Livelihood diversification and enhanced food security through agro-pastoralism: Socio-cultural and other challenges among Maasai pastoralists of Narok North district of Kenya

Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)

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Abstract: This study sought to determine the socio-cultural challenges faced in agro-pastoralism and the relationships between these challenges and level of agro-pastoralism. The dependent variable was level of agro-pastoralism, while the independent variables were attitude towards pastoralism, attitude towards crop cultivation, land ownership system and contact with agricultural extension. No statistically significant relationships were found between the variables. Socio-cultural challenges affected only 31% of respondents, while all respondents experienced economic, technical and climate change challenges. The study concluded that socio-cultural challenges did not present major obstacles to agro-pastoralism and recommended that development partners should help the Maasai to address the general challenges identified.