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 was used to analyse qualitative data while quantitative data were analysed using inferential statistics..  Results showed that climate variability is indeed causing livelihood vulnerability and therefore policy intervention in needed at the national and county levels. Majority of households were found to moderately vulnerable with female headed households being mostly 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.