Agro-pastoralist Perceptions about the Impacts of Rainfall Variability on Livelihoods in the Lowlands of Marakwet West Sub-County, Kenya
Journal Title: Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International - Year 2017, Vol 13, Issue 2
Abstract
For farmers to decide whether or not to adopt a particular measure, they must first perceive that rainfall variability has actually occurred. It is necessary to have full knowledge of farmers’ perception on rainfall variability. Therefore, the present study sought to understand agro-pastoralist perceptions of rainfall variability and its effect on their livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive survey design that incorporated both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Stratified random sampling was done to sample respondents for household survey. This consisted of 310 household heads. Structured questionnaires, field observations and secondary data were used to collect data. The data from interview schedules was analyzed using content analysis, described and summarized. Results show that majority of the households had noticed variations in rainfall and its impact on their livelihoods. They perceived that rainfall variability to be increasing causing food shortages (82%), poor crop yields (72%), water scarcity (64%) and reduced livestock holdings (60%). Consequently, households had adopted both on-farm and off-farm. At farm level, diversification into drought-tolerant and commercial crops (80%) reduced livestock numbers (78%) timing farm operations (76%) and changing to heat-tolerant breeds (60%) were the main strategies adopted by the respondents. Off-farm strategies included observing early signs of weather (50%), terminating schooling for children (39%) and diversifying income sources into mainly charcoal burning (34%) and sand harvesting (31%). Therefore, to secure livelihoods and improve food security in the lowlands of Marakwet West Sub-County, rain-fed agriculture needs to be complemented with irrigation agriculture and water harvesting techniques.
Authors and Affiliations
Maiyo B. Toroitich, Mironga John, Were Edmond
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP321499
- DOI 10.9734/JGEESI/2017/35093
- Views 58
- Downloads 0
Overburden Thickness and Potential Tonnage Estimate of Olode-Gbayo Pegmatite Deposit, Southwestern Nigeria, Using Electrical Resistivity Method
Prominent locations in the Nigerian basement complex are known to harbor precious rocks and gemstones, in addition to the basement rocks being quarried for engineering construction. However, reserve estimates of these ro...
Agro-pastoralist Perceptions about the Impacts of Rainfall Variability on Livelihoods in the Lowlands of Marakwet West Sub-County, Kenya
For farmers to decide whether or not to adopt a particular measure, they must first perceive that rainfall variability has actually occurred. It is necessary to have full knowledge of farmers’ perception on rainfall vari...
Digital Earth in Enhanced Teaching Methods of Geography
The scope of Geography expanded with changing trends in the world. 21st century is fast growing with modern trends in computer technology information systems and virtual world to obtain data about the physical and cultur...
Is Climate Variability a Problem in Semi-arid Eastern Kenya?
Aims: The study set to determine the extent to which climate variability is a problem in semi-arid Tharaka sub-county, Kenya. Study Design: The study utilized a descriptive research. Specifically, focus group discussio...
A Survey of the Exploitation of Medicinal Plants: Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State in Perspective
This study appraised the uses of some indigenous medicinal plants in Gashaka Gumti National Park and the methods used in exploiting and processing the plants. Data for the study were collected through field observation,...