A Methodology for Assessment and Mapping of Desertification - Report of the Kenya Pilot Study (FP/620 1-87-04)

This report presents the evaluation of a provisional methodology for assessing and mapping desertification through a pilot study conducted in two regions of Kenya, focusing on refining practical approaches for broader application. It outlines the problem context, defines key concepts, and describes a hierarchical approach combining field data, remote sensing, and modelling techniques. The study examines physical, biological, and socio-economic factors, using selected indicators to analyse soil, vegetation, wind erosion, and human influences. It develops simplified models for wider-scale assessment and demonstrates their application using geographic information systems. Findings indicate limitations of the original methodology at larger scales and emphasise cost-effective data collection and integration methods for national-level assessments.