Climate Variability Knowledge and Response Strategies among Orma Pastoralists of Tana River County, Kenya
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Date
2024-05
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Enhanced climate variability has been recognized as one of the major 21st century global
challenges. Although these challenges are global in nature, the impacts are more
pronounced in certain regions of the world, threatening primary livelihood sources. The
African continent is experiencing these challenges, manifesting as frequent extreme
weather events like floods and droughts, which are significantly threatening agricultural
production. Kenya has been contending equally with the effects of enhanced climate
variability, with flooding and drought being the most common. Though these effects are
common across the country, arid and semi-arid counties are the most severely affected.
Tana River County stands out as one of the most affected counties. Despite the global
challenges and impacts, knowledge documented and shared, localized knowledge
evaluation, and assessment of implications on livelihood support systems have not received
much attention. Investigation of awareness and response strategies is particularly scanty in
Tana River County, Kenya, and more so among Orma pastoralists, hence the need to
conduct this study research. The study was conducted in Assa and Kipao, which are
predominantly occupied by Orma pastoralists. It was guided by three objectives, which
were to analyze the variability of climate components (temperature and rainfall) in Tana
River County from 1988 to 2018, to determine what Orma pastoralists know about
enhanced climate variability, and to analyze Orma’s pastoralist indigenous knowledge of
climate variation and its application to livestock management practices. A descriptive
research design and sampled 400 respondents, who were Orma pastoralists. Various data
collection tools were used to collect information on enhanced climate variability
knowledge and response strategies. Other data utilized included the vegetation condition
index, historical temperatures, and rainfall averages of the county. Statistical analysis was
done using the statistical package for social sciences, and the results were presented in the
form of graphs, tables, and charts, which were interpreted and discussed. The study found
that the level of climate variability awareness was quite high, with 86.34% (n = 278) of
male respondents and 76.92% (n = 60) among females. Year-to-year enhanced seasonal
variability of rainfall performance was demonstrated by increased spread from the mean
seasonal rainfall as σ = 64.45mm. Further, there was a significant association between male
respondents’ awareness of enhanced climate variability and change in management
practices, as x
2 = 4.003108, df = 1, and p = 0.045416. The study, therefore, rejects the null
hypothesis and accepts the alternative hypothesis. The same was true for female
respondents, as the association between level of awareness and adaptation of news practice
was p = 0.031686, less than 0.05 set as the significance level of the test. Despite adapting
some new practices, Orma pastoralists’ changes in livestock management practices are not
adequate for coping with the enhanced climate. It is therefore recommended that the
government of Kenya and the county government of Tana River continue to create
awareness of enhanced climate variability and support the diversification of livelihood
sources. As climate change impacts men and women differently, deliberate efforts should
be made by development actors to support projects that empower women.
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirement For The Award Of The Degree Of Master Of Environmental Studies (Climate Change And Sustainability) In The School Of Agriculture And Environmental Sciences Of Kenyatta University May, 2024
Supervisors:
1.Daniel G Manguriu
2.James K Koske