Impact of Climate Change on Health and Livelihoods of Pastoral Communities in Kenya: A Case of North Eastern Region

Amos Otieno  Wanjara; Paul O Ogembo

doi:10.47540/ijsei.v4i3.1078

Authors

Amos Otieno Wanjara School of Science, Kaimosi Friends University, Kenya
Paul O Ogembo School of Education and Social Sciences, Kaimosi Friends University, Kenya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47540/ijsei.v4i3.1078

Keywords:

Climate Change, Health, Livelihoods, Pastoral Communities

Abstract

The geospatial locale of the North Eastern Region naturally experiences dryness which when coupled with climate change poses a big threat to the livelihood and health of the communities therein. The region has of late experienced prolonged drought with serious ramifications on the health of the surrounding communities together with their livestock. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of climate change on the livelihoods and health of the Pastoral communities in N.E Kenya. The objectives of the study were: to establish how climate change affects the livelihoods of the pastoral communities; to establish the effect of climate change on the health of the pastoral communities in Kenya and to establish the appropriate intervention measures that could be put in place to address the climate change issues with its ramifications on the pastoralists in Kenya. The findings show that climate change has negative impacts on the health and socio-economic livelihoods of the pastoralists. The study used an empirical literature review adopting a meta-analytical approach. The study has implications on the policy directions on how to deal with the impacts of climate change on pastoralists, towards helping them adapt to the situation with resilience, while ensuring their welfare is guaranteed.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Aida, C.S., Omeny, Pfeifer, Olaka, M., Mamo, B.M., Merchant, R., &Neil, D. (2019). Climate change and pastoralists’ adaptation in Montane Kenya. Climate and Development 11(6), 513-524.

Aniwate, D. A. (2013). The influence of climate variability and change on land use and Lowlands in Kenya’s Southern Rangelands. Unpublished Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. Nairobi: University of Nairobi.

Ayanda, I. F. (2013). Assessment of effect of climate change on the Livelihoods of Pastoralists in Kwara State, Nigeria. Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics 5(10), 403-410.

Ayele, T., Detach, D., & Duba, D. (2020). Impact on climate change on Pasoralists’Livelihoods in Ethiopia: A Review. Journal of Resource Development and Management 63(5), 1-14.

Bobadaye, A.O., Ogara, W.O., & Onono, J.O. (2016). Assessing climate change adaptation strategies among rural Maasai Pastoralists in Kenya. American Journal of Rural Development, 4(6),120-128.

Borgerhoff, M., Fazzio, M., Irons, I., Bowles, M., Bell, A., Hertz, T., Hazzah, L. (2010). Pastoralism and wealth inequality revisiting and old question curriculum. Anthropol, (5), 35-48.

Citizen Television (22nd October,2023). On Climate Change induced school dropout rates and Marriages of underage girls in Wajir County, Kenya. Nairobi: Citizen Media.

Citizen Television (25th, October, 2023). Citizen Television Report on the Rainstorm induced raging floods in Marsabit County, Kenya. Nairobi: Citizen Media.

County Government of Wajir: Integrated Development Report, 2021/2022 Financial Year.

Dube, T., Moyo, P., Ncube, M. & Nyathi, D. (2016). Impact of Climate change on agro-ecological based livelihoods in Africa: A Review. Journal of Sustainable Development 9(1), 256-267.

Ferrer, R. L (1998). Graphical methods for detecting bias in Meta-analysis. Family Medicine-Kansas City 30 (2), 579-583.

Filho, L.W., Taddese, H., Balehegn, M., Nzengya, D., Debela, N. & Amare. (2020). Introducing experiences from African Pastoralists’ Commitment to cope with Climate Change risks, Hazards and extremes: Fostering Poverty Reduction. International Journal of Disaster and Risk Reduction, 50(2), 101-117.

Food and Agricultural Organization. (2023). Strengthening Self-Reliance amongst drought affected communities in East Africa. FAO.

Food and Agricultural Orgarnization. (2005). The socio-economic contributions of livestock form ASALs in Kenya.

Gentle, P. & Thwaites, R. (2016). Transhumant Pastoralism in the context of socioeconomic and Climate Change in the Mountains of Nepal. Mountain Research and Development 36(2), 173-182.

GoK. (2005). Millennium Development Goals. Nairobi. Government of Kenya (2015) Unlocking Our Full Potential for Realization of Kenya Vision 2030. National Policy for Sustainable Development of Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands. Ministry of Devolution and Planning.

GoK. (2013). Government of Kenya: Integrated County Development Plan 2013-2017, County Government of Kajiado.

Government of Kenya (GOK). (2015). Unlocking on full potential for realization of Kenya Vision 2030. National Policy for Sustainable Development on Northern Kenya and the Arid Lands: Ministry of Devolution and Planning.

Henri, O.S. (2014). Impacts of climate change on livelihoods of Loita Maasai and related indigenous knowledge on adaptation and mitigation. Nairobi: Oxford.

Inman, N.E., Hobbs, J.R. & Tsvuura, Z. (2020). No safety net in the face of climate change: The case of Pastoralists in Kunene Region, Namibia. PloS one, 15(9), 238-248.

IPCC. (2001). Climate change 2001: Impacts, Adaptations, and Vulnerability Report on working Group II Synthesis Report. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Janepeter, S., Francis, E.O.O. & Jurgen, S. (2012). Rendering Pastoral Livelihoods: Motives and Effects of violent conflicts in North Western Kenya Pastoralism. Kenya Institute of Policy Research and Practice (KIPPRA).

Kagunyu, W.A. (2014). Effects of Climate Variability on the Livelihoods and coping strategies of the Borana Community in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya. Unpublished Master of Environmental Science Thesis, University of Nairobi.

Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research Analysis. (2007). Statistical information on Livestock Marketing in Garissa livestock Market. Nairobi: KIPPRA.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2009). National population survey report. Nairobi: KNBS.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Statistical information about ASALs of Kenya. Nairobi: KNBS.

Kirimi, N.J., Mwangi, G.J., & Nkurumwa, O.A. (2013). Climate change Challenges and adaptation strategies among pastoralists of Laikipia County, Kenya. International Journal of Agricultural Extension, 1(1), 20-30.

Kirui, K.L., Jensen, D.N., Obare, A.G., Muriuki, M.I., Chelanga, K.P., & Munenobu, K. (2022). Pastoral livelihood pathways transition in Northern Kenya: The Process and impact of Drought. Pastoralism, 12(1), 1-12.

Korir, C.J. (2019). Climate change stress on Pastoral Livelihoods in Narok County, Kenya. European Journal of Social Studies, 9(2), 11-23.

Lokapana, L.P. (2013). Socioeconomic impacts of drought on Pastoralists. Their coping strategies and Government’s intervention in Marsabit County, Kenya. Unpublished master of Environmental Science, University of Nairobi.

Majekodunmi, O.A., Fajinmi, A., Dongkum, C., Shaw, A. P. M., & Welburn, C.S. (2014). Pastoralist Livelihoods of the Fulani on the Jos Plateau of Nigeria. Pastoralism, 4(1), 1-16.

Moenga, B.O., Muchemi, G.M., Kang’ethe, E.K., Kimenyu, J.W., Mutiga, E.R. & Matete, G.O. (2013). The impact of climate change on the incidence of cattle diseases in a Pastoralist area in Kenya. Nairobi: Unpublished Master of Arts Thesis, University of Nairobi.

Mukuna, E.T. (2013). Assessing the impact of Climate change on coping strategies and Social safety on the Pastoralists of Narok District, Kenya. Informal and Formal Social Protection System in Sub-Saharan Africa, 191(3), 200-209.

Ndiritu, W.S. (2021). Drought responses and adaptation strategies to climate change by pastoralists in the Semi-Arid area of Laikipia County, Kenya. Mitigation and adaptation strategies for Global Change, 26(2), 1-18.

Ng’ang’a, W.T. & Crane, A.T. (2020). Social differentiation and Climate Change adaptation: One community multiple Pathways in Transitioning Kenyan Pastoralists. Environmental Science and Policy, 114(20), 478-485.

Ng’ang’a, W.T., Coulibaly, J., Crane, A.T., Gachene, K.C., & Kronchi, G. (2020). Propensity to adapt to climate change: Insights from pastoralists and agro pastoralists’ households of Laikipia County, Kenya. Climate Change, 161(15), 393-413.

Ojany, F.J. & Ogendo,J.B. (1973). Kenya:A study of Physical and Human Geography. Nairobi: Oxford.

Okoti, M., Kung’u, J. & Obando, J. (2017). Impact of climate variability on pastoral households and adaptation strategies in Garissa County, Northern Kenya. (243-249).

Okunola, R., Okuomola, A.D. (2015). Climate Change, desert encroachment and Community Conflicts in Northern Nigeria. African Journal of Social Sciences 11(3), 112-121.

Ole Saitabu, H. (2017). Impacts of Climate Change on the Livelihoods of Loita Maasai Pastoral Community and the related indigenous knowledge adaptation and mitigation. National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi.

Omolo, N., &Mafongoya, L.P. (2019). Gender, Social Capital and adaptive capacity to Climate Variability: A Case of Pastoralists in the ASALs of Kenya. Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 11(2), 744-758.

Opiyo, F., Wasonga, V.O., Nyangito, M.M., Mureithi, M.S., Obando, J. & Munang, R. (2016). Determinants of perceptions of climate change and adaptation among the Turkana Pastoralists in North Western Kenya. Climate and Development, 8(2), 179-189.

Oxfam. (2008). Survival of the fittest: Pastoralism and climate change in East Africa. Oxfam. Nairobi: OXFAM International Ltd.

Peter, J. Gregory, John, S.I., Ingram, M.B. (2005). Impact of climate change on food security in Kenya: the implications on human health. Philosphical transactions of the royal society B: Biological Sciences, 360(1463), 2139-2148.

Quandt, A., & Kimathi, A.Y. (2017). Perceptions of the effects of floods and droughts on livelihoods: Lesson from Arid Kenya. International of Change Strategies and Management, 9(3), 337-351.

Schimdt, M. & Pearson, O. (2016). Pastoralists livelihood under pressure: Eological. Political and Socioeconomi Transitions in Afar, Ethiopia. Journal of Science and Environments, 124(13), 22-30.

Sengre, T., & Verchot, L. (2006). Impact of adaptation to climate variability and climate change in the East African Community:A focus on Agricultural Sector: ICRAF.

Sinatayehu, W.D., Dalle, G. & Bobasa, F.A. (2020). Impacts of climate change on current and future invasion of Prosipus Juliflora in Ethiopia: Environmental and Socioeconomic implications. Heliyon, 6(8), 9-17.

Tawane, A.A. & Wakhungu, J.W. (2018). Risks of Climate Change to Agro Pastoralists development in Mandera County, Kenya. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Sciences, 5(4), 77-103.

Terdoo, F. & Adekola, O. (2014). Perceptions, Knowledge, adaptation and Socioeconomic cost of Climate Change in Northern Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Science, 6(8), 60-71.

Teresiah, W.N. & Todd, A.C. (2020). Social differentiation in climate change adaptation: one community multiple pathways in transitioning Kenyan Pastoralism. Environmental Science & Policy, 114, 478-485.

Theodory, F.T., & Milapula, M. (2014). Climate Change and Socio-economic Vulnerability among Maasai Pastoralist Community in Northern Tanzania. Journal of Policy and Leadership, 2(10), 20-22.

Volpato, G. & King, G.E. (2019). From cattle to Camels: Trajectories of livelihood adaptation and socioecological resilience in a Kenyan pastoralist community. The Regional Environmental Change, 19(2), 849-865.

Xi, S., Ding, W., Ye, W. & Deng, Z. (2022). Agro-Pastoralists’ Perceptions of Climate Change and adaptation in Qilan Mountains of North Western China. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 126-138.

Zampligre, N., Dossa, H.L. & Schlecth, E. (2014). Climate changes and Variability: Perceptions and adaptation strategies of Pastoralists and Agro-Pastoralists across different Zones in Burkina Faso. Regional Environmental Change, 14(2), 769-783.