The Impact of Fire On Grasslands Ecosystem; A Case of Mashuru Rangelands in Maasai Land, Mashuru Division, Narok County, Kenya

ABSTRACT A study on effects of burning in rangeland on the environment was carried out in Mashuru Division, Narok county. Chapter one defines what is rangeland ecosystem, importance of rangeland ecosystem, need for protecting rangelands, laws and policies on range management and conservation in Kenya. Research questions and objectives were also realized. A general research design was used in carrying out the study, method of data collection included questionnaires, interviews, photography and direct observations from different parts in Mashuru division. The research sampled a total of 100 individual to participate in the research. Various techniques frequently employed in the uptake of new technologies to overcome certain obstacles within the study, these included Purposeful sampling, frequencies, percentages and qualitative analysis. This was preferred because it gave out a representative data that covered a large area. Research findings revealed that, main activities practiced in Mashuru were Nomadic Pastoralism, cultivation of crops and marketing of animals and there products were among the major activities practiced. Accompanying practices included; burning of vegetation (grass), grazing were practices carried out by pastoralist in Mashuru division. While cultivators were involved in practices such as; cultivation of crops and clearing of land for cultivation. Reasons prompting people to burn grass in Mashuru was to; encourage fresh re-growth, among other reasons. The research provided clear guidelines to communities living in Mashuru on importance of abundance species found in grasslands and the need to protect such biodiversity. As public participation in this study was highly encouraged this will ease implementation process. Communities gained information regarding grasslands and the need to protect and manage such areas. This made them understand why it’s necessary to keep few animals and avoid overstocking. This is one method of way maintain the region’s productive potential and acts as form of maintaining regular supply of grass throughout the seasons.