Abstract:
The pastoral Maasai community living in Amboseli Ecosystem are facing serious challenges originating
from climate variability. The ecosystem has been made fragile by climate related challenges causing
household vulnerability. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of climate variability on livelihood
vulnerability at the household level. The study used a mixed method, which focused on descriptive and
correlational research designs. It targeted a population of 47, 058 residents from which a sample of 374
households was selected. Cluster and convenient sampling were used for quantitative and qualitative data
respectively. A questionnaire with open and closed ended questions and with Likert scale format were used
to collect quantitative data while interview schedules were used for qualitative data. In addition, secondary
data were collected from different sources, including Kenya Meteorological Department and Kenya
Wildlife Services. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze qualitative data while quantitative data were
analyzed using inferential statistics. Results showed that climate variability is indeed causing livelihood
vulnerability and therefore policy intervention is needed at the national and county levels. Majority of
households were found to be moderately vulnerable with female headed households being most vulnerable.
This study therefore recommends that adaptation strategies at the household level to community level
should be put in place so as to reduce vulnerability such as crop farming, livestock diversification, small
scale businesses and employment in addition there is need to empower women through education, offering
of small loans and grants for businesses as well as involvement in decision making on matters pasture and
water management.
