced by Agro ecological conditions and the wetter zones have taller trees in the upper, middle and lower highlands. In the upper highland zones of limited human activity, tree heights did not vary among forest blocks. Variations in height among forest blocks and within forest blocks were exaggerated in regions of active human intervention.