Is Climate Variability a Problem in Semi-arid Eastern Kenya?

Aims: The study set to determine the extent to which climate variability is a problem in semi-arid Tharaka sub-county, Kenya.

Study Design: The study utilized a descriptive research. Specifically, focus group discussions (FGD) and interviews with key informants were used to generate both qualitative and quantitative data.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in four sites in Tharaka sub-county: Tunyai, Chiakariga, Marimanti and Kathangacini administrative units. This study was conducted in the period June–Sept 2010.

Methodology: Four focus group discussions (FGD) (N= 48) and interviews with key informants (N=24) were conducted in four agro-ecological zones. For each FGD, there were 11-13 participants. A participatory risk ranking and scoring method was used to rank and calculate incidence index (I), risk index (R) and severity index (S) of stressors as mentioned by individual respondents. While results from interviews and group discussions were descriptively presented.

Results: Results of incidence index show that lack of money (0.81), drought (0.73), bad health (0.71) and livestock diseases (0.71) were the most mentioned stressors. Lack of money (1.2) and water scarcity (1.24) were the most severe of the stressors. Stressors with the most acute risk were lack of money (0.71), lack of water storage facility (0.51), bad health (0.51) and livestock diseases (0.5). Climate related stressors – irregular rains (0.49) and drought (0.21) were regarded to present moderate and least acute risk respectively. The study further established variations in incidence index, severity and risk index by agro-ecological zones, gender and age. A comparison of individual and group ranking show that climate related stressors are more acknowledged at the later.

Conclusion: To improve climate change adaptation semi-arid lands, development agencies need to focus on poverty alleviation, provision of water storage facilities and health care, and prevention of livestock diseases.