Influence of climate change mitigation approaches on livelihoods’ security of pastoralists in Garissa township sub county, Kenya

Abstract

The sustainability of pastoralists' livelihoods is indeed significant, yet it faces considerable challenges due to climate change. Pastoralists depend on natural resources such as grazing land and water sources, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate variability and extreme weather events. Climate change poses significant threats to the livelihood security of pastoralists in Garissa Township Sub County, through its impacts on water availability, forage quality, and overall ecosystem stability. Prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasing temperatures are leading to reduced livestock productivity and exacerbating land degradation, thereby compromising the economic, social, and environmental resilience of pastoralist communities. This study aims to evaluate how mitigation approaches to climate change affect the security of livelihood for pastoralists in Kenya's Garissa Township subcounty. The following specific objectives will guide the study: To assess the relationship between water management and livelihoods security of pastoralists in Garissa Township subcounty; To establish the relationship between climate resilient infrastructure and livelihoods security of pastoralists in Garissa Township subcounty; and to determine the relationship between diversification of livelihood and sustainable livelihoods security of pastoralists in Garissa Township subcounty, Kenya. Resilient theory and livelihoods theory serve as the foundation for this investigation. It makes use of both correlational and descriptive research designs and is based on a mixed research methodology. The target population entails about 7383 households keeping cattle, sheep, goats, and camels for the past five years make up the target population. Yamane sampling formula was used to determine a sample size of 379. Semi-structured questionnaires was used to gather primary data. There was the use of both inferential and descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. At the 0.05 significance level, the hypothesis was tested. The data analyzed was presented in the form of tables and figures. The study found that water management’s critical role in livelihoods security. Enhancing boreholes, purification, and community capacity is essential for resilience, aligning with Resilience. Regression analysis (p = 0.003) showed that water management underscores infrastructure’s significance in Garissa Township subcounty. Strengthening shelters, fodder systems, and ecological restoration, while leveraging veterinary gains, is vital for resilience, supporting Resilience Theory’s emphasis on robust systems in Garissa’s semi-arid context. Regression analysis (p = 0.000) showed that climate resilience infrastructure had a strong impact on livelihoods security. Per Livelihoods Adaptation Theory, enhancing water access, infrastructure, and skills training is crucial to broaden diversification beyond pastoralism. The study recommends that the County Government of Garissa and other relevant organizations prioritize Water Infrastructure Development in Garissa Township subcounty. The Ministry of Agriculture should Strengthen Climate-Resilient Infrastructure as well. The study's findings may support policy makers in garnering support from stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners, and local communities, for the implementation of climate change adaptation policies.