National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)
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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Droughts and floods are recurrent climate hazards in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), significantly affecting livelihoods, food security, and water availability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines community practices and gender dynamics in drought and flood risk management in Ikanga-Kyatune ward, Kitui County, Kenya. The study seeks to (i) analyze community-based practices used in drought and flood risk management, (ii) characterize gender roles and power relations in drought and flood risk management and (iii) describe the drought and flood risk support systems available to the community. A cross-sectional research design was employed, using qualitative methods to collect data from 63 households through interviews and participant observation. The findings reveal that droughts are frequent, occurring approximately every two years, while floods are relatively rare. The major impacts of drought include water scarcity and crop failure, whereas floods cause localized damage. Communities have developed various adaptation and coping strategies, with water harvesting and crop diversification identified as the most widely practices. Women, boys, and girls are primarily responsible for implementing coping strategies. In contrast, men dominate decision-making processes, particularly regarding financial resources. Access to drought and risk support systems is limited, with radio serving as the main source of information. The study concludes that water harvesting and crop diversification are the most common community practices adapted to manage droughts while flooding events are not very common. Community groups are at the center in managing droughts and floods. The study recommends integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge in drought and floods prediction, strengthening community training, and promoting gender-inclusive decision-making in disaster risk management.
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