The effects of water scarcity on the livelihoods of nomadic pastoralists :

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2014-09
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Abstract
The study aimed at establishing the effects of water scarcity on the livelihoods of the nomadic pastoralists. The study was guided by three objectives that is to say to determine the factors contributing to water scarcity, to identify the challenges nomads face due to water scarcity and to examine the adaptation strategies the nomadic pastoralists have adopted to counter water scarcity. The study was conducted in Kathile Sub County in Kabong district where the country has got most cases of water scarcity on nomadic pastoralist. The study covered a period of three months to effectively cover all the objectives.. The study employed a descriptive survey design where both qualitative and quantitative designs of data collection were used. The study used self administered questionnaires and interviews to collected primary data from the field. The study used a sample of 80 respondents selected from 100 nomads who were the main respondents in for this particular study. The finds showed that Kathile sub county is highly affected by water scarcity that affects all their operations and livelihood of the nomadic pastoralists since pastoralist is the main activity carried out in the area. The study found out that there are a number factors causing water scarcity in the area these included climate changes, deforestation, poor water management which is rampant in the area. Water scarcity poses a lot of challenges in the area such as affecting the health of people, affecting agriculture and mainly nothadic pastrolism. The study however established a number of adoptive strategies used to overcome the water scarcity problem in Kathile Sub County. The strategic measures include, digging wells, managing and controlling water resources, positioning animals and conservation of water resources. The research recommends all the concerned parties to ensure proper water resource management, this can be through preventing the deforestation, ensuring diversification in the sources of livelihood like through crop production. The study also recommends the government to improve water harvesting techniques and enhancing dams’ capacities through the removal of seasonal sedimentation.
Description
A research dissertation submitted to the school of engineering And applied sciences as a partial fulfillment for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management of Kampala International university
Keywords
Water scarcity, livelihoods, Nomadic pastoralists, Kabong District
Citation