Climate Change and Environmental Security among Pastoralist Communities an Mogotio Sub- County, Kenya

Abstract

Pastoralist communities in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya, an area increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters, environmental changes, extended droughts, floods, erratic rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures. The main objective of the study is to analyze the effects of climate change on environmental security. The specific objectives are to examine the forms of climate change and their effects on the pastoralists, to analyze the socio-economic activities of the pastoralists and to assess the effectiveness of adaptation strategies by pastoralists in promoting environmental security in Mogotio Sub-County, Kenya. The study uses a mixed methods approach and descriptive and explanatory research designs were combined in this study, starting with the quantitative data collection of pastoralists’ families using surveys to evaluate the effects of climate-related factors on socio-economic activities. After the quantitative stage, the sample size of 398 which includes key informants, including pastoralists, health professionals, local leaders and the county government, were interviewed qualitatively to gain a deeper understanding. Data was collected using surveys, questionnaires, structured interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The targeted population is pastoralists, county government officials, local leaders and holder of traditional knowledge and a population of 91,104. Sample techniques include stratified random sampling for varied pastoralist communities, deliberate sampling for qualitative components, and snowball sampling for community members with profound insights into local adaptation strategies or climatic consequences. Climate change significantly impacts environmental security and community resilience, disrupting socio-economic activities like livestock rearing and small-scale farming. This leads to food insecurity, income instability, and social tensions. The loss of pasture, water shortages, and decreased agricultural productivity threaten regional stability. To address climate change, pastoralists employ adaptation strategies like tree planting, water harvesting, irrigation, and drought-resistant crops. The study recommends integrated interventions combining environmental conservation with socio-economic empowerment and local knowledge. It recommends expanding government and non-governmental organization support for water infrastructure, providing financial assistance and training, improving roads and markets, and scaling up climate-smart agricultural practices. It also suggests recognizing indigenous adaptation strategies and creating comprehensive policy frameworks to ensure sustainable livelihoods for pastoralist communities.