Implications of drought on pastrol and agropastrol communities in Napak district Karamoja Sub_region

Abstract

Drought is among the most adverse climatic disasters affecting people’s livelihoods. It has various socio-economic implications for example decrease in crop yields, low incomes, food insecurity, malnutrition, death of animals and people. However, very little has been documented to ascertain the extent of these effects in Lopeei sub county, Napak district. Provide the objectives here. This study used a cross sectional research design that accommodated both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study used random and purposive sampling methods to obtain the sample. Direct observation, questionnaires and key informant interviews were used to collect data. The collected data was entered in SPSS and analysed using descriptive statistics, content analysis and regression. The results from the analysis were displayed in tables, pie charts and graphs. Considering the first objective of identifying the impacts of drought on people’s livelihoods, the study found out water scarcity (18.3%), low crop yields (16.7%) and low incomes (8.3%) to be the major problems resulting from droughts in Lopeei sub-county. Other problems identified included; death of people (5%), malnutrition (8.3%), cattle-raids (5.0%), domestic violence (1.7%), child labour (3.3%), high crime rates (3.3%) and high divorce rates (3.3%). Considering the second objective of ascertaining the effectiveness of drought adaptation measures used, the study found out the various measures employed to be less effective. Further the study found out various strategies to be used against droughts for instance harvesting of rain water, irrigation keeping of indigenous breeds and diversification of livelihood activities. These results provided a starting point to the local authorities on how to adapt and mitigate impacts of droughts in Lopeei sub county Napak district. The study results further emphasized the implementation of the various policies against climate change and droughts.