Abstract
Abstract Pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya depend on livestock for their livelihood. However, these ASALs are characterized by temporal and spatial climatic variation, making availability of resources uneven. Mobility is a key strategy used by pastoralists to efficiently utilize available resources, notably pasture and water. This strategy is being interrupted by a vicious cycle of livestock rustling/raiding. This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of livestock rustling and other household characteristics on migration decisions and herd size amongst pastoralists in Baringo District in Kenya. A sample of 110 pastoralists were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Binary probit model was used to explain the probability of migrating while ordinary least square was used to explain effects on herd size. Gender and age of the household head are significant (P < 0.1 and P < 0.05, respectively) determinants of migration, whereas both also significantly (P < 0.1) influenced herd size. Intensity of rustling, and loss of livestock to drought and/or disease also significantly (P < 0.01) influence the decision to migrate. Level of education had significant (P < 0.1) and negative influence on herd size, whereas size of household had significant (P < 0.01) and positive impact on herd size. Non-livestock income had significant (P < 0.05) and negative influence on migration and herd size. The practice of livestock rustling, rampant amongst pastoralist communities in Kenya and sometimes occurs across borders, influences pastoralists' decision to migrate and also their herd sizes. It destabilizes communities and undermines their normal livelihood strategies, thus contributing to increased poverty. Increasing the level of development in pastoral areas and formulation of appropriate policies will help in controlling the rustling menace.
Highlights
More than 80% of the total land area in Kenyatta University (Kenya) consists of arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) (Okoti et al 2004), where constraining rainfall and temperature conditions provide limited options for sustainable land use, other than mobile livestock rearing
Some of the household heads had at one time enrolled in primary schools but latter dropped out
Determinants of pastoral migration decisions The observation in the present study where male-headed households are more likely to migrate is in agreement with the traditional/cultural norms of most African pastoralists that allocate the responsibility to decide where to locate the household to the husband
Summary
More than 80% of the total land area in Kenya consists of arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) (Okoti et al 2004), where constraining rainfall and temperature conditions provide limited options for sustainable land use, other than mobile livestock rearing. Seasonal movement and nomadic pastoralism are the major economic activity and the main source of livelihood for the inhabitants of ASALs. Kenya’s ASALs support more than 30% (approximately 12 million) people, 50% cattle, 70% sheep and goats, and the entire camel population (SRA 2003). Livestock plays multiple roles in the lifestyle of pastoralists in Kenya, notably as livelihood sources, socio-cultural and religious functions, and asset and security against risks (Guliye et al 2007). Livestock is the main source of food by providing milk and meat, the basis of traditional social relations, e.g. payment of dowry (from the groom’s family to the bride’s family) during marriage or compensation of injured parties in tribal feuds, symbol of prosperity and prestige, store of wealth, and security against drought, disease and other calamities
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