IMPACT OF DROUGHT ON FOOD SECURITY IN NORTH EASTERN KENYA (STUDY OF MANDERA COUNTY FROM 2005-2015).

Abstract

Drought is a common occurrence in the arid and semi arid lands of Kenya. These frequent and recurrent droughts disrupt the livelihood system of pastoralists. Increase their vulnerability and cause loss of livestock.

This study investigates the extent of drought on subsistence agriculture & livestock of Mandera County, and examines its effect on food security.

The study aimed at discussing the case and the relation between social insecurity on one hand and drought on the other hand and the impact of drought as one of the main factors affecting food security in Mandera County. The study applied inductive approaches using key informant interview guides.

The study revealed that water and pasture scarcity had adverse effects on the survival of livestock during the drought and pastoralist households made timely decisions on when to move and when it was best to migrate and established surveillance and traditional early warning systems that helped them in appropriate decision making.

The study recommended the exploitation and establishment of water points and facilities across the grazing land, especially underground water to ease concentration of livestock around water points in close proximity to grazing lands which was causing degradation of the pasture land. The study also recommended the need for policy change in the management of communal grazing lands to increase pastoralists' participation in conservation, protection and management of natural resources.