Adaptation of Climate-Smart Technologies among Agro-Pastoralists of Marsabit County, Kenya

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)

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Abstract: The study was conducted in Karare, Marsabit Central (Dakabaricha) and Sagante/Jaldesa of Saku Sub- County in Marsabit where agro-pastoralism is practiced. The objective was to identify crop-livestock climate-smart practices adapted by agro-pastoralists. The research design adopted was a survey, target population was agropastoralists with a sample size of 373 households. The data was collected using questionnaires administered to agro-pastoralists, key informants and focus groups. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22. The study findings show that agro-pastoralists practiced climate smart technologies which were categorized into six groups; improved and traditional crop varieties, managing diversity on farm, water and water use management, soil fertility management, livestock management , and pasture management and conservation. Specific practices, however, were low; agroforestry 21.7%, improved livestock breed 19.8%, grassland management 18.8%, rainwater harvesting 11.5%, irrigation 16.9%, fertilizer application 9.1%, introduction of local breeds 7.2%, and rangeland reseeding 1.9% The study recommended an enhanced investment in climate smart technologies that already exist among the agro-pastoralists for up scaling