TITLE:
Yearning for an Apple: The Changing Lifestyle of the Tana River Delta Communities in Kenya and Implications on Livelihoods and Conservation of Natural Resources
AUTHORS:
Musingo T. E. Mbuvi, Leila Ndalilo, Paul Matiku, Serah Munguti, George Odera
KEYWORDS:
Tana Delta, Pastoralist, Development, Apple, Livelihood and Diet
JOURNAL NAME:
Natural Resources,
Vol.11 No.10,
October
26,
2020
ABSTRACT: Tana River Delta is occupied predominantly by pastoral and farming communities
that inhabit defined zones in the Delta. A study was undertaken to assess
changes in the lifestyle of communities living in the Delta and its
implications on livelihoods and conservation of natural resources. Literature
review, household questionnaires, social and resource mapping, key informant
interviews, village-based focus group discussion and structured observations were used to collect data. It was
evident that the delta communities are aware of
the delta resources, their uses, utilization and
best management options. Additionally, they were knowledgeable on the delta resources
use by non-residents, the resultant conflicts and the food status in the community. They had a good understanding
of the new food they would wish to have in their diets and the means of accessing
them. Modernity has pushed the community to yearn for development (“Yearn for
an Apple”) to access foods that other parts of the country are eating, with
implications on livelihoods and conservation of Delta resources. Reversing
degradation and enhancing the development of the Delta area require the
involvement of all stakeholders, informing and seeking the consensus of
decision-makers and the real users of the Tana delta. The Government has to
provide overall security and development.