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The catchment approach promotes sustainable land management systems by conservation of a defined area (so-called 'micro-environments') through the active participation of the communities living there. It was launched in Kenya in 1988 to achieve greater technical and social impact - and at a more rapid pace - than the previous focus on individual farmers. This case focuses on a single catchment in a sub-humid area of central Kenya. The emphasis is on structural measure - especially fanya juu terraces - but vegetative systems are promoted also. Other activities are supported such as spring protection , improved crop and animal husbandry, agroforestry, fodder production, fish ponds and others. The specific objectives are to stimulate the implementation of a variety of SWC measures leading simultaneously to improved production.
Each approach area is defined by cultural/administrative boundaries rather than strict hydrologiacal watersheds or catchments (as its name confusingly implies). A conservation committee is elected from amongst the focal community before problem identification begins. Technical staffs from relevant government and non-government agencies (NGOs) are co-opted onto the committee. The approach then involves participatory methods of appraisal and planning of solutions. Land users together with the co-opted subject matter specialists, pool their knowledge and resources. Common Interest Groups (CIGs) are formed with the aim of self-help promotion of specific farm enterprises. Training is given to the members of the CIGs by the Ministry of Agriculture. The farmers carry out the majority of the work themselves, ,monetary or other tangible incentives are few.
The end result is the micro-environment (catchment area) conserved for improved production and left in the hands of the community to maintain and sustain. The catchment approach was developed by (Swedish) Sida and continues to be promoted as the Focal Area Approach (FAA) under the National Agricultural and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP), which is again supported by Sida.
However under the NALEP there is less emphasis on soil and water conservation than the previous programme and more focus on promotion of productive enterprises.
