Assessing socio-ecological change dynamics using local knowledge in the semiarid lowlands of Baringo District, Kenya
Abstract
173 words
A clear understanding of the social and ecological change
dynamics in pastoral ecosystems is imperative for formulation
of appropriate policies that ensure sustainable resource use and
livelihood security of pastoral households. Spatial and temporal
ecological knowledge expressed by those with long familiarity
with the ecology has been shown to be more superior in quality
and resolution than those gathered remotely and modelled
digitally. This study adopted a local perceptions approach in
assessing the social and ecological change dynamics in the
Njemps Flats over a period of 40 years in Baringo, Kenya. The
results reveal a changing vegetation structure, declining diversity
and increasing soil erosion that are attributed to the rise in both
human and livestock populations. The results also show a rising
trend in diversification of asset portfolios in response to
impoverishment as a result of the declining pasture and livestock
productivity. These findings suggest that pastoralism in Baringo
is a system in transition, attempting to maintain itself while at
the same time trying to adapt progressively to a continuously
shrinking resource base.
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