The link between seasonal climatic variability and poverty: A case study of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Baringo District, Kenya
Abstract
162 words
Poverty remains rampant in the dry districts of Kenya so that it
has now become an important item on Kenya’s development
agenda. The dry districts of Kenya receive low amounts of
rainfall, which is also erratic. These regions are predominantly
occupied by pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities.
Seasonal climatic variability effects these groups differently
and therefore impacts on their livelihoods differently. We report
in this study the relationship between seasonal climatic variability
and poverty in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities of
Baringo district, Kenya. There was more poverty in the dry
than wet seasons. In addition, the number of livelihood sources,
distance to market, ownership of livestock enclosure were
positively related to per capita daily income. Cultivators were
better off than non-cultivators, while education level and access
to extension sources positively influenced household income.
We recommend a diversification of household livelihoods
sources, increase in school enrolment, encourage practising
family planning and birth control as measures to alleviate poverty
in the semi-arid areas of Kenya.
Subjects
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