National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)
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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
This study looks at how the inhabitants of the Ikanga-Kyatune Ward in the semi-arid Kitui County, Kenya adapt to the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts with a core concern on the diversification measures taken by the people for their lives and livelihoods sustenance. Using a mixed methodology to gather data from both household surveys (n=55) and key informants, the study findings show that the local people have adapted to droughts through multiple strategies aimed at diversifying sources of food and income to reduce the negative impacts of drought. On the whole, the data shows that in over 80% of households, crops and livestock diversification is still the most commonly used forms of diversification. The agro-pastoralism presents significant risks during prolonged drought periods which are characterized by famine. Comparatively, non-agricultural diversification methods yield consistent, though lower, levels of profits for diversifying families. Statistical analysis confirmed that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between diversification as measured by family income stability and household income stability (r=0.994, p<0.001). Although most (75%) of those surveyed believe that diversifying their livelihood reduces their risk, there are numerous barriers limiting their ability to do so, such as poor market access, environmental destruction and insufficient infrastructure and financial services. Suggested methods to support improved resiliency building against drought include utilizing climate-smart practices within agriculture, developing improved market access for value-added agricultural products, formalizing support to develop and improve non-farm businesses, and promoting gender-sensitive climate resilience policies through collaborative partnerships at both local and national levels.
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