An Assessment Of The Effectiveness Of Adoption Of Alternative Livelihood Strategies On Socio-Economic Wellbeing Of Pastoral Communities In Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Pastoralism is a key livelihood source for most people globally and makes an important contribution to Kenya’s GDP. Due to population increase, climatic and weather variations, living conditions have been worsening for the Maasai in Kajiado County forcing them to adopt alternative livelihoods for their survival. The study assessed the effectiveness of adoption of alternative livelihood strategies on socio-economic well-being of pastoral communities in Ildamat Ward, Kajiado County. The study was anchored on the sustainable livelihood framework and induced innovation theory. The specific objectives of the study were: To establish the profiles of the pastoralists and their effect on alternative livelihood strategies, determine the current livelihood strategies of pastoralists in the study area, the alternative livelihood strategies adopted by the pastoralists and their effect on their well-being and find out the support provided by development agencies and its effect on the socio-economic well-being of the pastoralists. Descriptive research design was used and targeted household heads and key informants in the five sub-wards of Ildamat Ward. Disproportionate sampling was used in the selection of the household heads while purposive sampling was used in choosing key informants. A total of 136 household heads and 20 Key Informants who were chiefs and village elders were sampled. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to gather data which was analyzed using SPSS in which descriptive statistics were presented. Findings showed that there were more household heads who were male and aged 40-49 years, with education level of up to secondary school level. Majority of the respondents were married with a large number of 7-9 children. Further, findings showed that most of the household heads owned 101-250 livestock, especially cattle, goats and sheep with sale of livestock and milk being their main source of income. Majority of the respondents had large pieces of land of more than 151 hectares. A good number of the respondents had an income of more than Kshs 50,000. Gathering and selling of wild fruits/herbs, especially for medicinal purposes was the key alternative livelihood strategy adopted by the respondents. Most of the household heads and the key respondents agreed that there were development agencies in the study site and that most of them had been individually supported by them. AMREF, World vision and MPIDO were among the development agencies working in the area. Healthcare was identified as the major support received from the development agencies. Use of alternative livelihood strategies enhanced access to water and sanitation in addition to increasing frequency of nutritious meals per day. With increasing susceptibility of the pastoral environments, there was need for the National and county Governments and development agencies to strengthen access of households to alternative livelihoods that could enhance their wellbeing.