Socioeconomic Impacts of Drought among Pastoral Community in Kajiado County, Kenya

Environmental degradation, capital and entitlement losses worsen livelihood situation, low produce value addition and poverty challenges increased livelihoods vulnerability and exposure to drought events. The aim of the research was to investigate vulnerable livelihoods coping and adaptation to worsening drought hazard. Data collection methods were household questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Data analyzed used content and thematic analysis, Statistical Package for Social Scientists factor analysis. Results revealed population growth, intensifying resources use pressures, escalating food insecurity, urbanization and settlement. Sale of assets, charcoal burning, beadwork, herding, labour and relief intervention coping mechanisms. Drought adaptation measures were water pans, Tourism, milk marketing cooperative, self-help groups raised capital, the motor cycle (boda boda) transport businesses borehole drilling for water adaptive mechanisms. Limited market based disaster management interventions occurred. Drought mitigation measures were veterinary services provision, education. The study concluded the intensified resource uses and destitution, resource scarcity, population growth was exacerbating the impact of drought hazard on pastoral livelihoods. The study recommended integrated natural resources management to improve coping abilities to drought, establishment of adequate funding and timely release of funds for drought mitigation and the establishment of vocational and technical trainings to increases non pastoral related incomes.