Evaluation of Drought Management Strategies for Enhanced Food Security in West Pokot County, Kenya

Abstract

Drought risk reduction is the main strategy that is considered as part of initiatives that aim at mitigating the risk posed by drought. Reducing community vulnerability to the effects of recurrent droughts in ASAL Counties requires a comprehensive multi-sectorial approach. The drought risk reduction (DRR) in West Pokot County is a new approach to addressing the chronic impact of drought through adopting long-term strategies. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the drought management strategies employed in West Pokot County. The study used an evaluation research design. Respondents were selected through random and purposive sampling methods. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 398 respondents identified through random sampling from different strata of the community and the stakeholders in the drought management and food security sectors. Interview guides were used to collect data from the key informants and focus group discussions. Quantitative data obtained from relevant institutions were analysed using the SPSS version 20 method. The results obtained from the analysis were presented in tables, charts, graphs, and narratives. The study found that 32% of the respondents indicated that growing of drought tolerant crops is a key strategy in reducing drought impacts, while 20% indicated limiting the portion size at mealtime, 38% prefer access to early warning information and 44% indicated livestock migration is the main mitigation measure for drought risk reduction initiatives. In terms of factors contributing to community vulnerability to drought, it was indicated that poverty was the main factor, with 40%, 35% indicating climatic variability, and 17% indicating dependency syndrome on foreign aid. The study further indicated for the humanitarian programs in West Pokot, 36% of the respondents preferred food aid, and 28% indicated cash transfer. These results are useful in developing mitigation measures to reduce risks from drought and enhancing the communities’ resilience to chronic drought and food insecurity adverse impacts.