Climate Variability and Livelihood Vulnerability of Maasai Pastoralists in Amboseli Ecosystem, Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

The pastoral Maasai community living in Amboseli Ecosystem are facing serious challenges originating from climate variability. The  ecosystem has been made fragile by climate related challenges causing household vulnerability. The aim of this study was to determine  the effect of climate variability on livelihood vulnerability at the household level. The study used a mixed method, which focused on  descriptive and correlational research designs. It targeted a population of 47, 058 residents from which a sample of 374 households was  selected. Cluster and convenient sampling were used for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. A questionnaire with open and  closed ended questions and with Likert scale format were used to collect quantitative data while interview schedules were used for  qualitative data. In addition, secondary data were collected from different sources, including Kenya Meteorological Department and  Kenya Wildlife Services. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze qualitative data while quantitative data were analyzed using inferential  statistics. Results showed that climate variability is indeed causing livelihood vulnerability and therefore policy intervention is  needed at the national and county levels. Majority of households were found to be moderately vulnerable with female headed  households being most vulnerable. This study therefore recommends that adaptation strategies at the household level to community  level should be put in place so as to reduce vulnerability such as crop farming, livestock diversification, small scale businesses and  employment in addition there is need to empower women through education, offering of small loans and grants for businesses as well as  involvement in decision making on matters pasture and water management.