The nature of livelihood insecurity among agropastoral households in South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo Marakwet County
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Date
2024-06-13
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Office of Centre for Social Science Research
Abstract
This study assessed the nature of livelihood insecurity in the South
Kerio Basin, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, a semi-arid region. The
study, a cross-sectional survey design with a mixed methods
approach, was guided by the theory of livelihood insecurity. The unit
of analysis included households in three locations: Keu, Kibargoi, and
Arror. From a population of 8,199 registered households in the three
locations, a sample of 383 households was determined using Yamane
(1967) formula and distributed proportionately. An interview guide
was used to collect quantitative data, while qualitative data was
collected using key informant interviews and a focused group
discussion guide. Every kind of ethical consideration was taken into
consideration. The statistical package SPSS V22 was used to generate
quantitative descriptive and inferential statistics, and the Excel
spreadsheet was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study
established that households experienced varied livelihood insecurities
in terms of environmental variability, deficiencies in livestock
production, land use and productivity and income and household
endowments. These drove households to adapt to new livelihood
strategies, including diversification into horticultural production. The
study concluded that despite livelihood insecurities, horticultural
production offered households new livelihood pathways to meet their
needs. The study recommends partnerships and integration between
the National and County governments and the local community to
address livelihood insecurities and develop policies for strengthening
households' local capacity and coping mechanisms.
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Gitonga, J., Rono, H., & Muia, D. (2024). The nature of livelihood insecurity among agropastoral households in South Kerio Basin, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Journal of policy and development studies