Avoiding Disaster: Diversification and Risk Management among East African Herders

TLDR

Livelihood diversification among pastoralists in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia is examined. The study aims to propose a theoretical framework, present a case study, and synthesize current knowledge on pastoral diversification while identifying research gaps. It analyzes how conditional, opportunity, and local response variables—such as climate, market distance, gender, wealth, and education—shape income diversification patterns. The framework and case study provide a foundation for comparative research on pastoral diversification across East Africa and sub‑Saharan Africa.

Abstract

This article addresses processes of livelihood diversification among pastoralists in the rangelands of northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. The objectives of the article are threefold: (1) to suggest a theoretical framework for addressing income diversification among pastoralists with reference to current literature and databases; (2) to present a case study on pastoral income diversification based on preliminary field research in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia; and (3) to summarize current understandings of pastoral diversification while pointing to additional empirical research needs. By showing how comparative analyses in the region have been constrained by theoretical and data deficiencies, the article explores ways in which income diversification differs by what are termed conditional, opportunity, and local response variables. Climate, distance to market towns, gender, wealth, and education are attributes covered by these variables and discussed in the article. The conceptualization and case study provide useful bases for conducting comparative research on pastoral diversification in East Africa specifically, and in sub‐Saharan Africa generally.