Climate change and the emergence of helter-skelter livelihoods among the pastoralists of Samburu East District, Kenya

Abstract

Due to climate change, northern Kenya is experiencing intense droughts at shorter intervals with intermittent high precipitation and flooding. This has a major impact on livelihoods of the pastoral community, whose ways of life revolve around the availability of pasture and water for their livestock. Our study set out to determine the Samburu people’s perception of climate change and how they cope with its effects. Such information is important in developing evidence-based policies on adaptation strategies for African dry-lands. Our study undertook a survey of knowledge, attitudes and life histories among the Samburu communities using semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. Respondents indicated that climate change leads to soil erosion, local extinction of some faunal species, water and pasture scarcity, and intensification of conflicts over resources. This has negatively impacted on their livelihoods due to food shortage, human and livestock diseases, social and family instability, and general insecurity.