Implementing Web GIS for Monitoring Carbon Sequestration in Sustainable Agroforestry Projects

Abstract

This project implemented an internet-based GIS to support effective monitoring and evaluation of agroforestry systems on carbon sequestration on small scale farms in East Africa. Small scale agriculture is one of the main economic activities practiced by farmers in East Africa. The demand for more farm produce out of the diminishing land exerts pressure on existing farms, resulting in land degradation and consequently environmental degeneration in the region. Striking a balance between conservation goals and agricultural needs is not easy. There is a need to utilize technological advancements like GIS to establish appropriate farming practices that ensure improved and sustained farm productivity, as well as to conserve the environment. Quantifying and monitoring sequestered carbon not only provides revenue through certified carbon credits, but also a means of evaluating the impact of agroforestry methods on the environment. This project was undertaken to support the Vi Agroforestry Programme’s implementation of agroforestry projects, and to assess the amount of carbon sequestered. An internet-based GIS system was designed to share spatial data and information to project stakeholders and other audiences. The system primarily supports decision making in adopting sustained farming practices, and provides a reliable means of keeping track of agroforestry techniques and quantifying the amount of sequestered carbon at each project

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