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Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change | ISSN: 2157-7617 | Climate 2018 | Volume: 9
5th World Conference on
May 23-24, 2018 | New York, USA
Climate Change and Global Warming
Impacts of climate change on pastoral communities, their coping mechanism and government and
partners interventions in Garissa county, Kenya
Abdullahi Yussuf Abdi
Kenyatta University, Kenya
C limate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions identified by changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and
other indicators. Changes in climate have significant impacts on the livestock production. Heat stress, droughts, and events
has led to reductions in pasture and water availability hence loss of livestock productivity climate change increases the odds
of worsening drought in Garissa county. There is no doubt that pastoral livelihoods are under severe threats from recurrent
droughts in the ASALS in Kenya. Over the years, these pastoralists have developed mechanisms to cope with these droughts.
Unfortunately, these strategies are no longer adequate as the droughts have increased in frequency and magnitude. This is in
addition to other compounding political, economic and environmental threats that these pastoralists face. Other actors like the
government and developmental partners have also developed and implemented interventions to help pastoralists adapt to these
drought events and reduce their vulnerability. Some of these initiatives have been reactionary while some yielded unintended
negative consequences that have exacerbated the vulnerability of these pastoralists. The purpose of this study was therefore to
establish drought implications on livelihood and adaptation mechanisms; a case study of Garissa county. The research has three
objectives; First is to identify the implications of drought on community livelihood in Garissa, secondly is to find out the role
played by institutions involved in drought management, and lastly is to assess community beliefs, knowledge and attitudes to
enhance adaptation mechanisms in Garissa. Selected methodologies will be used to collect data from the field which includes
questionnaires and interviews. The collected data will be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The findings of this
study will establish the determinants of poor drought preparedness and adaptation. Based on the findings of the study, policy
recommendations will be made on to the key stakeholders of the drought sector to improve the adaptation mechanism.
Biography
Abdullahi Yussuf Abdi is pursuing his Master’ degree in Environmental Studies (Climate Change and sustainability) Kenyatta University. He is an independent
thinker who is passionate in working with communities to make their lives better. Currently, he is working with the county Government of Garissa, Department of
Special Programs, where he participates with other relevant sectors in drafting climate change bill for county.
Abdullahi Yussuf Abdi, J Earth Sci Clim Change 2018, Volulme: 9
DOI: 10.4172/2157-7617-C1-039