Influence of human resource and financial factors on implementation of drought management strategies in Kenya

Abstract

Drought is a complex, pervasive natural hazard. Reducing the impacts will require a more strategic approach to drought planning. Such plans will need to emphasize on the effectiveness of drought management strategies in reducing drought. For successful implementation of the strategies in organizations, the employees must be equipped with the required skills, knowledge, tact and abilities throughout continuous training and in-service courses. However, the human capital development as a drought mitigation strategy has not received sufficient research attention despite it being variable over different contexts. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the influence of human capital development on the implementation of drought management strategies in Taita Taveta County, Kenya by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA). The study was guided by the Human Capital Development theory. A total of 64 respondents participated in the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The study found that human capital development significantly influenced the implementation of drought management strategies. However, there were gaps in human resourcing that needed to be filled through professional initiatives other than formal training. The study, therefore, recommended that the NDMA should further emphasize continuous training of employees and also apply other professional initiative apart from formal training so as to implement drought management strategies in the area. Finally, the study was also able to demonstrate the first aspect of the human capital theory by underscoring the importance of human capital development through training for skill acquisition.

Keywords: Human capital, Development, Drought management, Strategies, Implementation