Vulnerability of agro-pastoral community resulting from oil exploration activities at Lokichar-Kochodin basin in Turkana county

Abstract

Take-over of land from the pastoral communities in Turkana County for oil exploration and development has primarily affected the livelihoods of communities living in the region due to exposure to hazardous risks. This study has highlighted research that was conducted to determine the nature of vulnerability of households residing in the Lokichar-Kochodin basin, an oil mining plant. Employing a cross-sectional survey research design, the author collects both qualitative and quantitative data using questionnaires, focus group discussion (FGD) guides, and key informant interview (KII) guides for which analysis was performed using (SPSS) Version 21 and Nvivo, respectively. The study finds that oil-related activities cost native individuals and their households their land, health, and general livelihoods, increasing their vulnerability to life loss. Reduced livelihood opportunities, droughts and disease burden, the exposure of socio-economic endowment, and risk/erosion of household occupations are among other aspects identified in this study. Therefore the study recommends the resettlement of the displaced households in line with plans that comply with international directives and laws to ensure a sustainable future for the pastoral communities.