1. CAPro WORKSHOPS AT KAJIADO ON 19TH AND 20TH JULY 2011
STAKEHOLDER’S INCEPTION WORKSHOP
Twenty one participants, drawn from government ministries and Non-Governmental
Organizations operating in the county participated in the workshop, held at Ministry of Labor
College at Athi River. Facilitators of this workshop were Dr, Susan Kamuru, Dr. S.T. Kariuki
amd Mr. George Oloo, all of CAPro project of Egerton University.
The participants concurred that impacts of climate change are evident in the way livelihoods in
all sectors of the Kenyan economy have been adversely affected. The county has been
experiencing prolonged and severe drought, and unpredictable rainfall resulting into frequent
crop failures and death of livestock. Pastoralism, which for long has been the major source of
livelihood, has been adversely affected by drought. As a result, food insecurity has been on the
rise and relief food distribution is one of the key interventions in the county.
Participants attributed climate change to human activity and in particular, deforestation, burning
of fossil fuels and industrial activity. Proposed strategies that could mitigate and help in
adapting to the effects of climate change include: Rehabilitation of the water catchment areas and
water bodies, river bed protection and intersectoral collaboration between Government, private,
and non-governmental organizations in these and other interventions.
FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION
The forum was held at Isinya Multipurpose Centre. Twenty Participants comprising of farmers,
agro –pastoralists, pastoralists and agricultural frontline extension workers attended. Areas
represented were Magadi, Ngong, Loitoktok, Namanga, Kajiado Central and Mashuru.
The panel identified change hazards in Kajiado county as:- Some river tributaries have dried up;
shift in rainfall pattern and variability, shift in migration and disappearance of wild animals;
erratic rainfall and flush floods, increased drought occurrences, high food prices due to shortage,
emergence of new pests and diseases; loss of biodiversity and more outbreaks of human,
livestock and cop diseases. In addition, the glacier on Mt. Kilimanjaro is no longer visible; Lake
Amboseli is almost dry while the water table in the wells has gone lower down.
These hazards have impacted negatively on food security in the county. Consequently,
adaptation strategies such as water harvesting and conservation, crop and food diversification,
and irrigation should be enhanced and promoted. Support required in the process of adapting to
and mitigating the effects of climate change include information on warning signs of drought,
more effective destocking procedures and livestock diversification.