The health of Kenya’s Lake Naivasha is improving thanks to the efforts of upland farmers who are practicing conservation agriculture techniques, including agroforestry.

The freshwater lake in the Rift Valley, 60km northwest of Nairobi, is home to around 350 bird species. Declining water levels and increased turbidity from runoff and the use of agricultural chemicals have had a negative effect on the lake.

Coast Week reports that under the Naivasha Payment for Environmental Services Project (PES) program, initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), farmers in the Wanjohi area have been able to reduce runoff into estuaries which feed Lake Navaisha.

The farmers have incorporated grass strips, agroforestry, river-bank protection measures and contours in their sloping farms, for which they receive financial rewards. This has improved both the quality and quantity of water flowing into the lake.

By retaining soils, the farmers are also benefitting from greater productivity. They are experiencing higher crop yields and many have ventured into planting fruit trees and growing Napier grass and vegetables to increase their income.

Read the full story: Survival of Lake Naivasha assured with proper farming practices