TITLE:
Does Reactive Adaptation Exist? Using the Ecosystem Service Governance Approach to Evaluate Post-Drought Rural Food Security in Kenya
AUTHORS:
Grace W. Ngaruiya
KEYWORDS:
Climate Adaptation, Drought Impacts, Food Security, Knowledge Brokers, Social Networks, Kenya
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.5 No.8,
June
24,
2014
ABSTRACT: Controversial climate change studies purport that predicted food
insecurity and resource scarcity will intensify resource conflicts in
developing nations. This belief is based on a prevalent assumption that African
agricultural production systems are rigid and that their respective governments
lack comprehensive adaptation ability. Therefore, I investigate whether and how effective post- drought
adaptation activity is sustaining food production and livelihoods at Loitoktok
district in Kenya. This study uses the theoretical three-step ecosystem service governance approach
that analyzes both natural resources attributes and
relational data. Results confirm a substantial decline in productivity and huge
monetary losses in the agricultural sector of Loitoktok following the 2009
drought. Post-drought analysis reveals high
diversification in crops and livestock that are drought-tolerant, fast maturing
and high income generating such as camels, rabbits and dairy goats,
horticultural and fruit production that sustain food security, income and local
livelihoods. These reactive adaptation activities originate from an active public-private cooperation that promotes
knowledge exchange among Loitoktok stakeholders. This cooperation is also seen
in the efficient resource conflict resolution network. In conclusion, rural
communities seem to be efficiently adapting to changing environmental
conditions but require more financial
and technical support from the government. Unfortunately, appraisal of national
planned adaptation reveals effort-duplication that may divert much needed
adaptation funds from being invested in research projects with multiple
benefits to Kenyan food producers.