A survey of the effects of improving major environmental factors to agriculture in east Africa

Abstract

This review was prompted by the recent decline in productivity in most of our economic sectors. The paper attempts to review somewhat selectively, research work related to the development of agriculture in East Africa through the improvement of some elememts of the physical environment, and aims at showing the ways man is changing his environment to meet his own ends i. e. increasing productivity. It is contended here that apart from social, economic and political factors, soils and related environmental parameters mitigate against the farming progress in the tropics (Moss, 1968). The role of soils in planning for agricultural development cannot be overemphasized. From the soils for example, plant roots receive essential nutrients, water air as well as mechanical support. It is against this background that the following parameters have been selected for discussion: soil fertility, soil moisture availability, soil erosion, and pests and diseases. On the whole the paper will highlight major areas of research in advancing agriculture.