The ecological potential of land and water resources for food production and agricultural development and the appropriate policies for their management were the focal point of the FAO/UNFPA/IIASA study “Land Resources for Populations of the Future”. The results of this regional agroecological zones (AEZ) study for developing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, Southwest Asia and Central and South America were presented at the FAO Conference in 1983. The Conference recommended that the method, with a refinement of the resource data base, should be extended to detailed country planning of agricultural development. Kenya was selected for a case study to amplify and develop the methodology.
This main report presents the results of the methodological developments and the resource data base compiled for this first detailed country study, undertaken by FAO regular programme and in collaboration with IIASA and the Government of Kenya.
This work is the result of cooperation between numerous experts in different disciplines. Besides the authors, the reports have benefitted from comments and inputs from FAO staff, G.M. Higgins, R. Brinkman, M.F. Purnell, J. Antoine, F. Nachtergaele, I. Harder, C. Smith-Redfern and D. Mazzei in the Land and Water Development Division; A.W. Qureshi, R. Sansoucy and P. Hassoun in Animal Production and Health Division; E Wagner, F. Riveros and J.M. Suttie of Plant Production and Protection Division, A. Christoforides and G. Pietrantoni in Computer Service Centre; B.P. Dutia, M.H. Abbas and A. Zichy in Economic and Social Policy Department; C.H Murray and K.D. Singh in Forestry Department, and many others.
The cooperation with the Government of Kenya in initiating this case study has been decisive for its implementation. Invaluable early support and assistance was provided by Professor P. Ryan and members of his staff in the Ministry of Economic Planning. Many other Government Departments and Agencies in Kenya provided important insights and made available their data and information. Their contributions and assistance are gratefully acknowledged.
Finally, the support of the Managements of FAO and IIASA, and the Government of Kenya have made possible the completion of this work.
