Effects of drought on household livelihoods and adaptation strategies in Laikipia west sub-county, Kenya

Abstract

Prolonged and severe droughts have affected many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, increasing cases of crop failure, hunger and destruction of habitats. Kenya has experienced worse droughts since the turn of the 20th century, with increased frequency in the recent decades. This study assessed effects of drought on household livelihoods and adaptation strategies in Laikipia West sub-County. The specific objectives of the study were to: analyze temporal drought trends in Laikipia West sub-County from 1984 to 2014; determine the impact of drought events on household livelihoods; establish the household perceptions to drought disasters; evaluate the household and community drought adaptation strategies and drought adaptation determinants; evaluate the role of institutions in managing local level drought adaptations in Laikipia West sub-County. The study adopted mixed research design where quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. The study utilized three sets of data, rainfall amount data (1984-2014), household surveys (N=196) and key informant interviews (N=8). Standard Precipitation Index, logistic regression, trend analysis, Kendall rank, chi square and percentages were used during data analysis. The severe drought years identified were; 1984, 1985, 1987, 1991, 2005 and 2009. The study also established that the average drought cycle in the study area is 3 years. On drought perception 53% of the households felt that the 2009 drought was moderate, while 47% felt that it was severe. Household drought perception was significantly related to source of income, land ownership and the length of engagement in farming activities. According to respondents, the 2009 drought impacted crops (75%), livestock (78%). Drought adaptations determinants are source of income, land ownership, training on agriculture and age. Household drought adaptation strategies in Laikipia West sub-County are: seasonal migration with animals (25%), search for employment (15%), off-farm practices (15%) and reducing the herd (14%). Community drought adaptation strategies are; stock cereals and grains (27%), change of cropping patterns when drought is predicted (13%) and drilling of boreholes (9%). Both formal and informal institutions perform the following roles: encouraging crop farmers to plant early maturing varieties and advise pastoralist on the need for emergency livestock off takes. The study recommends adoption of drought resistant crops such as sorghum and green grams and early maturing crop varieties. The study also recommends creation of awareness on the need to insure crops and livestock against drought risk. Future studies should analyze the role of indigenous knowledge on drought adaptation strategies in Laikipia West sub-County