An Evaluation of Constraints in Climate Change Indigenous Coping and Adaptation Strategies for Sustainable Agro-Pastoral Based Livelihoods in Baringo County, Kenya

Abstract

The frequency and intensity of climate change events have overwhelmed the coping and adaptation capacity of communities resident in the arid and semi-lands of Kenya. This is evidenced by the continued over reliance on external food aid. The objective of this study was to assess constraints in climate change indigenous coping and adaptation strategies for sustainable agro-pastoral based livelihoods in Baringo County, Kenya. The study postulated that incorporation of indigenous knowledge can add value to the development of sustainable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. A social survey research design was adopt for this study. The target population was all the households in the study area. A completely randomized cluster sampling approach was used for data collection. Data collection instruments included questionnaires; focus group discussions; key informant interviews; personal observation and secondary data review. The data collected was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics; Pearson's Chi-square; and Correlation analysis. We therefore conclude that neither the indigenous knowledge nor the exogenous knowledge is yet fully utilized in the development process as each has inherent constraints that limit their adoption; and that conventional approaches have been perceived as more advanced and therefore have overlooked the potential in local experiences and practices. We recommend that indigenous knowledge needs to be captured, documented, preserved and transferred as well. To upscale any adaptation initiatives, there is need to improve indigenous knowledge information exchange between local communities; Community based Organizations; Non- Governmental Organizations; planners and academia. The use of the Integrated Knowledge Intervention Model (IKIM) conceptualized by the author is also recommended.