Agro-Pastoral Community of West Pokot County, Kenya: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Climate Change Adaptation
Abstract
Climate change is now a reality and is one of the most important environmental and developmental challenges to the achievement of sustainable development goals, with implications for small-scale agro-pastoral productions. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities small-scale agro-pastoralists face in trying to attain sustainable climate change adaptation in West Pokot County, Kenya. The study used a stratified, purposive and random sampling technique. Primary data was collected from a sample of 384 household heads and validated through focused group discussions, key informant interviews and observations. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS V22) and Microsoft Excel. Data collected on perceptions of climate change were coded and analysed using descriptive and qualitative content analysis. The small-scale agro-pastoral community employs a variety of strategies to respond to the adverse effects of climate variability and change. Alternative livelihoods, migration, water harvesting, irrigation, planting drought-tolerant and early maturing crops, early land preparation and delayed planting are all examples of local responses and interventions. Others are staying away from flooded areas, uptake of soil and water conservation measures. However, the study identified a number of barriers to adaptation to climate variability and change, including crop failure, crop water stress, crop damage, insufficient water storage facilities, high costs, food shortages, livestock deaths, pests, and diseases. The opportunities available are strengthening the capacity of small-scale agro-pastoralists on information and climate-smart agricultural technologies, innovations and management practices. The results are crucial in planning appropriate adaptation mechanisms in support of enhancing the resilience of the small-scale agro-pastoral communities to tackle climate variability and change
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