Perspectives of the Hydrology of the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya

ASALs in the tropics present challenges to sustainable livelihoods that include; drought vagaries, land use/change, and increasing population with inherent water supply demands and vulnerability to pollution. Water insecurity, environmental degradation and declining agricultural productivity are threats to livelihoods. Climate change impacts on water resources and transboundary conflicts make resource management a daunting task. Knowledge on hydrologic processes of recharge, erosion and pollution and; climate change informs policy and stakeholder engagement. This chapter outlines the ASAL characteristics, rainwater harvesting techniques and gives insight on transboundary issues. It concludes that sustainable resource planning and development can be achieved through stakeholder engagement and multidisciplinary activities best carried out in watersheds. Planning based on information and data could yield improved livelihoods in ASALs.