Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in Mandera County, Kenya

Authors

  • Adan Abass Tawane  Department of Disaster Management and Sustainable Development, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA)
  • Dr. Edward M. Mugalavai  Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), Kakamega, Kenya

Keywords:

Community Livelihoods, Pastoralist, Early Warning Systems, Climate Smart Agriculture

Abstract

The high vulnerability of Sub Saharan Africa region to the impact of climate change results from over dependence on natural resources, poor infrastructure, pervasive poverty and the weak institutional capacity to respond and mitigate environmental disasters effectively. In Kenya, Mandera County is characterized by fragile and sensitive ecosystems with persistent droughts, floods, epidemics, livestock diseases and conflicts. The objective of this study was to evaluate strategic options for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Mandera County, Kenya. Sampling strategies included cluster random sampling, multistage sampling and simple random sampling. The study sample size was 384 household heads and the use of questionnaires, interview schedules, key informant questionnaires, focus group discussion and observation schedule were employed in data collection. Data analysis involved the use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Ms Excel. The results revealed that of the 384 household heads 13.3 % (51) embraced climate smart agriculture, 11.2 % (43) diversification of livelihood, 9.1 % (35) use of green clean energy resources, 8.3% (32) commercialization of livestock and livestock product while 3.4% (13) supported livestock banking respectively. The main internal (community based) measures included drilling of boreholes and wells 9.6% (37), planned grazing 8.1% (31), promotion of good governance, transparency and responsible leadership at the county level 7.8% (30) and construction of large scale dams 7.6% (29) respectively. External measures included provision of early warning system 12.5% (48), construction of viable high capacity dams 12% (46) and provision of subsidized animal feed by the County government 11.5% (44) respectively. Chi-square tests conducted on climate change adaptation mechanisms and key mitigation strategies against climate change showed that there was high significant (P<0.01) variation amongst the respondents. Coping strategies included; migration to areas with water and pasture 33.33% (128), praying for rainfall through special prayers i.e. robdoon and hersi 12.5% (48) and herd splitting (hoga rac) 10.2% (39) respectively. Indigenous knowledge mechanisms included observation of livestock behaviour 19.5% (75), observation of migration pattern of birds 16.4% (63) and signs of trees shading leaves 13.3% (51).

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International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology

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Published

2018-06-30

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Volume 4, Issue 9, July-August-2018

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Research Articles

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[1]
Adan Abass Tawane, Dr. Edward M. Mugalavai, " Evaluation of Mitigation Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation in Mandera County, Kenya, International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology(IJSRST), Online ISSN : 2395-602X, Print ISSN : 2395-6011, Volume 4, Issue 9, pp.163-184, July-August-2018.