Arid And Semi-arid Lands Research Articles

Comparison between the Holt-Winters and SARIMA Models in the Prediction of NDVI in an Arid Region in Kenya using Pixel-wise NDVI Time Series

Desertification is major issue in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) with devastating environmental and socio-economic impacts. Time series analysis was applied on 19 years’ pixel-wise monthly mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data. The aim of this study was to identify a time series model that can be used to predict NDVI at the pixel level in an arid region in Kenya. The Holt-Winters and Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models were developed and statistical analysis was carried out using both models on the study area. We performed a grid search to optimise and determine the best hyper parameters for the models. Results from the grid search identified the Holt-Winters model as an additive model and a SARIMA model with a trend autoregressive (AR) order of 1, a trend moving average (MA) order of 1 and a seasonal MA order of 2, with both models having a seasonal period of 12 months. It was concluded that the Holt-Winters model showed the best performance for 600 ✕ 600 pixels (MAE = 0.0744, RMSE = 0.096) compared to the SARIMA model.

Mobile veterinary clinics in the drylands of Kenya: securing pastoralists’ livelihoods by bringing services close

ABSTRACT Livestock productivity for pastoralist households, who depend upon their livestock as a source of livelihood, is constrained by infectious diseases among other factors. Pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of the Horn of Africa lack access to livestock health inputs and services. To assess the profitability of private animal health service delivery, mobile veterinary clinics were piloted in three ASAL counties in Kenya. Our findings reveal the positive impact of the clinics on animal health provision as well as policy and regulatory factors that affect its viability.

Water Erosion Risk Assessment in the Kenya Great Rift Valley Region

The Kenya Great Rift Valley (KGRV) region unique landscape comprises of mountainous terrain, large valley-floor lakes, and agricultural lands bordered by extensive Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The East Africa (EA) region has received high amounts of rainfall in the recent past as evidenced by the rising lake levels in the GRV lakes. In Kenya, few studies have quantified soil loss at national scales and erosion rates information on these GRV lakes’ regional basins within the ASALs is lacking. This study used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to estimate soil erosion rates between 1990 and 2015 in the Great Rift Valley region of Kenya which is approximately 84.5% ASAL. The mean erosion rates for both periods was estimated to be tolerable (6.26 t ha−1 yr−1 and 7.14 t ha−1 yr−1 in 1990 and 2015 respectively) resulting in total soil loss of 116 Mt yr−1 and 132 Mt yr−1 in 1990 and 2015 respectively. Approximately 83% and 81% of the erosive lands in KGRV fell under the low risk category (<10 t ha−1 yr−1) in 1990 and 2015 respectively while about 10% were classified under the top three conservation priority levels in 2015. Lake Nakuru basin had the highest erosion rate net change (4.19 t ha−1 yr−1) among the GRV lake basins with Lake Bogoria-Baringo recording annual soil loss rates >10 t ha−1 yr−1 in both years. The mountainous central parts of the KGRV with Andosol/Nitisols soils and high rainfall experienced a large change of land uses to croplands thus had highest soil loss net change (4.34 t ha−1 yr−1). In both years, forests recorded the lowest annual soil loss rates (<3.0 t ha−1 yr−1) while most of the ASAL districts presented erosion rates (<8 t ha−1 yr−1). Only 34% of all the protected areas were found to have erosion rates <10 t ha−1 yr−1 highlighting the need for effective anti-erosive measures.

Spatial and Temporal Occurrence and Effects of Droughts on Crop Yields in Kenya

Increase in drought frequency, magnitude and duration affect crop production in Kenya. The limited food production resulting from drought leads to food insecurity in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in the Kenya. This study reviewed literature on drought trends and its effects on crop yields in Kenya from 1950 to 2020. The systematic review was conducted in order to establish the drought trends and the effects of droughts on crop yields in the country. Content analysis was used for literature review on drought trends and its effects on maize, sorghum and wheat production in Kenya. From the study, a high uncertainty in global-scale drought trends in the last 60 years was established. However, an increase in drought frequency was observed from 1950 to 2002 in Africa. Few drought events were experienced in 1950s with a notable positive trend in drought frequency observed in 1960s in Kenya. In 1970s, an increased frequency and severity of droughts were observed while a decline in drought frequency was noted in 1980s. More frequent and severe droughts in Kenya were also established to have occurred in 1990s and 2000s. However, a decline in drought frequency and severity was reported in 2010s. The severity of the droughts negatively affected crop production where food insecurity was experienced in different regions of the country. The study also found that drought leads to famine and loss of human lives. Loss of livelihood such as livestock was also identified. The study identified limited information on decadal causes and recurrence of droughts and inadequate explanation on why 1950 to 2020 experienced global uncertainty in drought occurrence.

Sustainable livelihood approach for assessing the impacts of slaughterhouses on livelihood strategies among pastoralists in Kenya

The social, physical, financial, natural, and human dimensions within slaughterhouses have taken a central position in diversifying livelihoods among pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) in Kenya. There is a need to expound on the literature about these dimensions and assess how they impact on livelihood strategies and outcomes. This research aimed to bring out how these dimensions impact livelihood strategies among Kenyan pastoralists using the sustainable livelihood approach. Qualitative data was collected from four counties in Kenya’s ASALs predominantly inhabited by pastoralists, using focus group discussions, and narratives Observations were analysed using the RQDA package within the R statistical computing environment. The results revealed increasingly diversified social-economic activities, value addition of slaughter by-products, better rangeland management, and diversified diets. Gender, age, and roles significantly (P < 0.01) influenced the extent of diversification. Diversified social-economic activities and value addition directly impacted food security through increased utilization of slaughter by-products, provision of an alternative livelihood source, and better resilience during calamities. To conclude, social, economic, and human activities were central in diversified and advanced pastoral livelihoods.

Rainfall Variability and Extreme Hydrological Events in Kenya Since 1845-2012 Driven from Documentary Evidence and SPI Analysis

The study investigates the chronology of rainfall extremities in Kenya and their inter-relationship with the external climate factors since the years 1845-2012. It is the first study in Kenya to evaluate a long-term temporal evolution of the droughts and wet extremities using documentary evidences and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) analysis. The statistical procedures for this study involved the establishment of drought and wet events indices using MATLAB R 2009a and Instat Plus (Instat+ v3.36) statistical software programs. The study findings show that the 19th century was much drier than the 20th and 21st centuries, marked by great desiccation, especially towards the end of the century. In the 20th century, very severe long droughts were also experienced in 1940s and 1970s but there were also very wet years which moderated the situations in 1960s and 1990s. Based on the (SPI), results droughts were not uniformly severe in all areas of the country. The strongest impacted stations were those located in the arid and semi-arid lands, some parts of the highlands and the coastal region.

Zoonotic Pathogens of Dromedary Camels in Kenya: A Systematised Review.

Kenya is home to Africa’s third largest population of dromedary camels, and production at commercial and local levels are increasingly important. In pastoral and nomadic communities in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), camels play a vital role in food security, while commercial milk production and formalized export markets are rapidly emerging as camel populations expand into non-traditional areas. Until recently, little focus was placed on camels as hosts of zoonotic disease, but the emergence of Middle Eastern respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012, and the discovery of exposure to the virus in Kenyan camels, highlighted the need for further understanding of this area. This systematised review utilised a robust search strategy to assess the occurrence of camel-associated zoonoses in Kenya and to evaluate the quality of the published literature. Seventy-four studies were identified, covering sixteen pathogens, with an increasing number of good quality studies in recent years. Despite this, the area remains under-researched and there is a lack of robust, high-quality research. Trypanosome spp., Echinococcus granulosus and Brucella spp. appeared most frequently in the literature. Pathogens with the highest reported prevalence were MERS-CoV (0–100%), Echinococcus granulosa (7–60%) and Rift Valley fever virus (7–57%). Exposure to Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus showed higher levels in camel or camel-associated vectors than other livestock species, although brucellosis was the only disease for which there was robust evidence linking camel and human exposure. Zoonotic agents with less severe human health outcomes, such as Dermatophilosus congolensis and contagious ecthyma, were also represented in the literature. This review provides an important summary of the scope and quality of current knowledge. It demonstrates that further research, and improved adherence to robust study design and reporting are essential if the zoonotic risk from camels in Kenya, and elsewhere, is to be better understood.

Access and Use of Information by Rural Communities in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya: the Case of Maarifa Centres

Telecentres are community knowledge centres that offer shared access to information and Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) for the benefit of community development in alleviation of poverty. This article presents a case study that explored the extent to which rural communities in ASALs region of Kenya access and use information from the Maarifa centres (MC). The objective was to examine access and use pattern of information by ASAL communities benefiting from the MC. Using a multiple case study, 80 respondents drawn from five Maarifa centres were interviewed. The respondents were users of the respective Maarifa centres. The Maarifa centres selected were namely; Nguruman MC in Magadi, Mutomo MC in Kitui, Isinya MC in Kajiado, Ng’arua MC in Laikipia and Sipili MC in Baringo. Further, five focus group discussions were conducted with the respondents. Key informants interviewed included, Director of Arid Lands Information Network (ALIN); Programme Coordinators of Maarifa centres; Officers of the Communication Authority of Kenya and the ICT board of Kenya. Major findings indicate that rural communities appreciate Maarifa centres as a source of information. The respondents valued Maarifa centres as intermediaries for accessing information for socio-economic development. The biggest achievement is the use of Sokopepe, an online knowledge management platform which can be accessed through computers or the mobile phone. The challenges that hinder effective access and use of information are mainly infrastructural which slow down information uptake and internet access. The study revealed that Maarifa centres have addressed most of the community’s information needs of government information through access to e-government services; e-commerce, agricultural development and knowledge creation, resulting in improved livelihoods. Provision of these services was possible through collaboration of the government ministries and agencies, development partners, funding agencies and community participation. Keywords: Telecentres, Information access, Knowledge management, ASALs DOI: 10.7176/IKM/10-5-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2020

A Vulnerability Assessment in Scant Data Context: The Case of North Horr Sub-County

In Kenyan rural areas belonging to the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), water quantity and water quality are major issues for the local population. In North Horr Sub-County water quality is threatened by nitrate contamination due to fecal matter pollution. This research, hence, aims at assessing the vulnerability of open shallow water sources to nitrate contamination due to fecal intrusion following flooding events and nitrate percolation in groundwater. The present research, indeed, provides, on one hand, new insights into the analysis of the vulnerability in a scant data context; on the other hand, it assesses the adaptation measures contained in the local development plan. Applying the reference definition of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the results demonstrate that the open shallow water sources in the northern part of the sub-county are more vulnerable to nitrate contamination. Furthermore, the consistency of the results proves the suitability of the methodology selected. Understanding the vulnerability at the local scale is key to planning risk-reduction strategies as well to increasing the local population’s knowledge about flood-related risks and water quality.

Trends and constraints in the production and utilization of cowpea leaves in the arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya

Abstract Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) leaves are nutritious indigenous vegetables that are produced and consumed among local communities in Kenya. However, seasonal production limits their utilization. The study investigated the changing trends in the consumption and utilization of cowpea leaves among cowpea producing households in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) areas. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected households producing and consuming cowpea leaves was carried out in Eastern and Coastal ASALs of Kenya to determine the trends and constraints in the production and utilization of the vegetable, thus evaluating its efficiency as a food security crop. The average household production in a season was found to be 3.03 ± 0.9 of 90 kg bags. Lesser severity of the constraints, poor soils, drought, lack of access to seeds and massive spoilage with an odds ratio of 0.4, 0.9, 2.0 and 2.3, respectively, significantly (p &lt; 0.05) predicted the production quantities among households, R 2 = 0.21. The study also found that the reliance on own production among households for sourcing the leaves in-season and off-season was 97.5% and 24.9%, respectively. The households consumed the leaves in boiled (87.5%), sundried (27.5%) or blanched (13.6%) forms. Households in the coastal ASALs significantly (p &lt; 0.05) consumed more of dried forms (odds ratio: 3.3) but less of boiled ones (odds ratio: 0.1) than those in the Eastern parts. Households that had more members or a female deciding the food to be bought had significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher frequency of consumption of cowpea leaves. Marketing challenges, lack of access to inputs and inadequate postharvest technologies for preservation of the vegetables constrained the production and utilization of cowpea leaves. In order to promote the availability and utilization of cowpea leaves both in and out of season, accessibility of good quality seeds and postharvest management are necessary.

Bio-economic Implications of Feeding Fermented Ground Mature Prosopis Juliflora Pods to Grower Rabbits

Prosopis juliflora plant is readily available in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya, producing mature pods throughout the year. However, its inclusion in livestock diets compromises performance due to anti-nutrients which can be reduced using fermentation. At Tatton Agriculture Park, Egerton University, a study was done to investigate the effect of inclusion of graded levels of fermented ground mature Prosopis juliflora pods (FGMPP) replacing maize in the diets of growing rabbits on growth and economic benefit. Sixty (60), 42-day old rabbits weighing 0.5 ± 0.04 kg (mean ± SD) were housed in cages measuring (75 * 55 * 40) cm; three rabbits of the same sex per cage. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD) 5 diets; control (formulated standard grower diet), 15% unfermented ground mature pods of Prosopis juliflora (UGMPP), 30% UGMPP, 15% FGMPP and 30% FGMPP replacing maize in formulated standard grower diets were offered in four replicates per treatment (six males and six females). Analysis of data was done using the general linear model (GLM) of Statistical Analysis Systems (SAS). Tukey’s range procedure at (p?0.05) significance was used to separate means. The results show that 30% FGMPP inclusion resulted in a superior (p?0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and economic benefit (p?0.05). The study concluded that replacing 30% maize in diets of grower rabbits with FGMPP will make economic sense. This will ensure sustainability in rabbit production, improvement of farmer livelihoods, and improvement of food and nutritional security to the Kenyan human population.

Hyphaene compressa, an important palm in the arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya

Background: Peasant agroecosystems in Kenya are considered to be a continuum of integrated traditional farming systems and natural ecosystem conservancy programs. Hyphaene compressa (doum palm) exists in arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya. While research in these areas is focusing on new plants to be brought to the areas, there is no focus on doum palm, which is already adapted to these areas. Scanty ethnobotanical knowledge exists in the form of unpublished material. The study aimed to determine domestication status, management practices, important use categories, plant part value, biotic and abiotic stresses of H. compressa . Methods: Four sampling sites in the ASAL of Kenya were selected. Tharaka Nithi, Kwale, Tana River and Turkana. Responses of 79 informants were analyzed to establish doum palm domestication profile, uses, biotic and abiotic stresses affecting its growth. Results: The domestication status varied across the sampled areas, with most regions showing no willingness to domesticate the plant. The study revealed that doum palm has fourteen uses with food (fruit) use, and prevention of soil erosion (roots) recording the highest and the least fidelity level scores, respectively, in the sampled areas. The most observed biotic stress was human interference and pest infestation, while the observed abiotic stress was drought and salinity. Conclusion: The most important doum palm use is food. Due to the high usage and poor domestication, doum palm could be losing its gene pool and hence genetic diversity studies are important for its conservation. Key words: Doum palm, Hyphaene compressa , domestication, ethnobotany, ASAL, conservation, biotic stress, abiotic stress, uses, plant part value

A One Health framework for integrated service delivery in Turkana County, Kenya

Pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa have limited access to public services due to their mobile lifestyle, economic and political marginalization, and the limited health infrastructure that is common to arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) where they primarily reside. This often results in poor health outcomes, including increased rates of maternal, neonatal, and under-5 mortality. One Health approaches that integrate human and animal health service delivery can help to improve pastoralists’ health through increased vaccine coverage and improved access to services.Kenya has institutionalized One Health at the national level; however, progress at the subnational level has been limited due to sustainability concerns, competing priorities, and insufficient coordination platforms. To address this gap, this paper presents a One Health framework (OHF) to aid in the implementation of integrated human and animal health policies in Turkana County, which can act as a model for other ASALs. Utilizing a grounded theory design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with human health, animal health, and pastoralist stakeholders. Inadequate engagement with the public sector was identified as a major limitation by community members. Factors that contributed to this include distance to health facilities and restricted department capacities such as availability of vehicles, personnel, and cold chain maintenance.Our proposed OHF harnesses the existing structure of service delivery in Turkana and establishes an official coordination mechanism to implement One Health activities, through the form of mobile “One Health Huduma Centres”, offering a range of public services. This innovative framework is supported by stakeholders in Turkana and can improve service delivery constraints thereby improving the health of Turkana pastoralists.

Review of Camel Calves Nutrition and Management in Kenya

Camels are important livestock species in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya. Camels provide milk, meat and serves as means of transport (drawing water, carry make shift houses, elderly people and children) for mobile pastoral communities. They supply milk and meat even during dry and drought periods when other livestock species struggle for their survival. Production systems for the camels are largely extensive with camel husbandry techniques mainly inherited from pastoral traditional knowledge passed down over generations. High calf mortality (about 63%) is a common phenomenon in the pastoral production systems of northern Kenya. A review was conducted to established causes of the high mortality and recommendations developed with a view to reduce mortality to manageable levels. This review showed that calf colostrum suckling restriction at birth, calf diarrhoea and other diseases, milk competition with calves for household consumption and income generation and limited forages during droughts were among the major causes of camel calf mortality. The review consolidated previous research on camel calves’ nutrition and management and has recommended nutrition and management tips to reduce mortality. Key words : calve mortality, milk competition, colostrum, supplementation, milk replacer. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-8-04 Publication date: April 30 th 2020

The role of camel production on household resilience to droughts in pastoral and agro-pastoral households in Uganda

Recurrent and prolonged droughts have exacerbated the problems of pasture and water scarcity in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), hence, the need for immediate and long-term adaption strategies to such shocks. Camels are increasingly being integrated into mainstream livestock production systems as an adaptation strategy to droughts. However, rigorous empirical evidence remains scarce on the role of camel-rearing in household resilience to droughts. This study used cross-sectional data from 116 households in the Karamoja sub-region of Uganda to examine the effect of camel adoption on household resilience to drought. Resilience to drought was measured as an index constructed from consumption- and income-smoothing indicators using the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The effect of camel adoption on household resilience to droughts was estimated using Lewbel’s estimator. Descriptive statistics show that camel tropical livestock units (TLUs) constituted 25% of the total TLUs of the herd among adopting households. PCA analysis shows that income-smoothing factors (increased off-farm income and alternative sources of income) had the greatest contribution to resilience. Econometric results show that a unit increase in the proportion of camel TLUs significantly increased household resilience to droughts by 20%. The study recommends increased emphasis on income diversification both on-farm and off-farm across programmes that aim to build pastoral household resilience to droughts.

Suitability of Green Gram Production in Kenya under Present and Future Climate Scenarios Using Bias-Corrected Cordex RCA4 Models

Green gram is considered as one of the legumes suitable for cultivation in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya. However, climate change may alter the areas suitable for green gram production. This study sought to model green gram suitability in Kenya under present and future conditions using bias-corrected RCA4 models data. The datasets used were: maps of soil parameters extracted from Kenya Soil Survey map; present and future rainfall and temperature data from an ensemble of nine models from the Fourth Edition of the Rossby Centre (RCA4) Regional Climate Model (RCM); and altitude from the Digital elevation model (DEM) of the USGS. The maps were first reclassified into four classes of suitability as Highly Suitable (S1), Moderately Suitable (S2), Marginally Suitable (S3), and Not Suitable (N). The classes represent the different levels of influence of a factor on the growth and yield of green grams. The reclassified maps were then assigned a weight generated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). A weighted overlay of climate characteristics (past and future rainfall and temperature), soil properties (depth, pH, texture, CEC, and drainage) and altitude found most of Kenya as moderately suitable for green gram production during the March to May (MAM) and October to December (OND) seasons under the baseline, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios with highly suitable areas being found in Counties like Kitui, Makueni, and West Pokot among others. During the MAM season, the area currently highly suitable for green gram production (67,842.62 km2) will increase slightly to 68,600.4 km2 (1.1%) during the RCP 4.5 and reduce to 61,307.8 km2 (−9.6%) under the RCP 8.5 scenario. During the OND season, the area currently highly suitable (49,633.4 km2) will increase under both RCP 4.5 (22.2%) and RCP 8.5 (58.5%) scenarios. This increase is as a result of favourable rainfall and temperature conditions in the future.

A review of policies and agricultural productivity in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALS), Kenya: the case of Turkana County

Objectives: This paper seeks to present a review of policies relating to agricultural productivity in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) with a focus on Turkana County, Kenya. Methodology and Results: This paper adopted a qualitative approach and data collection majorly relied on document analysis of policy papers, the Kenyan Constitution, parliamentary proceedings as recorded in the Hansard, academic papers, organizational journals, newspaper articles and government statutes relating to agriculture. Despite the culture of the people being centered on pastoralism, food security in the ASALs is far from adequate. The numerous policy documents reveal the efforts Kenya has made to increase Agricultural productivity. The successive governments though at varying degrees, developed plans that focused on rural areas albeit with little progress in the ASALS. Institutional failures and adverse policies are to blame for the growth of the Agricultural sector in Africa. Conclusions and application of findings: There are numerous overlapping policies due to failure to evaluate existing ones. There is need to involve beneficiaries and to address resource allocation to agriculture to reflect the recommended 10% of overall country budget as per the Maputo agreement of 2003. Proper management of funds and fighting corruption is vital in effective implementation of development programs and realization of economic growth. Investment in both social and physical infrastructure (roads, livestock markets, abattoirs etc.) would ensure effectiveness of the various policies. There is need to prioritize water supply and water use efficiency for dryland agriculture. Keywords: Agricultural productivity, rural Kenya, food security, Devolution, Policy, Development

Mapping and characterization of stakeholders in the fodder value chain in Southern Rangelands of Kenya: Understanding their roles, interactions and influences

Livestock production is the most important economic activity in Kenya. Land use practice in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of Kenya is most affected by droughts, which lead to pasture scarcity. Fodder production has been adopted by communities in ASALs to enhance feed availability and generating alternative source of livelihood. However, the scale of fodder production remains low, with poor markets being key challenge in realizing the economic benefits of fodder production. This study was conducted in Makueni and Kajiado Counties to understand institutional structures and stakeholders together with their roles and influences on fodder production and marketing. The two counties were purposively selected as they were some of the target areas where fodder production practices and technologies had been promoted. Data was collected through NetMap tool for identifying and mapping actors, their roles, influence and interactions along the value chain. NetMaps were subjected to quantitative analysis using Organizational Risk Analysis tool in Social Network Analysis to map, as well as measure relationships and influences of stakeholders and examine their relative positions. Results revealed that various stakeholders play multiple roles along the chain, which determine their position and influence in decision-making. Most influential actors included Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), NGOs and CBOs – they determine access to information, technical and funding resources and markets; thus, key in upscaling, out-scaling and commercialization of fodder production in the study areas. Working in groups enabled producers to easily access technical support, information and interact with other stakeholders in the chain. Efforts for enhancing fodder production should provide more technical support and capacity building to CBOs due to their centrality and strategic position in the network which make them the main stakeholders.

Analysis of the Current and Potential Future Climate Hazards and their Impacts on Livelihoods and Adaptation Strategies in Arid and Semiarid Lands

The study was carried out in four selected counties within the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALS) of Kenya namely Garrisa, West Pokot, Kilifi and Tana River which were under Kenya-Adaptation to Climate Change in Arid Lands (KACCAL) program. The study focused on the current and potential future climate hazards and their impacts on livelihoods and adaptation strategies within the framework of Kenya – adaptation to climate change in arid lands. The ASALS covers 80% of Kenya’s land mass and support about 70 percent of the national livestock population and 90% of wildlife resources. Despite the great potential for development in the ASALS, the areas have continued experiencing great climate hazards leading to severe impacts on household livelihoods. The study methodology involved identification and assessing the major climatic hazards experienced for many years and implementation of adaptation strategies by the local communities. This involved a review of operating/ existing assessment of Climate Risks in Agriculture and Rural Development, Field visits, data collection and stakeholder consultation through a series of intensive questionnaire interviews with farmers, project Planners and managers and county officials in the four counties.The results showed that the four counties under study have been affected by droughts, floods, gusty winds and landslides hazards associated with climate change which have affected the livelihoods of the communities living in the ASALS. The impacts have been felt in food insecurity, scarcity of water resources, loss of livestock resources, persisted crop failure, increased malnutrition cases leading to infant morbidity and mortality among others. The intervention strategies to manage the climate change impacts  applied by stakeholders among other well-wishers are; distribution of food relief, provision of shelter, provision of tents, building gabions, moving families at high risk to saver grounds, construction of water dams and pans. At household level, intervention strategies used are diversification of livelihoods, growing of fodder crops to supplement the natural pasture, charcoal burning, growing of drought resistant crops among others. Subsequently, the study recommends that more awareness should be created among local communities so that they diversify their livelihoods to cope with changing climate. The stakeholder working in ASALs, County governments and National government should invest more on intervention strategies to management climate change impactsCommunities living in ASALs and other stakeholders should be trained on how to use tools and methodologies developed in order to monitor impacts of climate change in their respective counties and implement the appropriate intervention strategies to ensure households recover from impacts associated to of climate change. In other words, capacity building at community, county and national government should be a top priority.

Camel Milk Value Chain in Kenya: A Review

The dromedary camel is considered an integral species of the arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) in Kenya. It’s adaptation to the climatic and geographical conditions of the ASAL had enabled the camel to be regarded as the most important animal source of food as well as source of transport, draught and cultural significance. Camel milk is to a great extent utilized in the ASAL at subsistence level, but also makes way to the peri-urban centres and ultimately to the capital city, where there is high demand for the product. The main purpose of this review is to consolidate research done on camel milk value chain in Kenya, to establish the contribution of camel milk to the pastoral and national economy, to determine opportunities for investment by the county governments and private sectors as well as to recommend milk value chain upgrading strategies in a bid to increase livelihoods of pastoral communities and other actors involved in the camel milk value chain. Keywords: camel milk, value chain, marketing, upgrading strategies DOI : 10.7176/JMCR/58-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019