Institute for Development Studies, University of Nairobi

This paper examines the nature of the relationship between the increasing subsistence demands of the growing population of Kajiado District and the capacity of the environment to support these demands. It concludes that under existing patterns of land use and levels of technology Kajiado District will be unable to support its population by the turn of the century. The emphasis of contemporary development strategies in the area is upon improving the subsistence economy but this will not result in an economy which is able to support the population in the long term. There is an urgent need to stimulate employment opportunities outside the subsistence sector, particularly in activities built upon the principal resources of the area, livestock and wildlife. While planning for the wildlife/tourism sector is well advanced little attention has been paid to the possibilities of developing integrated livestock-based industries in the District, the potential for such industries is examined.