Climate variability and response strategies among the Gadamoji agro-pastoralists of Marsabit County, Kenya
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Date
2013
Authors
Boru, Halkano Jillo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Climate is perceived to be changing thus calling for livelihood adaptation strategies and
integrated understanding at local level to guide in developing climate-resilient
livelihoods. The objective of this study was to assess perception of climate variability,
impacts and household response strategies among agro-pastoralist in Gadamoji division.
Saku District of Marsabit County in the periodI998-2012. Out of 1335 households, one
hundred and thirty three (133) were randomly selected from four sub-locations that make
up the division. Data was gathered using structured questionnaires and interviews
administered to households as well as three Focused Group Discussion. The study data
was statistically analyzed and results discussed and presented in graphs and tables. The
results revealed that local people have noticed rainfall and temperature variability. The
perceived changes include changes in various aspects of rainfall and increase in
temperature. Indeed, they were able to link their livelihoods albeit subjectively to climate
variability with79.3% of the respondents acknowledging that the changes have adversely
and significantly impacted on their households' sources of income. Main impacts
identified include repeated crop failure, reduced and/or loss of livestock holdings,
increased households' poverty and rampant water shortage. Besides, most respondents
anticipate that these effects will worsen in future with majority attributing the variability
to destruction of natural forest. The study also found that most households have adjusted
their crops farming and animal husbandry practices in response to climate variability
effects over the last 15 years preceding the study. Direct nature-based livelihoods
(livestock tending and crop cultivation) were reduced and alternative non-farm activities
(casual and wage employment, sale of wood products and trade) increased. In fact, only
24 % and 2.1 % of the respondents consider livestock rearing and crop farming
respectively as their main sources of income. The study, however, revealed that though
climate was a key factor, other social factors also accelerated the changes in livelihoods
strategies in the division. The study further revealed a number of innovative response
strategies pursued by households. These are: diversification to off-farm incomes, switch
to drought-resistant livestock types, saving of assets for lean seasons as well as kitchen
gardening practices. These measures are however found inadequate and are manly selfadaptation
practices pursued by households in a disorganized ways. In exploring desired
livelihoods options to future climate effects, the study found that most households prefer
to invest in small scale irrigation, engage in non-farm income activities, diversify herd
composition, practice agro-forestry, invest in livestock insurance as well as undertake
water harvesting. Further, the study revealed that both current and future strategies are
challenged by poverty and lack of capital, climate uncertainty and unreliable climate
information and inadequate knowledge on other livelihoods options. These constraints
can be alleviated through awareness on climate variability, support to existing livelihoods
strategies and assets, improve access to market information, enhance access to credit
services and adoption of conflict management strategies. Otherwise, achieving
livelihoods resilience and food security in the division will remain delusion for years to
come.
Description
Department of Environmental Education, 60p. 2013, QC 981.8 .C5B6