Influence of climate mitigation strategies on rural livelihoods of Kuresoi District community, Nakuru county Kenya

Abstract

This study addresses the influence of climate change mitigating strategies on rural livelihoods of Kuresoi District community, Nakuru County in Kenya. Climate change is a major challenge on livelihoods among communities living along Mau forest at Kuresoi district in Kenya. Most of the environment warming effect occurring over the last 50 years is likely to have been caused by human activities. The objectives of this study were: to determine how adaptations as a climate change mitigation strategy influences rural livelihoods, to examine how training and awareness as a climate changes mitigation strategy influences rural livelihoods, to examine how conservation as a climate changes mitigation strategy influences rural livelihoods and to analyze how structural arrangements as a climate change mitigation strategies influences rural livelihoods. The study adapted both qualitative and quantitative research design where questionnaires were used to collect data from 108 respondents that came from youth community organizations, Community based Organization and Kenya Forest Service in Kuresoi district. Raw data collected was and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists where by frequency and cross tabulation tales produced. The results shows that most local organizations in Kuresoi district are involved in identifying adaptation strategies to address the effect of climate change as well as being aware of climatic changes taking place in their locality and have taken steps to discuss climate change issues within their neighborhood through Chief Barazas. Tree planting is the most common environment conservation strategy whose effect plays a great role in mitigation climate change problems. Conservation strategies have impacted positively in mitigating the effect of climate change thereby improving community livelihoods. There is a need to scale up and diversify funding allocations by both government and NGOs from the current 58% to over 80%. Also support to local approaches like community discussions through Chief barazas and neighbours will enhance awareness among community members. Community members with incomplete secondary education and below should be targeted and motivated to participate in climate change forums which should take into account relevant climate change issues and use of community devolved funds like CDF. Increased support to conservation strategies like tree planting for catchment to be encouraged along Mau Forest, schools and public space. This study will assist in formulating policies and programmes towards Climate change as well as enhancing rural livelihoods of Kuresoi District Community members.