Agro-Pastoral Diversification and Livelihood Outcomes in South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Gitonga, Juster Kathure | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-03-06T06:21:40Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-03-06T06:21:40Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-11 | |
| dc.description | A Thesis Submitted to the School of Law, Arts and Social Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology of Kenyatta University. November, 2025 Supervisors Daniel M. Muia Henry K. Rono | |
| dc.description.abstract | Reports indicated that a third of the global population continue to experience livelihoods insecurity; most of them in Sub Sahara Africa particularly rural, arid and semi-arid regions. This study assessed the effects of agro-pastoral diversification, specifically, diversification into horticultural production on the livelihood outcomes in South Kerio Basin, EMC, Kenya. The key hypothesis was that agro-pastoral diversification would enhance livelihood outcomes. Objectives of the study were six namely to: identify socio-economic characteristics of households in South Kerio Basin; identify the nature of livelihood insecurity; assess the nature of agro-pastoral diversification; examine the nature of livelihood outcomes; examine the effects of agro-pastoral diversification on livelihood outcomes and identify measures to improve livelihood outcomes. The study was guided by the rational choice, agricultural diversification and livelihood insecurity theories. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and the target population was all households in Keu, Kibargoi and Arror Locations. A sample of 383 households was determined from a population of 8,199 households using Yamane (1967) formula and distributed to the three locations proportionately. Systematic sampling was subsequently used to draw the sample size. Data were collected using household questionnaires, key informant interview schedules and focus group discussion guides. All forms of ethical considerations were taken into account. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS Version 22, ad presented in tables, charts and graphs. Qualitative data was thematically presented in narrative and verbatim forms. In objective one, the study revealed that 83.3% of households were male headed with an average age of 42 years; 36% had primary education; 42.8% had farming as the main occupation and 51% had no formal land allocation. Average household annual income was KES 33,445. In objective two, it was established that households experienced varied forms of livelihood insecurities in terms of environmental vulnerability, deficiencies in livestock production, land use and productivity, income and household endowments. In objective three, the study established that a vast majority of households had diversified into horticultural production. Average land size was 3.4 acres and 1.1 acres and 30% of annual investments was deployed to horticultural production. A greater proportion of households incorporated horticulture into agro-pastoral production between 2017 and 2019. For objective four, results indicated that majority of households experienced minimum to moderate improvements on food and income security, ability to meet educational and medical expenses and socio-economic wellbeing as a result of diversification. In objective five, the study established that livelihood insecurities greatly influenced diversification at P<.001. Additionally, diversification into horticultural production significantly influenced livelihood outcomes at P<.001. In objective six, measures identified for improvement of livelihood outcomes included upgrading of irrigation systems and strengthening of the government and social support systems. The study concluded that despite livelihood insecurities, diversification was important for enhancing livelihood outcomes in the basin. It therefore recommends that national and county stakeholders should enhance horticultural livelihoods by reviewing policy and interventional initiatives that address agro-pastoral livelihoods, incorporate local socioeconomic capabilities in the intervention process; develop and implement community action plans that address local needs; household capacity building and financial support for horticultural adaptation in South Kerio Basin. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32655 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Kenyatta University | |
| dc.title | Agro-Pastoral Diversification and Livelihood Outcomes in South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Thesis |