Effects of Climate Variability on Wild Edible Plant Products: A Coping Strategy Applied by Pastoralists of Northern Kenya

Effects of Climate Variability on Wild Edible Plant Products: A Coping Strategy Applied by Pastoralists of Northern Kenya

Drought which is a manifestation of climate variability has become a perennial problem in Kenya with chronic vulnerability being concentrated in Arid and Semi-Arid lands (ASALs). Traditionally, pastoralists have used wild edible plant products namely; fruits, vegetables and seeds as a coping strategy while faced by climate related calamities. However, recent studies have shown that pastoralists’ traditional coping strategies have become weak as a result of recurrent droughts. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effects of climate variability on wild edible plant products. This study applied; household interviews (n=400), focus group discussions and key informant interviews to collect data. Quantitative data derived from the household interviews were edited, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 spread sheets. Descriptive statistics were run to give frequencies and percentages. Results of this study indicate that wild plant fruits and vegetables were occasionally used as food by pastoralists during the time of droughts. Findings also indicate that recurrent droughts have affected the availability of wild edible plants that pastoralists used to rely on, hence increasing the distance, they travel to look for such products. This study revealed that some new plants have sprouted in the area but they are not fit for human consumption. This study came up with two recommendations on the need to train livestock keepers on appropriate coping strategies which are sustainable and on the best methods of conserving the available wild edible plants in their locality.