Water security risks and coping mechanisms among sedentarized pastoralists in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract

This study was conducted in Isiolo Sub-County of Isiolo County. Underpinned by cross-sectional design, the study investigated water security risks and coping mechanisms among sedentarized pastoralists in Isiolo County. The study, specifically, sought to: describe water security dynamics among sedentarized pastoralists; identify water needs and challenges for sedentarized pastoralists; and establish water insecurity coping mechanisms among sedentarized pastoralists. The study was guided by Social Learning Theory and Ecological Framework as lenses of inquiry. The population for this study was sedentarized pastoralists living in Wabera Ward in Isiolo Sub-County and the unit of analysis was the individual man or woman. Data was collected using quantitative and qualitative methods namely; survey, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The survey questionnaires were administered among 100 pastoral men and women aged between 18 and 60 years randomly sampled. Purposive sampling was used to select the key informants and FGD participants. Quantitative data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) Version 23 and presented in form of tables, percentages, means and frequencies. Using NVivo version 12, qualitative data collected from the focus discussions and key informant interviews were coded and analyzed thematically where the study objectives acted as the parent themes. The study findings indicate that water insecurity dynamics manifest in terms of water access, quantity, quality and cultural implications including conflicts and distress for women and children. In this regard, climate change leads to changing seasons in the study area i.e short and long rains and dry and extended dry periods which are characterized by varying access and availability of water. The main source of water in the study is the borehole which was cited as dependent source throughout the various seasons. Whereas women and children are principally involved in water-related roles, participation of men is minimal in water collection but have strong power in control access to water sources. Water needs for men and women are highly associated with their gender roles where women’s water needs are mostly for domestic purpose while men’s water needs are for livestock use. The finding shows that men and women in the study experienced water-related challenges such as increased trekking distance, dirty water, water scarcity, high water prices/tariffs, conflict at water sources, domestic violence among others. Pastoral communities have adopted strategies to cope with security risk among them harvesting rainwater, rescheduling water-related activities, borrowing, reusing water and purchasing water. The study concludes that sedentarized pastoral communities have to cover long distances to access water and meet the high water tariffs despite the continuous investment by the government and its partners in ensuring water access is achieved for all populations including those in the ASALs in Kenya. The study recommends that since women are the custodian water at the household level, their voices reflecting on their unique needs and challenges should be incorporated in decision-making around water security by the water user associations. In terms of research, a study looking at social capital as a form of coping with water security among sedentarized pastoralist in Isiolo County should be conducted.