EXAMINING RESETTLED FARMERS’ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN UNFAMILIAR AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF LAIKIPIA CENTRAL SUB COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Resettled farmers in Shalom settlement scheme originated from agro-ecological zone II in Nakuru and Uasin Gishu, Rift Valley region. Comparatively, these areas have better agricultural and livestock production potential than agro-ecological zones IV in Laikipia Central Sub-county where they are currently settled. Crops and livestock production has remained their main sources of livelihood therefore in their unfamiliar agro-ecological zone; they are compelled to practice different farming practices to sustain their production. There is scanty research on the range of adaptive strategies that these resettled farmers have adopted as the most effective in their current unfamiliar agro-ecological zone. The main purpose of the study was to examine the adaptation strategies by resettled farmers Laikipia Central Sub County. The specific objectives of the study were to compare agro-ecological conditions in zone II the farmers’ initial region with the new resettlement area, to identify the constraints faced by resettled farmers in adapting to unfamiliar agro-ecological zones’ conditions in Laikipia Central Sub County, to identify the adaptation strategies adopted by resettled farmers in unfamiliar agro-ecological zones’ conditions in Laikipia Central Sub County. The study employed Impoverishment Risk and Reconstruction Model. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. The target population for the study was 1525 household heads. A sample of 233 households was derived from 15% of the targeted population and 4 community leaders. Key informants were sampled through purposive sampling procedure and census survey was used for 4 community leaders. Data was collected from the household heads using questionnaires as well as through interviews with 4 community leaders. Quantitative data was analyzed using t-test and ANOVA in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26.0). The results showed significant differences in agro-ecological conditions between Shalom and Nakuru (t-test value = 0.441, p = 0.034) and between Shalom and Uasin Gishu (t-test value = 0.2511, p = 0.012). To mitigate these differences, most resettled farmers have adopted adaptation strategies like water harvesting and conservation, crop diversification and changing of the planting calendar which they consider as the most effective while migration is considered the least effective. Effective adaptation strategies, coupled with support from various stakeholders, are essential for enhancing agricultural resilience and ensuring sustainable livelihoods in the face of changing climatic and environmental conditions. Continued research and targeted interventions can further empower these communities to thrive amidst climatic and environmental uncertainties. Policymakers and stakeholders should alsoleverage these insights to design targeted interventions that address the specific needs of resettled communities, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the overall success of resettlement initiatives.