Abstract:
Prolonged and severe droughts have affected many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, increasing
cases of crop failure, hunger and destruction of habitats. Kenya has experienced worse
droughts since the turn of the 20th century, with increased frequency in the recent decades.
This study assessed effects of drought on household livelihoods and adaptation strategies in
Laikipia West sub-County. The specific objectives of the study were to: analyze temporal
drought trends in Laikipia West sub-County from 1984 to 2014; determine the impact of
drought events on household livelihoods; establish the household perceptions to drought
disasters; evaluate the household and community drought adaptation strategies and drought
adaptation determinants; evaluate the role of institutions in managing local level drought
adaptations in Laikipia West sub-County. The study adopted mixed research design where
quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. The study utilized three sets of data,
rainfall amount data (1984-2014), household surveys (N=196) and key informant interviews
(N=8). Standard Precipitation Index, logistic regression, trend analysis, Kendall rank, chi
square and percentages were used during data analysis. The severe drought years identified
were; 1984, 1985, 1987, 1991, 2005 and 2009. The study also established that the average
drought cycle in the study area is 3 years. On drought perception 53% of the households felt
that the 2009 drought was moderate, while 47% felt that it was severe. Household drought
perception was significantly related to source of income, land ownership and the length of
engagement in farming activities. According to respondents, the 2009 drought impacted crops
(75%), livestock (78%). Drought adaptations determinants are source of income, land
ownership, training on agriculture and age. Household drought adaptation strategies in
Laikipia West sub-County are: seasonal migration with animals (25%), search for
employment (15%), off-farm practices (15%) and reducing the herd (14%). Community
drought adaptation strategies are; stock cereals and grains (27%), change of cropping patterns
when drought is predicted (13%) and drilling of boreholes (9%). Both formal and informal
institutions perform the following roles: encouraging crop farmers to plant early maturing
varieties and advise pastoralist on the need for emergency livestock off takes. The study
recommends adoption of drought resistant crops such as sorghum and green grams and early
maturing crop varieties. The study also recommends creation of awareness on the need to
insure crops and livestock against drought risk. Future studies should analyze the role of
indigenous knowledge on drought adaptation strategies in Laikipia West sub-County
